healthy ingredients

Eye health is a popular topic among pet parents these days because eye diseases and issues can be prevalent in dogs, especially in certain breeds. Fortunately, nature has provided us with quite a few fresh super foods, rich in eye-worthy nutrients that can help keep eyes healthy and strong, and even ward off diseases. Is your pup or kitty’s diet nourishing their eyes? Check out this list of foods for great vision to find out!

Blueberries

Blueberries are some of the best ingredients out there to support eye health. They contain everything from eye-healthy carotenoids, phytonutrients, and flavonoids, as well as zinc and selenium. All of these healthy nutrients help with everything from general eye health, to night vision support, to reduction of eye fatigue. Consider these the eye-solution of foods, and be sure to incorporate them into your pup’s diet. Our Vital Slice & Serve rolls are packed with delicious blueberries!

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best veggies for eye health, packed with beta-carotene. Broccoli has even been found to protect the retina from free radical damage. Simply boil up a few florets and add to your pup or kitty’s bowl – and don’t forget the leaves, as they contain even more beta-carotene!

Carrots

Carrots are loaded with vitamins like vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium… the list goes on and on. Carrots also protect the eye from UVB radiation and damage from free radicals. Many Freshpet foods contain this nutrient-rich veggie, from our Slice & Serve rolls to our Roasted Meals.

Cold Water Fish like Salmon and Tuna

These fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, important for cellular health. Fish is especially high in DHA, which makes up 30% of the fatty acids that make up the retina. We’d recommend our Vital Chicken, Beef, Salmon and Egg roll or our Vital Complete Meals for dogs to get the benefits of these cold-water fish.

Eggs

Rich in cycteine, sulphur, and lutein, eggs have been found to protect eyes from cataract formation and reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. And more than that, eggs are one of the best sources of protein out there. Get some for your furball in our Roasted Meals, Vital Complete Meals, and select Slice & Serve rolls.

Kale

Kale is a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two special antioxidants that act like “internal sunglasses.” So protect your fur-kid from the sun with this high quality veggie. This is another great veggie to add to your pet’s bowl, especially if you have some around the house for yourself.

Sweet Potatoes

Often deemed one of the world’s healthiest foods, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, making them the perfect choice to protect eye health. They also are packed with anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Grab some Dog Joy Sweet Potato treats to give your pup a delicious and extremely healthy snack!

We have something exciting to share with you.

Today is the first day of our new #TriviaTuesday game on Twitter.  Test your smarts about a variety of pet-related topics, with a chance to win a Freshpet coupon for fresh food for your dogs and cats! So join us on our twitter page for a chance to try something fun, and maybe even learn something new.

Here is how it works:

1. On the second Tuesday of each month, visit Freshpet on Twitter (@Freshpet) for our #TriviaTuesday contests.
2. Up to one hour before the start of #TriviaTuesday, we will post the trivia topic
3. @Freshpet will tweet three different Trivia questions beginning at 5PMEST
4. Tweet us your guess (be sure to include @Freshpet in your reply)
5. Guess quickly! The first fan to answer the question correctly will win a coupon for Freshpet
6. We will publish a post with the correct response, along with the winner, before we move to the next question.

All prizes will be sent via mail and winners will be asked to contact Freshpet directly via email (online@freshpet.com) or direct message.

We’re so excited to get started with all of you.  Good luck and have a pawesome time!

The Easter Bunny isn’t just for kids anymore – many pet parents are getting creative, with gifts for pups and kitties alike. We love any excuse to shower our fur-kids with love and affection, and Easter is no exception! So we’ve rounded up our favorite gift ideas for Spring.

Easter Basket Finds

Treat your pooches or kitties to their very own Easter baskets, filled with treats that are sure to please.

