How Long Can You Safely Freeze Freshpet Dog Food? Expert Advice and Guidelines

I am getting a dog. What do I need from the pet store to prepare for the dog’s arrival?

Some accessories are indispensable for the arrival of your dog and should be bought even before the dog makes their first steps into the house. Others may come in handy later, particularly when it comes to your dog’s daily life, their education, and their comfort at home.
It is therefore very important to have at your disposal all the necessary accessories that could help your dog settle into their new life, and make the most of it for years to come.
(All the things mentioned below are for providing a broad spectrum of all the things one should consider before having a dog. All the things mentioned are not compulsory and depends on the need of the dog and his/her human)
A food bowl for your dog
This accessory may seem unremarkable, but it is however very important. It is the item that will contain your dog’s food and therefore be their personal item. It is important that your dog can identify the bowl that is theirs and theirs only. Ig is advised to place two bowls at your dog’s disposition: one for food and one for water. The bowls should be chosen with respect to the size of your dog.
Don’t hesitate to choose sturdy, practical bowls. You will be able to find several kinds of bowls in pet shops, each with different characteristics such as anti-slip, flexible material for foldable bowls, bowls specifically for dogs with long ears…

If you are opting for a small breed like beagle, spaniel,etc you might find these kind of bowls use full, these bowls are better than using 2 individual bowls for food and water.

if you are opting for a medium or large or giant breed.Like GSD , Rottweiler, Labrador . You may find the above shown bowls to come in handy. They are adjustable according to your dogs size and provide ample space for food and water.
2. A collar and leash for your dog
These two accessories are essential for ensuring the safety and security of your pet.
It is advised to wait between 6 and 7 weeks before giving your puppy a collar. It should be chosen according to the size of your dog and should be neither too wide or too tight in order to ensure your dog’s comfort. During walks, the best option is a harness as it is much more comfortable for your dog, not strangling them when they pull too much on the leash.
As for the leash, it should be long at first so that your dog can get used to it.
Collar
Everyday Collars

(A thin and light collar like the one shown above would go good for a puppy)
You can express your personal style with a variety of dog collars for everyday use. Collars with metal buckles or quick release clasps are available in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. Many pet owners prefer buckle collars for stronger dogs, as quick release clasps tend to be less sturdy. Rolled leather collars are durable and less likely to cause hair loss or parting. Always be sure your dog’s collar has a name tag with your current contact information in case he gets lost.
Chain Slip Collars

Often called choke chains, these collars are intended for training purposes only. When training a dog to walk on a leash and heel, corrections are made with a quick tug on the leash, causing it to close somewhat on the dog’s neck. Over time, many dog trainers have moved away from the choke chain method.Generally, these collars are not recommended because they could damage your dog’s neck. If you do choose to get a choke chain for your dog, learn how to use it properly. Chain slip collars should be used with caution and never be left on your dog when unattended, as they pose a strangulation hazard.
Smart Collars

Smart collars are much more high tech than your traditional buckle collar. Different types of smart collars include various attributes, such as GPS to track your dog’s location, the ability to monitor changes in their behavior, and assistance in training your dog. Most are compatible with smartphone apps, and some are even waterproof and have wifi coverage. The Link AKC Smart Collar even allows you to track your pup’s activity and health!
Harnesses

Harnesses are designed for placement around a dog’s chest and abdomen, crossing over the back. A leash can be attached to the top of the harness. Some dog owners prefer harnesses over collars, especially for dogs with a tendency to pull, because they put no pressure on the neck.Some trainers feel that harnesses only encourage pulling and that leash-and-collar training should be enforced. Harnesses are ideal for dogs with medical problems in the neck and airway.
LEASH

The Standard Dog Leash

This is the most common type of dog leash used for everyday walking and basic training.
They’re usually made from Nylon or leather, although other materials are available such as cotton and rubber but these aren’t as durable and so are far less common.
Nylon and leather are both tough enough to restrain an adult dog, yet lightweight enough for use with a puppy.
They measure between 4 and 8 feet in length with 6 foot being the most common. This length allowing plenty of room for freedom of movement while being short enough to afford the handler complete control of their dog if necessary.
To see our favorite ‘everyday leashes’ that we’re happy to recommend, please click here.
Retractable Dog Leashes

