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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	FRPT
Entity Registrant Name	FRESHPET, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001611647
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		35,138,826
Entity Public Float			$ 439

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,184,259	$ 3,908,177
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	12,721,521	8,886,790
Inventories, net	10,118,394	5,402,735
Prepaid expenses	1,200,834	741,091
Other current assets	732,960	304,560
Total Current Assets	26,957,968	19,243,353
Property, plant and equipment, net	100,598,639	101,493,080
Deposits on equipment	4,370,922	3,620,444
Other assets	1,972,805	2,094,339
Total Assets	133,900,334	126,451,216
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	9,173,169	6,884,155
Accrued expenses	7,519,348	4,531,139
Accrued warrants		253,391
Borrowings under Credit Facilities	0	7,000,000
Total Current Liabilities	16,692,517	18,668,685
Other liabilities	304,839
Total Liabilities	16,997,356	18,668,685
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock — voting, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 35,132,548 and 33,961,650 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	35,132	33,961
Additional paid-in capital	312,783,195	299,477,706
Accumulated deficit	(195,991,478)	(191,729,136)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	76,129
Total Stockholders' Equity	116,902,978	107,782,531
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 133,900,334	$ 126,451,216

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	35,132,548	33,961,650
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,132,548	33,961,650

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
NET SALES	$ 156,379,210	$ 133,053,517	$ 116,186,372
COST OF GOODS SOLD	83,963,292	72,682,634	61,537,230
GROSS PROFIT	72,415,918	60,370,883	54,649,142
SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	75,167,168	62,585,833	58,296,814
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS	(2,751,250)	(2,214,950)	(3,647,672)
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES):
Other Income/(Expenses), net	(525,404)	(181,850)	448,943
Interest Expense	(910,492)	(698,119)	(454,567)
Other Income/(Expenses), Total	(1,435,896)	(879,969)	(5,624)
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(4,187,146)	(3,094,919)	(3,653,296)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	75,195	65,754	57,516
NET LOSS	(4,262,341)	(3,160,673)	(3,710,812)
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	(4,262,341)	(3,160,673)	(3,710,812)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Change in foreign currency translation	76,129
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	76,129
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	$ (4,186,212)	$ (3,160,673)	$ (3,710,812)
NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
-BASIC	$ (0.12)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.11)
-DILUTED	$ (0.12)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.11)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING USED IN COMPUTING NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
-BASIC	34,487,239	33,674,416	33,497,940
-DILUTED	34,487,239	33,674,416	33,497,940

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock—Voting	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
BALANCES at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 103,392,699	$ 33,468	$ 288,216,882	$ (184,857,651)
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014		33,468,342
Exercise of options to purchase common stock	291,749	$ 44	291,705
Exercise of options to purchase common stock, shares		44,432
Issuance of restricted stock units		$ 24	(24)
Issuance of restricted stock units, shares		24,166
Share-based compensation expense	3,976,423		3,976,423
Net loss	(3,710,812)			(3,710,812)
BALANCES at Dec. 31, 2015	103,950,060	$ 33,537	292,484,986	(188,568,463)
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2015		33,536,940
Exercise of options to purchase common stock	2,767,995	$ 425	2,767,570
Exercise of options to purchase common stock, shares		424,710
Share-based compensation expense	4,225,149		4,225,149
Net loss	(3,160,673)			(3,160,673)
BALANCES at Dec. 31, 2016	107,782,531	$ 33,961	299,477,706	(191,729,136)
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016		33,961,650
Exercise of options to purchase common stock	8,280,460	$ 1,074	8,279,386
Exercise of options to purchase common stock, shares		1,073,788
Issuance of restricted stock units		$ 59	(59)
Issuance of restricted stock units, shares		59,183
Conversion of warrants to common stock	588,019	$ 38	587,981
Conversion of warrants to common stock, shares		37,927
Share-based compensation expense	4,438,181		4,438,181
Net loss	(4,262,341)			(4,262,341)
Foreign Currency Translation	76,129				$ 76,129
BALANCES at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 116,902,978	$ 35,132	$ 312,783,195	$ (195,991,478)	$ 76,129
Shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2017		35,132,548

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (4,262,341)	$ (3,160,673)	$ (3,710,812)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Provision for loss/(gains) on accounts receivable	17,348	(5,164)	11,985
Loss on disposal of equipment and deposits on equipment	103,716	189,531	93,599
Share-based compensation	4,438,181	4,193,490	3,923,857
Fair value adjustment for outstanding warrants	334,628	49,077	(502,626)
Change in reserve for inventory obsolescence	291,898	(117,944)	(105,022)
Depreciation and amortization	12,692,355	9,887,168	7,573,535
Amortization of deferred financing costs and loan discount	426,534	150,272	144,823
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(3,852,079)	(1,850,907)	(1,682,304)
Inventories	(5,007,557)	1,568,656	565,726
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(797,427)	(816,020)	1,061,748
Other assets	(90,135)	(398,059)	(198,902)
Accounts payable	2,682,094	853,854	192,583
Accrued expenses	2,988,209	2,256,582	(629,373)
Other liabilities	304,839
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	10,270,263	12,799,863	6,738,817
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of short-term investments			(7,499,205)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments		3,250,000	4,249,205
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits on equipment	(13,003,756)	(29,952,536)	(27,015,112)
Acquisitions of land and building			(5,026,250)
Proceeds from sale of equipment		13,442	30,957
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(13,003,756)	(26,689,094)	(35,260,405)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Debt issuance costs	(270,885)
Exercise of options to purchase common stock	8,280,460	2,767,995	291,749
Proceeds from borrowings under Credit Facilities	7,500,000	10,000,000
Repayment of borrowings under Credit Facilities	(14,500,000)	(3,000,000)
Net cash flows provided by financing activities	1,009,575	9,767,995	291,749
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,723,918)	(4,121,236)	(28,229,839)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	3,908,177	8,029,413	36,259,252
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	2,184,259	3,908,177	8,029,413
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Taxes paid	58,885	76,945	56,353
Interest paid	519,280	445,277	332,244
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant and equipment purchases in accounts payable	1,006,178	$ 1,404,550	$ 2,036,114
Conversion of warrants to common stock	$ 588,019

Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1 – Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Nature of the Business – Freshpet, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “Freshpet” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, manufactures and markets natural fresh, refrigerated meals and treats for dogs and cats. The Company’s products are distributed throughout the United States and other international markets into major retail classes including Grocery and Mass (which includes club), and Online, as well as Pet Specialty, and Natural retail.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”).

Principles of Consolidation – The financial statements include the accounts of the Company as well as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Segments – The Company operates as a single operating segment reporting to its chief operating decision maker.

Estimates and Uncertainties – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results, as determined at a later date, could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company at times considers money market funds and all other highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Short-Term Investments – The Company at times holds interest-bearing certificates of deposits with financial institutions with maturities ranging from three months to one year. Certificates of deposit are classified as short-term investments and interest is recorded as other expenses, net. Historically, interest income has not been material. The Company will continue to monitor interest income and will disclose separately if significant.

