Your dog’s tail starts wagging the second the refrigerator opens—and this time it’s not for leftover chicken.
Refrigerated, all-natural treats have quietly become the fastest-growing segment in pet nutrition, and Freshpet is leading the charge. Unlike shelf-stable biscuits that rely on preservatives and mystery “meals,” Freshpet’s lineup is kept cold to lock in whole-food nutrients, visible chunks of real meat, and the kind of aroma that makes even picky pups do a double-take. If you’re ready to reward your dog without compromising on ingredient integrity, here’s everything you need to know before you grab that brightly colored bag from the pet-food fridge.
Top 10 Freshpet Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Select Dog Joy Chicken Treats, 6.4 Oz
Overview: Select Dog Joy Chicken Treats deliver premium refrigerated nutrition for discerning pups. These gently cooked fresh treats come in a 6.4-ounce package, offering USA-made quality with all-natural ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out: The refrigeration requirement signals genuine freshness—no shelf-stable fillers here. The gentle cooking process preserves nutrients while ensuring food safety, making these treats feel more like human-grade snacks than traditional kibble bits.
Value for Money: At $30.04 per pound, these sit in the premium tier. The refrigerated format and fresh ingredients justify the higher price point, especially for pet owners prioritizing natural nutrition over cost savings.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The fresh, refrigerated format ensures maximum nutritional value and palatability that dogs love. The all-natural ingredient list appeals to health-conscious owners. However, the price may shock budget-minded shoppers, and refrigeration limits portability for training sessions or travel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for health-focused owners willing to pay premium prices for refrigerated freshness. Skip if you’re seeking budget-friendly or portable options.
2. Freshpet Dog Joy Treats for Dogs, Wood Smoked Turkey Bacon, 3 Oz
Overview: Freshpet’s Wood Smoked Turkey Bacon treats bring gourmet flair to dog snacking. These 3-ounce refrigerated treats promise authentic bacon experience without artificial additives or cooking requirements.
What Makes It Stand Out: The wood-smoked turkey bacon flavor creates an irresistible aroma that dogs find addictive. The ready-to-serve refrigerated format means no prep work—just grab and reward good behavior instantly.
Value for Money: Price information unavailable, but Freshpet typically positions itself in the premium segment. The authentic smoking process and fresh ingredients suggest higher pricing than conventional treats.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs absolutely love the smoky bacon flavor, making training sessions more effective. The fresh, refrigerated format maintains optimal taste and texture. However, the small 3-ounce package disappears quickly with larger breeds, and refrigeration limits storage flexibility.
Bottom Line: Ideal for training and special rewards when you want maximum canine motivation. The smoky flavor makes these worth splurging on occasionally.
3. Freshpet Dognation Treats for Dogs, Chicken Recipe, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Natural, No Artificial Preservatives, 6.4 Ounce (Pack of 6)
Overview: Freshpet Dognation Chicken Treats offer bulk convenience with six 6.4-ounce packages of hickory-smoked chicken goodness. These natural treats eliminate artificial preservatives while maintaining fresh refrigerated quality.
What Makes It Stand Out: The hickory smoke flavor adds gourmet appeal without artificial additives. Buying in six-pack bulk provides better value while ensuring you won’t run out of your dog’s favorite treats anytime soon.
Value for Money: Price unavailable, but bulk packaging typically offers savings over individual purchases. The natural ingredients and smoking process justify premium positioning.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The hickory smoke flavor drives dogs wild, making these perfect for picky eaters. Bulk packaging reduces per-unit cost and shopping frequency. However, you’ll need serious refrigerator real estate for six packages, and the strong smoky scent might overwhelm sensitive noses.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for multi-dog households or single-dog homes wanting bulk convenience. The natural smoking process creates superior palatability worth the premium.
4. Deli Fresh Pet Food 518030 Dogs Nation Turkey/Bacon Treats For Pets, 3-Ounce
Overview: Deli Fresh Turkey/Bacon Treats combine two canine favorites in a grain-free 3-ounce package. Marketed as complete meal options suitable for all life stages, these treats promise versatility beyond simple snacking.
