Summary
How much is Freshpet dog food? In the United States, feeding Freshpet commonly costs around $2–$4 per day for many dogs, although the total can range from approximately $30 to $240 per month. A small dog may cost only $1–$2 per day, while a large dog eating Freshpet as a complete meal could cost $4–$8 per day or more.
Your actual Freshpet cost depends on your dog’s body weight, activity level, calorie needs, recipe choice, serving size, and where you purchase the food. The total will also change depending on whether you serve Freshpet as a full meal, combine it with dry dog food, or use it as a meal topper.
Individual packages may start at approximately $3 for a basic one-pound grocery-store roll. Larger bags, specialized recipes, and refrigerated online multipacks can cost $20–$65 or more. Freshpet normally costs more than shelf-stable kibble, but it can be more affordable and flexible than personalized fresh dog food subscriptions such as The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom.
Prices, discounts, availability, and Amazon ratings can change. Treat the figures in this guide as practical estimates and verify current information before purchasing.
Table of Contents
- How Much Is Freshpet Dog Food in the United States?
- Typical Freshpet Package Prices
- How Much Does Freshpet Cost Per Month?
- What Determines the Cost of Freshpet?
- Freshpet Product Lines and Price Differences
- Freshpet vs. Other Types of Dog Food
- What Is the Most Affordable Fresh Dog Food?
- How to Calculate Your Freshpet Monthly Budget
- How to Reduce Your Freshpet Feeding Cost
- Helpful Amazon Products for Freshpet
- Nutrition and Ingredient Considerations
- Storage, Shelf Life, and Food Safety
- Is Freshpet Worth the Cost?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Freshpet Dog Food in the United States?
Freshpet is a premium refrigerated dog food available in rolls, bags, and ready-to-serve meal formats. Unlike dry dog food that can remain in a pantry, Freshpet must be stored in a refrigerator because it is made as fresh, minimally processed food without relying on artificial preservatives for a long shelf life.
For many dogs, the estimated daily and monthly costs are:
| Dog size | Estimated daily cost | Estimated monthly cost |
| Small dog | $1–$2 | $30–$60 |
| Medium dog | $2–$4 | $60–$120 |
| Large dog | $4–$8 | $120–$240 |
These figures provide a starting point rather than a guaranteed price. Two dogs of the same size might require different feeding amounts because of differences in age, body condition, metabolism, activity level, and overall health.
A very active medium dog may eat more than a calm dog of the same body weight. A calorie-dense recipe might require a smaller serving than another Freshpet formula, changing the daily feeding cost even when the package prices appear similar.
Freshpet’s published guidance also places many dogs within the $2–$4 daily range. Owners can compare these estimates with the brand’s explanation of Freshpet cost and value.
Calculate the feeding cost, not just the package price
The package price alone does not reveal how much Freshpet will cost your household.
A $7 roll may last several days for a small dog but disappear in one day when divided between two large dogs. To understand the real expense, calculate:
- Price per pound
- Cost per ounce
- Cost per 100 calories
- Cost per serving
- Daily feeding cost
- Monthly feeding cost
The most accurate method is to determine how much of a particular recipe your dog should eat each day and multiply the daily cost by 30.
Typical Freshpet Package Prices
Freshpet prices vary among supermarkets, pet stores, and online retailers. Recipe availability, package size, regional demand, promotions, and refrigerated delivery costs can all influence the amount you pay.
Based on recently observed U.S. retail listings, shoppers may encounter prices similar to these:
| Package type | Approximate package price |
| Basic one-pound slice-and-serve roll | $3–$5 |
| 1.5-pound Freshpet roll | $6–$9 |
| One-pound small-dog or specialty bag | $8–$10 |
| Five to 5.5-pound bag or roll | $20–$27 |
| Refrigerated online multipack | $40–$66 or more |
These prices are examples rather than fixed national rates. Check the current shelf label, package weight, recipe, and retailer before calculating your dog’s budget.
Compare value per ounce
A larger package may cost more upfront while providing better value per ounce.
Consider two hypothetical products:
- A 1.5-pound roll costing $7 contains 24 ounces, creating a cost of approximately $0.29 per ounce.
- A five-pound roll costing $22 contains 80 ounces, creating a cost of approximately $0.28 per ounce.
