š¾ Freshpet Out of Stock Everywhere? Hereās Everything You Need to Know
If youāre one of the many pet owners wondering why Freshpet is missing from store shelves, youāre not alone. Freshpet has built a loyal customer base with its promise of fresh, healthy, and preservative-free food for dogs and cats, but its sudden unavailability has left many scrambling for answers and alternatives. Weāll dive into whatās happening, why itās out of stock, and what you can do if you canāt find your petās favorite food.
š Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to the Most Important Questions
- Why is Freshpet out of stock?Ā High demand, supply chain issues, and production delays have caused widespread shortages.
- Is Freshpet discontinuing its products?Ā No, Freshpet is not discontinuing; itās working to meet rising demand and resolve supply issues.
- When will Freshpet be back in stock?Ā Availability is expected to improve, but no exact timeline has been provided.
- What are some alternatives to Freshpet?Ā You can explore other fresh, refrigerated, or premium kibble brands for temporary replacements.
- What should I do if I canāt find Freshpet?Ā Check smaller stores, online retailers, or consider making your own homemade pet food as an interim solution.
š Why Is Freshpet Out of Stock Everywhere?
The sudden scarcity of Freshpet has been alarming for pet owners, and there are several factors contributing to the shortage:
- High Demand: With more pet owners opting for fresh, preservative-free pet food, demand for Freshpet products has surged, especially in recent years as people became more health-conscious about their petsā diets.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Like many industries, the pet food sector has been hit by global supply chain issues, including delays in sourcing raw materials, packaging shortages, and transportation bottlenecks.
- Production Delays: Freshpetās production facilities are working hard to keep up with demand, but as a refrigerated product, it hasĀ shorter shelf lifeĀ and needs to be produced and distributed faster than typical dry or canned pet foods.
š” Pro Tip: If Freshpet is consistently out of stock at your local grocery store, check smaller, independent pet shops, which might have remaining stock that larger retailers have already sold out.
š°ļø When Will Freshpet Be Back in Stock?
Freshpet is actively working to resolve these stock issues, but unfortunately, thereās no clear timeline for when supplies will return to normal. The company has made public statements addressing the shortage, assuring customers that they are increasing production capacity and working to smooth out supply chain disruptions.
- Ongoing Efforts: Freshpet has stated that they areĀ expanding their production facilitiesĀ and adding additional distribution channels to better meet demand.
- In the Meantime: Some regions may see restocks sooner than others, depending on logistics and local supply chain improvements. However,Ā sporadic availabilityĀ is likely to continue for the next few months.
š” Pro Tip: Sign up for restock notifications from major retailers or use apps like Instock to get alerts when Freshpet is available at nearby stores. Additionally, buying in bulk when available can help avoid future shortages.
š¶ What Are Some Alternatives to Freshpet?
If youāre unable to find Freshpet, there are several other brands that offer fresh, refrigerated, or premium pet food options that align with Freshpetās philosophy of wholesome, minimally processed nutrition for pets.
š¾ Brand | š Features | šø Cost Range |
---|---|---|
The Farmerās Dog | Fresh, human-grade ingredients delivered directly to your door | $$ |
Ollie | Fresh, vet-formulated meals with customizable plans | $$$ |
Nom Nom | Fresh, pre-portioned meals designed for optimal nutrition | $$$ |
JustFoodForDogs | Vet-recommended, fresh meals available in-store and online | $$ |
Open Farm | Premium kibble and freeze-dried raw options with clean ingredients | $$ |
š” Pro Tip: While Freshpet is unique for its refrigerated fresh food, you can combine premium kibble or freeze-dried raw options with fresh fruits, vegetables, or homemade protein sources to replicate its health benefits.
š½ļø Can I Make Homemade Dog Food as a Temporary Solution?
Yes, making homemade food for your dog can be a great short-term solution until Freshpet is back in stock. The key is to ensure your pet gets balanced nutrition that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and essential fats. Here are a few simple guidelines for creating homemade meals:
- Protein: Cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish are excellent sources of protein.
- Carbohydrates: Brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes can provide energy.
- Vegetables: Add steamed vegetables like carrots, spinach, or peas for fiber and vitamins.