Accounts Receivable – The Company records trade accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its history of write-offs and collections and current credit conditions. Accounts receivable are written off when management deems them to be uncollectible.

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method. When necessary, the Company provides allowances to adjust the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose and consideration for obsolescence, excessive inventory levels, product deterioration and other factors in evaluating net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method by charges to income at rates based upon estimated recovery periods of 7 years for furniture and office equipment, 5 years for automotive equipment, 9 years for refrigeration equipment, 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 15 to 39 years for building and improvements. Capitalized cost includes the costs incurred to bring the property, plant and equipment to the condition and location necessary for its intended use, which includes any necessary delivery, electrical and installation cost for equipment. Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the assets over two years are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful lives on the straight-line method.

Long-Lived Assets – The Company evaluates all long-lived assets for impairment. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to their fair value less estimated costs to sell. Estimating future cash flows and calculating fair value of assets requires significant estimates and assumptions by management. If the carrying amount is not fully recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the carry amount to fair value, and is charged to expense in the period of impairment.

Income Taxes – The Company provides for deferred income taxes for temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting, principally net operating loss carryforwards, depreciation, and share-based compensation. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

A valuation allowance is appropriate when management believes it is more likely than not, the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2017, and 2016, the Company determined that a valuation allowance of 100% is appropriate.

Revenue Recognition and Incentives – Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment to the customers as terms are free on board (“FOB”) shipping point, at which point title and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, ownership has transferred, the price is fixed and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated based upon the Company’s historical performance, management’s experience and current economic trends, is recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Trade incentives, consisting primarily of customer pricing allowances and merchandising funds, and consumer coupons are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. Sales are recorded net of estimated trade incentive spending, which is recognized as incurred at the time of sale. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included as accrued expense in the consolidated balance sheet. Coupon redemption costs are also recognized as reductions of net sales when the coupons are issued. Estimates of trade promotion expense and coupon redemption costs are based upon programs offered, timing of those offers, estimated redemption/usage rates from historical performance, management’s experience and current economic trends.

Advertising – Advertising costs are expensed when incurred, with the exception of production costs which are expensed the first time advertising takes place. Advertising costs, consisting primarily of media ads, were $22,127,170, $15,374,392, and $16,302,237, in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs/Freight Out – Costs incurred for shipping and handling are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses within the statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Shipping and handling costs primarily consist of costs associated with moving finished products to customers, including costs associated with our distribution center and the cost of shipping products to customers through third-party carriers. Shipping and handling cost totaled $12,892,928, $11,202,392, and $11,407,908 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Research & development – Research and development costs consist of expenses to develop and test new products. The cost are expensed as incurred.

Share-based Compensation – The Company recognizes share-based compensation based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated. Share awards are amortized under the straight-line method over the requisite service period of the entire award. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09, the Company no longer estimates expected forfeitures but accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

The Company determines the fair value of the stock options granted as either the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as exchange-traded instruments and listed equities.

•

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (e.g., quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active). Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.

•

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flows or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable.

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The warrant liability is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in the statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company only maintained Level 1 assets and liabilities.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Note 2 – Recently Issued Accounting Standards: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In connection with this ASU, the FASB also issued ASU No. 2016-10 regarding identification of performance obligations and licensing considerations, ASU No. 2016-12 regarding narrow scope improvements and practical expedients- and ASU No. 2016-08 which clarifies the implementation of guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Topic 606 permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or modified retrospectively with the cumulative effect of applying the guidance as of the date of initial application (the cumulative catch-up transition method). The Company will adopt Topic 606 in the first quarter of 2018 using the full retrospective method approach requiring the company to adopt Topic 606 to each prior reporting period presented. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements and is limited to classification differences within the statement of operating income from cost of goods sold to a reduction to net sales. The net effect will decrease net sales for 2017 by approximately 2.6% lower than under the previous accounting standard. The new accounting standard will not impact Net Income. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases,” which requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is assessing the impact of ASU No. 2016-02 on its corporate office lease, and upon adoption of this guidance, expects to record the lease on its consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASU No. 2016-02.

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Note 3 – Inventories:

Inventories are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Raw Materials and Work in Process	$	2,471,498		$	1,568,789
Packaging Components Material		804,616			908,771
Finished Goods		7,105,425			3,219,634
		10,381,539			5,697,194
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory		(263,145	)		(294,459	)
	$	10,118,394		$	5,402,735

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Refrigeration Equipment	$	70,489,454		$	62,603,188
Machinery and Equipment		47,558,838			45,953,884
Building, Land, and Improvements		25,543,568			25,114,611
Furniture and Office Equipment		4,404,735			3,941,995
Automotive Equipment		319,496			317,615
Leasehold Improvements		375,661			297,681
Construction in Progress		3,763,894			2,841,035
		152,455,646			141,070,009
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		(51,857,007	)		(39,576,929	)
	$	100,598,639		$	101,493,080

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $12,441,468, $9,708,062 and $7,433,876 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively; of which $5,791,459, $4,028,022 and $2,566,013 was recorded in cost of goods sold for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively; with the remainder of depreciation and amortization expense being recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.

Due to our continued growth, the Company has completed a capital expansion project at its Freshpet Kitchens manufacturing facility to expand the plant capacity and increase distribution. Since 2015, the Company invested approximately $35.5 million in capital expenditures related to this project, with $0.3 million recorded during 2017 and $17.6 million recorded during each of 2016 and 2015. New equipment related to the capital expansion project went into service in 2016, which resulted in incremental depreciation expense of approximately $1.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2016.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 5 – Income Taxes:

A summary of income taxes as follows:

		December 31,
		2017	2016		2015
Current:
Federal	$	—	$	—	$	—
State		75,195		65,754		57,516
	$	75,195	$	65,754	$	57,516

The provisions for income taxes do not bear a normal relationship to loss before income taxes primarily as a result of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax is presented below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Tax at federal statutory rate		34.00	%		34.00	%		34.00	%
Impact of 2017 Tax Act		445.05			—			—
State taxes, net of federal		(0.42	)		1.95			0.95
Permanent items		(5.94	)		(3.19	)		(1.33	)
Other		(0.17	)		0.54			(0.09	)
Valuation allowance		(474.34	)		(35.43	)		(35.11	)
Effective tax rate		(1.83	)%		(2.13	)%		(1.58	)%

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

In assessing the realizability of the net deferred tax assets, the Company considers all relevant positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The realization of the gross deferred tax assets is dependent on several factors, including the generation of sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company has experienced taxable losses from inception. As such, there is a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Net operating loss		42,484,665			59,491,094
Stock option expense		235,994			3,155,006
Property and equipment		(8,635,268	)		(10,400,982	)
Other		680,480			981,050
Less: Valuation allowance		(34,765,871	)		(53,226,168	)
Net deferred tax		—			—

At December 31, 2017, the Company had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $174,951,283, which expire between 2025 and 2037. The Company may be subject to the net operating loss utilization provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The effect of an ownership change would be the imposition of an annual limitation on the use of NOL carry forwards attributable to periods before the change. The amount of the annual limitation depends upon the value of the Company immediately before the change, changes to the Company’s capital during a specified period prior to the change, and the federal published interest rate. Although we have not completed an analysis under Section 382 of the Code, it is likely that the utilization of the NOLs will be limited. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $143,444,509 of State NOLs which expire between 2017 and 2037, and had $1,657,143 of foreign NOLs which do not expire.