The difference seems small, but it becomes more meaningful over an entire year or when feeding a large dog or multi-dog household.
A larger roll is only a good value if you can use or freeze it safely. Buying more food does not save money when a significant portion spoils and ends up in the trash.
Compare price per 100 calories
Freshpet recipes do not all contain the same number of calories per ounce. For this reason, comparing only the package weight may produce a misleading result.
Suppose one recipe costs $0.30 per ounce but contains more calories than another recipe costing $0.27 per ounce. Your dog may need a smaller serving of the first recipe, making its daily cost similar or even lower.
To compare formulas accurately:
- Find the calories per ounce or per serving.
- Determine your dog’s approximate daily calorie requirement.
- Calculate how many ounces of each food would be needed.
- Multiply the feeding amount by the cost per ounce.
A veterinarian can help calculate an appropriate calorie target if your dog is underweight, overweight, extremely active, pregnant, nursing, or affected by a medical condition.
Store and online prices may differ
Freshpet can be purchased from a brick-and-mortar store or an online retailer such as Chewy. Local stores may offer lower prices on individual rolls because the customer is not paying separately for refrigerated shipping.
Online multipacks are convenient but may require a larger upfront purchase. Before ordering, confirm:
- Number of packages
- Weight of each package
- Total food weight
- Price per pound
- Refrigerated or frozen shipping terms
- Autoship discount
- Minimum order requirement
- Cancellation policy
Do not compare one grocery-store roll with an online case until you have calculated the total weight and value per ounce.
How Much Does Freshpet Cost Per Month?
Your monthly feeding cost is determined by how much your dog eats every day—not simply by whether you own a small, medium, or large breed.
Use this formula:
Package price ÷ package weight in ounces = cost per ounce
Then calculate:
Cost per ounce × daily feeding amount in ounces × 30 = estimated monthly cost
For example, suppose a 5.5-pound bag costs $24:
- The package contains 88 ounces.
- $24 divided by 88 equals approximately $0.27 per ounce.
- If your dog eats 10 ounces per day, the daily cost is approximately $2.70.
- Over 30 days, the estimated monthly cost is $81.
If the same dog receives Freshpet as only half of its diet, the Freshpet portion may cost approximately $40.50 per month.
Monthly Freshpet budget for a small dog
A small dog eats less food, which can make Freshpet more manageable for a limited budget. Depending on calorie needs and recipe choice, the monthly cost may fall between $30 and $60.
A toy breed eating a basic grocery-store roll may fall near the lower end. A highly active small dog eating a specialized Freshpet Vital formula may cost more.
Monthly Freshpet budget for a medium dog
A medium dog may cost approximately $60–$120 per month. This is a broad range because the term “medium dog” covers animals with significantly different body weights and calorie requirements.
For many households, partial fresh feeding is more practical. Combining a measured Freshpet portion with complete and balanced kibble can provide fresh-food variety without requiring a full fresh-food budget.
Monthly Freshpet budget for a large dog
A large dog may cost approximately $120–$240 per month, and a highly active dog could exceed that amount.
Large dogs consume packages quickly, making price per pound and cost per 100 calories especially important. Owners should compare larger rolls, value bags, local promotions, and partial feeding before committing to Freshpet as every meal.
Monthly cost for multiple dogs
Freshpet expenses can add up quickly in a multi-dog household. If two dogs each cost $3 per day to feed, the combined monthly expense is approximately $180.
Families with several dogs can control the total by:
- Purchasing larger rolls or bags
- Comparing unit prices
- Combining Freshpet with high-quality kibble
- Serving Freshpet as a topper
- Freezing measured portions
- Using full Freshpet meals only on selected days
A sustainable partial-feeding plan is often better than starting a full fresh-food diet that becomes unaffordable after several weeks.
What Determines the Cost of Freshpet?
Dog size and body weight
Body weight is one of the main factors used to determine serving size. Small dogs generally require fewer calories, while large dogs need a greater volume of food.
Weight should not be considered in isolation. An overweight dog should not automatically receive a portion based on its current weight. A veterinarian may recommend calculating servings according to an appropriate target weight.
Age and life stage
Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult and senior dogs. Young dogs may require more calories relative to their size because they are growing.
A recipe must also be appropriate for the dog’s life stage. Never select a formula only because it has a lower price.