- Healthy Fats: Include a small amount of olive oil or fish oil for healthy fats.
š” Pro Tip: Consult with your veterinarian before switching to homemade meals long-term, as dogs need a specific balance of nutrients that can sometimes be tricky to maintain with homemade recipes.
š Where Else Can I Find Freshpet Products?
While major grocery chains may be out of stock, you still have some options to find Freshpet if you look in the right places:
- Local Pet Stores: Smaller, independent pet stores might still have Freshpet on hand. These stores typically stock less inventory but are more likely to have what larger retailers lack.
- Online Retailers: Websites likeĀ ChewyĀ andĀ AmazonĀ sometimes carry Freshpet products, though availability fluctuates. Be sure to check often, as these tend to sell out quickly once back in stock.
- Pet Specialty Shops: Stores likeĀ PetcoĀ andĀ PetsmartĀ also carry Freshpet, and itās worth calling ahead to see if theyāve restocked recently.
š” Pro Tip: Try using grocery delivery apps like Instacart, which might offer Freshpet from smaller, less-trafficked stores in your area that still have inventory.
š Why Are There Supply Chain Issues Affecting Pet Food?
The global pet food industry, like many other industries, has been deeply impacted by supply chain disruptions caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Labor Shortages: Many companies are struggling with labor shortages, which impact production lines and the ability to meet demand.
- Transportation Delays: A shortage of truck drivers and global shipping delays are making it harder to get products to stores in a timely manner.
- Raw Material Shortages: The availability of key ingredients used in pet food manufacturing has been affected, causing delays in production.
These factors have created a domino effect on availability, with Freshpet being no exception.
š” Pro Tip: While Freshpet is out of stock, consider diversifying your petās food supply by introducing other brands that offer high-quality nutrition. This can help avoid future stock issues from affecting your petās diet.
šļø Key Takeaways for Finding Freshpet During Shortages
- Check smaller stores: Independent pet stores and specialty shops may have stock left when larger retailers donāt.
- Use alerts: Sign up for restock notifications or use apps that notify you when Freshpet is back in stock nearby.
- Explore alternatives: Brands like The Farmerās Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom offer fresh food options that can serve as temporary replacements.
- Homemade meals: If all else fails, homemade dog food with balanced nutrients can be a viable short-term solution.
- Be patient: Freshpet is working to resolve production issues and expects to restock, but timelines may vary depending on your location.
š¬ Comment 1: āWhy does it seem like Freshpet is always out of stock? I canāt find it anywhere!ā
Youāre not imagining thingsāFreshpetās scarcity has become a frustrating reality for many pet owners. There are several reasons why you might be consistently seeing empty shelves where Freshpet products should be. Demand for fresh, high-quality pet food has surged over the past few years as more pet owners shift towards feeding their pets minimally processed, preservative-free diets. This rise in popularity has placed Freshpet in a position where theyāre constantly trying to keep up with overwhelming demand.
Additionally, supply chain issues continue to plague not only Freshpet but many industries globally. From the sourcing of ingredients to production bottlenecks and transportation delays, itās a perfect storm of challenges. Freshpetās products, being refrigerated and fresh, also have a shorter shelf life, so they require quicker turnover in stores, making it harder for retailers to keep shelves stocked consistently.
š” Pro Tip: To increase your chances of finding Freshpet, check local independent pet stores or smaller grocery chains, as they might receive shipments that larger stores run out of faster. You can also ask your local store manager when the next shipment is expected.
š¬ Comment 2: āIs Freshpet experiencing any issues with their suppliers? Is this why they are out of stock?ā
Yes, supplier challenges are a significant factor contributing to the Freshpet shortage. The global supply chain disruptions that have affected numerous industriesāranging from electronics to foodāare also impacting pet food production. Freshpet relies on specific, high-quality ingredients to maintain its fresh and preservative-free product standards, and when there are delays or shortages in obtaining these ingredients, it directly affects their ability to produce and distribute their products at the usual pace.
