SECAUCUS, N.J. — Freshpet, Inc. announced Sept. 8 the launch of Spring & Sprout, its first 100% vegetarian dog food line. These diets, formulated with plant-based proteins, cage-free eggs, fruits and vegetables, will debut at more than 900 Petco stores across the United States before rolling out to other retail locations in 2022.

The company claims Spring & Sprout is the first refrigerated fresh vegetarian pet food option to be available “at retail.” The company first mentioned this new product launch during its second quarter 2021 earnings call on Aug. 2.

"Freshpet has long been committed to pet welfare and the well-being of our planet," said Scott Morris, president and chief operating officer of Freshpet. "That's why we created Spring & Sprout – a planet-friendly vegetarian pet food that gives pet parents an option that aligns with their own values while meeting the nutritional needs of their pets."

Spring & Sprout formulas are 100% meat-free, formulated instead with high-protein plant proteins and carrots, cranberries and cage-free eggs to provide a complete-and-balanced plant-based diet. The company cited health benefits of meat-free nutrition for dogs include digestion, immunity, skin and coat health, weight management and allergy mitigation.

Additionally, Spring & Sprout plays into Freshpet’s robust sustainability plan — Pets, People and the Planet — by eliminating environmental impacts associated with meat production. The company’s manufacturing facilities use methods to save wind, water and CO2, as well as a zero-waste approach, for all product lines including this latest vegetarian option.

Freshpet’s other brands include Deli Fresh, Fresh Treats, Freshpet Select, Homestyle Creations, Nature’s Fresh, Vital Freshpet Select, and Vital.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.