For dogs, start with our fresh Dog Joy treats, like Dog Joy Turkey Bacon, Dog Joy Sweet Potatoes, or Dog Joy Ready to Bake Cookies. The bright packaging ties in well with the colors of the season, and the delicious taste and wholesome ingredients are sure to be a hit with your fur-kids! Just remember to hide them only about 10-15 minutes before the basket search begins- and keep the treats in the fridge prior. Add in a holiday-themed doggy toy for extra fun, like these bunny and peep-shaped toys.

For kitties, fill the basket with a selection of our Freshpet Select Roasted Meals for cats or Vital Complete Meals for cats, plus our Freshpet Select cat food in cups. And don’t forget brightly colored toys like these felt catnip balls and Easter Bunny catnip toys.

Avoid the Easter grass in these baskets, however; this plastic decorative is non-digestible for pets and can cause blocking in the stomach or intestines.

Easter Egg Hunt

Who says egg hunts are only for kids? Set one up for your pooches outdoors, or bring the fun indoors for your kitties. Simply scatter and hide treats, then enjoy helping your fur-kids find them all. Be sure to adjust their calorie intake accordingly for that day (though a little extra love for one day never hurts). Our Dog Joy Chicken or Beef Treats are the perfect size for a hunt. For cats, conceal Freshpet Select Roasted Meals around the house!

Keep your pups and kitties safe by keeping a close eye on them. Avoid placing treats into plastic eggs as these can be choking hazards.

You can also hide a few egg-shaped toys for your furballs to locate, like these crocheted squeaky toys, perfect for pups!

If you’ve dyed eggs at home, treat your pets to an extra punch of protein by sharing a few pieces of a peeled hard-boiled egg with them. Many dogs and cats love the taste of fresh cooked eggs, and these snacks are a safe treat for all.

Other Springtime Gift  Ideas

We’ve rounded up a few adorable gift ideas to celebrate the warm weather, the re-introduction of bright colors into our lives, and of course, our love of our pets.

• What kitty could resist this adorable bow tie collar? Available in many festive colors.
• Freshen-up your pet’s look with a new leash and collar combo made just for the season.
• Grab a harness for your pup for those long walks ahead, with bright spring prints to keep him or her looking stylish.

From all of us at Freshpet, we hope you enjoy the onset of beautiful weather and the Easter holiday!

If you’re looking for a special treat to make for your beloved furbabies, look no further. We have gathered a list of recipe ideas that will be purrfect for your companion!  These simple creations are fun and easy to make, and will sure be loved by your pups or kitties.  And, they start with his or her favorite Freshpet foods and treats.

Roasted Meals Omelets

Start off your pup’s breakfast the right way, this hearty meal will surely leave your pup begging for more!  The benefits of this protein-packed meal are great for your furry one!  And, everything you need is most likely already in your refrigerator at home:  eggs, cheese, and Freshpet Select Roasted Meals.  This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your loved ones.

Many kitties will enjoy this meal too, but be sure to skip the cheese if you have kitties with sensitive stomachs.  Many adult cats grow up to be lactose intolerant. If you are not sure, give your cat a small piece of cheese to try first to ensure it does not upset his or her stomach.

Fido’s Bacon Wrapped Weenies

Get your pup in on the action during your next party! Inspired by a classic spanish tapas dish, this simple recipe only needs Dog Joy Chicken Treats and Dog Joy Turkey Bacon.  Simply place the Chicken Treat at the end of the Turkey Bacon strip and begin to roll.  When finished, stick it with a tooth pick to keep it together, and viola! You have a bacon wrapped weenie. Check out our Vine to see this technique in action, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Try substituting our Chicken Treats for Dog Joy Beef Treats for a slightly different take on a great snack.

This treat is a perfect little appetizer or snack for a special occasion or a pooch party!

Fresh & Meaty Cupcake

Create your own fresh cupcake to celebrate with your pooch! Lightly microwave the Freshpet Slice & Serve roll of your choice until soft. Then, place in a cupcake liner inside cupcake pan then refrigerate for a bit to keep the cupcake shape. Freshpet parent Yvonne C. tops hers off with frosting made of yogurt and peanut butter!