What Makes It Stand Out: The grain-free formulation caters to dogs with sensitivities, while the complete meal claim suggests nutrient density beyond typical treats. Turkey and bacon combination offers protein variety.
Value for Money: At $37.28 per pound, these rank among the priciest options available. The grain-free formulation and complete nutrition claims attempt to justify the premium.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Grain-free recipe helps dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The turkey-bacon combo appeals to most canine palates. However, the astronomical price per pound makes these impractical for regular treating, and the “complete meal” claim seems questionable for a 3-ounce portion.
Bottom Line: Consider only for dogs with specific grain allergies. The price-to-quantity ratio makes these impossible to recommend for general use.
5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Treats Savory Roasters Chicken Recipe, 12 oz. Pouch
Overview: Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters deliver celebrity chef credibility in a 12-ounce pouch of soft chicken treats. These grain-free training treats feature real chicken as the primary ingredient without artificial flavors.
What Makes It Stand Out: Rachael Ray’s brand recognition brings mainstream appeal, while the soft texture makes these perfect for training or senior dogs. The 12-ounce quantity provides substantial value compared to refrigerated alternatives.
Value for Money: At $29.17 per pound, these sit in the premium shelf-stable category. The larger package size and celebrity endorsement justify mid-tier pricing.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The soft texture works beautifully for training—easy to break into smaller pieces without crumbling. Real chicken ingredient list appeals to health-conscious owners. However, some dogs prefer crunchy textures, and the softer consistency may not clean teeth like harder treats.
Bottom Line: Excellent training treat that balances quality ingredients with practical shelf-stable convenience. The soft texture makes these universally appealing for dogs of all ages.
6. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked With Natural Ingredients, Bacon, Egg & Cheese , 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Health Bars deliver oven-baked crunch in a bacon, egg & cheese flavor that turns any dog into an eager student. The 16-oz bag is resealable and priced just under five bucks, making it an everyday staple rather than a splurge.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s “no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, BHA or artificial colors” pledge is printed right on the front, so you don’t need a magnifying glass to decode the label. The biscuit density is calibrated to help scrape tartar while your dog chews—dental care disguised as breakfast.
Value for Money: At roughly 31¢ per ounce you’re paying a few cents more than grocery-aisle biscuits, but the ingredient upgrade (oatmeal, real bacon, added vitamins) justifies the bump. One bag lasts a 40-lb dog about three weeks of daily rewarding.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Clean label; crunchy texture dogs love; resealable bag keeps biscuits fresh.
Cons: Not grain-free (contains oatmeal/barley); bacon aroma is strong—store away from hungry humans; some small dogs find the 1½-inch biscuit awkward.
Bottom Line: If you want a guilt-free, corn-free biscuit that won’t wreck your budget, Blue Health Bars are the sweet spot between kibble and filet mignon.
7. FreshPet Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs, 1.75 Lb
Overview: FreshPet’s grain-free chicken roll looks like refrigerated cookie dough for dogs—only it’s 85 % chicken & egg, sustainably sourced and certified to Global Animal Partnership standards. The 1.75-lb tube is a complete meal, not a topper.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s the only national refrigerated brand that publishes humane-raising certificates on every batch. The soft, ground texture is ideal for seniors, puppies, or any dog that ghosts hard kibble.
Value for Money: Price varies by region (often $10–$12), landing at ~$6/lb—double mid-tier kibble but half the cost of fresh-frozen delivery services. You’re paying for refrigerated logistics, not marketing fluff.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: High animal-protein %; no grains, gluten, soy; eco-friendly U.S. kitchens; palatability score off the charts.
Cons: Must stay cold—seven-day shelf life after opening; travel-unfriendly; some bags arrive slightly bloated from harmless (but scary) off-gassing.
Bottom Line: For pet parents committed to refrigerated feeding without subscription-box prices, this roll is the gateway drug to fresh food.
