How to Feed & Store Freshpet

Everything you need to know about storing, feeding, and handling Freshpet including shelf life, refrigeration, freezing, and food safety.

Freshpet is real food, so it should be handled the same way you'd handle fresh food in your own kitchen. That means refrigeration, sensible storage habits, and paying attention to freshness — not because something is wrong with it, but because it's made without artificial preservatives.

In This Article:

• How Long Does Fresh Dog Food Last Once Opened?
• What's the Best Way to Serve Freshpet?
• How Long Can Fresh Dog Food Sit Out?
• What's the Safest Way to Store Fresh Dog Food?
• How Strict Do You Need to Be About Refrigeration?
• Can You Freeze Fresh Dog Food?
• Safe Handling for the Whole Family
• How to Travel With Freshpet
• FAQs

The Freshpet Quick Guide

• Use within 5-7 days of opening
• Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
• Discard from bowl after 1 hour
• Freeze if you need more time so nutrition stays intact
• When in doubt, throw it out

How Long Does Fresh Dog Food Last Once Opened?

This is one of the most common questions pet parents have about fresh food. Fortunately, the answer is simple.

Freshpet Rolls

Use all of your opened Freshpet recipe within 7 days of opening.

Because Freshpet recipes are made without artificial preservatives, the freshness window begins once the package is opened, just like other fresh foods in your refrigerator. Most households go through a roll well within that timeframe, and if you need more time, Freshpet can also be frozen.

Freshpet Bagged Meals

Use all of your opened Freshpet recipe within 5-7 days of opening, depending on the product. Each food will have the number of days it can be used after opening on the package.

Freshpet bagged meals make day-to-day feeding especially easy thanks to their resealable bag design. Like any fresh food made without artificial preservatives, they should stay refrigerated and be used within 5-7 days after opening.

Why Fresh Food Has a Shorter Window (and Why That's a Good Thing)

Fresh food has a shorter shelf life because it is made with real ingredients and without artificial preservatives designed to extend storage for weeks or months. That shorter window is not a flaw; it's part of what makes fresh food fresh.

Just like deli meat, rotisserie chicken, or fresh produce in your own kitchen, Freshpet recipes are meant to be refrigerated, enjoyed fresh, and handled with simple food safety habits.

What's the Best Way to Serve Freshpet?

Serving Freshpet is simple. Here's everything you need to know for rolls, bagged meals, and a few extras your pet might love.

Serving Freshpet Rolls

Pets everywhere love our Freshpet roll recipes! Made with real meat and fresh fruits & veggies, our rolls are served fresh from the fridge where pet food belongs. And there's a really easy way to cut the rolls that we like to think we've perfected over the years. You can watch the full video on our Freshpet YouTube Channel here, too!

1. Grab your pet's favorite Freshpet roll from the fridge.
2. Using the serving marks on the Freshpet roll, slice off the appropriate amount for your dog or cat based on the recipe's Feeding Guidelines on the packaging. Keep in mind that each recipe has their own specific Feeding Guidelines.
3. Once you've got the correct number of slices for your pet's meal, mash or dice the pieces into the appropriate portion size to fit your pet's needs.
4. Their Freshpet meal is ready to go! Be sure to put your Freshpet roll back in the fridge, and discard any uneaten food in your pet's bowl after 1 hour. Use all of your opened Freshpet recipe within 7 days of opening.

Serving Freshpet Bagged Meals

Our Freshpet Bagged Meals are always a crowd pleaser. Made with real meat, zero preservatives, and a convenient resealable bag, our Freshpet Meals have quickly jumped up in pawpularity with both our pet parents and their pets. You can watch the full video on how to serve our bagged recipes on our Freshpet YouTube Channel, too!

Here's an easy, step-by-step guide to feeding our Freshpet Bagged Meals to your dog or cat:

1. Grab your pet's favorite Freshpet Meal from the fridge.
2. Open the easy, resealable Freshpet bag.
3. Using a dry measuring cup, scoop the appropriate amount for your dog or cat based on the recipe's Feeding Guidelines on the back of the bag. Keep in mind that each recipe has its own specific Feeding Guidelines.
4. Your pet's meal is ready to go! Be sure to put your Freshpet bag back in the fridge and discard any uneaten food in your pet's bowl after 1 hour. Use all of your opened Freshpet recipe within 5-7 days of opening.

Can You Mix Freshpet With Warm Water or Broth?

