As a dog owner, I’m constantly on the lookout for food that’s both nutritious and, just as importantly, something my dog will actually get excited about. We’ve all been there: you spend good money on a premium kibble, only to have your furry friend turn their nose up at it. That’s why the concept of “fresh” dog food is so appealing, but the logistics of refrigerated rolls and meals can be a hassle. When I came across this shelf-stable option from Freshpet, I was intrigued. It promises the quality of fresh ingredients without needing to take up precious fridge space. Could this be the perfect middle ground?
The Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal aims to solve this very problem. It’s designed for pet parents who want to upgrade from traditional dry kibble but need the convenience of a pantry-friendly food. Let’s dig in and see if it lives up to the hype.
Key Features You’ll Love
This isn’t your average bag of brown pellets. Freshpet has packed some impressive features into this formula.
✅ Diverse, High-Quality Proteins: The recipe leads with a powerhouse blend of chicken, beef, egg, and salmon. This variety not only provides a rich taste that tempts picky eaters but also ensures a complete amino acid profile for muscle development and overall health.
✅ All Life Stages Formula: Whether you have a growing puppy or a dignified senior, this food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at every stage of life. This is a huge plus for multi-dog households.
✅ Gentle on the Stomach: Specifically formulated for digestive health, this meal uses quality ingredients that are easier for dogs to process than the fillers found in many commercial foods.
✅ The Convenience of Shelf-Stable: This is the standout feature. Unlike Freshpet’s refrigerated products, this one can be stored in your pantry. You get the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients with the grab-and-go ease of dry food.
How to Serve Freshpet Select
Using this food is straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure the best experience for your pup:
- Storage is Simple: Keep the bag in a cool, dry place like your pantry. No refrigeration is needed until it’s opened, which is a major space-saver.
- Measure the Right Amount: Follow the feeding guidelines on the package based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
- Transition Slowly: As with any new food, it’s best to transition your dog over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the Freshpet with their old food, gradually increasing the ratio until you’re feeding 100% Freshpet.
- Serve and Observe: You can serve it as a complete meal. The directions advise disposing of any uneaten food within 24 hours to ensure freshness.
What Are Pet Owners Saying?
With an aggregate rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, most customers are happy with this food.
Many positive reviews, like one from a user named Jessica (5 stars), rave about how it solved their picky eater problems. She noted that her dog, who would often skip meals, now cleans the bowl every time. Others appreciate the quality ingredients and have seen improvements in their dog’s coat and energy levels.
On the flip side, some feedback from users like Mark (3 stars) points to the price. It’s more expensive than standard kibble, which can be a consideration for owners of large breeds who go through food quickly. A few dogs also just didn’t take to the unique pellet texture, which is a common issue with any new food.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent multi-protein sources | Higher price point than traditional kibble |
| Great for picky eaters | The 1.75 lb bag may not last long |
| Shelf-stable convenience | Some dogs may not like the texture |
| Formulated for all life stages | |
| Supports digestive health |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food “fresh” if it’s stored at room temperature? A: That’s a great question. While it’s not “fresh” in the refrigerated sense, it’s made with fresh ingredients that are gently cooked and preserved in a way that makes them shelf-stable. Think of it as a less-processed alternative to dry kibble, offering higher nutritional value without requiring cold storage.
Q: Is the 1.75 lb bag a good value for a large dog? A: For a large breed dog, a single 1.75 lb bag won’t last very long. This product is likely more cost-effective for small to medium-sized dogs or as a high-value meal topper for larger dogs to boost their nutrition and entice them to eat.
Q: My dog has a sensitive stomach. Is this a good choice? A: Since it’s specifically formulated for digestive health and avoids many common fillers, it could be a great option. However, every dog is different. The key is to transition slowly and monitor your dog for any digestive upset.
Final Verdict
The Freshpet® Select Multi-Protein Complete Meal is an excellent product for a specific type of dog owner. If you have a picky small or medium-sized dog and you’re looking to upgrade their nutrition beyond basic kibble without committing to refrigerated food, this is a fantastic choice. It’s also ideal for those who want to provide a variety of high-quality proteins to support their dog’s overall health.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or have a very large dog, the cost might be a prohibitive factor for using this as a primary food source. In that case, it could still serve as a wonderful, healthy “special treat” or meal topper.
Ready to give your dog a meal they’ll get excited about?