Entities are also required to evaluate, measure, recognize and disclose any uncertain income tax provisions taken on their income tax returns. The Company has analyzed its tax positions and has concluded that as of December 31, 2017, there were, no uncertain positions. The Company’s U.S. federal and state net operating losses have occurred since its inception in 2005 and as such, tax years subject to potential tax examination could apply from that date because the utilization of net operating losses from prior years opens the relevant year to audit by the IRS and/or state taxing authorities. Interest and penalties, if any, as they relate to income taxes assessed, are included in the income tax provision. The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits and has not accrued any interest or penalties through 2017.

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Total deferred tax assets	$	43,401,139		$	63,627,150
Total deferred tax liabilities		(8,635,268	)		(10,400,982	)
Valuation allowance		(34,765,871	)		(53,226,168	)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 34% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, which will result in a reduction of approximately $18.9 million for the deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and other assets, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The 2017 Tax Act had no impact on tax expense primarily due to us maintaining a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. We did not identify items with the exception of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) noted below for which the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act have not been completed and could not be reasonably estimated as of December 31, 2017, and as such, our financial results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is complete.

The Company is in the process of considering the impact of the disallowance of certain incentive based compensation tax deductibility under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) however to the extent an adjustment to the deferred tax asset is required the impact will be offset by a corresponding adjustment to the valuation allowance.

Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses

Note 6 – Accrued Expenses:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Accrued Compensation	$	3,877,133	$	1,895,443
Accrued Chiller Cost		1,371,940		1,010,018
Accrued Marketing		795,407		282,784
Accrued Freight		354,959		359,009
Accrued Utility		198,000		124,000
Accrued VAT		172,711		—
Accrued Leadership Transition Expenses (1)		—		428,150
Other Accrued Expenses		749,198		431,735
	$	7,519,348	$	4,531,139

(1) Accrued Leadership Transition Costs represent unpaid costs detailed within our former Chief Executive Officer’s separation agreement.

Debt	12 Months Ended
Debt	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 7 – Debt: On November 13, 2014, the Company entered into senior secured credit facilities (the “Debt Refinancing”) comprised of a five-year $18.0 million term facility (the “Term Facility”), a three-year $10.0 million revolving facility (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $12.0 million additional term loan commitment earmarked primarily for capital expenditures (the “Capex Commitments” and together with the Term Facility and Revolving Facility, the “Credit Facilities” and such loan agreement, the “Loan Agreement”). On December 23, 2014, the Company repaid the outstanding $18.0 million and modified the terms of the $40.0 million Credit Facilities. The $18.0 million Term Facility was extinguished, the three-year $10.0 million Revolving Facility remained unchanged, and the $12.0 million term loan commitment earmarked for capital expenditures was increased to $30.0 million. On September 21, 2017, the Company amended the Loan Agreement (the “New Loan Agreement”) which modified the $10.0 million Revolving Facility to $30.0 million (the “New Revolving Facility”) and extinguished the $30.0 million Capex Commitments. The New Loan Agreement has a term of three years and the ability to increase the New Revolving Facility by $10.0 million, with borrowings bearing interest at variable rates. The Company had $7.5 million outstanding under the existing Credit Facilities prior to closing, which was repaid with proceeds from the New Revolving Facility and cash on hand. Upon closing, the Company had $5.5 million outstanding and $24.5 million available under the New Revolving Facility. In connection with this amendment, the Company accelerated the amortization of $0.3 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the existing Loan Agreement. These costs are included in Interest Expense in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The New Revolving Facility matures in September 2020 and borrowings thereunder will bear interest at variable rates depending on the Company’s election, either at a base rate or at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), in each case, plus an applicable margin. Subject to the Company’s leverage ratio, the applicable margin will vary between 0.75% and 1.25% for base rate loans and 1.75% and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. The New Loan Agreement provides for the maintenance of various covenants, including financial covenants, and includes events of default that are customary for facilities of this type. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company borrowed $7.5 million under our Credit Facilities, partially offset by repayments of short-term borrowing of $14.5 million, and debt issuance costs of $0.3 million. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants in the New Loan Agreement and had no outstanding debt as of December 31, 2017. Interest expense and fees totaled $0.9 million, $0.7 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. There was less than $0.1 million of accrued interest on the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies:

Commitments – The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum rentals due under these leases for the next five years were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
2018	$	966,895
2019		1,531,129
2020		1,599,897
2021		1,637,059
2022		1,598,186
2023 and thereafter		8,023,255
	$	15,356,422

Rent expense related to these non-cancelable operating leases was $480,349, $473,853, and $393,718 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Certain of the Company’s executives are covered by employment contracts requiring the Company to pay severance in the event of certain terminations.

Warrant	12 Months Ended
Warrant	Dec. 31, 2017
Warrants And Rights Note Disclosure [Abstract]
Warrant	Note 9 – Warrant: In connection with a loan transaction with a bank prior to 2011, and in consideration thereof, the Company issued to a bank a warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 61,117 shares of voting common stock of the Company at a purchase price of $6.28 per share. The warrant was recorded as a liability with adjustments to fair value recorded in the statement of operations. The warrant was exercised upon surrender to the Company, on a net basis, such that, without the exchange of any funds, such holder purchased that number of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of its warrant less that number of shares having a current market price at the time of exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price that would otherwise have been paid by such holder upon the exercise of the warrant. The outstanding warrants were converted to common stock in September 2017. Upon conversion, the fair value of the warrant of $588,019 was recorded to additional paid in capital and common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2017, prior to conversion, the Company recorded expense of $334,628 in the statement of operations.

Equity Incentive Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Equity Incentive Plans

Note 10 – Equity Incentive Plans:

Total compensation cost for share-based payments recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was approximately $4,438,181, $4,225,149, and $3,976,423, respectively. Cost of goods sold the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 included share-based compensation of approximately $243,063, $221,559, and $201,086, respectively. Selling, general, and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 included share-based compensation of approximately $4,195,118, $3,971,930, and $3,722,770, respectively. Capital expenditures recorded during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the Freshpet Kitchens expansion project included share-based compensation of approximately $31,660 and $52,566 respectively.

2006 Stock Plan—In December 2006, the Company approved the 2006 Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”) under which options to purchase approximately 624,223 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to employees and affiliates of the Company. These options are time-based (vest over five years). Certain option awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the 2006 Plan). At December 31, 2017, there were zero shares available for grant as the plan is frozen.