Activity level
Working dogs and highly active pets may require more energy than calm indoor dogs. Greater calorie requirements produce a larger serving size and higher monthly cost.
If a dog gains or loses weight unexpectedly, consult a veterinarian instead of continuing to change the food amount without guidance.
Recipe choice
Freshpet produces recipes with different ingredients, calorie densities, textures, and package sizes. Freshpet Select is often among the most widely available lines, while Freshpet Vital and Nature’s Fresh may carry higher package prices.
A cheaper roll is not necessarily cheaper per day if your dog must eat more ounces to meet its calorie needs.
Full meal or meal topper
Serving Freshpet as a full meal creates the highest monthly expense. Using it as a topper, partial fresh feeding option, or occasional meal can reduce the cost substantially.
| Feeding method | Approximate Freshpet portion | Relative cost |
| Full fresh feeding | 100% of the meal | Highest |
| Half fresh and half kibble | Around 50% | Moderate |
| Meal topper | Around 10%–25% | Lower |
| Occasional Freshpet meal | Selected days | Variable |
Account for calories from both foods. Adding Freshpet on top of a complete kibble serving without reducing the kibble can lead to overfeeding and obesity.
Package size
An individual bag can be convenient, while a larger roll often provides better value per ounce. The best option depends on how quickly your dog finishes it and whether you have suitable refrigerator or freezer storage.
Retailer and location
How much is Fresh Pet dog food at your local store? The answer can differ from prices found in another city or online.
One supermarket might sell a basic roll as a low-cost introduction, while a specialty retailer may focus on premium recipes. Loyalty programs, coupons, delivery fees, and temporary promotions can also change the final price.
Freshpet Product Lines and Price Differences
Freshpet Select
Freshpet Select includes many of the brand’s familiar grocery-store rolls and bagged meals. It is widely available and often provides one of the most affordable entry points for people asking how much does Fresh Pet dog food cost.
Available formats may include:
- Slice-and-serve rolls
- Freshly roasted meals
- Small-dog recipes
- Grain-inclusive formulas
- Grain-free recipes
- Chicken, turkey, beef, and multi-protein meals
Basic Freshpet Select rolls frequently provide better value than small specialty bags.
Freshpet Vital
Freshpet Vital includes high-protein and limited-ingredient options. Some recipes focus on digestion, mobility, sensitive stomachs, or healthy aging.
Depending on the formula, ingredients may include pumpkin, brown rice, cranberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, glucosamine, prebiotics, or omega fatty acids.
These products may cost more per pound than a basic Freshpet Select roll. Compare the formula’s calorie content, suitability, and feeding amount instead of relying only on the package price.
Nature’s Fresh
Nature’s Fresh focuses partly on ingredient sourcing and offers grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes. Its positioning and ingredients can result in a higher price than basic Freshpet products.
A higher package price does not automatically make a recipe better for every dog. The appropriate choice depends on digestive tolerance, nutritional requirements, activity level, life stage, and health.
Freshpet Delivery
Freshpet Delivery provides a meal plan shipped directly to the customer. It uses a different pricing model from purchasing an individual roll at a grocery store.
A delivery service may include:
- Personalized feeding guidelines
- Several recipe choices
- Automatic shipping
- Recommended shipping frequency
- A first-order discount
- Free shipping
- The ability to pause or cancel deliveries
Subscription pricing can make the first shipment appear less expensive than future orders. Calculate the full recurring price before deciding whether the meal plan fits your long-term budget.
Freshpet vs. Other Types of Dog Food
Freshpet vs. dry dog food
Shelf-stable kibble is normally the least expensive option. It is easy to store, simple to portion, and less likely to spoil quickly.
Freshpet costs more because it requires refrigerated manufacturing, transportation, retail storage, and handling. Its high moisture content also means dogs may eat a greater weight of Freshpet than calorie-dense kibble.
The comparison is not purely financial. Some dogs prefer the aroma and softer texture of refrigerated dog food, especially picky eaters and dogs that have difficulty chewing harder foods.
Freshpet vs. canned dog food
Canned dog food and Freshpet both contain more moisture than dry diets. Their prices can overlap, although premium canned food may cost as much as—or more than—some Freshpet rolls.
