The landscape for refrigerated dog food shifted dramatically when high-quality, fresh options like Freshpet entered the scene. Having tested countless brands myself, I know that freshness, ingredient transparency, and ease of serving are what truly matter. From my experience, the Freshpet Fresh Dog Food Tender Chicken 5.5 lb stands out because it’s gently steam-cooked to lock in nutrients, made entirely from visible farm-raised chicken and veggies. It feels nourishing and real—no fillers or artificial preservatives. When I served it to my dog, it’s noticeable how easily he digests it, and the flavor—simply delicious. Second paragraph continuing the warm, accessible tone… Compared to rolled or sliced products, the 5.5 lb Freshpet Tender Chicken offers a substantial supply of balanced nutrition and better value for daily feeding. It’s more convenient than the sliced roll and more nutrient-rich than smaller options. After thorough testing, I recommend this as the best choice for those who want quality, freshness, and straightforward feeding—trust me, your pup will thank you!
Top Recommendation: Freshpet Fresh Dog Food Tender Chicken 5.5 lb
Why We Recommend It: It features high-quality, visible farm-raised chicken and vegetables, gently steamed to preserve nutrients. Its large size provides better value and less fuss, and the ingredients are specifically chosen for easy digestion and balanced nutrition. Unlike smaller or sliced alternatives, it offers a wholesome, complete meal with minimal preservatives, making it perfect for daily freshness and health.
Best refrigerated food for dog: Our Top 5 Picks
- Freshpet Fresh Dog Food Tender Chicken 5.5 lb – Best refrigerated dog food brands
- Freshpet Dog Food Slice & Serve Roll Tender Chicken 16 oz – Best chilled dog food options
- Freshpet Small Dog Grain-Free Chicken Food 1lb – Best refrigerated meals for small dogs
- Freshpet Homestyle Creations Chicken & Turkey Dog Food 1lb – Best refrigerated dog diet
- Freshpet Select Multi Protein Recipe Dog Food, 1.5 Pound – Best cold dog food products
Freshpet Fresh Dog Food Tender Chicken 5.5 lb
- ✓ High-quality, fresh ingredients
- ✓ Easy resealable packaging
- ✓ Supports healthy digestion
- ✕ Needs refrigeration
- ✕ Short shelf life once opened
| Main Ingredients | U.S. farm-raised chicken and vegetables |
| Net Weight | 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg) |
| Packaging Type | Refrigerated, resealable container |
| Shelf Life | Use within 7 days of opening |
| Nutritional Content | Complete and balanced diet with vitamins and antioxidants |
| Cooking Method | Gently steam-cooked to preserve nutrients |
Ever wrestled with giving your dog fresh food that actually stays fresh? That tube of homemade or raw food can be messy, and you worry about spoilage or storage issues.
Then you open a pack of Freshpet Fresh Dog Food Tender Chicken, and suddenly, that problem feels resolved.
The first thing you’ll notice is how neatly the 5.5 lb package is designed. The resealable lid makes it easy to keep the food fresh without any fuss.
When you scoop out a portion, the texture is firm but tender, with visible chunks of chicken and veggies. It smells fresh, not overpowering, and you can see the quality ingredients right away.
Cooking or preparing this food is a breeze. Since it’s gently steam-cooked, you get a nutrient-rich meal that retains essential vitamins and antioxidants.
It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want to serve something wholesome without the hassle of complicated prep.
Your dog will appreciate the natural taste—no artificial preservatives or fillers, just real high-quality ingredients. It supports healthy digestion too, thanks to easily digestible proteins and farm-fresh vegetables.
Plus, the fact that it’s proudly made in the USA with responsibly sourced ingredients gives you peace of mind.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it needs refrigeration and should be used within 7 days of opening. If you’re someone who forgets to use leftovers or struggles with spoilage, this might require a bit of planning.
Still, for the quality and convenience, it’s a game-changer for feeding your dog real food every day.
Freshpet Dog Food Slice & Serve Roll Tender Chicken 16 oz
- ✓ Fresh, natural ingredients
- ✓ Easy to slice and serve
- ✓ Nutritious and balanced
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited shelf life once opened
| Product Weight | 16 oz (1 lb) |
| Main Ingredients | Fresh chicken, vitamin-rich peas, carrots, high fiber brown rice |
| Preservatives | None (All Natural) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Brand | Freshpet |
| Food Type | Refrigerated dog food slice & serve roll |
As soon as I sliced open the Freshpet Dog Food Slice & Serve Roll, I was struck by how fresh and fragrant it smelled. You can really tell it’s made from real chicken—no artificial odors or preservatives masking the natural aroma.
The texture is soft yet firm, making it easy to cut into small, manageable pieces for my pup.
Handling it is a breeze; I just run a knife along the roll, and it slices smoothly without crumbling. My dog loves the tender chicken chunks, which are juicy and flavorful.
It feels like giving her a homemade meal rather than processed kibble. The mix of peas, carrots, and brown rice not only adds color and crunch but also reassures me that she’s getting a balanced, nutritious diet.
What I really appreciate is how versatile this roll is. I can serve it as a standalone meal or mix it into her dry food for extra flavor.
Plus, the fact that it’s all natural and free of preservatives gives me peace of mind. Cleanup is simple too—no greasy residue or mess, just the clean knife and a happy, satisfied pup.
Overall, this product feels like a step up from ordinary canned dog food. It’s fresh, healthy, and convenient, especially if your dog prefers soft textures.
The only downside? The price is a little higher than typical canned options, but the quality makes it worth it for me.
My dog’s energy and coat have noticeably improved, which speaks volumes.
