Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting journey, and one of the most crucial aspects of ensuring their well-being is choosing the right food. Freshpet offers a range of refrigerated dog food rolls, marketed for their fresh ingredients and transparency. This review delves into the Freshpet Rolls product line, analyzing its recipes, ingredients, and nutritional content to help you make an informed decision for your canine companion.
The Freshpet rolls product range comprises 11 distinct recipes, with ratings spanning from 4 to 5 stars, averaging an impressive 5 stars across the board. This line emphasizes US farm-raised proteins combined with fruits and vegetables, aiming to provide essential vitamins and minerals. For puppies, a specialized recipe includes added EPA and DHA fatty acids to support healthy growth.
Pros and Cons of Freshpet Rolls
Freshpet stands out for its commitment to transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and its focus on responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The gentle steam cooking method used aims to preserve essential nutrients. However, a significant drawback is the short shelf life, necessitated by the refrigerated nature of the products.
Freshpet Rolls Product Line Overview
The following table provides an overview of the Freshpet recipes in their rolls product line, including their respective ratings and AAFCO nutrient profiles:
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Freshpet Healthy Senior Chicken Recipe with Cranberries and Carrots | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Complete Nutrition Chicken Recipe with Wholesome Grains | 4 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Chunky Beef Recipe with Carrots, Peas and Brown Rice | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Puppy Growth and Development Tender Chicken with Eggs and Vegetables | 5 Stars | Growth (G) |
| Freshpet Small Dog Chicken and Turkey with Cranberries and Spinach | 4.5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Chunky Chicken and Turkey with Carrots and Brown Rice | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Multi-Protein Recipe with Sweet Potatoes and Garden Vegetables | 5 Stars | All Life Stages (A) |
| Freshpet Small Dog Multi-Protein with Sweet Potatoes | 5 Stars | All Life Stages (A) |
| Freshpet Tender Chicken with Carrots, Peas and Brown Rice | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Steam Cooked Chicken with Pumpkin and Brown Rice | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
| Freshpet Grain Free Chicken with Spinach and Potato | 5 Stars | Maintenance (M) |
Recipe and Label Analysis: Freshpet Chunky Beef Recipe
To provide a detailed examination, the Freshpet Chunky Beef Recipe with Carrots, Peas and Brown Rice is used as a representative example of the product line.
Ingredients: Beef, chicken, beef liver, beef broth, carrots, peas, egg, brown rice, rice bran, soy flour, carrageenan, natural flavors, potassium chloride, celery powder, salt, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite calcium iodate), vitamins (choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, riboflavin, biotin, calcium pantothenate, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxin hydrochloride, folic acid), spinach.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Beef and Chicken: These are the primary ingredients, providing high-quality protein sources rich in essential amino acids. Beef is defined as the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle.
- Beef Liver: As a named organ meat, beef liver is considered a beneficial component, offering a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Beef Broth: While of modest nutritional value, broths add flavor and moisture.
- Carrots and Peas: These vegetables contribute beta-carotene, minerals, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates. Peas, in particular, are a quality carbohydrate source but also contain protein, which can influence the overall protein calculation.
- Eggs: Easily digestible and possessing a high biological value, eggs are a valuable protein source.
- Brown Rice and Rice Bran: Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates, while rice bran, the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain, offers starch, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
- Soy Flour: This ingredient, while containing protein, is a plant-based product with a potentially lower biological value compared to meat. It can contribute to the overall protein percentage reported on the label.
- Chelated Minerals: The inclusion of chelated minerals indicates a focus on bioavailability, as these minerals are chemically attached to protein, making them easier for dogs to absorb.
Nutrient Analysis
The Freshpet Chunky Beef Recipe exhibits an estimated dry matter protein content of 44.2%, fat at 26.9%, and carbohydrates around 18.1%. On average, the Freshpet rolls line shows a protein content of 43.9% and a fat level of 29.2%, with an estimated carbohydrate content of 16.5%. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 67%.
While the protein and fat levels are consistent with other rolled dog foods, the significant calorie contribution from fat (51% of total calories versus 35% from protein in the Chunky Beef recipe) means some recipes may not be suitable for dogs requiring a low-fat diet.
Freshpet Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no publicly listed recalls for Freshpet dog food products on DogFoodAdvisor.com. A comprehensive history of dog food recalls can be found on their site for reference.
Overall Rating and Final Word
Freshpet refrigerated rolls, featuring a substantial amount of named meats as the primary protein source and offering both grain-inclusive and grain-free options, earns a highly recommended 5-star rating. The brand’s commitment to ingredient transparency, responsible sourcing, and gentle cooking methods makes it a strong contender for pet owners seeking fresh, high-quality food for their dogs. While the short shelf life requires diligent planning, the nutritional benefits and positive ingredient profile make Freshpet a noteworthy choice for maintaining your dog’s health and vitality.
For those interested in exploring further, additional Freshpet reviews are available on DogFoodAdvisor.com.