Retractable dog leashes allow you to vary the length of leash you allow your dog for freedom of movement.
They work much like a measuring tape with a nylon cord that can extend anything from about 4 to 30 feet, with a locking mechanism in a plastic handle that allows you to lock the leash at varying degrees of length.
They then automatically collect up any slack in the leash when you release the mechanism, retracting the line into the handle.
Although retractable dog leashes are quite popular there’s a few things to consider before you opt for using one:
Rope burns
Possible strangulation due to so much excess line
Other problems can occur such as described in the article: Dangers of retractable leashes from the Dogington post.
These dangers aside, the biggest problem I see with retractable dog leashes is they can actually train your dog to pull on the leash!
​A retractable leash almost always has tension on it unless the dog is walking toward you. When walking away, they are pulling on the leash to extend it and get rewarded for this pulling by getting to where they want to go. And as we know, anything rewarding your dog learns to repeat!
So when all of a sudden when you want them on a short leash, you call them in, lock the mechanism and ask them to stay close by without pulling.
How confusing is this for the dog?
Most of the time if they pull on the leash, they get to go where they please. Now you’re trying to say they can’t. And faced with this confusion…again and again…they will go for the most rewarding option which of course is pulling! So a retractable dog leash trains them to pull because they get rewarded.
They might even start expecting treats!
So personally I don’t recommend the use of such leashes except for dogs who are already trained to walk nicely on leash. Because only then are they a useful happy medium to use between control for you and freedom for your dog.
Adjustable Dog Leashes

Adjustable leashes try to fill the gap (if there is one) between standard leashes and retractable leashes by offering you a leash that you can adjust the length of.
Adjustments are usually available from between 3 and 6 feet by the addition or removal of loops, or extra clips along the length.These can allow you a shorter leash to use for training such as heel work when you want your dog very close, while giving the option for more freedom if out on a walk.
Chain Leashes

This type of leash is a replacement for the standard leash, very useful for dogs that tend to chew and destroy their leashes. They’re available in various weights and thicknesses so are suitable for all sizes of dogs.
You do need to keep an eye on your dog if using a metal leash. The reason they’re usually bought is also the reason they can be problematic: Although most dogs soon learn a chain leash is indestructible and stop chewing it, some will continue to chew the lead, even to the point of damaging their teeth!
Multiple Dog Leash

This type of leash is used to walk multiple dogs on the one single leash.
You have the one handle and a leash to your first dog, with a second leash (and maybe more) coming off from a coupler to allow you to attach another dog.
For well-trained dogs that walk nicely and don’t jump around or pull, these are quite effective and useful for owners with multiple dogs. I’ve found that it is very difficult to use anything more than a double dog leash, but it is possible.
Seat belt Safety Leash

Seat belt safety leashes are a short leash with a clip one end to attach to your dog’s collar and a seat-belt clip the other end so you can secure your dog in the back seat of your car.
This prevents them from climbing around and distracting you when driving. It also prevents them wandering off in case of an accident as they’re secured to the car.
It’s always better to have your dog travel in a crate in your car, but if this isn’t a possibility, then a seat belt safety lead is your next best option and certainly better than not securing them at all.
Bike Leash

Active dog owners with active dogs may want to consider using a dog bike leash to take their pet out on their exercise route with them.
This type of leash is attached to the frame of your bicycle, and it gives your dog an adjustable amount of distance from the bike that they can move. With training, this means that your dog will be able to job alongside of your while you bike without the fear of them running away.
Using this type of leash can be difficult, but after your dog is used to it, it’s a great way to get both your’s and your dog’s exercise in each day.
Dog Leash Materials
Dog leashes are available in many different materials that each have strengths and weaknesses. I’ll quickly discuss what these are below.
Nylon

Nylon has the benefits of being a relatively cheap material, yet hard-wearing and strong. So for a very reasonable price you get a good, durable leash.
Being a man-made fiber, it’s available in a wide variety of colors and even multicolored patterns so nylon leashes offer a buyer the biggest scope for individuality if you fancy a leash that looks a little different.
Nylon doesn’t shrink when wet and dries out fairly easily. It’s also easy to clean, so it’s a good all round material.
The drawbacks of nylon leashes are:
They aren’t the toughest to chew through
They can be quite harsh on your hands causing friction burns if your dog is a puller and it rubs against your skin.
Leather