Yes. A small splash of warm water or low-sodium broth can help take the chill off Freshpet and enhance the aroma, which many dogs find especially appealing.

This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters or dogs transitioning from dry kibble to fresh food.

Can You Microwave Freshpet?

If your pet prefers warm food, Freshpet can be gently warmed before serving.

You may occasionally notice brief sparking or sizzling while microwaving Freshpet. This can happen because some recipes contain vegetables and essential minerals like copper and iron that are added to make the food complete and balanced for your dog. While it may look surprising, it is not harmful and does not affect the nutritional quality of the food.

Rolls

1. Choose the product of your choice and obtain a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
2. Measure out the product you're going to feed according to feeding guidelines for your dog.
3. Be sure to remove the packaging prior to microwaving.
4. You can either feed this roll as a whole slice or diced up into pieces. Take this into consideration when using the wattage chart to figure out how long to microwave the product.
5. Flip whole slices halfway through the microwave time or spread out pieces as evenly as possible to achieve an even warming throughout the food.
6. Once done microwaving, allow the product to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before feeding.

Bagged & Roasted Meals

1. Choose the product of your choice and obtain a microwave safe plate or bowl.
2. Measure out the product you're going to feed according to feeding guidelines for your dog.
3. Be sure to remove the product from the packaging prior to microwaving.
4. Spread out the pieces as much as possible to ensure food is warmed evenly.
5. Use the wattage converter to find the amount of time to microwave the product according to your microwave wattage.
6. Once done microwaving, allow all pieces to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before feeding.

How Long Can Fresh Dog Food Sit Out?

Freshpet should be treated like any other fresh food left out at room temperature.

The 1-Hour Rule and Why It Exists

Discard any uneaten food in your pet's bowl after 1 hour.

Like fresh food in your own kitchen, perishable pet food can begin developing bacterial growth when left out too long at room temperature. The same rule applies to Freshpet that would apply to deli meat, cooked chicken, or other refrigerated foods.

What If My Dog Didn't Finish Their Bowl?

If your dog does not finish their meal within an hour, it's safest to discard the remaining food rather than refrigerating it again.

For dogs who like to graze, serving smaller portions more frequently can help reduce waste while keeping meals fresh and safe.

What's the Safest Way to Store Fresh Dog Food?

A few simple storage habits help keep Freshpet fresh, safe, and easy to manage day to day.

Storing Freshpet Rolls

There are several easy ways to safely store Freshpet rolls in the refrigerator between meals.

• Our most-used method for storing is to save any remaining roll in a plastic bag, as noted in this video. Be sure to get any extra air out of the bag before storing. We've found that this helps keep our recipes fresher during that 7-day period.
• Another great way to store our Freshpet rolls is to cap or seal the open end of the roll after a meal. We recommend using some aluminum foil to keep the air out and to preserve freshness.
• You can also simply take a piece of plastic wrap, stretch over the open end, and tie with a rubber band.
• Store sliced or portioned Freshpet in a sealed mason jar or airtight container for easy stacking and storage.

Storing Freshpet Bagged Meals

Storing our Freshpet Meals couldn't be simpler, thanks to the resealable bag! After you've fed your pet their favorite Freshpet recipe, simply re-seal the bag, place it back in the fridge, and you're all set until the next mealtime! Be sure to use your opened Freshpet recipe within 5-7 days of opening, too.

Tips for Small or Shared Fridges

• Store Freshpet rolls in sealed bags so they stack more easily alongside human food.
• Freshpet bagged meals stand upright and take up minimal shelf space.
• Pre-portion meals into smaller containers or freezer bags to make storage more flexible.
• Freeze extra portions you won't use right away to free up refrigerator space.

How Strict Do You Need to Be About Refrigeration?

It's completely normal to have questions about refrigeration and freshness when feeding real food. Fortunately, the guidelines are straightforward and easy to manage once you know what to look for.

The Right Fridge Temperature

Freshpet should be stored at 40°F (4°C) or below, which is the standard safe refrigeration temperature for fresh foods.

If you're unsure about your refrigerator temperature, an inexpensive fridge thermometer can take the guesswork out entirely. Many households that regularly store fresh meats and produce already use them.

How to Tell If Freshpet Has Gone Bad

Freshpet should smell fresh and look normal when properly refrigerated.

Signs that Freshpet food may have spoiled include:

• An unusually sour or "off" smell
• A slimy texture
• Visible discoloration or mold

If something seems off, trust your instincts. When in doubt, throw it out.