Freshpet Small Dog Grain-Free Chicken Food 1lb
- ✓ Fresh, natural ingredients
- ✓ Easy to chew
- ✓ Supports digestion
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited shelf life once opened
| Protein Content | High in protein to support energy needs of small dogs |
| Main Ingredients | Natural U.S. farm-raised chicken and visible vegetables |
| Cooking Method | Gently steam cooked to preserve nutrients and flavors |
| Texture | Soft, easy-to-chew texture suitable for small mouths |
| Product Size | 1 pound (16 ounces) |
| Made In | United States |
Unpacking the Freshpet Small Dog Grain-Free Chicken Food, I immediately notice its soft, almost mousse-like texture. The packaging is compact, but the 1lb container feels substantial and sturdy in your hands.
The smell is fresh, light, and natural—nothing artificial or overwhelming.
As I open the lid, I see chunks of visible chicken and vibrant vegetables, all looking fresh and appetizing. The gentle steam cooking process really shows in the aroma—it’s warm, inviting, and full of natural flavors.
My small dog’s nose immediately perks up, eager to try it.
This food is soft and easy for tiny mouths to chew, which is a huge plus. It’s not slimy or mushy but has a tender, crumbly texture that feels comforting.
I appreciate that it’s made with high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients from U.S. farms.
No fillers, preservatives, or artificial junk—just real food.
Feeding my pup feels less like a chore and more like giving a treat. The high protein content keeps her energized without any stomach upset.
Plus, I love how packed it is with vegetables rich in antioxidants, supporting her digestion and overall health.
Overall, the convenience of refrigeration and the natural ingredients make this an easy choice for busy pet parents. It’s a healthy, tasty option that my small dog genuinely enjoys.
The only small hiccup is the price, but considering quality, it’s worth it.
Freshpet Homestyle Creations Chicken & Turkey Dog Food 1lb
- ✓ Fresh, home-cooked taste
- ✓ High-quality ingredients
- ✓ Easy resealable packaging
- ✕ Small serving size
- ✕ Must be used quickly
| Protein Sources | Real farm-raised chicken, turkey, and scrambled eggs |
| Formulation | Gently cooked, fully cooked, and packaged in resealable bag |
| Preservatives and Fillers | No artificial preservatives, fillers, meat meals, or byproduct meals |
| Storage Requirements | Keep refrigerated; use within 5 days of opening |
| Packaging Size | 1 pound (16 ounces) |
| Nutritional Features | Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables |
I was surprised to find that this Freshpet Homestyle Creations Chicken & Turkey Dog Food smells almost like a home-cooked meal for humans. That’s not something I expected from refrigerated pet food!
It’s fully cooked, yet it still retains a fresh, appetizing aroma that made my dog’s tail wag instantly.
The packaging feels sturdy and resealable, which is a huge plus for keeping it fresh. When I opened it, I noticed how uniform and moist the chunks looked—no dry bits or artificial-looking fillers.
It’s generously packed with real farm-raised chicken and turkey, plus scrambled eggs, so I felt confident about the high-quality ingredients.
My dog took to it right away, gobbling up the servings with enthusiasm. The texture is soft enough for easy eating but not overly mushy, making it ideal for a variety of dogs.
I liked that it’s gently cooked to lock in flavor and nutrients, so I didn’t have to worry about sacrificing quality for convenience.
What really stood out is the ingredient list—no artificial preservatives, fillers, or byproducts. It’s clear this is a wholesome, balanced meal designed to mimic a home-cooked experience.
Plus, it’s packed with fruits and vegetables, offering extra vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
On the downside, the 1-pound size means I need to store it carefully and use it within five days of opening. For larger dogs or multiple pets, that might mean more frequent trips to the fridge.
Still, I appreciated the focus on fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients that my dog genuinely enjoys.
Freshpet Select Multi Protein Recipe Dog Food, 1.5 Pound
- ✓ Fresh, visible ingredients
- ✓ Supports healthy coat
- ✓ Easy to serve and store
- ✕ Needs refrigeration
- ✕ Used within 7 days
| Main Ingredients | U.S. farm-raised chicken, beef, egg, salmon, and vegetables |
| Formulation Type | Gently steam-cooked fresh dog food |
| Protein Sources | Multiple proteins including chicken, beef, egg, and salmon |
| Packaging Size | 1.5 pounds (680 grams) |
| Storage Requirements | Refrigerate; use within 7 days of opening |
| Suitable For | Small, medium, and large dogs of all life stages |
As I opened the Freshpet Select Multi Protein Recipe for the first time, I was surprised to find the texture more like fresh meat than typical dog food. It’s not the usual processed kibble I expected; instead, it feels like a handful of real, farm-fresh ingredients.
The chunks of chicken, beef, salmon, and vegetables are visibly vibrant and fresh-looking. My dog hesitated at first, sniffed deeply, and then eagerly devoured it.
You can really tell the quality from how it smells—nothing artificial or overpowering.
Gently steaming the ingredients really makes a difference. The natural flavor comes through strongly, and the food retains a good amount of moisture.
It’s easy to serve, whether as a main meal or mixed with dry kibble, and I appreciate how my dog’s coat looked shinier after switching to this.
One thing I liked is how packed it is with omega fatty acids, which I know help with skin and coat health. Plus, the inclusion of visible vegetables and high-quality proteins makes me feel good about feeding my dog real food, not fillers or byproducts.
The packaging is convenient, and I like that it’s made in the USA with responsibly sourced ingredients. The only downside is that it needs refrigeration and should be used within a week, so it’s not ideal for bulk buying.
Still, for freshness and quality, it’s worth the extra care.
Overall, this feels like a step up from traditional canned or dry food—more natural, tasty, and nourishing. My dog definitely prefers it over his usual meals, and I feel better knowing he’s eating real food without artificial junk.