Leather leashes are more costly than their Nylon counterparts. But with the price tag comes a little more class and style (if you like that sort of thing) and a very durable and long-lasting leash.
Nylon leashes have the tendency to fray over time whereas treated leather dog leash can literally last a lifetime.
They aren’t impervious to chewing but are very strong. But with this strength comes a nice little fact that they soften and change shape with age to suit the hands of the handler that uses them. This makes them far more comfortable to grip. And leather isn’t as abrasive on your skin as nylon either.
High quality fabric and leather leashes are the ones we most highly recommend.
Chain

Leashes made of metal chain are the least popular of leashes available but are well suited to those dogs that just will not stop chewing their leash. They can be quite heavy depending on their size but this isn’t a worry to such a strong breed as a Labrador.
But consider the weight if using with a small puppy. Make sure the chain is as thin and as light as can be. But you will have to upgrade to heavier tougher ones as your dog grows so it will not break when they pull as a strong adult.
Reflective

Like a standard leash (which in effect they are), reflective leashes are usually made of leather or nylon but with the addition of a reflective material embedded into the leash.
These leads, in combination with a reflective collar, are good to use for owners that walk their dogs along country roads at night that have little in the way of wide pathways but have cars and cyclists going past but close by.
3. A dog tag

Wearing a dog tag, in the case of losing your dog or their running away, will allow them to be identified more easily. It is advised to engrave your phone number, your dog’s name and your address on your dog’s tag. This simple metal disk can save you a lot of stress and worry.
4. Toys for your dog
Toys allow your dog to be stimulated so that they can expend their energy. They also represent a way to improve your relationship with your dog. Toys are ways to distract your dog so that they don’t get bored and do something silly. There are so many dog toys available in shops that your dog will love such as fabric knots, plastic bones and plastic balls.

5. Transport cage for your dog
A transport cage for your dog will keep them safe whenever they travel with you. Be it a long journey or a trip to the shop, a transport cage for your dog is indispensable for your dog’s safety as well as your own. Choose a solid, good-sized cage in order to ensure your dog’s comfort.
Travelling, however short the journey, is hugely stressful for your dog.

Or cages can also be used like a temporary cozy housing for your dog.
Useful when non dog friendly people are visiting your house

6. Bathing Accessories
Not all of the things in this section are equally important, its all on you
I would mark the things which are important.
Supply Bucket
A supply bucket serves two purposes: First, it gives you a place to keep your supplies for quick and easy access in case your dog gets into a muddy mess outside. And second, you can fill the bucket with clean, warm rinse water if you don’t have access to a sprayer–which can be harsh on small dogs and make it difficult to contain the water in the tub (assuming you’re inside).
Brush or Comb (Basic)
If your dog is dirty from an outing, you may need to skip this part and get right to the grooming. If it’s a routine bath, comb or brush your dog before bathing to remove excess hair and check for fleas and ticks.
Tub
Whether you decide to use your bathtub, an outdoor tub, or go to a dog-washing station, be sure to choose a tub that gives your dog some room to move around–but not too much. You want to be sure the tub affords you comfort and control while washing him. Many online pet stores offer unique tubs made specifically for bathing dogs at home.