2010 Stock Plan—In December 2010, the Company approved the 2010 Stock Plan (the “2010 Plan”) under which options to purchase approximately 2,146,320 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to employees and affiliates of the Company (in 2012, the 2010 Plan was amended to allow for option to purchase approximately 2,220,280 shares of the Company’s common stock). These options are either time-based (vest over four years), performance-based (vest when performance targets are met, as defined in the stock option grant agreement), or vest at the occurrence of an exit event which is defined as a Change of Control in the Company or an initial public offering registered under the Securities Act, as defined in the stock grant agreement.

In December 2016, the Company modified 419,366 of its performance-based awards to time-based awards that vest over two years. At the time of the December 2016 modification the performance-based awards’ vesting criteria was not considered probable. All modified awards were fair valued on the modification date. As of December 31, 2016, the vesting of any remaining performance-based awards which were not modified in December 2016 is not considered probable of vesting and accordingly the Company has not recognized the related compensation expense.

The options granted have maximum contractual terms of 10 years. The Board of Directors froze the 2010 Stock Plan such that no further grants may be issued under the 2010 Stock Plan.

2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan—In November 2014, the Company approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) under which 1,479,200 shares of common stock may be issued or used for reference purposes as awards granted under the 2014 Plan. In September 2016, the 2014 Plan was amended to allow for the granting of an additional 2,500,000 shares of common stock to be issued or used for reference purposes as awards granted, for a total of 3,979,200 shares. These awards may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, as well as other share-based and cash-based awards. As of December 31, 2017, the awards granted were either time-based (cliff vest over three years), performance-based (vest when performance targets are met, as defined in the stock option grant agreement), or restricted stock units (employee RSUs cliff vest over three years and non-employee director RSUs cliff vest over one year).

At December 31, 2017, there were 2,173,343 shares of common stock available to be issued or used for reference purposes under the 2014 Plan.

NASDAQ Marketplace Rules Inducement Award—During the year ended December 31, 2016, 500,000 service period stock options and 500,000 performance-based stock options were granted to the Company’s CEO as an inducement under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Under the terms of the agreement, the grant is governed as if issued under the 2014 Omnibus Plan. As of December 31, 2016, the awards granted were time-based (cliff vest over four years) and performance-based (vest when performance targets are met, as defined in the stock option grant agreement).

Service Period Stock Options—A summary of service period stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:

Options	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		2,788,285		$	8.61
Granted		340,618			11.00
Exercised		(1,073,788	)		7.71
Forfeited		(17,073	)		10.15
Expired		(7,776	)		9.01
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		2,030,266		$	9.47		6.6	$	19,323,665
Exercisable at December 31, 2017		677,849		$	9.87		5.8	$	6,242,098

All of the options exercisable at December 31, 2017 were in-the-money, which account for the entire aggregate intrinsic value. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $8,081,050, $1,467,076, and $531,962, respectively.

A summary of the nonvested service period stock options as of December 31, 2017, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017, is presented below:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2016		1,346,503		$	5.04
Granted		340,618			5.61
Vested		(317,631	)		5.28
Forfeited		(17,073	)		5.30
Nonvested as of December 31, 2017		1,352,417		$	5.12

As of December 31, 2017, there was $4,874,172 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested service period options, of which $2,791,187 will be incurred in 2018, $1,471,586 will be incurred in 2019, and the remaining $611,400 will be incurred in 2020.

Performance Based Options—Performance based option vesting is contingent upon the Company achieving certain annual or cumulative revenue goals. A summary of performance-based stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:

Options	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		1,357,561		$	10.24
Granted		253,240			13.62
Forfeited		(456,408	)		11.46
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		1,154,393		$	10.50		8.4	$	9,755,757
Exercisable at December 31, 2017		39,253		$	9.05		8.4	$	388,618

A summary of the nonvested performance-based options as of December 31, 2017, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017, is presented below:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2016		1,357,561		$	7.47
Granted		253,240			6.66
Vested		(39,253	)		4.52
Forfeited		(456,408	)		7.72
Nonvested as of December 31, 2017		1,115,140		$	7.28

In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the achievement of certain vesting criteria related to some of the Company’s performance-based awards under the 2010 and 2014 plans was considered no longer probable. The Company reversed $56,815 and $2,573,484 in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation costs related to the 477,624 performance-based awards for which the achievement of the vesting criteria is considered probable as of December 31, 2017 have performance target dates ranging from December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020. There was approximately $1,848,245 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested performance-based options for which the achievement of the vesting criteria is considered probable as of December 31, 2018, of which $738,267 will be incurred in 2018, $554,343 will be incurred in 2019, and the remaining $555,635 will be incurred in 2020.

Restricted Stock Units—The following table includes activity related to outstanding restricted stock units during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		97,515		$	9.05
Granted		130,321			11.54
Issued Upon Vesting		(59,183	)		9.05
Forfeited		(3,413	)		9.99
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		165,240		$	10.99

As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $1,200,973 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units, of which $625,775 will be incurred in 2018, $426,707 will be incurred in 2019, and $148,490 will be incurred in 2020.

Grant Date Fair Value of Options—The weighted average grant date fair value of options (service period options and performance based options) granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $6.06, $5.09 and $7.66 per share, respectively.

Expected Volatility—For the grants during the year ended December 31, 2013, the expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

The Company utilized its historical stock price as an indicator of volatility for all grants prior to 2013. The grants during 2014 all occurred while the Company was publicly traded. Subsequent to the IPO, we no longer deemed it appropriate to use historical volatility as it was not representative of the Company’s stock on the public market. As such expected volatility that was utilized was based upon the volatility of a group of similar entities, referred to as “guideline” companies. As Freshpet has more historical data based on more time as a public company, the historical volatility of Freshpet becomes a more significant input.

Weighted Average Expected Term—The Company determined the expected term based on the “shortcut method” described in FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (an expected term based on the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term).

Risk-Free Interest Rate—The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a period consistent with the expected term of the option in effect at the time of the grant.

Expected Dividend Yield—The Company has not historically declared dividends, and no future dividends are expected to be available to benefit option holders. Accordingly, the Company used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.

	Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$	12.12	$	9.71	$	17.00
Expected volatility	45.6% - 50.1%		52.6% - 53.2%		45.6%
Average expected terms in years	6.5 - 6.6		5.3 - 7.2		5.4 - 6.4
Risk-free interest rate	1.92% - 1.93%		1.26% - 1.36%		1.60%
Expected dividend yield	0.0%		0.0%		0.0%

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders

Note 11 – Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders:

Basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common share outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive securities. Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, due to the fact that potentially dilutive securities would have an antidilutive effect as the Company incurred a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2014.

In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, there were no reconciling items between Net Loss/Income and Net Loss attributable to common stockholders.

