FRESHPET BECOMES FIRST DOG FOOD TO EARN CLEAN LABEL PROJECT CERTIFICATION

Core Insights - Freshpet has become the first dog food brand to earn the Clean Label Project's Purity Award for its entire U.S. and Canadian product line, highlighting its commitment to ingredient quality and safety [1] - The Clean Label Project certification involves extensive testing for over 100 contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticides, ensuring that Freshpet's products meet stringent safety standards [1] - The announcement follows a report indicating that traditional dry dog foods contain significantly higher levels of heavy metals and industrial contaminants compared to fresh and frozen dog foods [1] Group 1: Certification and Quality - Freshpet is the only pet food brand with its entire portfolio recognized for meeting strict limits on contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides [1] - The Clean Label Project's Purity Award is reserved for the top third of performers in a product category, underscoring Freshpet's premium quality [1] - The certification process began in early 2025, and Freshpet's recipes have been validated against rigorous safety thresholds [1] Group 2: Health and Safety Concerns - The Clean Label Project found that traditional dry dog food averaged 13.3 times more arsenic, 20 times more lead and mercury, and higher levels of DEHP and acrylamide compared to fresh dog food [1] - Many pet owners mistakenly assume that pet food is held to the same safety standards as human food, which is not the case, raising concerns about long-term exposure to contaminants [1] - Freshpet's recipes are formulated with real, gently cooked ingredients and undergo strict safety checks, including over 20 quality and safety tests [1] Group 3: Company Mission and Practices - Freshpet has been on a mission for 20 years to transform pet nutrition through fresh, nutritious food and sustainable practices [2] - The company partners with farmers who share similar values, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and social responsibility in its operations [2] - Freshpet's products are kept refrigerated until they reach consumers, ensuring freshness and quality [2]