These are perfect for older dogs or large breeds because most tub options allow him to walk into the tub, instead of jump in with a splash. The tub can easily connect to an existing water supply and be used inside or outside. For smaller dogs, or those that get dirty while out and about, consider taking your supply bucket to a dog-washing station; more and more of these are popping up next to self-serve car washes.
Plastic Hair Trap
These awesome items allow water to empty down the drain without hair or fur going with it. By trapping it for easy removal, you avoid clogged drains! Be sure to get one that properly fits the type of drain you have in your tub. Plastic may be easier to extract dog hair from than metal, depending on the hair’s thickness.
Sprayer
This isn’t a crucial item for home dog-washing supplies, but it can make bathing way more enjoyable. Be sure to find one that is long and can make it around your dog to rinse all areas thoroughly. In this case, sprayers are especially nice for the under-the-tail and back-leg areas, where soap can sometimes sit unrinsed and lead to dry skin.
Soap (Basic)
If your dog has sensitive skin, be sure to stick with an all-natural dog shampoo that’s free of dyes and perfumes. Some pups with dry skin issues do well with honey and oatmeal shampoos. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, , you can make your own dog shampoo using simple ingredients you may already have at home. Honey, oats, rosemary, and baking soda are just a few of the simple items you can use to make a dog shampoo that is safe and soothing at the same time.
Towel (Basic)
Having a few old towels nearby during bath time can make cleanup much easier. You’ll place towels on the floor, but have one or two within quick reach of the tub as well, so when your dog gets out you can absorb as much water as possible. Keep in mind dogs love to shake after being in water, so it’s okay to hold the towel in front of you as a splash guard while your dog does some after-bath drying.
Oils
After you’ve dried off your dog with a towel, consider some essential oils to help your dog smell nice and prevent pests from climbing back on. Geranium rose oil repels ticks and lemongrass, whereas Pet360 suggests peppermint can repel fleas systemically. You should apply just a few drops along their back, and only use on dogs more than a year old.
Once you have all the proper dog-washing supplies for washing your dog at home, be patient with him the first few times. It’s also a good idea to give your dog a treat after bath time to reward him for his patience. Eventually, you’ll establish a bath time routine that becomes a great bonding opportunity for both of you.
Flee sprays
Dog flea sprays protect your pet from parasites when applied directly to the skin or fur. Natural flea control formulas use essential oils, herbs, and other botanicals to repel pests
7. FOOD
The kind of food you choose to feed your dog depends on lots of different things: what your dog likes; his size; your lifestyle; your budget, to name just a few. If you have an Irish Wolfhound, chances are that you’re not going to choose to feed your dog canned food. Considering how much food a Wolfhound eats per day, it would be cost-prohibitive for most people to feed canned food, especially if you were trying to feed a top quality food. These are some of the things you should consider when choosing a food for your dog, along with the actual quality of the food.
Online dog food have made a difference for many people in what kind of food they can buy. Not only do these sites offer a wider selection of foods at a good price, but having dog food delivered to your door can also change what you feed your dog. A small person doesn’t have to worry about trying to carry large bags of dog food, for example. You can order cases of canned food and not worry about the weight. You can try any kind of dog food you think your dog might like. Even frozen raw and freeze-dried foods are easy for people to order now. You don’t have to live in a large city to be able to buy good quality dog food for your dog.
With these things in mind, here’s a look at the different kinds of dog food.
Dry dog foods

There was a time before kibble but most people living today are too young to recall it. For thousands of years people fed their dogs leftovers, the parts of animals that people didn’t want to eat, or a mix of scraps and grains. Dogs that were highly regarded such as favored hunting dogs or beloved pets sometimes got better food with more meat or other things people believed to be healthy. It was only in the 1860s than an American in London named James Spratt was inspired to make a dry food for his dog in a biscuit – much like the ration used by sailors at sea at the time. The “Patented Meat Fibrine Dog Cake” was the first of its kind and led the way to the dog food industry we know today.
Dog treats

There are many reasons people give their dog treats, from training rewards to something to keep them occupied for a bit. No matter the reason, your dog is likely to be happy to have something tasty to munch on. As fun as treats can be though, dog owners should be aware of how many treats they’re giving—and realize that the treats aren’t actually necessary
Kibble