The potentially dilutive securities excluded from the determination of diluted loss per share, as their effect is antidilutive, are as follows:

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Service Period Stock Options		2,559,532		2,299,468		1,991,209
Restricted Stock Units		148,150		65,439		—
Performance		39,253		—		—
Warrants		—		61,117		61,117
Total		2,746,935		2,426,024		2,052,326

Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
Retirement Plan	Dec. 31, 2017
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plan	Note 12 – Retirement Plan: The Company sponsors a safe harbor 401(k) plan covering all employees. All employees are eligible to participate. Active participants in the plan may make contributions of up to 50% of their compensation, subject to certain limitations. Company contributions totaled approximately $594,627 in 2017, $497,731 in 2016, and $380,357 in 2015.

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 13 – Related Party Transactions: Payments made to a privately held entity, who is a stockholder of the Company, for the purchase of raw materials totaled approximately $9,069,618 in 2017, $6,565,384 in 2016, and $6,068,038 in 2015. The Company believes that all payments made to the shareholder are at market value and thus at arms-length.

Concentrations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]

Concentrations

Note 14 – Concentrations:

Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company maintains its cash balances in financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 each. At times, such balances may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.

Major Customers—In 2017, 2016, and 2015, net sales to one of our distributors which sells directly to three of our customers, accounted for 18%, 23%, and 22% of our net sales, respectively. In both 2017 and 2016, no customers accounted for 10% of our net sales, while for the same period in 2015, one customer accounted for more than 10% of our net sales.

Major Suppliers—The Company purchased approximately 24% of its raw materials from one vendor during 2017, approximately 23% of its raw materials from one vendor during 2016, and approximately 34% of its raw materials from two vendors during 2015.

Of the finished goods product volume not manufactured by us, the Company also purchased approximately 88% of its finished goods from three vendors in 2017, approximately 89% from four vendors in 2016, and approximately 90% from three vendors in 2015.

The Company purchased approximately 91% of its packaging material from three vendors during 2017, 84% of its packaging material from three vendors during 2016, and approximately 64% of its packaging material from three vendors during 2015.

Net Sales by Class of Retail—The following table sets forth net sales by class of retail.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Grocery (including Online), Mass and Club	$	126,437,742	$	104,708,513	$	89,131,925
Pet Specialty and Natural		29,941,468		28,345,003		27,054,447
Net Sales	$	156,379,210	$	133,053,517	$	116,186,372

Unaudited Quarterly Results

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Unaudited Quarterly Results

Note 15 – Unaudited Quarterly Results:

Unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows:

	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
2017:
Net sales		34,513,935			39,968,983			41,199,780			40,696,512
Income/(loss) from operations		(2,740,471	)		(1,827,121	)		199,024			1,617,318
Net Income/(loss)		(2,879,525	)		(2,652,162	)		(245,548	)		1,514,895
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		(2,879,525	)		(2,652,162	)		(245,548	)		1,514,895
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.01	)		0.04
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.01	)		0.04
2016:
Net sales		31,453,700			33,002,209			34,536,151			34,061,456
Income/(loss) from operations		(1,599,195	)		(2,974,942	)		808,196			1,550,989
Net Income/(loss)		(1,771,802	)		(3,243,002	)		620,730			1,233,400
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		(1,771,802	)		(3,243,002	)		620,730			1,233,400
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.05	)		(0.10	)		0.02			0.04
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.05	)		(0.10	)		0.02			0.04
2015:
Net sales		27,054,674			28,359,404			30,570,506			30,201,788
Income/(loss) from operations (1)		(2,424,578	)		(2,078,083	)		(2,013,698	)		2,868,688
Net Income/(loss) (1)		(2,587,074	)		(2,228,650	)		(1,675,350	)		2,780,262
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders (1)		(2,587,074	)		(2,228,650	)		(1,675,350	)		2,780,262
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.08	)		(0.07	)		(0.05	)		0.08
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.08	)		(0.07	)		(0.05	)		0.08

(1)

Fourth quarter 2015 results include the reversal of $2.6 million of share-based compensation expense related to performance-based awards. See Note 10.

Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of the Business

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”).

Principles of Consolidation

Segments

Segments – The Company operates as a single operating segment reporting to its chief operating decision maker.

Estimates and Uncertainties

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Short-Term Investments

Accounts Receivable

Inventories

Property, Plant and Equipment

Long-Lived Assets

Income Taxes

Revenue Recognition and Incentives

Advertising

Shipping and Handling Costs/Freight Out

Research & development

Research & development – Research and development costs consist of expenses to develop and test new products. The cost are expensed as incurred.

Share-based Compensation

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•

As of December 31, 2017, the Company only maintained Level 1 assets and liabilities.

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Inventories

Inventories are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Raw Materials and Work in Process	$	2,471,498		$	1,568,789
Packaging Components Material		804,616			908,771
Finished Goods		7,105,425			3,219,634
		10,381,539			5,697,194
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory		(263,145	)		(294,459	)
	$	10,118,394		$	5,402,735

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Refrigeration Equipment	$	70,489,454		$	62,603,188
Machinery and Equipment		47,558,838			45,953,884
Building, Land, and Improvements		25,543,568			25,114,611
Furniture and Office Equipment		4,404,735			3,941,995
Automotive Equipment		319,496			317,615
Leasehold Improvements		375,661			297,681
Construction in Progress		3,763,894			2,841,035
		152,455,646			141,070,009
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		(51,857,007	)		(39,576,929	)
	$	100,598,639		$	101,493,080

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Income Taxes

A summary of income taxes as follows:

		December 31,
		2017	2016		2015
Current:
Federal	$	—	$	—	$	—
State		75,195		65,754		57,516
	$	75,195	$	65,754	$	57,516

Schedule of Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate

The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax is presented below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Tax at federal statutory rate		34.00	%		34.00	%		34.00	%
Impact of 2017 Tax Act		445.05			—			—
State taxes, net of federal		(0.42	)		1.95			0.95
Permanent items		(5.94	)		(3.19	)		(1.33	)
Other		(0.17	)		0.54			(0.09	)
Valuation allowance		(474.34	)		(35.43	)		(35.11	)
Effective tax rate		(1.83	)%		(2.13	)%		(1.58	)%

Significant Portions of the Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Net operating loss		42,484,665			59,491,094
Stock option expense		235,994			3,155,006
Property and equipment		(8,635,268	)		(10,400,982	)
Other		680,480			981,050
Less: Valuation allowance		(34,765,871	)		(53,226,168	)
Net deferred tax		—			—

Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
Total deferred tax assets	$	43,401,139		$	63,627,150
Total deferred tax liabilities		(8,635,268	)		(10,400,982	)
Valuation allowance		(34,765,871	)		(53,226,168	)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Summary of Accrued Expenses

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Accrued Compensation	$	3,877,133	$	1,895,443
Accrued Chiller Cost		1,371,940		1,010,018
Accrued Marketing		795,407		282,784
Accrued Freight		354,959		359,009
Accrued Utility		198,000		124,000
Accrued VAT		172,711		—
Accrued Leadership Transition Expenses (1)		—		428,150
Other Accrued Expenses		749,198		431,735
	$	7,519,348	$	4,531,139

(1) Accrued Leadership Transition Costs represent unpaid costs detailed within our former Chief Executive Officer’s separation agreement.

