SECAUCUS, N.J., July 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshpet, Inc. ("Freshpet" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:FRPT), which transformed the pet food industry by launching the first ever fresh, refrigerated food for pets available nationwide, is doing it again - this time in the dry dog food aisle.

Freshpet is continuously challenging accepted wisdom about pet food and strives to revolutionize the industry through innovation. For the first time, it is launching a food for pets that is made with fresh ingredients but does not belong in the fridge. This groundbreaking new "Fresh Baked" food can only be found in the dry dog food aisle, and it is truly going to change the way pet parents think about dry kibble.

Freshpet identified a gap in the market where super premium dry dog food brands are driving growth, but very few offer the nutritional benefits that meat-based recipes made with fresh ingredients can deliver. But Freshpet did not just set out to make another dry dog food, its Innovation Team developed a new technology. This inventive process is the first to include only 100% fresh chicken or turkey and no processed animal meals, along with a new technology that allows for lower temperature processing. This gentle cooking method uses significantly less processing heat compared to traditional dry dog food to help maintain the bioavailability of the ingredients.

Freshpet's approach to making its new recipes is not the only thing that is different. Freshpet is the only food that prints its simple recipe right on the front of the bag, includes a "born on" date so you know exactly when each batch was prepared, and blends in antioxidant-rich superfoods, such as cranberries, spinach and sweet potatoes, that you can actually see.

"There are many pet parents who want to incorporate dry food into their dog's diet but are increasingly concerned about the quality and the ingredients used in their food," says Richard Thompson, Freshpet's Chief Executive Officer. "Everything about our new recipes breaks tradition, from the fresh ingredients to the gentle cooking process to the packaging. We will continue to bring innovative new foods to market by always pushing ourselves to think differently and truly believing in doing what's best for our pets."

Freshpet's new "Fresh Baked" recipes are available in grain and grain-free varieties in 3.5 lb. to 22 lb. resealable bags. The line is currently being tested in select Target stores and will be expanding to a select group of retail partners. For more information, please visit Freshpet.com.

About Freshpet

Freshpet has a single-minded mission – to bring the power of fresh, natural food to dogs and cats. We are committed to doing so in ways that are good for pets, for the people who love them, and for the planet we live on. That's why all Freshpet recipes are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

CONTACT: ICR

         Katie Turner
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         Michael Fox
         203-682-8218
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