The basic dry dog food today, of course, is not the meat biscuit but kibble. Kibble is dry pet food made either through an extrusion process or through oven baking. Some people seem to believe that higher quality kibbles are made through a different process but all kibbles are basically made the same way, using the same kind of machinery. Even dog foods that use human grade ingredients are made using these processes. Their facilities may have passed inspection for human food processing but they still use the same kind of machinery to make kibble and canned dog foods. You can check a company’s web site to see what they say about their inspection protocols and quality control. Some companies have better records than others. Some companies also have more independent testing than others.*
Pet food companies have proprietary recipes for their foods. Even if the food is made by a co-packer, the recipe is supposed to be unique to the individual food. Many larger companies have the facilities to make their own foods, including canned foods. Smaller companies may not make their own foods or they make make their kibbles but use a co-packer for their canned foods. This is because canned foods require different machinery than dry foods. In either case, recipes will be specific to each company’s foods.
The process to make kibble begins by mixing the wet and dry ingredients together and creating a dough-like mixture. This mix then goes into a piece of machinery called an “expander.” This machine uses hot water or pressurized steam to cook the ingredients. The mixture is under high pressure and high temperatures while it’s in the expander. Then the dough is pushed or “extruded” though holes that are specially-shaped and cut into small pieces. Think of it like pushing Play-doh through a Play-doh factory to make special shapes. At this point the dough is still under pressure but once it’s extruded and the pressure is released, the pieces will puff up. These are the pieces of kibble destined for your dog food bag. The kibble still has to be dried in a drier then sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins and minerals. Afterwards it is quickly sealed into a bag so the fats and oils won’t spoil.
A few companies make dog foods that are baked instead of extruded. As far as we know, baking doesn’t make a dog food any more nutritious than extrusion. However, the baked foods we know about seem to be good quality foods. Baking dog food is a slower process. The dough does not stay at such high pressure or high temperature as it does with the extrusion process. It’s more like the way you would bake cookies. Companies that make baked foods say that the foods are easier for dogs to digest but we have not seen evidence of this claim. AvoDerm, FreshPet, Lotus, Oven-Baked Tradition, and Carna4 all have baked dog foods.
We have to say a word about Salmonella, e. Coli, and other reasons for recalls. You should be aware that any company can have a recall at some time, even companies with the best reputations and practices, and companies that use the best ingredients. Many recalls are due to Salmonella. This is a very common bacteria and a frequent cause of human food poisoning in the United States. It can come from lots of different sources, including chicken eggs and other ingredients used in pet foods. The people most at risk when there is a recall due to Salmonella are infants, small children, and the elderly, as well as anyone with a compromised immune system. Most dogs are not affected by contact with Salmonella unless the dog is already weakened in some way. (Remember that your dog has strong stomach acids that usually let him eat dead animals and some kinds of garbage.) Pet foods are sometimes recalled because of public health concerns more than concerns about pets.
Some foods have been recalled in the past because of the presence of aflatoxins (the toxic by-product of a mold) and this problem can be deadly for dogs. In some cases foods are recalled because they contain dangerous objects that accidentally get into the food during production (metal, plastic, etc.). Or food can be contaminated from outside sources in some way, as it was during the melamine recalls in 2007. So, recalls are always something to take seriously.
With that said, if you do have a food that is recalled, check the lot number to make sure it is included in the recall. Keep the packaging (bag or can) and a small amount of the food in case it might be needed for testing later. Stop feeding the food immediately. If your dog shows any symptoms that worry you, take him to the vet and report the incident to the pet food company. You should also call the FDA to report the case.
Recalls can affect all kinds of dog foods, including canned foods and raw foods, but since there is more kibble sold in the U.S. than any other kind of dog food, we seem to hear about more recalls affecting dry food than other kinds of dog food.
Dehydrated

We consider dehydrated dog food to be a kind of dry dog food, so we’re listing it here, though it could be argued that it is also similar to freeze-dried foods. Dehydrated foods have had much of their moisture removed. Many of these foods are still raw before they are dehydrated. The Honest Kitchen is probably the best-known dehydrated dog food but there are others. ZiwiPeak is another good dehydrated dog food and Addiction Raw Dehydrateddog food is another good food in this category.
Dehydrated dog foods have a number of benefits. They are not cooked at high temperatures so they don’t lose all the nutrients through cooking and processing that kibble foods do. Dehydration keeps the foods from spoiling without requiring a lot of preservatives. Some dehydrated foods need to have warm water added to rehydrate them before you can feed them to your dog, but some don’t.
Some of the companies that make dehydrated dog foods add dehydrated raw food to their kibble to give it an extra amount of protein. This is true with Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost, for example.
This category is growing. These foods are more expensive than regular kibble but since the food has had so much moisture removed, you feed your dog less.
Dehydrated dog food also has some of the same advantages of kibble. The foods are dry so there’s no mess. They come in bags (or boxes) and they are easy to carry and store. No freezing required.
Wet
Wet foods include both canned foods and food in pouches so we’ll discuss them separately.
Canned foods