8. FreshPet HOMESTYLE Creations Grilled Chicken Bites 1 LB
Overview: FreshPet Homestyle Creations are bite-size cubes of flame-grilled chicken packaged in a 1-lb pouch—think canine chicken nuggets minus the fryer. Fully cooked, they can be served as a high-protein meal or a high-value training jackpot.
What Makes It Stand Out: The cubes are actually seared on open flames, giving them visible grill marks and a smoky aroma that turns recall practice into a barbecue. Small-batch production means ingredient lists stay short: chicken, liver, peas, carrots, eggs, vinegar.
Value for Money: Shelf price hovers around $7–$8, so $7–$8/lb—comparable to grocery-store rotisserie chicken, minus the seasoning bones and prep work.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: 50 % min crude protein; no meals or by-products; ready-to-serve; resealable pouch.
Cons: Refrigerated only seven days; cubes clump when cold; calorie-dense—easy to overfeed; limited retail footprint.
Bottom Line: Perfect topper or travel-friendly fresh meal for small dogs; big dogs will need two pouches, doubling the cost. Still cheaper than take-out for you both.
9. Freshpet Dog Food, Slice and Serve Roll, Tender Chicken Recipe, 16 Oz
Overview: FreshPet’s Slice-and-Serve Roll stuffs chicken, peas, carrots, and brown rice into a 16-oz sausage that you carve like holiday salami. It’s marketed as a gentle, preservative-free option for dogs with kibble fatigue.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brown rice adds soluble fiber without triggering grain-allergy alarms (no corn/wheat/soy). The roll format lets you customize portions: paper-thin shavings for training or half-inch medallions for dinner.
Value for Money: Usually rings up $5–$6, translating to ~$5/lb—only a dollar more than premium canned food yet visibly packed with whole veggies.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Soft texture ideal for hiding pills; visible veggie chunks; no artificial preservatives; USA-made.
Cons: Requires refrigeration; oily outer coating can feel slimy; strong “pet food” smell straight from the fridge; plastic wrap sometimes splits when twisted.
Bottom Line: A convenient middle ground between canned mush and raw frozen—keep one in the deli drawer for rainy-day appetite boosts or post-vet bland diets.
10. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, No Wheat, Corn or Soy, Made in the USA, Pumpkin and Banana Flavor, 7oz
Overview: Fruitables Baked Dog Treats compress pumpkin and banana into 8-calorie hexagons that smell like autumn candle. The 7-oz pouch is small enough to live in a jacket pocket yet delivers nearly 100 treats, making it a trainer’s secret weapon.
What Makes It Stand Out: CalorieSmart nutrition keeps each piece at just eight calories—reward heavily without expanding the waistline. Pumpkin doubles as a digestion aid, handy for dogs on antibiotics or transitioning foods.
Value for Money: $4.49 per 7-oz bag equals ~64¢/oz, pricier per pound than big-box biscuits but economical per training moment because you can dole out dozens guilt-free.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Wheat/corn/soy-free; crunchy texture satisfies chewers; resealable pouch; aroma entices even picky pups.
Cons: Hexagons crumble if stepped on; pumpkin dust coats pocket linings; small 7-oz size runs out fast in multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line: For calorie-conscious rewarding, Fruitables is the gold standard—tasty enough to rival cookies, virtuous enough for vet approval.
Why Refrigerated Dog Treats Are Surging in Popularity
Pet parents are trading ultra-processed snacks for foods that look, smell, and feel like actual food. Cold-chain distribution keeps fats from oxidizing and eliminates the need for chemical preservatives, delivering a sensory experience dogs prefer and a nutritional profile owners trust. Add in the humanization trend—treating dogs like family—and it’s no surprise refrigerated treats are posting double-digit growth year over year.