Unopened cans have a longer shelf life and do not require refrigerator space. Freshpet provides a different texture but must remain refrigerated.
Freshpet vs. fresh dog food subscriptions
Personalized subscription brands such as The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom commonly cost more than basic Freshpet store products. Their services may include individually portioned meal pouches, custom meal plans, and doorstep delivery.
Freshpet allows customers to buy one bag or grocery-store roll without accepting a subscription commitment. This flexibility makes it easier to test a recipe before paying for a full month.
Freshpet vs. home-cooked food
Home-cooked dog food may appear inexpensive, but creating a complete diet involves more than combining real meat and whole vegetables.
Potential costs include:
- High-quality protein
- Vegetables and whole grains
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Ingredient sourcing
- Preparation time
- Freezer storage
- Veterinary nutrition guidance
An improvised homemade diet may lack nutritional completeness. Freshpet provides ready-to-serve meals without requiring owners to cook and balance food themselves.
For additional comparisons, feeding advice, and brand guides, explore the site’s Dog Food resources.
What Is the Most Affordable Fresh Dog Food?
There is no single cheapest fresh dog food for every household. Cost depends on the dog’s calorie needs, package size, local pricing, delivery fees, promotional discounts, and whether the food is used as a full meal.
However, basic Freshpet Select grocery-store rolls are often among the most affordable ways to try commercial refrigerated dog food without joining a subscription service.
A budget-friendly method is to:
- Purchase one basic Freshpet roll locally.
- Calculate the cost per ounce.
- Check the feeding chart for your dog.
- Estimate the daily and monthly cost.
- Compare it with a larger Freshpet package.
- Use it as a topper if full feeding exceeds your budget.
When comparing Freshpet with The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, or Nom Nom, do not treat an introductory discount as the long-term price. A heavily discounted first box may be followed by a much higher recurring cost.
What is the most affordable fresh-feeding method?
For many families, partial fresh feeding is the most affordable option. It combines a controlled amount of refrigerated dog food with a complete and balanced dry diet.
This approach can:
- Reduce monthly feeding costs
- Add moisture and aroma
- Interest a picky eater
- Provide texture variety
- Reduce refrigerator-space requirements
- Lower the risk of food waste
Adjust both portions so the combined meal stays within your dog’s calorie requirements.
How to Calculate Your Exact Freshpet Monthly Budget
Step 1: Record the package price
Confirm whether the price covers one item or a multipack. Do not calculate the unit cost from a promotional headline without checking the total package details.
Step 2: Convert pounds into ounces
There are 16 ounces in one pound:
- One pound = 16 ounces
- 1.5 pounds = 24 ounces
- Five pounds = 80 ounces
- 5.5 pounds = 88 ounces
Step 3: Calculate the cost per ounce
Divide the package price by the total number of ounces.
If a 1.5-pound roll costs $7:
$7 ÷ 24 ounces = approximately $0.29 per ounce
For accurate portion measurements, a kitchen scale is more reliable than estimating by eye. The Etekcity Digital Kitchen Food Scale measures in grams and ounces and includes a tare function, allowing you to subtract the weight of your dog’s bowl.
At the time of verification, this scale had a 4.6-star Amazon rating from more than 176,000 customers.
Step 4: Determine the daily feeding amount
Use the feeding guidelines printed on your specific Freshpet product. Do not use directions from a different recipe because calorie density and recommended portions can vary.
Step 5: Calculate the daily cost
If your dog eats eight ounces each day:
Eight ounces × $0.29 = $2.32 per day
Step 6: Calculate the monthly cost
Multiply the daily feeding cost by 30:
$2.32 × 30 = $69.60 per month
Step 7: Include a waste allowance
Fresh food can be lost through spoilage, inaccurate serving, damaged packaging, or uneaten leftovers. Adding approximately 5% to the planned budget produces a more realistic estimate.
In this example:
$69.60 × 1.05 = $73.08 estimated monthly budget
How to Reduce Your Freshpet Monthly Cost
Compare unit prices
A sale label does not always indicate the best value. Calculate the cost per ounce or price per pound before choosing a package.
Buy the correct package size
Select the largest package your dog can finish safely. A larger roll may reduce the price per ounce, but it will not save money if part of it spoils.