Canned dog foods can be a good choice for your dog, especially if you have a small or Toy breed. They cost more per ounce than kibbles, so they are less popular with owners of large dogs as a main meal, but some owners of big dogs like to use them as a topping or special treat. If you have a small dog you may want to consider using canned food as your dog’s main diet.
Food in cans often has a moisture content that is up to 78 percent. If the food is labeled “in sauce,” “in gravy,” or a stew, the moisture content can be even higher – as much as 87.5 percent moisture. This may not sound like it’s much more, but when you figure the dry matter basis for the food it adds up.
Canned food usually has a much higher percentage of protein (by dry matter) than dry dog food. These foods are often higher in fat, though they have relatively small amounts of carbohydrates compared to kibble. The higher protein and fat content, as well as the real food taste, help explain why these foods appeal to dogs so much.
As mentioned elsewhere, canned foods go through a different manufacturing process compared to kibble so they don’t require the higher amounts of starch to form a dough/batter. They need just a little starch to provide the food with some texture, form, and shape. Many canned foods use ingredients such as guar gum or cassia gum (natural thickening agents) for this purpose. Gums are GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA, though some people raises issues with various gums. Some foods use corn starch or carrageenan. Cooks will recognize corn starch as a thickener used in human cooking. Carrageenan has been used for hundreds of years. It’s made from seaweed. It’s used in many human foods as well. However, it has come under fire as a digestive irritant and it’s use is restricted in some foods and baby formulas. Lower quality canned foods may use wheat flour as a thickener or add rice or other grains. Some foods do not use thickeners in their canned foods but rely on using thick cuts of meat. These foods may be high in protein but check to be sure they are AAFCO-approved as a complete and balanced diet and not just a food supplement.
Aside from the cost of canned food, there are some other advantages to feeding it at times:
Canned food can be a good way to get picky dogs to eat;
There can be cost savings if you purchase it by the case;
Canned food can be a good choice for senior dogs who are starting to lose their appetite.
So, depending on your circumstances, canned foods can be a good choice.
As you might expect, canned foods vary in quality. You should read labels and check the guaranteed analysis of these foods. It’s particularly important to figure the dry matter basis when considering canned dog foods. With kibbles this is usually less important since the moisture content is usually 10-12 percent. This means that the DMB for protein, fat, and other nutrients are not usually too much different than the figures provided in the guaranteed analysis (though you must know the DMB to estimate carbohydrates). This is not true with canned foods. A can of dog food is mostly moisture so you have to figure the DMB to know how much protein, fat, and other nutrients are in the food.
You can use the following method to figure the dry matter basis:
If a can of dog stew has 82 percent moisture, you would subtract 82 from 100 (100 percent is the whole amount). This means there is 18 percent dry matter in the food. Let’s say the food has 4 percent fat in the guaranteed analysis. You would then divide the 4 percent fat by 18 percent dry matter and get 22. This means the food has 22 percent fat after the water has been removed. If the food has 9 percent protein in the guaranteed analysis, you would divide 9 by 18 and get 50 percent protein by dry matter basis. And so on. You can do this for fiber and other percentages given in the guaranteed analysis.
You can also look online to find a calculator to figure dry matter basis for pet food. These calculators let you plug in the numbers and give you the answers.
If you are comparing cans of dog food you need to make sure you know what the dry matter basis is. Otherwise, you can be badly fooled.
Pouches

At this time dog food in pouches (“moist” and “semi-moist” products) make up a small part of dog food sales but some dogs and their owners really like them. Pouches are resealable, easy to store, and the food often has a meaty taste that dogs like. Since you can feed what you need and store the food in the fridge, they can be more convenient for many owners than canned foods. This is projected to be a fast-growing category in dog food packaging and sales.
As a category, pet food in pouches do tend to have higher amounts of added sugar and salt, so this is something to check when you read labels for these products. Remember that sugar can have lots of names on a dog food label such as sucrose, cane sugar, caramel, corn syrup, sorbitol, and fructose. Fructose can be a nutrient for probiotics – in small quantities – but you probably won’t find probiotics in a pouch of dog food. Dogs (unlike cats) have a real sweet tooth, so they can become quite addicted to foods that contain these sugars.
Making dog food in pouch contains is very similar to making canned foods. The ingredients and guaranteed analysis for dog food pouches are also similar to canned. Some pouched food place more emphasis on meat protein, but this depends on the brand and particular food. Be sure to read the ingredients and always compare the dry matter basis.
Frozen raw, freeze-dried, refrigerated dog foods