Fresh Soft-Bite Cookies

Are you a fur parent that loves to go above and beyond for your little ones? Then this soft-bite cookie is the recipe for you.  Semi-homemade, this recipe takes baking for your pet to the next level, and we are sure there will be a stampede to the kitchen while these cookies are baking in the oven!  The Freshpet ingredient card is the key to your pup’s heart; it has everything listed that you will need along with the proper cooking instructions. Just start with the Slice & Serve roll of your choice, mix the ingredients, and bake for a meaty, moist treat your pooch is sure to love.

We hope you enjoy these fun, creative ways to spice up your Freshpet food and really treat your fur kids to something special. Do you have any other suggestions? If so, email us at online@freshpet.com. We’d love to hear it!

Happy cooking!

We hope that you and your pets never have to face a disease like cancer. It can be a very difficult struggle for both pet and owner, but new advancements in treatment could help the outcome look a bit sunnier. The good news is that every day food choices and supplements can play a large role in cancer treatment and prevention. Dr. Katy Nelson, a well-known veterinarian and friend of Freshpet, talks about the healing power of certain foods. For more great tips from Dr. Katy, follow her on Twitter at @drkatynelson or find her online at www.thepetshow.tv.

What can a diet do?

Diet is an important aspect of every pet’s life and is helpful in not only treating cancer, but preventing it as well. The basic principle of cancer nutrition is to reduce simple sugars and complex carbohydrates in our pets’ diets. Instead, look for foods that favor protein and non-saturated fats as the main energy sources. Fats contain more calories per gram than protein and carbohydrates, which is an advantage when animals already have cancer and can only handle eating small servings of food. When cancer is diagnosed, talk with your veterinarian about making changes to your pet’s diet. He or she knows your pet’s medical history, and can recommend a food that is well-suited for his condition.

Ideally, your vet will recommend a food rich in protein, fruits and vegetables with less processing, such as Freshpet. Many ingredients in Freshpet have medicinal benefits for your beloved companion, and can save the time and effort needed to cook a meal at home for your pet. Freshpet’s all natural products are filled with high-quality proteins and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Vital recipes in particular are grain-free and contain 80% or more protein and 10% fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables like cranberries, pomegranate, and spinach also reduce the acid load, which is important because cancer progresses more in an acidic environment. Once you receive the go-ahead from your vet, remember to transition your pet’s food slowly to avoid stomach upsets, especially critical in pets with cancer. I recommend that pet parents gradually add Freshpet to their old diet, and slowly transition to using just Freshpet, adjusting the ratios over a period of about two weeks.

Supplements can make a difference

If your pet is undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, there are supplements that can come from or be added to your pet’s diet to help reduce risks associated with these powerful treatments. I often consider recommending additional antioxidants, such as Vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants aid mostly in the prevention of cancer. When the consumption of antioxidants is inadequate, it has been hypothesized that this can lead to DNA damage, malignant transformation, and eventually has led to tumor development in numerous animals.

High quality protein and amino acids are also required for dogs with cancer. Glutamine, which is commonly found in n-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed oils, has been shown to increase disease-free intervals and survival time. Adding n-3 fatty acids as a supplement, or upping these by feeding a fish-based diet or one containing flaxseed oil like Freshpet Deli Fresh slice and serve rolls, must be carefully evaluated in each cancer case.

Finally, supplements like curcumin, vet-approved mushrooms, and artemisinin can also inhibit cancer growth. Curcurmin is known as the anti-cancer nutrient, and is sold as an easy-to-conceal supplement, as well as part of the spice turmeric. Artemisinin is known to be toxic to cancer cells while preserving healthy cells, and can be given orally in pill form. Extract from Yunzhi mushrooms has also been found to help pets with cancer live longer.

Remember, your veterinarian knows your pup or kitty best – be sure to check in with him or her before adding supplements or making dietary changes. We hope for a speedy recovery for any of our pets and pet parents fighting this difficult disease.