Use Freshpet as a topper
A small measured portion can add aroma, moisture, and texture while keeping the monthly cost manageable. Reduce the main food portion to account for the additional calories.
Freeze individual portions
Divide a larger roll into daily servings and freeze anything your dog cannot eat within the recommended refrigerated period.
A covered freezer mold such as Souper Cubes One-Cup Freezer Trays can keep servings separated. The compartments include measurement markings, helping owners prepare consistent portions for different dog sizes.
At the time of verification, these trays had a 4.8-star Amazon rating from more than 13,000 customers.
Freezing may change the food’s texture after thawing. Confirm that the specific Freshpet product can be frozen and follow the package instructions.
Use promotions carefully
A first-order discount can reduce the initial expense, but it should not determine whether you can afford a subscription. Create your budget using the regular recurring price.
Review delivery frequency
If you use Freshpet Delivery, make sure shipments match your dog’s actual consumption. Deliveries arriving too frequently can fill your refrigerator and increase waste.
Avoid overfeeding
Overfeeding raises food expenses and obesity risk. Measure each serving rather than estimating by sight.
Track one complete month
Save your receipts and record how long each package lasts. Your own purchase and feeding history will provide a more accurate budget than a general online estimate.
Food choices may also influence appetite, begging, routines, and mealtime excitement. The Dog Behaviour resources can help owners understand feeding-related behavior without assuming that every appetite concern is caused by the food.
Helpful Amazon Products for Freshpet
The most useful products are not decorative accessories. They should solve a real feeding, budgeting, or storage problem.
The following tools can help owners measure portions, freeze leftovers, monitor refrigeration, and slow down dogs that eat soft food too quickly.
Etekcity Digital Kitchen Food Scale
The Etekcity Digital Kitchen Food Scale helps prevent inaccurate servings. It measures in grams and ounces, weighs up to 11 pounds, and includes a tare function.
Use it to:
- Weigh Freshpet servings
- Divide a roll into equal portions
- Calculate cost per serving
- Monitor portion changes
- Avoid repeatedly overfilling the bowl
A scale can improve measurement accuracy, but your veterinarian or the product’s feeding chart should determine the appropriate portion.
Best for: Accurate portioning, calorie control, monthly budgeting, and preparing several meals at once.
Souper Cubes One-Cup Freezer Trays
The Souper Cubes One-Cup Freezer Trays can help divide suitable Freshpet products into covered freezer portions.
Their flexible food-grade silicone design makes individual portions easier to remove after freezing. Measurement markings can also help owners prepare half-cup and one-cup servings.
Use them to:
- Freeze leftovers before they spoil
- Separate daily portions
- Prepare meals for multiple dogs
- Reduce food waste
- Avoid repeatedly thawing a large quantity
Best for: Freezer storage, portion preparation, and making larger value packages more practical.
Do not place warm food directly into the freezer alongside refrigerated Freshpet, and never refreeze food repeatedly.
Rubbermaid Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer
Freshpet depends on reliable refrigeration. The Rubbermaid Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer provides an easy way to monitor the temperature where your dog’s food is stored.
The thermometer does not require batteries and can hang from a refrigerator shelf or stand independently. At the time of verification, it had a 4.7-star Amazon rating from more than 13,000 customers.
Use it to:
- Confirm that the refrigerator remains cold
- Identify temperature fluctuations
- Monitor a secondary refrigerator
- Check storage conditions during hot weather
- Protect perishable food during appliance problems
Best for: Owners storing several Freshpet packages or using a garage or secondary refrigerator.
A thermometer cannot make spoiled food safe. Discard any product that was kept outside its safe temperature range for an uncertain period.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
Some dogs become excited about Freshpet’s aroma and soft texture and swallow the meal too quickly. The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl uses raised patterns to encourage a slower eating pace.
The linked medium version holds approximately two cups and can accommodate wet or dry dog food. At the time of verification, it had a 4.6-star Amazon rating from more than 135,000 customers.
Use it to:
- Slow down fast eating
- Extend mealtime
- Make dogs work around the bowl
- Add gentle mental engagement
- Control how quickly a soft meal disappears
Best for: Healthy small and medium dogs that finish soft food too quickly.
Choose a bowl size and pattern appropriate for your dog. Flat-faced dogs and pets with dental, vision, neck, or mobility problems may require a shallower and simpler design.
