Across New Jersey and beyond, more pet owners are making informed decisions about what they feed their dogs and cats, seeking transparency, safety, and nutritional balance. Freshpet, a leader in fresh and natural pet food, is drawing attention to two major sets of nutritional standards that help ensure pets receive optimal care through their diets — the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and AAFCO nutrient profiles. As more families treat their pets as part of the family, these standards are becoming essential to understanding what truly makes food healthy and trustworthy for companion animals.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines serve as a worldwide framework for pet nutrition. These recommendations focus on science-backed feeding practices and encourage owners to look for pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff, conduct feeding trials, and maintain transparency about ingredients and formulation. The WSAVA approach emphasizes that every animal is unique — meaning their nutritional needs depend on age, activity level, and health status. This scientific guidance helps pet owners evaluate brands based on expertise and accountability rather than marketing claims.
In the United States, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the benchmark for nutrient content in commercial pet foods. AAFCO standards ensure that any product labeled as “complete and balanced” meets a precise set of nutrient requirements verified through either laboratory analysis or feeding trials. These standards are not merely regulatory checkboxes — they represent the foundation of safe, evidence-based nutrition for millions of pets nationwide.
For Freshpet, aligning with both WSAVA guidelines and AAFCO standards reflects a commitment to transparency and quality. Their focus on using fresh, whole ingredients and maintaining rigorous testing standards helps pet owners trust that their animals are receiving balanced nutrition that supports long-term health. The company’s refrigerated recipes, made without artificial preservatives, have become popular among pet owners who prefer minimally processed options that mirror the principles of whole-food nutrition.
The push toward greater awareness of pet nutrition is also influencing veterinary care and wellness trends throughout New Jersey. More veterinarians are taking the time to educate clients about reading pet food labels, identifying reputable brands, and understanding ingredient sources. Pet stores and clinics across the state are expanding their selections of fresh and high-quality options, reflecting the growing demand for trustworthy nutrition. This shift marks a broader cultural change — pet care is no longer limited to routine vet visits but now includes daily dietary choices that influence energy levels, coat quality, and overall lifespan.
As consumer awareness grows, more New Jersey pet owners are realizing that proper nutrition is one of the most impactful investments they can make in their animals’ well-being. Brands that embrace science-backed standards and prioritize transparency are helping to reshape the pet food industry into one that mirrors the health-conscious choices people make for themselves.
Freshpet Reinvents Pet Nutrition with Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients and a Commitment to Healthier Feeding
Since its founding in 2006, Freshpet has completely redefined how pet owners think about feeding their dogs. What began as a small idea to bring fresh, real ingredients to pet food has grown into one of the most trusted names in the pet nutrition world. Today, millions of pet owners across the country rely on Freshpet’s refrigerated meals to keep their pets happy, healthy, and thriving. With its headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Freshpet continues to raise the standard for what “fresh food” really means in the pet industry. Every recipe begins with locally sourced meats, vegetables, and fruits from farms across the United States, delivered fresh to Freshpet’s kitchens each day.
What truly sets Freshpet apart is its dedication to using only whole, natural ingredients — no artificial preservatives, meat meals, or by-products. Each meal is gently cooked to lock in nutrients, offering a diet that’s closer to home-cooked food than traditional kibble or canned options. This focus on freshness has made Freshpet a favorite among pet parents who want their furry companions to eat meals made with the same care and quality as their own.
Freshpet’s line of foods has expanded to include several collections that cater to different nutritional needs and preferences. Each range — from Freshpet Vital and Nature’s Fresh to Homestyle Creations and Roasted Meals — is formulated to provide “complete and balanced” nutrition that meets or exceeds the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for dogs of all ages and sizes.
The Freshly Roasted Meals recipes are among the most popular, offering high-protein options made primarily from U.S.-raised chicken, beef, and salmon. Each recipe is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, eggs, and brown rice, with grain-free versions available for dogs with sensitivities. These meals are designed to deliver both flavor and nourishment, giving pets the protein they need to stay strong and active.
For dog owners seeking variety, the Fresh from the Kitchen collection provides home-cooked-style meals with shredded meats and colorful fruits and vegetables. The Freshpet Home Cooked Chicken Recipe, for instance, includes real cranberries and carrots, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene. It’s a vibrant, textured meal that reflects the company’s philosophy of simple, natural feeding.
Another standout is the Homestyle Creations line, known for its high-protein recipes and minimal ingredient lists. Each formula features less than ten key ingredients and prioritizes fresh, unprocessed meats. For pet parents who want meals that feel homemade but meet professional nutritional standards, Homestyle Creations offers that perfect balance.
Freshpet also caters to dogs with specific dietary needs. Its Multi-Protein meals include salmon for healthy skin and coats, while its Small Dog recipes feature smaller, bite-sized pieces designed for easier chewing and digestion. The brand’s Slice & Serve Rolls provide convenience without compromise, offering wholesome meals that can be easily portioned while maintaining a fresh taste. These rolls come in several varieties, from puppy-specific recipes rich in DHA for brain development to senior blends with added antioxidants and omega fatty acids for joint and skin health.
The Vital line — one of Freshpet’s flagship collections — focuses on limited-ingredient, high-protein meals made for dogs at every life stage. With both grain-free and grain-inclusive options, Vital recipes emphasize clean nutrition. They include superfoods like cranberries, sweet potatoes, and spinach, while supporting specific health goals such as digestion, mobility, and aging. The Vital Balanced Nutrition range even incorporates ancient grains like oats and brown rice for fiber and gut health.
Freshpet has also made strides toward sustainability with its Nature’s Fresh collection. This eco-conscious line sources its ingredients from regenerative farms and uses humanely raised proteins that meet Global Animal Partnership (GAP) welfare standards. The company’s kitchens run on environmentally friendly practices, demonstrating Freshpet’s awareness that nutrition and sustainability go hand in hand.
For pets who prefer softer, chunked meals, the Deli Fresh collection offers steam-cooked, semi-moist options that resemble freshly prepared human meals. Each formula includes real meats and vegetables without GMOs, maintaining the brand’s clean-label promise. And for those who want the ultimate convenience, Freshpet’s Custom Meals delivery service now brings tailored, veterinarian-backed nutrition plans right to pet owners’ doors, based on each dog’s age, size, and activity level.
What unites all of these ranges is Freshpet’s commitment to quality, transparency, and the well-being of pets. Every recipe is designed not just to nourish but to support longevity and vitality through fresh, real food. With an expanding line of meals that address everything from digestive support to joint care, Freshpet continues to stand at the forefront of the fresh pet food movement.
For New Jersey pet parents, this focus on fresh feeding aligns perfectly with growing wellness trends. More owners are recognizing that proper nutrition isn’t just for humans — it’s essential for pets, too. As awareness grows, Freshpet serves as a model for how science, sustainability, and care can transform the way we nourish the animals who share our homes.
To explore more about pet health, nutrition, and wellness across the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness.
