Freshpet & Seizure Concerns: What Dog Owners Should Know
If you’ve been on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, you’re bound to have seen that Freshpet, one of the popular “fresh” refrigerated dog food brands, has faced growing scrutiny as some pet parents report serious issues—including seizures—after their dogs consumed it. If you’re feeding Freshpet or considering it, here’s a clear and compassionate look at the situation, along with guidance on what to do next.
What Pet Parents Are Reporting
- Pet owners on Reddit and Facebook have shared stories of dogs experiencing seizures, disorientation, vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset after consuming Freshpet food.
- A notable example came from a Dachshund whose owner described a seizure followed by disorientation and pain—symptoms that subsided when the diet was changed.
- TikTok has also seen videos warning of seizures and other symptoms after dogs ate Freshpet—though these are anecdotal.
Recalls & Safety Actions
- Freshpet has voluntarily recalled multiple lots in recent years due to Salmonella contamination, including beef-and-egg and chicken recipe lines
- There are no current recalls directly linking Freshpet to seizures or neurological issues that we could find.
- The FDA has logged pet food complaints, with one Freshpet complaint among 971 incidents reported in January 2024; many included symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and seizures
Balanced Review: What We Know—and Don’t
| What’s More Clear | What Still Isn’t |
| Freshpet has had recalls for Salmonella—a known health risk | There’s no scientific proof linking Freshpet to seizures. Reports are anecdotal. |
| Some dogs reportedly recover when switched to other foods . | No FDA warning or large-scale vet study attributes seizures to Freshpet ingredients. |
Veterinary specialists note that while diet can influence neurological health, only specific therapeutic diets— like Purina NeuroCare—have proven seizure reduction effects, not general commercial foods.
For Concerned Dog Owners: What You Can Do
- Monitor Your Pet Closely
If your dog has unusual symptoms (seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness), note what they ate recently. - Speak with Your Vet
Your veterinarian can run tests to diagnose the cause—whether it’s food, toxins, or something else. - Consider Temporarily Switching Food
Some owners report improvement after changing brands. Your vet can help guide the best alternatives. - Report Symptoms
Notify both Freshpet (via their customer service) and the FDA Consumer Complaints portal if you suspect food-related illness. - Stay Informed
Watch for product recalls and check your batch codes regularly.
Final Takeaway
While no definitive evidence connects Freshpet to seizures, the combination of anecdotal reports, serious symptoms, and past recalls means it’s wise to remain vigilant. By staying observant, involving your vet early, and reporting adverse events, you can best care for your dog—and help keep the pet food industry safe.
Want Local Fresh Food Sources?
Check out these three local providers that offer fresh offerings for your pup!
No matter if you’re a diligent social media user or just the occasional reader, it’s important to remember that while it’s a tool for incredible reach and accessing information, it can also spread incorrect information and fear. It’s worth taking a moment to dive into the details before making life-changing decisions for yourself or your dog.