Quick product comparison
| Product | Problem it helps solve | Primary use |
| Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale | Inaccurate serving sizes | Weighing Freshpet portions |
| Souper Cubes Freezer Trays | Spoilage and wasted leftovers | Freezing individual servings |
| Rubbermaid Refrigerator Thermometer | Uncertain storage temperature | Monitoring refrigeration |
| Outward Hound Fun Feeder | Eating too quickly | Slowing mealtime |
Product ratings, designs, sellers, and availability can change. Read the latest listing details and customer reviews before purchasing.
Nutrition and Ingredient Considerations
Freshpet emphasizes real meat, whole vegetables, natural ingredients, and high-quality protein. Many recipes contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or meat meal.
Steam cooking prepares the ingredients while maintaining an appealing aroma and texture. The recipes are generally positioned as gently cooked, minimally processed food rather than raw dog food.
Many Freshpet products are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition according to applicable AAFCO nutritional standards. Check the nutritional adequacy statement on the exact product because life-stage suitability can differ among recipes.
Potential benefits
Freshpet’s high moisture content can contribute to a dog’s total water intake. Its aroma and texture may appeal to a picky eater or dog that finds dry food difficult to chew.
Owners sometimes report:
- Improved digestion
- Greater excitement at mealtime
- A healthier-looking coat
- Increased energy
- Better stool quality
These experiences vary. Freshpet does not guarantee a particular medical or behavioral result.
Does fresh always mean healthier?
Not automatically. A fresh diet must still provide appropriate calories, nutrients, and feeding amounts.
Evaluate:
- Nutritional adequacy statement
- Life-stage suitability
- Calorie content
- Protein and fat levels
- Feeding instructions
- Manufacturer expertise
- Quality-control practices
- Your dog’s individual needs
WSAVA guidelines and advice from qualified veterinary professionals can help owners evaluate a manufacturer without relying only on packaging claims.
Ingredients some owners question
Depending on the recipe, Freshpet may contain legumes, natural flavors, carrageenan, or sodium selenite. These ingredients can concern some shoppers, but their presence does not automatically prove that a complete food is unsafe.
A veterinarian can help evaluate a formula if your dog has:
- A diagnosed food allergy
- A sensitive stomach
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Chronic digestive problems
- A prescription-diet requirement
Some Freshpet recipes have a relatively high fat content. A dog prone to weight gain or requiring a low-fat therapeutic diet may need a different formula.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Food Safety
Freshpet must remain refrigerated. Once opened, most products should be used within the period shown on their packaging, which is commonly seven days after opening.
For a complete storage guide, read How Long Does Freshpet Last.
Monitor your refrigerator temperature
Do not rely only on whether the refrigerator feels cold. A refrigerator thermometer can help identify unsafe temperature changes before the food shows obvious signs of spoilage.
The Rubbermaid Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer is a practical option for monitoring the shelf where Freshpet is stored.
Prevent spoilage and waste
Follow these practices:
- Return Freshpet to the refrigerator promptly.
- Close a resealable bag completely.
- Wrap an opened roll securely.
- Use clean utensils for every meal.
- Write the opening date on the package.
- Keep raw meat separate from the dog food.
- Do not leave the meal at room temperature unnecessarily.
- Freeze suitable unused portions before they spoil.
- Discard food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
Freshpet’s limited shelf life affects its real cost. If one-quarter of every package is thrown away, the effective cost per serving becomes considerably higher.
Food bowl and utensil hygiene
Wash the dog’s bowl after serving wet or refrigerated food. Residue from high-moisture food can remain on the bowl and support bacterial growth.
Clean:
- Food bowls
- Slow-feeder bowls
- Measuring scoops
- Knives
- Cutting boards
- Food scales
- Storage containers
- Freezer trays
Follow each product’s cleaning instructions. A dishwasher-safe label does not necessarily mean every removable component can be placed in the dishwasher.
Bacterial safety
Improperly handled perishable food can allow harmful microorganisms to grow. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are important concerns with contaminated animal food, particularly raw products.
Freshpet is cooked rather than sold as raw dog food, but standard food-safety practices still apply. Wash your hands after handling it and keep your dog’s food-preparation tools separate from utensils used for people whenever practical.
Is Freshpet Worth the Cost?
