Freshpet stands out on pet store shelves in a very literal way, sold from refrigerated cases rather than sitting in bags next to traditional dry kibble.
That refrigerated model required Freshpet to build an entirely different kind of manufacturing operation than a typical dry kibble producer, and the company calls its production facilities Freshpet Kitchens for good reason.
Here is exactly who makes Freshpet, where it is manufactured, and what real dog owners say once they have made the switch to refrigerated food.
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Who Really Makes Freshpet
Freshpet is a publicly traded, United States based pet food company headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey, and it manufactures its own products rather than outsourcing production to third party co packers.
The Wikipedia entry for Freshpet traces part of its manufacturing lineage back to Doane Pet Care, and it has grown into one of the most recognized names in the refrigerated pet food category specifically because it controls its own production process end to end.
Freshpet Manufacturing Locations
Freshpet produces its refrigerated dog and cat food at dedicated production facilities the company calls Freshpet Kitchens, which are registered with APHIS and the FDA and located within the United States.
Every batch produced at a Freshpet Kitchen reportedly undergoes over 20 quality and safety tests before leaving the facility, a level of in house testing that reflects the added food safety complexity of producing refrigerated rather than shelf stable pet food.
Why Freshpet Uses A Refrigerated Model
Freshpet built its entire brand identity around fresh, minimally processed ingredients that do not require the same preservation techniques as traditional dry kibble, which is why the product needs to stay refrigerated from the Freshpet Kitchen all the way to the store shelf.
This approach requires significantly more logistics coordination than dry kibble, since Freshpet needs cold chain distribution all the way to retail, a genuine operational challenge that has shaped the company entire supply chain strategy.
What Owners Say About Freshpet In Trustpilot And Reviews
Freshpet carries a strong 2026 Trustpilot rating near 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1000 reviews, with owners consistently praising ingredient quality, easily identifiable meat content, and success winning over picky eaters.
Several reviewers specifically note improved digestion after switching from dry kibble to Freshpet, while the most common concern raised is price, since the refrigerated format costs meaningfully more than standard dry dog food.
Freshpet Warranty And Customer Support
Freshpet backs its products with a satisfaction guarantee, and full details on the manufacturing and quality process are available on the official Freshpet how it is made page.
For product questions or concerns, Freshpet customers can contact veterinary and customer support resources listed directly on the official Freshpet website.
How Freshpet Compares To Other Dog Food Brands
Buyers comparing Freshpet against traditional dry kibble brands can read our guide to who makes Blue Buffalo dog food or our breakdown of Royal Canin dog food for context on how a shelf stable premium brand approaches ingredient sourcing differently.
Freshpet remains one of the only major brands built specifically around the refrigerated category, which makes it a genuinely different choice from nearly every other brand covered in our dog food guides.
Is Freshpet Really Good
Freshpet earns consistently strong reviews for ingredient quality and digestibility, backed by a company that controls its own manufacturing process through dedicated Freshpet Kitchens rather than outsourcing production.
The higher price point is worth budgeting for before switching, since the refrigerated format and cold chain logistics genuinely cost more to produce and distribute than standard dry kibble.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freshpet Dog Food
Where is Freshpet manufactured
Freshpet manufactures its products at dedicated facilities called Freshpet Kitchens, located within the United States and registered with APHIS and the FDA.
Does Freshpet make its own food or use a co packer
Freshpet manufactures its own products directly rather than outsourcing production to third party co packers, giving the company more direct control over quality.
Why does Freshpet need refrigeration
Freshpet uses fresh, minimally processed ingredients that do not require the same preservation techniques as dry kibble, which is why the product must stay refrigerated from production through retail.
Is Freshpet a good dog food brand
Yes, Freshpet carries a strong reputation among owners for ingredient quality and digestibility, reflected in its high 2026 Trustpilot rating.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.