Freshpet Delivery Review 2025: Worth Switching?

Overview

Freshpet Delivery offers refrigerated meals for dogs crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The recipes include US farm-raised meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and are free from preservatives, fillers, gluten, soy, meat meals, or by-products.

There are 4 recipes to choose from, including Shredded Chicken, a Multiprotein blend, Beef and Chicken, and a Beef, Turkey, and Lamb option. After a short quiz, you’ll get a recommended custom plan, but it's really flexible. You can choose between Full and Half options (and limited Topper offerings), or you can fully customize your order with the Make Your Own Plan option, adjusting recipes, quantities, and schedules.

Meals arrive refrigerated, ready to serve, and are shipped in recyclable packaging with eco-conscious insulation. Delivery frequency is flexible, ranging from 1-8 weeks depending on the plan. The easy-to-serve meals should be stored in the refrigerator, so you’ll need to make space, and once opened, they’ll keep for 7 days.

The service is not available in all zip codes yet, and there’s no trial option for new customers like many other subscription services offer. Despite these drawbacks, I think that Freshpet Delivery provides a lot of value, so it’s worth checking out.

Freshpet Delivery’s Meals: Healthy Recipes & Flexible Plans

Plans & Recipes: 4 Recipes for Dogs

Freshpet’s menu includes a decent selection of recipes so you can choose the ones your dog loves most. 

1. Shredded Chicken Recipe – combines US farm-raised chicken steam-cooked with pumpkin, cranberries, carrots, and green beans.

2. Multiprotein Recipe – combines US farm-raised chicken, beef, salmon, and egg with sweet potatoes, green beans, spinach, carrots, and cranberries.

3. Beef and Chicken Recipe (grain-free) – made with bite-sized pieces of US-raised beef and chicken alongside eggs, lentils, and colorful vegetables. 

4. Beef, Turkey, and Lamb Recipe – blends 3 proteins with antioxidant-rich vegetables and healthy fatty acids. 

After you complete the sign-up quiz, you’ll get a Recommended Plan, which personalizes delivery frequency and quantity based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Freshpet Delivery offers Full and Half plans. The Full Plan covers 100% of your dog’s daily feeding requirements, while the Half Plan covers 50%, so you can combine Freshpet with your dog’s current food.

For even more flexibility, the Make Your Own Plan option allows you to fully customize your dog’s recipe selections, quantities, and delivery schedule. Not every service allows the level of flexibility you get with the Make Your Own Plan, so this was a nice touch. 

Most Freshpet recipes are formulated for all life stages, so puppy parents are also well catered to. You can add your puppy when building your plan. Because puppies’ nutritional needs and feeding amounts change rapidly as they grow, Freshpet Delivery gives feeding guidelines to help you adjust portion sizes for healthy growth. 

Treats are available, but you can’t browse these until you get to the recommended plan stage of signing up. I was offered Dognation® turkey bacon treats for dogs – grain-free treats that contain US-farm raised turkey and no by-products or artificial flavors.

Ingredients: Transparent Sourcing With No Preservatives

Freshpet Delivery prioritizes transparency and quality when it comes to ingredient sourcing. Its recipes are based on fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, with a commitment to sustainable practices. According to its website, 96% of the ingredients come from North America, while the remaining 4% are sourced from Europe and other non-Chinese origins.

All recipes are crafted without gluten, soy, fillers, added preservatives, meat meals, or by-product meals. The focus on visible, whole ingredients – such as recognizable pieces of chicken, beef, or vegetables – aligns with the trend toward healthier “real food” options for pets. 

Here’s the full ingredients list for the Shredded Chicken recipe, as an example: Chicken, Carrots, Pumpkin, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Ground Oats, Green Beans, Natural Flavors, Cranberries, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Fish Oil, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).

Freshpet Delivery produces its foods in its own US-based Freshpet Kitchens. Freshpet gently steam-cooks its recipes instead of using high-heat extrusion or rendering, processes that can degrade the nutritional content of ingredients. The cooking method is designed to preserve nutrients while still making the food safe and palatable. 

Nutrition: Expert-Made Recipes to Meet Your Pet’s Needs

Freshpet Delivery shares the full Guaranteed Analysis of its meals upfront on its website. I like to see this, as some other brands make you go through the sign-up questionnaire before they share the details of each recipe.

Here’s an example analysis for the Shredded Chicken recipe:

• Crude protein – 16.5% min.

• Crude fat – 6.0% min.

• Crude fiber – 1.5% max.

• Moisture – 66.0% max.

All of Freshpet’s core recipes are formulated to be 100% complete and balanced, meeting the AAFCO nutritional standards for canine diets. This makes their meals suitable as a sole source of nutrition for dogs of most breeds and sizes. (The only exception is its line of treats, which are not intended to be complete meals but rather supplementary rewards.)

Each recipe is approved by Dr. Gerardo Perez-Camargo, Freshpet’s resident veterinarian and Head of R&D, who holds a PhD in Applied Biochemistry and Food Science. 