These are separate categories but they are all growing in popularity. None of them are exactly new but they are expanding. For example, Bil-Jac has been selling frozen dog food in some areas for decades. However, there are many other companies making frozen raw dog foodtoday. You used to find Bil-Jac tucked in the same refrigeration aisle with frozen foods in the grocery store. Today some grocery stores have dedicated refrigerated sections just for frozen dog foods. Pet food stores are likely to have a variety of frozen foods from which to choose.
Many frozen raw dog foods are made by the same companies that make premium kibbles or, conversely, the same companies that make raw food diets. For example, Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw are raw frozen diets that come in various configurations – bites, medallions, patties, small bites. Nature’s Variety also makes foods with freeze-dried raw such as Instinct Raw Boost – a kibble with freeze dried raw pieces included. This line comes in lots of different formats.
Stella & Chewy’s, known for their raw foods, offers both frozen and freeze-dried foods. Even Orijen, best-known for their biologically-appropriate kibbles, has freeze-dried foods in several formulas.
We’ve already discussed dehydrated foods. There is a difference between dehydration, which removes the moisture content from the food, and freeze-drying. To freeze-dry dog food, it starts out as frozen, whether it’s a raw patty, nugget, or whatever form the company chooses. All of the moisture in the food is ice at this point. The food goes into a freeze-dryer at this point which uses a vacuum at very cold temperatures. In the freeze-dryer the ice changes to water vapor. This turns the frozen food to dry product without it ever thawing out. After hours in the freeze-dryer, the food has become shelf-stable and ready for packaging.
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated foods are good for long-term storage, though dehydrated foods have to be rehydrated before you can feed them. You don’t have to do anything to freeze-dred foods before feeding them. You can just put them in your dog’s bowl and let him eat them as they are. (It’s a good idea to check the feeding instructions to see what the company suggests.) Freeze-drying is technically a form of dehydration but the process is completely different than the one used to produce dehydrated dog food. You can read more about freeze-drying and dehydration of dog foods here.
Freshpet is a popular food in the refrigerated dog food category. They have slice and serve rolls (think rolls of cookie dough) stocked by many grocery and pet stores. They have grown from just three refrigerated products a few years ago to a whole line-up of refrigerated products now. They also make kibbles and food in tubs. From what we can tell, the best way to figure dry matter basis for these rolls of dog food is to consider them like canned dog food. The guaranteed analysis for the rolls look similar to canned foods.
Mixes and Pre-mixes

You’ve probably already noticed that not every food sold is “complete and balanced.” Lots of companies today, especially some of the more avant garde pet food companies, make mixes and pre-mixes for pet food owners. Mixes and pre-mixes are primarily for owners who make their own food for their dogs, whether they buy the primary ingredients from the pet food company or gather their own ingredients. These foods are used as a base and then you add fresh ingredients like meat, eggs, yogurt, etc.
Some mixes and pre-mixes are sold on the basis that they are complete diets whether you add anything to them or not. Other mixes and pre-mixes are much sketchier and don’t provide much nutritional information. You should not feed these latter foods as a regular diet, though you might feed them occasionally.
When fed as directed, mixes from The Honest Kitchen are complete diets, but you can add your own fresh foods to them. Their mixes called Hale, Kindly, and Preference require fresh foods to be added in order to be complete diets.
There are other mixes and pre-mixes available but they may or may not be complete or have AAFCO approval. You might want to use them in rotation or contact the companies to see if they are approved by AAFCO.
Supplements