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future Minimum Rentals Due

As of December 31, 2017, future minimum rentals due under these leases for the next five years were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
2018	$	966,895
2019		1,531,129
2020		1,599,897
2021		1,637,059
2022		1,598,186
2023 and thereafter		8,023,255
	$	15,356,422

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Expected Dividend Yield Valuation Model

	Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$	12.12	$	9.71	$	17.00
Expected volatility	45.6% - 50.1%		52.6% - 53.2%		45.6%
Average expected terms in years	6.5 - 6.6		5.3 - 7.2		5.4 - 6.4
Risk-free interest rate	1.92% - 1.93%		1.26% - 1.36%		1.60%
Expected dividend yield	0.0%		0.0%		0.0%

Service Period Stock Options

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Changes under Plans

Service Period Stock Options—A summary of service period stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:

Options	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		2,788,285		$	8.61
Granted		340,618			11.00
Exercised		(1,073,788	)		7.71
Forfeited		(17,073	)		10.15
Expired		(7,776	)		9.01
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		2,030,266		$	9.47		6.6	$	19,323,665
Exercisable at December 31, 2017		677,849		$	9.87		5.8	$	6,242,098

Summary of Nonvested Service Period Stock Options

A summary of the nonvested service period stock options as of December 31, 2017, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017, is presented below:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2016		1,346,503		$	5.04
Granted		340,618			5.61
Vested		(317,631	)		5.28
Forfeited		(17,073	)		5.30
Nonvested as of December 31, 2017		1,352,417		$	5.12

Performance Based Options

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Changes under Plans

A summary of performance-based stock options outstanding and changes under the plans during the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below:

Options	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		1,357,561		$	10.24
Granted		253,240			13.62
Forfeited		(456,408	)		11.46
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		1,154,393		$	10.50		8.4	$	9,755,757
Exercisable at December 31, 2017		39,253		$	9.05		8.4	$	388,618

Summary of Nonvested Service Period Stock Options

A summary of the nonvested performance-based options as of December 31, 2017, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2017, is presented below:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested as of December 31, 2016		1,357,561		$	7.47
Granted		253,240			6.66
Vested		(39,253	)		4.52
Forfeited		(456,408	)		7.72
Nonvested as of December 31, 2017		1,115,140		$	7.28

Restricted Stock Units

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Changes under Plans

Restricted Stock Units—The following table includes activity related to outstanding restricted stock units during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		97,515		$	9.05
Granted		130,321			11.54
Issued Upon Vesting		(59,183	)		9.05
Forfeited		(3,413	)		9.99
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		165,240		$	10.99

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded from Determination of Diluted Loss per Share, as Their Effect is Antidilutive

The potentially dilutive securities excluded from the determination of diluted loss per share, as their effect is antidilutive, are as follows:

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Service Period Stock Options		2,559,532		2,299,468		1,991,209
Restricted Stock Units		148,150		65,439		—
Performance		39,253		—		—
Warrants		—		61,117		61,117
Total		2,746,935		2,426,024		2,052,326

Concentrations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]

Net Sales by Class of Retail

Net Sales by Class of Retail—The following table sets forth net sales by class of retail.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Grocery (including Online), Mass and Club	$	126,437,742	$	104,708,513	$	89,131,925
Pet Specialty and Natural		29,941,468		28,345,003		27,054,447
Net Sales	$	156,379,210	$	133,053,517	$	116,186,372

Unaudited Quarterly Results (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results

Unaudited quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows:

	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
2017:
Net sales		34,513,935			39,968,983			41,199,780			40,696,512
Income/(loss) from operations		(2,740,471	)		(1,827,121	)		199,024			1,617,318
Net Income/(loss)		(2,879,525	)		(2,652,162	)		(245,548	)		1,514,895
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		(2,879,525	)		(2,652,162	)		(245,548	)		1,514,895
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.01	)		0.04
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.09	)		(0.08	)		(0.01	)		0.04
2016:
Net sales		31,453,700			33,002,209			34,536,151			34,061,456
Income/(loss) from operations		(1,599,195	)		(2,974,942	)		808,196			1,550,989
Net Income/(loss)		(1,771,802	)		(3,243,002	)		620,730			1,233,400
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		(1,771,802	)		(3,243,002	)		620,730			1,233,400
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.05	)		(0.10	)		0.02			0.04
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.05	)		(0.10	)		0.02			0.04
2015:
Net sales		27,054,674			28,359,404			30,570,506			30,201,788
Income/(loss) from operations (1)		(2,424,578	)		(2,078,083	)		(2,013,698	)		2,868,688
Net Income/(loss) (1)		(2,587,074	)		(2,228,650	)		(1,675,350	)		2,780,262
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders (1)		(2,587,074	)		(2,228,650	)		(1,675,350	)		2,780,262
Basic earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.08	)		(0.07	)		(0.05	)		0.08
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		(0.08	)		(0.07	)		(0.05	)		0.08

(1)

Fourth quarter 2015 results include the reversal of $2.6 million of share-based compensation expense related to performance-based awards. See Note 10.

Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) OperatingSegment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Number of operating segments \| OperatingSegment	1
Property plant and equipment depreciation method	The Company provides for depreciation on the straight-line method by charges to income at rates based upon estimated recovery periods
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	100.00%	100.00%
Advertising expense	$ 22,127,170	$ 15,374,392	$ 16,302,237
Shipping and handling cost	$ 12,892,928	$ 11,202,392	$ 11,407,908
Furniture and Office Equipment
Estimated useful life	7 years
Automotive Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Refrigeration Equipment
Estimated useful life	9 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Minimum
Estimated useful life	5 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Maximum
Estimated useful life	10 years
Building and Improvements \| Minimum
Estimated useful life	15 years
Building and Improvements \| Maximum
Estimated useful life	39 years

Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Scenario Forecast
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Percentage of decrease in net sales for 2017	2.60%

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw Materials and Work in Process	$ 2,471,498	$ 1,568,789
Packaging Components Material	804,616	908,771
Finished Goods	7,105,425	3,219,634
Inventory gross	10,381,539	5,697,194
Reserve for Obsolete Inventory	(263,145)	(294,459)
Inventory net	$ 10,118,394	$ 5,402,735

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 152,455,646	$ 141,070,009
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(51,857,007)	(39,576,929)
Property, plant and equipment, net	100,598,639	101,493,080
Refrigeration Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	70,489,454	62,603,188
Machinery and Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	47,558,838	45,953,884
Building, Land, and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	25,543,568	25,114,611
Furniture and Office Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,404,735	3,941,995
Automotive Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	319,496	317,615
Leasehold Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	375,661	297,681
Construction in Progress
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 3,763,894	$ 2,841,035

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 12,692,355	$ 9,887,168	$ 7,573,535
Cost of goods sold, depreciation and amortization	5,791,459	4,028,022	2,566,013
Kitchens Manufacturing Facility
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	300,000	17,600,000	17,600,000	$ 35,500,000
Incremental depreciation expense		1,600,000
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 12,441,468	$ 9,708,062	$ 7,433,876