Freshpet has also established the Freshpet Nutrition Council, a group of board-certified veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, and PhDs who guide and validate the company’s research. This external layer of review helps ensure that their products go beyond meeting the minimum requirements to provide balanced, safe nutrition over the long term. 

What Makes Freshpet Delivery Different?

• It’s been around for a long time: While Freshpet Delivery is new to the subscription market, Freshpet itself has been around for a long time (it was founded in 2006). There’s a level of trust that comes guaranteed with a legacy brand. 

• It’s also sold in stores: While Freshpet Delivery has been introduced for added convenience, the brand is also still available in 36,000 stores across the country. It can be nice to have both options, as most fresh subscription services are online only, and most shop-based brands don’t offer convenient subscriptions. 

Unboxing: Meals Arrive Refrigerated With Clear Instructions

The materials used for shipping are chosen with recycling in mind. Customers can recycle both the cardboard box and the ClimaCell insulation that protects the food during transit.

Freshpet Delivery is certified Plastic Neutral, and the company also supports rePurpose Global to help recover ocean-bound plastic. I like to see brands making an effort not just to offset plastic usage but also to support larger environmental initiatives connected to the pet food supply chain.

On a practical note, the food is shipped frozen on dry ice to maintain its freshness during transport. Because Freshpet’s meals are fresh, the company also recommends that you unpack the box and refrigerate the products as soon as possible. 

Depending on transit time, the food may still be frozen or simply cold to the touch; either condition is fine, as long as it’s not warm. Once you unpack, Freshpet advises storing the food in the refrigerator immediately. 

Each package is clearly printed with a Sell By Date, indicating how long it can remain unopened in the refrigerator. After opening, you should use the contents within 7 days.

Freshpet Delivery meals are fully cooked and ready to serve straight from the refrigerator. Simply measure using your personalized feeding guidelines, then pour the meal directly into your pet’s bowl. Bags are resealable. Don’t leave food unrefrigerated for more than an hour.

Prices: Suitable For a Range of Budgets

Plans start at $2.00 per day for the Full Plan. This is for small breeds, so it will be more if you have a larger dog, and the price will also vary depending on which recipe you choose. 

There are generous new customer discounts available, though, which bring the price down significantly on your first order. If your budget is tight, you can also opt for the Half Plan to mix Freshpet with your pup’s existing food. You can also add treats to your order that cost $6.99 (before discounts). Shipping is free.

To test the pricing, I calculated the cost for 3 different-sized dogs to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay. I signed up using the same general info: female, active, ideal weight, no sensitivities, Full Plan). The following prices are before any discounts have been applied and relate to the cheapest recipe:

• Dog weighing 20 lbs – From $4.03 per day

• Dog weighing 30 lbs – From $5.46 per day

• Dog weighing 70 lbs – From $10.32 per day

Shipping & Delivery: Flexible Schedules, but Some Area Limitations

Freshpet Delivery ships on a regular schedule tailored to your dog’s meal plan. Recommended plans offer delivery every 1-6 weeks to match your dog’s feeding needs. For those who prefer full control, you can select your own plan and have food delivered at intervals up to every 8 weeks. I really like this level of flexibility.

Once your order is on its way, Freshpet sends a tracking link so you’ll know exactly when to expect delivery. Orders are shipped Sunday through Thursday to keep transit times short, and most shipments arrive within 1-2 days of leaving the warehouse. 

Orders placed by 11 a.m. ET Monday through Friday are processed and shipped within 6 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). A separate email with tracking details is sent as soon as your order ships. Freshpet advises that someone is home to unpack and refrigerate your box as soon as possible. 

Freshpet Delivery is currently available exclusively online and covers many parts of the U.S., with ongoing plans to expand. If you’re unsure whether the service reaches your area, you can enter your zip code on the website to check availability. 

If Freshpet Delivery isn’t yet offered in your location, you can use its store locator to find other Freshpet products near you.

How Freshpet Delivery Works (Step by Step Guide)

It’s easy to sign up for Freshpet delivery; mostly, everything happens on one page, and you just keep scrolling down and filling in info. I also really like that you can complete the questionnaire and see your recommendations and pricing without having to input your email address first, which is the case for many other subscription sites. 

How to Sign Up (6 Easy Steps)

1. Navigate to the Build Your Plan tab and fill out your pup’s details. You can also fill out your zip code on the homepage. The questionnaire is quite quick, which I appreciate, but it doesn’t contain as much information as some other brands; for example, it doesn’t ask if your dog is spayed or whether they’re fussy eaters.

2. Share any sensitivities or health goals. There’s a good range listed for both of these questions, and you can choose multiple answers. 

3. Choose your plan size. Choose between a Full Plan or Half Plan. Larger dogs may also see the option for a Topper Plan. 