What If Freshpet Was Left Out Overnight?

If Freshpet was left out overnight, the safest choice is to discard it.

Because it is fresh food made without artificial preservatives, Freshpet can spoil more quickly at room temperature than shelf-stable kibble. Mistakes happen — the important thing is making the safe call and starting fresh at the next meal.

Can You Freeze Fresh Dog Food?

Yes. Freshpet can absolutely be frozen, and freezing is one of the easiest ways to extend freshness, save fridge space, and reduce waste.

When and How to Freeze Freshpet

Freezing Freshpet is a great option if you won't use an opened roll or bag within 5-7 days or if you prefer buying larger quantities at once.

For easiest serving later:

• Portion food into single-meal servings before freezing
• Use airtight freezer bags or containers
• Label portions with the date the food was placed in the freezer
• Freeze promptly after opening

Pre-portioning also makes thawing faster and helps reduce waste.

How to Thaw Safely

The safest way to thaw Freshpet is in the refrigerator overnight.

Do not thaw Freshpet on the counter at room temperature or microwave frozen portions to thaw them quickly. Once thawed safely in the fridge, you can gently warm the food before serving if desired.

You may notice extra moisture and/or softer texture after thawing, which is completely normal and happens as the food freezes and defrosts.

Does Freezing Affect Nutrition?

Our recipes retain all of their nutritional value after frozen portions are thawed. Freezing may slightly change the texture of some recipes, but the nutrition stays fully intact.

Safe Handling for the Whole Family

Freshpet is real food, and like any fresh food in your kitchen, a few simple handling habits help keep everyone safe.

Basic Food Safety Steps

• Wash your hands before and after handling Freshpet.
• Use a clean knife, scoop, or utensil when serving meals.
• Avoid leaving a scoop or spoon inside the bag between feedings; use a clean utensil each time you serve.
• Avoid preparing pet food on the same surface as human food without cleaning it first.
• Return Freshpet to the refrigerator promptly after serving.
• Reseal open rolls or bags after opening and store refrigerated between meals.

Tips for Kids Helping at Mealtime

Kids can absolutely help feed the family pet. It's a great routine to build together.

Encourage children to wash their hands before and after handling pet food, and consider using a dedicated pet food scoop or spoon to keep mealtime simple and organized. With a few easy habits, helping at feeding time can stay safe, fun, and stress-free.

How to Travel With Freshpet

Freshpet travels well with a little planning, whether you're heading out for a weekend road trip or a longer vacation.

Road Trips

An insulated cooler with ice packs is the easiest way to keep Freshpet cold and safe during road travel.

Before leaving, pre-portion meals into sealed bags or containers so serving is quick and mess-free on the go. Keep Freshpet stored at 40°F or below just as you would at home, and if you're stopping overnight, transfer it to a hotel mini fridge whenever possible.

Flights

For air travel, Freshpet and ice packs will typically need to go in checked luggage depending on current TSA guidelines, so it's always smart to check the latest TSA requirements before flying.

Pre-portioned, sealed, and clearly labeled bags are the easiest option for travel days. For longer stays, some pet parents also choose to ship Freshpet ahead to their destination or purchase it locally after arrival.

FAQs

Can Freshpet go bad if it isn't refrigerated?

Yes. Freshpet is real food made without artificial preservatives, so it should always be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below.

Like fresh food in your own kitchen, Freshpet can spoil if left unrefrigerated for too long. If a package has been left out overnight or smells, looks, or feels unusual, it's safest to discard it.

Can you freeze Freshpet after opening?

Yes. Freshpet can be frozen after opening, and freezing is one of the easiest ways to extend freshness and reduce waste.

For best results, portion the food into single-meal servings before freezing and thaw portions overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How long can Freshpet stay in my dog's bowl?

Discard any uneaten food in your pet's bowl after 1 hour.

Because Freshpet is refrigerated fresh food, it should not sit at room temperature for extended periods. If your dog tends to graze, serving smaller portions more frequently can help reduce waste.

Is it okay to microwave Freshpet?

Yes. Freshpet can be gently warmed in the microwave if your pet prefers warm food.

Always warm food briefly, stir or spread evenly if needed, and allow it to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving.

Does freezing Freshpet affect nutrition?

No. Our recipes retain their nutritional value when you freeze and thaw our recipes.

Freezing may slightly affect texture in some recipes, but the nutritional quality remains fully intact. Many pets enjoy the food exactly as thawed, while others prefer it gently warmed before serving.