Ask Dr. Aziza: What Makes Freshpet a Great Choice for Your Pet?

The food your pet eats plays a significant role in their overall health, which makes choosing the right one an important decision. We’ve asked Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza, to share her thoughts on what makes Freshpet recipes stand out so you can make an informed choice, whether you’re a new or seasoned pet parent.

As a veterinarian, what qualities do you look for in a dog or cat food before recommending it?

When evaluating pet food, I prioritize:

● Nutrient Density: The food should be well-balanced and contain essential nutrients, ensuring pets receive optimal health benefits.

● Moisture Content: Adequate moisture is crucial for hydration and supports skin, kidney and bladder health.

● Natural Ingredients: Recognizable ingredients without fillers tend to promote better digestion and overall health.

● Palatability: The food must be appealing to pets, especially those with selective appetites.

● Transparency: Clear labeling and sourcing practices build trust and ensure quality.

Why do you feel Freshpet aligns with the level of care you want your patients to receive?

As a veterinarian who practices integrative medicine, I incorporate foods and herbs to enhance my treatment plans, especially in older or geriatric patients. Some of the reasons Freshpet stands out include:

● Each recipe utilizes high-quality, natural ingredients without artificial additives.

● It’s a fresh diet, so it offers moisture-rich recipes which improve hydration as well as bladder and kidney functions.

● Patients often prefer fresh diets because the increased scents from these recipes tend to be more palatable – this is especially important to ensure consistent nutrition for picky eaters.

● Freshpet demonstrates a commitment to pet health through transparent sourcing and production.

What makes Freshpet stand out from other pet food options you’ve seen in your practice?

Freshpet differentiates itself by combining fresh, natural ingredients, which addresses both nutritional needs and palatability. This approach is particularly beneficial for pets with specific dietary requirements or those transitioning from less nutritious options.

As a veterinarian, I also appreciate that it provides me with a wider range of options for patients that need diets with novel proteins or limited ingredients. It’s especially helpful that these are easily available at their local retailer instead of through a prescription.

How does Freshpet support the kinds of health goals you recommend for your patients?

Freshpet recipes support various health objectives, including:

● Weight Management: One of the leading chronic diseases (and often under-treated) is pet obesity. Besides increased exercise, increasing daily water intake is a great way of addressing weight loss. The increased moisture content in Freshpet recipes allows for larger meal portions without excessive calories, aiding in weight control and feeling “fuller” or satiated.

● Digestive Health: Natural ingredients promote better digestion and nutrient absorption. The well-balanced recipes from Freshpet include veggies and other great sources of fiber that not only improve gut biome or beneficial bacteria, but also help with consistent bowel movements, decreasing the chances of constipation.

● Skin and Coat Health: Omega fatty acids in certain recipes support healthy skin and a shiny coat. Based on what the pet needs, there are some recipes that have higher sources of omega fatty acids than others.

● Hydration: The high moisture levels assist in maintaining proper hydration, crucial for overall health. This is a great passive way to treat chronic diseases like patients predisposed to urinary and renal issues.

How does Freshpet help pets who are picky eaters finally enjoy mealtime?

I often tell clients who tend to feed their pets table scraps to meet me halfway and encourage them to find a safer alternative. Freshpet’s recipes are gently steamed, and depending on the type of recipes or treats, often still look like the ingredients that may be found on the dinner table.

Freshpet has an enhanced aroma and flavor, derived from natural ingredients, that are more appealing to pets compared to traditional kibble. The gentle steaming process preserves the natural scents, enticing even the most selective eaters. A diet that’s both nourishing and enjoyable can make a meaningful difference in a pet’s daily quality of life.

Have you seen behavioral changes in pets that switch from kibble to Freshpet?

Yes, I have noticed a mix of behavioral changes between pets who switch from kibble to Freshpet. Some exhibit increased enthusiasm during mealtime after transitioning to Freshpet. The enhanced palatability and aroma often lead to improved appetite and overall behavior during feeding times.

Patients with chronic itchy and dry skin can become irritable over a period of time. When treating patients with chronic allergies, I often see a noticeable shift. Switching to the right Freshpet recipe can lead to calmer behavior and a more playful, engaged demeanor.