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Freshpet · Gently cooked food

Vital Puppy: Chicken, Beef & Salmon Recipe

For a puppy that is calm and holding its weight, Freshpet Vital Puppy: Chicken, Beef & Salmon Recipe scores 58.5 out of 100. A score is for one dog: the same food scores differently for another.

Score it for your dog
Freshpet Vital Puppy: Chicken, Beef & Salmon Recipe pack

Who it is for

Made for puppies of every size.

Not offered to adult dogs: Made for the puppy life stage, not adult.

Not offered to senior dogs: Made for the puppy life stage, not senior.

What it scores, and why

For the 9 commonest kinds of dog it is made for. Each row opens to the six parts of that score, in the scoring’s own sentences.

A puppy, calm, holding its weight58.5

The 58.5 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Balanced protein (10.5%) for this dog's lower activity levelFat is 33.3% of dry matter. For this dog, a calm dog holding weight, full points are given between 10% and 30%.

    17.5 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, moderately active, holding its weight76

The 76 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Balanced protein (10.5%) for this dog's moderate activityBalanced fat (8.0%) supports this dog's maintenance goal

    35 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, moderately active, losing weight56

The 56 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. For this dog, a moderately active dog losing weight, full points need fat under 13.5%.

    15 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, very active, losing weight58.5

The 58.5 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    High protein (10.5%) preserves this dog's muscle during weight lossFat is 33.3% of dry matter and fibre is 1.0% as fed. For this dog, a very active dog losing weight, full points need fat under 13.5% with fibre of 5% or more.

    17.5 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, calm, losing weight54.1

The 54.1 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Adequate protein (10.5%) for this dog's lower activity levelFat is 33.3% of dry matter and fibre is 1.0% as fed. For this dog, a calm dog losing weight, full points need fat under 13.5% with fibre of 5% or more.

    13.1 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, moderately active, building muscle76

The 76 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    High protein (10.5%) supports this dog's muscle building goalGood fat (8.0%) provides energy for this dog

    35 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, very active, holding its weight71.6

The 71.6 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Great protein (10.5%) for this dog's active lifestyleFat is 33.3% of dry matter. For this dog, a very active dog holding weight, full points are given between 12% and 32%.

    30.6 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, very active, building muscle76

The 76 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    High protein (10.5%) supports this dog's muscle building goalHigh fat (8.0%) fuels this dog's active lifestyle

    35 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5
A puppy, calm, building muscle76

The 76 out of 100, part by part:

  1. Activity and goal

    Nothing more to say here.

    35 of 35
  2. Nutritional quality

    Premium protein content (10.5%) for this dogThe label gives no omega-3 figure, so those points could not be given.The label gives no DHA figure, so those points could not be given.Calories are 5,917 kcal per kg of dry matter. For gently cooked food, full points are given between 4,500 and 5,800.Fat is 33.3% of dry matter. Full points for fat are given between 13.3% and 22.5%.

    13 of 25
  3. Life stage

    Formulated for this dog's puppy life stageThe label gives no calcium and phosphorus figures, so this part was given a middle score.

    7 of 15
  4. Formulation integrity

    Fresh meat as primary ingredient for this dogDiverse protein sources (3 types) for this dogNo controversial ingredients — clean nutrition for this dog

    10 of 10
  5. Format suitability

    Format suitability calibrated for gently cookedThis part scores a kibble's size against the dog's size. A food that is not kibble gets 6 of its 10 points.

    6 of 10
  6. Price value

    Excellent value for this dog — priced in bottom 25%

    5 of 5

Every kind of dog

Each number is this food’s score out of 100 for that dog.

DogScore
An adult dog, moderately active, holding its weightnot offered
An adult dog, moderately active, losing weightnot offered
A senior dog, calm, holding its weightnot offered
An adult dog, very active, building musclenot offered
An adult dog, very active, holding its weightnot offered
An adult dog, moderately active, building musclenot offered
A senior dog, moderately active, holding its weightnot offered
An adult dog, calm, holding its weightnot offered
An adult dog, calm, losing weightnot offered
A puppy, calm, holding its weight58.5
A senior dog, calm, building musclenot offered
A senior dog, very active, building musclenot offered
A senior dog, moderately active, losing weightnot offered
An adult dog, calm, building musclenot offered
A puppy, moderately active, holding its weight76
A senior dog, very active, holding its weightnot offered
A puppy, moderately active, losing weight56
A puppy, very active, losing weight58.5
A senior dog, calm, losing weightnot offered
A puppy, calm, losing weight54.1
A puppy, moderately active, building muscle76
An adult dog, very active, losing weightnot offered
A senior dog, moderately active, building musclenot offered
A puppy, very active, holding its weight71.6
A puppy, very active, building muscle76
A puppy, calm, building muscle76
A senior dog, very active, losing weightnot offered

Not offered: Made for the puppy life stage, not adult.

Not offered: Made for the puppy life stage, not senior.

What the label says

  • Protein10.5%
  • Fat8%
  • Fibre1%
  • Moisture76%
  • Calories1,420 kcal per kg
  • Feeding statementComplete and balanced for growth, including large-breed puppies, by nutrient profile.

Ingredients

Chicken, Beef, Chicken Broth, Eggs, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Pumpkin, Carrageenan, Natural Flavors, Celery Powder, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate)

BowlWise takes it off the list of a dog allergic to: chicken, egg, beef, fish and salmon.

Compared with freshpet.com/en-ca on October 8, 2026: ingredients, protein, fat, fibre, moisture and calories.

Price

On April 17, 2026 freshpet.com listed the 0.907 kg pack at $16.99 in Canadian dollars.

Shop at freshpet.com

How to read this

These scores are BowlWise’s own, worked out from each food’s label for one kind of dog at a time. They are not veterinary advice. How a score is worked out: How we score.

Scores as of October 12, 2026.

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