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
State	$ 75,195	$ 65,754	$ 57,516
Deferred income taxes	$ 75,195	$ 65,754	$ 57,516

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of the Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Tax at federal statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Impact of 2017 Tax Act	445.05%
State taxes, net of federal	(0.42%)	1.95%	0.95%
Permanent items	(5.94%)	(3.19%)	(1.33%)
Other	(0.17%)	0.54%	(0.09%)
Valuation allowance	(474.34%)	(35.43%)	(35.11%)
Effective tax rate	(1.83%)	(2.13%)	(1.58%)

Income Taxes - Significant Portions of the Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets Net [Abstract]
Net operating loss	$ 42,484,665	$ 59,491,094
Stock option expense	235,994	3,155,006
Property and equipment	(8,635,268)	(10,400,982)
Other	680,480	981,050
Less: Valuation allowance	$ (34,765,871)	$ (53,226,168)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss		$ 42,484,665	$ 59,491,094
Uncertain tax positions		0
Income tax interest and penalties expense		$ 0
Federal corporate tax rate		34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Future reduction to deferred tax assets due to 2017 Tax Act		$ 18,900,000
Scenario Forecast
Income Tax [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate	21.00%
New Jersey
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss		$ 143,444,509
New Jersey \| Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2017
New Jersey \| Latest Tax Year
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2037
Federal
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss		$ 174,951,283
Federal \| Earliest Tax Year
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2025
Federal \| Latest Tax Year
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration year		2037
Foreign
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss		$ 1,657,143

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets Net [Abstract]
Total deferred tax assets	$ 43,401,139	$ 63,627,150
Total deferred tax liabilities	(8,635,268)	(10,400,982)
Valuation allowance	$ (34,765,871)	$ (53,226,168)

Accrued Expenses - Summary of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accrued Compensation

$ 3,877,133

$ 1,895,443

Accrued Chiller Cost

1,371,940

1,010,018

Accrued Marketing

795,407

282,784

Accrued Freight

354,959

359,009

Accrued Utility

198,000

124,000

Accrued VAT

172,711

Accrued Leadership Transition Expenses

^[1]

428,150

Other Accrued Expenses

749,198

431,735

Accrued expenses

$ 7,519,348

$ 4,531,139

[1]	Accrued Leadership Transition Costs represent unpaid costs detailed within our former Chief Executive Officer’s separation agreement.

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 21, 2017	Dec. 23, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 20, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding				$ 0	$ 7,000,000		$ 7,500,000
Borrowings under credit facilities				7,500,000	10,000,000
Repayments of short-term borrowing				14,500,000	3,000,000
Debt issuance costs				270,885
Interest expense and fees				900,000	700,000	$ 500,000
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accrued interest				$ 100,000	$ 100,000
$40,000,000 Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 40,000,000
New Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 30,000,000
Increase in credit facility	$ 10,000,000
Line of credit facility, maturity month and year				2020-09
New Revolving Facility \| Minimum \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, applicable margin				0.75%
New Revolving Facility \| Minimum \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, applicable margin				1.75%
New Revolving Facility \| Maximum \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, applicable margin				1.25%
New Revolving Facility \| Maximum \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, applicable margin				2.25%
New Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility term	3 years
Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of unamortized debt issuance costs				$ 300,000
Capex Commitments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 12,000,000
Capex Commitments \| $40,000,000 Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		30,000,000
Capex Commitments \| New Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment amount of debt	$ 30,000,000
Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 18,000,000
Credit facility term			5 years
Term Facility \| $40,000,000 Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment amount of debt		$ 18,000,000
Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 10,000,000
Credit facility term			3 years
New Revolving Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding				5,500,000
Availability under credit facility				$ 24,500,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Rentals Due (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2018	$ 966,895
2019	1,531,129
2020	1,599,897
2021	1,637,059
2022	1,598,186
2023 and thereafter	8,023,255
Future minimum rental payments	$ 15,356,422

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense related to non-cancelable operating leases	$ 480,349	$ 473,853	$ 393,718

Warrant - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Warrant - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Warrants And Rights Note Disclosure [Abstract]
Warrant issued to purchase shares of voting common stock	61,117
Warrant issued to purchase shares of voting common stock, per share	$ 6.28
Warrant conversion period	2017-09
Conversion of warrants to common stock	$ 588,019
Fair value adjustment for outstanding warrants	$ 334,628	$ 49,077	$ (502,626)

Equity Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 4,438,181	$ 4,225,149	$ 3,976,423
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted					$ 6.06	$ 5.09	$ 7.66
Performance Based Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, granted					253,240
Total unrecognized compensation cost					$ 1,848,245
Reversal of compensation expenses						$ 56,815	$ 2,573,484
Unrecognized compensation costs, Performance based awards					477,624
Performance target ranging start date					Dec. 31, 2017
Performance target ranging end date					Dec. 31, 2020
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted					$ 6.66
Performance Based Options \| Incurred in 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					$ 738,267
Performance Based Options \| Incurred in 2019
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					554,343
Performance Based Options \| Incurred in 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					555,635
Restricted Stock Units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost					1,200,973
Restricted Stock Units \| Incurred in 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					625,775
Restricted Stock Units \| Incurred in 2019
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					426,707
Restricted Stock Units \| Incurred in 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					$ 148,490
Service Period Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, granted					340,618
Total intrinsic value of options exercised					$ 8,081,050	$ 1,467,076	531,962
Total unrecognized compensation cost					$ 4,874,172
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted					$ 5.61
Service Period Stock Options \| Incurred in 2018
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					$ 2,791,187
Service Period Stock Options \| Incurred in 2019
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					1,471,586
Service Period Stock Options \| Incurred in 2020
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost recognized during period					$ 611,400
Service Period Stock Options \| CEO
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						4 years
Number of options, granted						500,000
Performance-Vested Stock Options \| CEO
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, granted						500,000
2006 Stock Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, number of shares granted				624,223
Vesting period				5 years
Stock options, available for grant					0
2010 Stock Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, number of shares granted			2,146,320
Vesting period			4 years
Stock options, available for grant			2,220,280
2010 Stock Plan \| Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted maximum contractual terms					10 years
2010 Stock Plan \| Performance Based Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
Modified from performance-based awards to time-based awards	419,366
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					3 years
Stock options, available for grant		3,979,200			2,173,343			1,479,200
Stock options, number of additional shares granted		2,500,000
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Restricted Stock Units \| Employee
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					3 years
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Restricted Stock Units \| Non-employee Director
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period					1 year
Cost of Sales
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 243,063	$ 221,559	201,086
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation					$ 4,195,118	3,971,930	3,722,770
Capital Expenditures
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation						$ 31,660	$ 52,566

Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding and Changes under Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 12.12	$ 9.71	$ 17.00
Service Period Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance	2,788,285
Shares, Granted	340,618
Shares, Exercised	(1,073,788)
Shares, Forfeited	(17,073)
Shares, Expired	(7,776)
Shares, Outstanding Ending Balance	2,030,266	2,788,285
Exercisable at end of period, shares	677,849
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 8.61
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	11.00
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	7.71
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	10.15
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expired	9.01
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Balance	9.47	$ 8.61
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 9.87
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	6 years 7 months 6 days
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	5 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 19,323,665
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 6,242,098
Performance Based Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance	1,357,561
Shares, Granted	253,240
Shares, Forfeited	(456,408)
Shares, Outstanding Ending Balance	1,154,393	1,357,561
Exercisable at end of period, shares	39,253
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 10.24
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	13.62
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	11.46
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Balance	10.50	$ 10.24
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 9.05
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	8 years 4 months 24 days
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	8 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 9,755,757
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 388,618
Restricted Stock Units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance	97,515
Shares, Granted	130,321
Shares, Issued Upon Vesting	(59,183)
Shares, Forfeited	(3,413)
Shares, Outstanding Ending Balance	165,240	97,515
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 9.05
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit, Granted	11.54
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit, Issued Upon Vesting	9.05
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit, Forfeited	9.99
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit, Outstanding Ending Balance	$ 10.99	$ 9.05

Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Nonvested Service Period Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted	$ 6.06	$ 5.09	$ 7.66
Service Period Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Nonvested Beginning Balance	1,346,503
Shares, Granted	340,618
Number of Options, Vested	(317,631)
Number of Options, Forfeited	(17,073)
Number of Options, Nonvested Ending Balance	1,352,417	1,346,503
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Nonvested Beginning Balance	$ 5.04
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted	5.61
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Vested	5.28
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Forfeited	5.30
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Nonvested Ending Balance	$ 5.12	$ 5.04
Performance Based Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Nonvested Beginning Balance	1,357,561
Shares, Granted	253,240
Number of Options, Vested	(39,253)
Number of Options, Forfeited	(456,408)
Number of Options, Nonvested Ending Balance	1,115,140	1,357,561
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Nonvested Beginning Balance	$ 7.47
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Granted	6.66
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Vested	4.52
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Forfeited	7.72
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share, Nonvested Ending Balance	$ 7.28	$ 7.47

Equity Incentive Plans - Expected Dividend Yield Valuation Model (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	$ 12.12	$ 9.71	$ 17.00
Expected volatility			45.60%
Risk-free interest rate			1.60%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum		1.26%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum		1.36%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	45.60%	52.60%
Average expected terms in years	6 years 6 months	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.92%
Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	50.10%	53.20%
Average expected terms in years	6 years 7 months 6 days	7 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 4 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.93%

Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders - Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded from Determination of Diluted Loss per Share, as Their Effect is Antidilutive (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities	2,746,935	2,426,024	2,052,326
Service Period Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities	2,559,532	2,299,468	1,991,209
Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities	148,150	65,439
Warrants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities		61,117	61,117
Performance
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities	39,253

Retirement Plan - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contribution amount	$ 594,627	$ 497,731	$ 380,357
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Active participants contributions percentage	50.00%

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Purchases of Raw Materials
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments made to a stockholder for distribution services	$ 9,069,618	$ 6,565,384	$ 6,068,038

Concentrations - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
Concentrations - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Customer vendors	Dec. 31, 2016 Customer vendors	Dec. 31, 2015 Customer vendors
Customer Concentration Risk \| Sales Revenue Net
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	18.00%	23.00%	22.00%
Number of customers \| Customer	3	3	3
Supplier Concentration Risk \| Purchases of Raw Materials
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	24.00%	23.00%	34.00%
Number of vendors	1	1	2
Supplier Concentration Risk \| Finished Goods
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	88.00%	89.00%	90.00%
Number of vendors	3	4	3
Supplier Concentration Risk \| Packaging Materials
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	91.00%	84.00%	64.00%
Number of vendors	3	3	3
Customer One \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Sales Revenue Net
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Number of customers \| Customer	0	0	1
Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash, FDIC insured amount \| $	$ 250,000

Concentrations - Net Sales by Class of Retail (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 40,696,512	$ 41,199,780	$ 39,968,983	$ 34,513,935	$ 34,061,456	$ 34,536,151	$ 33,002,209	$ 31,453,700	$ 30,201,788	$ 30,570,506	$ 28,359,404	$ 27,054,674	$ 156,379,210	$ 133,053,517	$ 116,186,372
Grocery (including Online), Mass and Club
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net Sales													126,437,742	104,708,513	89,131,925
Pet Specialty and Natural
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net Sales													$ 29,941,468	$ 28,345,003	$ 27,054,447

Unaudited Quarterly Results - Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Sep. 30, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Net Sales

$ 40,696,512

$ 41,199,780

$ 39,968,983

$ 34,513,935

$ 34,061,456

$ 34,536,151

$ 33,002,209

$ 31,453,700

$ 30,201,788

$ 30,570,506

$ 28,359,404

$ 27,054,674

$ 156,379,210

$ 133,053,517

$ 116,186,372

Income/(loss) from operations

1,617,318

199,024

(1,827,121)

(2,740,471)

1,550,989

808,196

(2,974,942)

(1,599,195)

2,868,688

^[1]

(2,013,698)

^[1]

(2,078,083)

^[1]

(2,424,578)

^[1]

(2,751,250)

(2,214,950)

(3,647,672)

Net Income/(loss)

1,514,895

(245,548)

(2,652,162)

(2,879,525)

1,233,400

620,730

(3,243,002)

(1,771,802)

2,780,262

^[1]

(1,675,350)

^[1]

(2,228,650)

^[1]

(2,587,074)

^[1]

(4,262,341)

(3,160,673)

(3,710,812)

Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders

$ 1,514,895

$ (245,548)

$ (2,652,162)

$ (2,879,525)

$ 1,233,400

$ 620,730

$ (3,243,002)

$ (1,771,802)

$ 2,780,262

^[1]

$ (1,675,350)

^[1]

$ (2,228,650)

^[1]

$ (2,587,074)

^[1]

$ (4,262,341)

$ (3,160,673)

$ (3,710,812)

Basic earnings/(loss) per common share

$ 0.04

$ (0.01)

$ (0.08)

$ (0.09)

$ 0.04

$ 0.02

$ (0.10)

$ (0.05)

$ 0.08

$ (0.05)

$ (0.07)

$ (0.08)

$ (0.12)

$ (0.09)

$ (0.11)

Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share

$ 0.04

$ (0.01)

$ (0.08)

$ (0.09)

$ 0.04

$ 0.02

$ (0.10)

$ (0.05)

$ 0.08

$ (0.05)

$ (0.07)

$ (0.08)

$ (0.12)

$ (0.09)

$ (0.11)

[1]	Fourth quarter 2015 results include the reversal of $2.6 million of share-based compensation expense related to performance-based awards. See Note 10.

Unaudited Quarterly Results - Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Results (Parenthetical) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Performance-Based Awards
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Reversal of compensation expenses	$ 2.6