4. Browse your recommended recipes. If there are multiple options, you can select/deselect which recipes you want.

5. View your recommended plan. This will appear below on the same page. It will tell you how many bags of each recipe you’ll get and estimate how many meals each bag will contain. You can also add optional treats and see a pricing breakdown. If you’re happy, click Continue to Checkout. 

6. Fill out your payment and shipping details. On this page, you’ll also see the cost of future deliveries. By hitting Pay now, you’ll pay for your first order and subscribe to Freshpet Delivery. 

Managing Your Subscription

Managing a Freshpet Delivery subscription is designed to be flexible, so you can adjust it as your needs change. You’re charged only when your order processes for shipment, giving you time to make changes beforehand. If you need to delay, skip, or reschedule an order, you can log into your Freshpet Delivery account and make updates up until the day your order is placed. Freshpet sends an email 5 days before your order is scheduled so you have a reminder and can adjust delivery dates in advance.

Pausing or canceling your subscription is equally straightforward. After logging in to your account, go to “My Settings” and find the “Account Actions” section. From there, you can select “Pause All Deliveries” to temporarily halt shipments or “Cancel All Subscriptions” to end them altogether.

If you only need to reschedule your next delivery, you can do so under the “My Orders” section in your account. Click on “Reschedule” next to your upcoming shipment and choose a new delivery date that works best for when you’ll be home. Changes can’t be made once an order has been placed.

Customer Service: Various Contact Options & a Handy FAQ Section

You can contact Freshpet by phone call, text message, online form, or live chat. The phone number is 866-364-6325 for calls and texts. Contact hours are Monday to Friday between 8 am and 11 pm EST. On weekends, you can contact them between 9 am and 5 pm EST.

The online chatbot, Chaser, can help direct you to web pages that answer the most common queries, or it can connect you with a team member if needed. I’ve tried lots of chatbots for other brands and sometimes you have to say the right thing to be connected to a real person, but this one has a “Chat with an Agent” button that makes it really simple. 

There’s a decent FAQ section with lots of information organized by topic, although it’s not easily searchable – you have to scroll through. Overall, though, I was pretty impressed with Freshpet’s Customer Service offerings. 

Freshpet Recalls: 2 Voluntary Recalls

Freshpet Delivery specifically has had no recalls, but the main Freshpet brand has had 2 voluntary recalls. The FDA website reports that in June 2022, one lot of the Freshpet Select Fresh From the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe was recalled after a suspected Salmonella contamination.

Similarly, it voluntarily recalled one lot of Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe Dog Food in 2021 for the same reason. 

How Freshpet Delivery Compares to Other Pet Food Services

• Freshpet Delivery vs. The Farmer’s Dog: The Farmer's Dog offers human-grade dog food, which makes it a slightly more premium option. It also allows you to order a trial box. I found that TFD also offers a more thorough questionnaire for customization.

• Freshpet Delivery vs. Ollie: Ollie is human-grade quality, and it offers a wider range than Freshpet Delivery, with more fresh recipes and the opportunity to order dry food or a mix of fresh and dry food as part of its customized meal plans.

The Bottom Line: Is Freshpet Delivery Worth It?

Freshpet Delivery combines the reliability of a long-standing brand with the convenience of a subscription service. It provides a convenient option for dog owners seeking fresh meals tailored to their pets’ individual needs. If you’re already a Freshpet customer, I think you’ll love the convenience of the new delivery option.

I enjoyed its transparent ingredient sourcing and pricing, but my favorite thing was how flexible the plans were. You’ll get customized recommendations, but you can manually choose everything from recipes to the delivery schedule. 

Although not available in all areas yet and lacking a trial option, Freshpet Delivery provides a practical, health-conscious solution that balances quality, convenience, and affordability. 

If you’re limited on fridge space or you’re looking for human-grade quality specifically, you might like to explore our article on our best fresh dog food picks for more inspiration.

FAQ

How is Freshpet different from traditional dog food?

Freshpet uses fresh, natural ingredients and minimal processing. Many traditional pet foods are made from rendered meats, by-products, or fillers and are heavily processed. Freshpet uses real meat, vegetables, and fruits in its recipes. They’re kept refrigerated to maintain their freshness, much like human food.

Where can I buy Freshpet food and how much does it typically cost?

Freshpet Delivery is an online subscription service that delivers meals to your home. This service starts from $2 per day (before any discounts). You can check your zip code on the homepage to check whether it delivers to your area. If not, Freshpet food can also be purchased at a variety of locations, including local grocery stores, pet stores, and online marketplaces such as Chewy or Amazon.

How are Freshpet foods stored, and how long do they last once opened?

Freshpet foods need to be stored in the refrigerator because they’re made with fresh ingredients and don't contain artificial preservatives. Once opened, Freshpet recommends using its food within 7 days. Unused portions should be kept sealed and refrigerated to maintain their freshness.

Although not recommended, the recipes can be frozen, then defrosted in the fridge before use. You should portion the food first and then seal it in airtight packaging. Freshpet recommends using it within one month of freezing for optimal freshness. However, recipes can be frozen for up to 6 months.