When you look beyond the basics of protein, fat, fiber, and carbs, there are a lot of other things in your dog’s diet. Some of the things you often see on a dog food label include prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, not to mention things like glucsoamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids.
If you are feeding your dog a good quality dog food and he has no particular digestive or other health problems, you probably don’t need to add any additional supplements to his diet. A good dog food is supposed to be properly balanced in terms of nutrients and supplements. Adding a lot of additional supplements can be harmful in some cases. You can have too much of a good thing.
We know that making dog foods at high temperatures destroys some of the nutrients in the food. So do dog food companies. That’s why they add vitamins and minerals. If you give your dog more vitamins and minerals, you can do more harm than good. Do not give your dog a multi-vitamin if you are feeding him a good quality, properly balanced dog food. At best he will excrete the unused, water-soluble vitamins. At worst, he will get an overdose of some of the other vitamins that can be stored in the fat tissue.
It’s become popular in the last few years for some people to give dogs probiotics, even if they are feeding a very high quality food that contains probiotics. While it’s debatable whether most probiotics in dog foods survive the cooking process, we also question whether it’s really necessary for people to give their dogs probiotics. If you are feeding your dog a raw or homecooked diet then giving probiotics has merit. But if you are feeding kibble or canned food, this is probably unnecessary. A healthy dog eating a good quality dog food should not need to have probiotics added to his diet.
Obviously, if your dog is having digestive problems, giving him probiotics is something that you should consider. If you would like to know more about probiotics (and learn about some natural ones you can add to your dog’s diet), we like this article. (My dogs love bananas.)
We do suggest that you give glucosamine or chondroitin separately from anything added to dog food if you are concerned about joint or mobility problems with your dog such as arthritis. These supplements cannot be added to dog food in large enough amounts to really help a dog that has pain from arthritis. Forget about buying these supplements specially-made for dogs. Go to your local drugstore or big box store to buy them for humans when they are on sale, or buy them online.
Fatty acids such as omega-3 can be helpful for a dog’s skin and coat problems. Fish oil (given with vitamin E) is a good source.
8. BEDDING
You probably consider your own bed a necessity rather than a luxury item. The same is true for your dog’s bed! Certainly, your dog can sleep on the floor, or on your own bed or sofa, and will do so without complaint. However, your dog would probably thank you for providing a special bed of his or her very own.
Orthopedic dog beds
This type of bed is typically a mattress type of bed which provides orthopedic support. Consider this type of bed if your dog is older, or is experiencing joint pain. An orthopedic dog bed is also a good choice for thinner dogs with more prominent bones because it provides extra cushioning to the bony prominences, avoiding painful pressure points. Because the mattress shape of an orthopedic dog bed is roomy, it’s a great choice if your dog likes to sprawl out to sleep.

Plush Memory Sleeper

Snoozer Orthopedic Cozy Cave Pet Bed

Snoozer Memory Foam Luxury Pet Sofa
Donut and bolster dog beds
This style of dog bed is usually round or oval and has a cushioned bottom and a raised side. Your dog will appreciate this style of bed if he or she likes to lean against something for security, or likes to sleep with his head resting upon a raised pillow. Many smaller dogs find this type of bed to be cozy as the cup shape helps retain body heat. This kind of bed is great for dogs who like to curl up.

Bowsers Donut Dog Bed

Snoozer Overstuffed Luxury Pet Sofa in Microsuede

Ortho Small Dog Sleeper
Pillow or cushion dog beds
This is a simple dog bed that is basically a large pillow or cushion. This style of bed comes in many different sizes, and is a great choice for dogs that enjoy sprawling out.

Bowsers Designer Dog Bed

Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed
Heated dog beds
Heated dog beds are warm and cozy and are another type of bed that is beneficial for older dogs. Dogs with painful joints will find the gentle heat soothes and reduces stiffness. Smaller dogs can easily lose body heat and can also benefit from a heated dog bed. In addition, a heated dog bed is great for use in colder climates, and some are even specifically made for outdoor use.

Heated Bolster Dog Bed

Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed

Heated Dog Pad
Outdoor cots and beds
For dogs that like to rest outdoors, you may want to consider a cot. Dog cots are raised to keep your dog elevated from the hot ground in the summer, or above the cold ground in the winter. Many dog cots are made of a waterproof fabric which simplifies cleaning. Plus, their sturdy frame makes them ideal for larger dog breeds.

Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Pet Bed

Designer Cot
HOPE IT HELPS…….
DON’T FORGET TO UPVOTE.

FAQ

How long can Freshpet dog food stay in the freezer?

A2: When properly stored, Freshpet dog food can remain in the freezer for up to six months. Ensure that the freezer maintains a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower, as consistent, low temperatures are key to preserving the food’s quality over time.

Can dogs eat frozen dog food?

Most pets do not complain about the food being frozen as long as it is thawed completely before feeding. Remember that when thawing the food, it is best to do so in the fridge. Thawing at room temperature may encourage bacteria to grow on the outside of the food while the inside is still thawing, which can make your dog sick.

How long does a Freshpet meal last?

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 7 days of opening. Storing our Freshpet Meals couldn’t be simpler, thanks to the resealable bag!

Is Freshpet food safe for dogs?

Just like human food, Freshpet is susceptible to bacterial growth, including harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. This bacterial growth can rapidly increase in warm, moist conditions, potentially posing health risks to your pet. Up to 2 hours: Freshpet food left out for up to 2 hours should still be safe for your pet.