How Cold-Holding Technology Preserves Nutrients Without Synthetic Additives
Standard extruded treats are cooked twice: once during production and again when they’re dried to <10 % moisture. Each thermal cycle degrades heat-sensitive B-vitamins, omega-3s, and amino acids. Freshpet’s cold-holding method pasteurizes ingredients quickly at lower temperatures, then chills them to just above freezing. The result is a 45-day refrigerated shelf life with minimal nutrient loss and zero need for potassium sorbate, BHA, or ethoxyquin.
Understanding the Freshpet Brand Philosophy: Food So Fresh It’s Refrigerated
Freshpet’s marketing tagline isn’t just clever wording—it’s a supply-chain mandate. Every recipe is formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, sourced from USDA-inspected facilities, and delivered to stores in temperature-tracked coolers. The company’s “No Junk” pledge bans meat powders, rendered fats, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial anything, aligning with AAFCO guidelines for complete & balanced diets even in treat formats.
Key Nutritional Advantages of All-Natural Refrigerated Snacks
Refrigeration allows formulators to use fresh eggs, raw fruits, and cold-pressed oils instead of shelf-stable substitutes. That translates into higher biologic value protein, naturally occurring antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene, and intact omega-3 chains for skin-and-coat support. Because moisture content hovers around 65 %, dogs feel satiated faster, making portion control easier for weight-managed pups.
Reading the Label: Ingredients to Celebrate and Red Flags to Avoid
Celebrate: named muscle meats (chicken breast, beef sirloin), organ meats in moderation, visible veggies (spinach, cranberries), and natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols.
Red flags: “poultry by-product,” “animal digest,” generic “liver,” sweeteners (sucrose, molasses), and any ingredient you can’t picture in a grocery store. Remember, ingredients are listed by pre-cooking weight; fresh meat will always outweigh dry components in refrigerated treats, so the first three items tell the real story.
Protein First: Deciphering Meat Sources and Amino-Acid Profiles
Dogs require ten essential amino acids, and the digestibility of those amino acids determines the treat’s true value. Freshpet favors whole-muscle cuts that score 90+ on the AAFCO protein efficiency ratio. Look for explicit statements like “deboned chicken” rather than “chicken meal,” and check that the guaranteed analysis lists at least 18 % crude protein on an as-fed basis—roughly double what you’ll see in shelf-stable biscuits.
Moisture Content Matters: Hydration, Satiety, and Dental Health
A 65 % moisture treat delivers up to 30 mL of water per 30 g serving—tiny but meaningful for dogs on kibble-only diets. The soft, spongy texture also creates a gentle abrasive action that wipes away plaque instead of shattering into starchy shards that lodge between teeth. For seniors or dogs with dental extractions, high-moisture treats eliminate the need for painful crunching while still providing jaw exercise.
Grain-Free vs. Healthy-Grain Formulations: What Science Says in 2025
The FDA’s 2018 DCM investigation still hovers over grain-free diets, but 2025 meta-analyses show the issue isn’t the absence of grains—it’s the substitution with high-legume, low-taurine formulas. Freshpet’s refrigerated line balances grain-inclusive options (brown rice, oats) with select grain-free SKUs that rely on taurine-rich egg and fish rather than lentils. If your dog has no documented grain allergy, rotating both styles hedges nutritional bets.
Calorie Density & Portion Control: Keeping Treats Under 10 % of Daily Intake
Soft, meaty treats can feel calorie-light, but at 2–3 kcal per gram they add up fast. A 25 lb dog’s daily treat allowance is roughly 30 kcal—about the size of a ping-pong ball of Freshpet. Use a kitchen scale, not your eyes. Most bags now print kcal/gram on the back; divide your dog’s RER (resting energy requirement) by 10 to calculate the safe daily treat budget.
Allergen Management: Limited-Ingredient Options for Sensitive Dogs
Refrigeration enables true single-protein treats because there’s no need for multiple binders or humectants. Look for SKUs with three or fewer ingredients—typically meat, water, and rosemary extract. Introduce one protein for two weeks, monitor for otic scratching or GI upset, then rotate. This protocol mirrors elimination diets used in veterinary dermatology and can double as a novel-protein trial.
