This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Freshpet. All opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve partnered with Freshpet on the movement in feeding our pets the same way we feed ourselves – fresh. Because, well, our furry companions deserve to get the most out of life just as much as we do. Freshpet is real food, made with all natural ingredients from scratch – fresh from the fridge. Meaning no processed meats or by-products – high quality, US farm raised proteins are the #1 ingredient – and vegetables farmed in the U.S. that you can actually see. The only preservative these recipes require is the fridge – no fillers, additives or preservatives, and ingredients you can actually pronounce.
Founded in 2006, a team with expertise in both pet and human food started a process of gently cooking ingredients in order to lock in the most nutrients – making a positive impact in helping our pets thrive and grow. And I don’t know about you, but my dogs are not just dogs – they are family members. They are my children. I want to give them the best life possible, while also giving them the best in life.
So why not start where it counts – with their diet – by giving them fresh quality pet food.
Initial thoughts
Upon arrival, the food came clearly labeled “Keep Refrigerated” on the box – a good note for those who have never had pet food required to be kept cold – and carefully packaged with ice packs to keep until refrigerated. There’s three things I initially observe in pet food, using my senses.
1. The way it looks,
2. The way it smells,
and 3. Obviously, my dogs have to love it, too.
The food is packaged in a resealable bag – with ingredients and feeding guide clearly labeled on the back. The one thing I looked for and noticed almost immediately was the Made In The USA emblem – which is a big one for me, because some brands will only say they are “packaged“, but not actually made, in the USA. And upon doing previous research, if you look on the Freshpet website you can compare their food among other brands, as well as know where exactly the food is being made by taking a tour of their kitchen in Bethlehem, PA. They talk about the facility, it’s procedures, packaging, cooking and inspection.
When opening the bag, well, let’s just say both my dogs could smell it from the other side of the house as they nearly trampled over each other into the kitchen. The smell is pungent, but in a “smells like dinner I cooked in my crock-pot last night” kind of way. Is dog food ever really supposed to smell good anyway? I doubt it, but this is the real home-cooked quality smell over your typical dog food. In the bag comes bite size pieces of chicken – the obvious main ingredient – as well as cooked carrots and cranberries (as labeled on the bag). The food comes in the choice of the bagged medley, or pressed in a roll – where you can cut accordingly into portions.
At this point my pups were not amused that I had been making them wait this long. So there was only one thing left to do: let the real critics decide.
Moment of truths
I’ll be honest here – I didn’t even have the chance to turn on my camera to snap a photo mid-meal. But this pre-meal beg-by-tricks photo clearly says it all. It was like I had starved them for weeks! Needless to say, the food was a hit, and they now have a newfound anticipation each time I open the fridge.
So, why do our pets deserve to eat as fresh as we do?
It promotes the longevity of their life
By years. A healthy diet in dogs is no different than that in humans. We require a sustainable, well balanced diet to prolong and maintain overall good health. And so do our pets. Otherwise, wouldn’t that be doing them a disservice towards a happy life?
They are getting the nutrients they actually need
Like proteins and plant-based nutrients, without the use of chemical preservatives and artificial flavors. Who really needs all that anyway? Freshpet poultry used in their meal recipes are antibiotic and hormone free. They use fresh meats versus “rendered meals” (rendered meals contain various meat qualities and waste products), hence why Freshpet must be stored in the fridge and used within 7 days of opening.
Limited ingredients benefits their overall health
Fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors and toxins – these are ingredients common in some dog foods. “Long-list ingredients” can be the cause for GI (digestive) complications, skin conditions and other known diseases. Freshpet recipes remain grain-free for allergy relief and to promote healthy skin and coat, digestible through the use of fiber, and they utilize amino acids through higher-quality proteins to help build lean muscle and promote healthy weight. They stick to limited ingredients, without all the unnecessary things your pet doesn’t need and won’t benefit from.
Would I say it’s worth it?
Absolutely. All things considered – I don’t exactly have picky eaters on my hand, which is ideal in my case. But I have never seen two food-loving dogs count down the clock for meal time each morning and night. It’s as if they can tell time! It also doesn’t hurt to feel good about the food I’m giving them – knowing absolutely zero ingredients are coming from China and that the food is made in the USA.
Coming from a former Veterinary Assistant, it’s always advised and recommended to speak to your Veterinarian before switching your pet’s food.
To learn more, visit Freshpet online for information regarding their commitment towards the fresh movement for our pets. Find Freshpet near you, and be sure to follow them on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
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