Freshpet may be worth the price when your dog enjoys it, digests it comfortably, and the monthly expense fits your household budget.
Its store availability and range of package sizes provide more flexibility than many delivery-only fresh food services. Owners can test one roll, change recipes, use Freshpet part-time, or stop purchasing without cancelling a subscription.
Freshpet may be particularly useful for:
- Picky eaters
- Dogs that prefer soft food
- Owners seeking refrigerated food
- People who do not want to prepare homemade meals
- Shoppers avoiding a required subscription
- Owners using fresh food as a topper
- Small dogs with manageable serving sizes
It may be less practical when:
- Your dog needs a prescription diet
- Refrigerator space is limited
- You travel frequently without refrigeration
- A large dog makes the monthly cost unaffordable
- Your dog requires a carefully controlled low-fat diet
- Your local stores have unreliable availability
- You frequently forget when packages were opened
The best dog food is not necessarily the most expensive one. It should be nutritionally appropriate, safe, affordable enough to feed consistently, and practical for the owner’s lifestyle.
Conclusion
How much does Freshpet dog food cost? For many dogs, the estimated expense is approximately $2–$4 per day, but monthly spending can range from about $30 for a small dog to $240 or more for a large dog.
Basic Freshpet Select rolls may start around $3–$5, while larger bags, specialized recipes, and online multipacks cost considerably more upfront. The most accurate way to determine your expense is to calculate the cost per ounce, multiply it by the recommended daily serving, and then multiply the result by 30.
Remember to account for food waste, storage supplies, delivery charges, and price changes. A digital scale can help control portions, freezer trays can protect unused servings, and a refrigerator thermometer can help maintain appropriate storage conditions.
Freshpet generally costs more than shelf-stable kibble, but it may be more affordable and flexible than customized subscription services. If full fresh feeding is outside your budget, using Freshpet as a measured topper or partial meal can offer a practical middle ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Freshpet dog food?
Individual packages can cost around $3 to more than $60, depending on the recipe, size, retailer, and whether the listing contains one package or a multipack.
How much does Freshpet cost per day?
Many dogs cost approximately $2–$4 per day. Small dogs may cost less, while large or highly active dogs can cost $4–$8 daily or more.
How much does Freshpet cost per month?
Estimated monthly costs are $30–$60 for a small dog, $60–$120 for a medium dog, and $120–$240 for a large dog.
Is Freshpet cheaper than The Farmer’s Dog?
Basic Freshpet store products are generally cheaper because they can be purchased individually without a personalized delivery subscription.
What is the cheapest Freshpet option?
A basic Freshpet Select grocery-store roll is often one of the least expensive choices. Compare cost per ounce because prices vary.
What is the most affordable fresh dog food?
The answer depends on location and calorie needs, but store-bought Freshpet rolls are often more affordable than customized fresh food subscriptions.
Can I mix Freshpet with dry dog food?
Yes. Freshpet can be used for partial fresh feeding or as a topper, but the kibble portion should be reduced to prevent excessive calorie intake.
Does Freshpet need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Freshpet is perishable refrigerated dog food and must be stored according to the temperature and handling instructions on its package.
How long does Freshpet last after opening?
Most Freshpet products should be consumed within seven days after opening. Always follow the directions printed on your specific package.
Can Freshpet dog food be frozen?
Many Freshpet products can be portioned and frozen, although texture may change after thawing. Confirm the instructions for the specific recipe.
Is Freshpet complete and balanced?
Many Freshpet recipes are formulated as complete and balanced meals. Check the nutritional adequacy statement and life-stage information on the package.
Is Freshpet good for picky eaters?
Its aroma, soft texture, and real-meat recipes may appeal to picky dogs. A persistent loss of appetite should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Why is Freshpet more expensive than kibble?
Freshpet requires fresh ingredients, refrigerated production, cold distribution, and refrigerated storage, while dry kibble has a much longer shelf life.
How do I calculate Freshpet’s cost for my dog?
Multiply the package’s cost per ounce by your dog’s daily serving in ounces. Multiply that figure by 30 for an estimated monthly cost.
What products make feeding Freshpet easier?
A digital kitchen scale, portioned freezer tray, refrigerator thermometer, and appropriately sized slow-feeder bowl can improve measurement, storage, and serving.