Moreover, as a fresh product, Freshpet faces additional logistical challenges. Unlike dry kibble, which can be stored for months, Freshpet has to be manufactured and shipped more frequently due to its short shelf life. This requires a tightly coordinated supply chain, and any disruption along the wayāwhether in ingredient availability or shipping logisticsācan have a significant impact.
š” Pro Tip: While Freshpet works to resolve these supplier issues, consider gradually introducing another premium pet food into your dogās diet as a backup plan. This way, your pet wonāt face sudden changes in their food should Freshpet remain unavailable.
š¬ Comment 3: āCan I freeze Freshpet to make it last longer when itās back in stock?ā
Yes, Freshpet can be frozen to help extend its shelf life, and many pet owners use this strategy during shortages. Freezing is a great way to stock up when you find Freshpet available, especially if youāre worried about future out-of-stock situations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when freezing Freshpet:
- Storage: Make sure to freeze it in its original packaging or a freezer-safe, airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Defrosting: When youāre ready to use it, defrost it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving the food, as this could alter its texture and nutritional quality.
- Shelf Life: Once defrosted, Freshpet should be used withinĀ 6 days, just as you would with the refrigerated product.
š” Pro Tip: Freezing smaller portions of Freshpet can make it easier to thaw just what you need, reducing the risk of waste. You can divide a larger roll into smaller chunks and freeze them individually for more convenience.
š¬ Comment 4: āIs there a reason Freshpet is more susceptible to shortages than dry dog food brands?ā
Yes, Freshpet is more vulnerable to shortages compared to dry dog food for several key reasons. First and foremost, Freshpet products are refrigerated and minimally processed, meaning they have a shorter shelf life and require faster distribution and replenishment than dry kibble, which can sit on store shelves for months without spoiling. Freshpetās reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients makes them more sensitive to supply chain issues as they cannot use preservatives or lower-quality substitutions to extend the productās life.
Additionally, the production of fresh pet food like Freshpet is a more labor-intensive and time-sensitive process. It requires a higher level of coordination in terms of ingredient sourcing, production timelines, and refrigerated transportation. When any link in this chain breaksāwhether itās a delay in ingredient supply or a logistical hiccup in refrigerated shippingāit can quickly result in out-of-stock situations.
š” Pro Tip: To avoid constantly checking for Freshpet availability, consider setting up auto-notifications with retailers like Chewy, Amazon, or Instacart, which will alert you when Freshpet products are back in stock.
š¬ Comment 5: āIs Freshpet at risk of discontinuing? Should I start looking for alternatives?ā
As of now, there is no indication that Freshpet is planning to discontinue its products. In fact, Freshpet has been actively communicating with customers and retailers about the steps theyāre taking to address the current supply shortages. The brand has announced plans to expand its production capacity and improve distribution to meet the growing demand.
However, given the ongoing supply chain challenges, itās always smart to have alternative options in place. If Freshpet continues to be out of stock for extended periods, you might want to explore similar high-quality fresh or refrigerated pet food brands to ensure your petās nutritional needs are met without sudden dietary changes.
š” Pro Tip: Try mixing a premium, grain-free kibble or freeze-dried raw food into your petās diet. This can help provide the nutrition your pet needs while still offering a higher-quality alternative to Freshpet.
š¬ Comment 6: āIām worried about switching my dogās food. How can I safely transition away from Freshpet if I canāt find it?ā
Switching your dogās food should always be done gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system. If Freshpet continues to be unavailable and you need to switch to a different brand or type of food, itās important to transition over a 7 to 10 day period to help your dog adjust to the new diet.
Hereās a simple guide for transitioning:
- Days 1-3: Start by mixingĀ 25% new foodĀ withĀ 75% Freshpet.
- Days 4-6: Gradually increase to aĀ 50/50Ā mix of old and new food.
- Days 7-9: Shift toĀ 75% new foodĀ andĀ 25% Freshpet.
- Day 10: You can now feedĀ 100% new food.
This gradual process helps minimize digestive upset, such as gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort, and allows your petās body to adjust to the change in nutrients and ingredients.
š” Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your dogās stool and overall behavior during the transition. Any signs of discomfort like vomiting or lethargy might mean the new food isnāt agreeing with them, and you may need to slow down the process or consider a different alternative.