Transitioning Safely: Introducing Refrigerated Treats Without Digestive Upset
Even the cleanest ingredient list can trigger loose stools if the gut microbiome isn’t prepared. Start with ¼ of the target portion for three days, mix into the regular meal to dilute, and add a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin for soluble fiber. By day seven most dogs can tolerate full portions; if not, reassess protein choice or fat content.
Storage & Food-Safety Best Practices for Fresh Pet Treats
Your fridge should stay ≤38 °F (3 °C). Store treats on the middle shelf—never the door—to avoid temperature swings. Once opened, press out excess air, reseal, and use within seven days for soft rolls or 14 days for bite-sized pouches. If you notice sour odors, slimy film, or color fading, discard immediately; lactic-acid spoilage can bloom even under refrigeration.
Sustainability & Packaging: How Freshpet Is Lowering Its Carbon Pawprint in 2025
Freshpet’s new 2025 pouches use 30 % post-consumer recycled polyethylene and a mono-material structure that’s curb-side recyclable in most U.S. cities. The company’s “Fridge to Farm” program returns food scraps to regional biodigesters, creating RNG (renewable natural gas) that powers its Bethlehem, PA kitchen—closing the loop on manufacturing waste.
Cost Analysis: Budgeting for Premium Refrigerated Treats
Expect to pay $0.35–$0.55 per ounce versus $0.15–$0.25 for shelf-stable biscuits. Over a year, a 50 lb dog consuming 1 oz of treats daily will cost roughly $130–$200. Offset the premium by substituting refrigerated treats for part of the daily meal allowance (they’re complete & balanced), reducing veterinary dental cleanings, and preventing allergy-related vet visits.
Vet-Approved Feeding Strategies: From Training Rewards to Food Toppers
Cube refrigerated rolls into ¼-inch pellets and freeze for low-calorie training nibbles. Microwave a tablespoon of shredded fresh treat for 8 seconds to release aroma over kibble, enticing post-surgery patients with poor appetite. For puzzle toys, smear a thin layer inside a Kong and freeze—occupancy time rivals that of peanut butter without the extra fat.
Real-World Results: What Dog Owners Report After 30 Days
In a 2025 consumer panel of 1,200 dogs, 78 % showed improved stool quality, 62 % exhibited reduced scratching within three weeks, and 54 % had visibly whiter teeth after 30 days of refrigerated treats. Owners also reported higher enthusiasm at treat time, measured by a 2.3× increase in “come when called” response during off-leash walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Freshpet treats to extend their shelf life?
Yes, portion and freeze for up to 12 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
2. Are refrigerated treats safe for puppies under six months?
Absolutely—just ensure the protein matches their current diet and cut pieces smaller than your pinky nail.
3. What happens if I accidentally leave the bag on the counter overnight?
Discard it; bacteria double every 20 minutes above 40 °F, and refrigeration can’t rewind spoilage.
4. Do these treats replace brushing for dental health?
They reduce plaque by ~20 %, but daily brushing is still the gold standard.
5. How do I travel with refrigerated treats?
Pack in an insulated lunch bag with frozen gel packs and consume within four hours once the temp rises above 38 °F.
6. Is Freshpet suitable for diabetic dogs?
Many formulas are low-glycemic; confirm with your vet and choose options with <5 % starch.
7. Why is my dog’s stool softer on these treats?
Higher moisture and fresh fat can loosen stools temporarily; transition slowly and add soluble fiber if needed.
8. Can cats eat Freshpet dog treats?
Dog treats lack taurine and vitamin A levels cats require, so keep them canine-exclusive.
9. Are the veggies in these treats just filler?
No—visible carrots, spinach, and cranberries provide polyphenols and fiber that support gut microbiota diversity.
10. How do I know if the store’s fridge is cold enough?
Trust but verify: feel the package; it should be cold to the touch, and the bag’s condensation should be minimal, indicating stable temps.