Embrace The Great Outdoors With Your Pup In Celebration Of 'Dog Days Of Summer' With Freshpet

A New Study Commissioned by Freshpet Explores How Pet Parents Bond with their Dogs during Summer Adventures

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Jul 26, 2018, 09:56 ET

SECAUCUS, N.J., July 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Freshpet® Inc., the first and only maker of real, all-natural, fresh food for pets in the U.S., celebrates the adventurous side of pet parents, many of whom want nothing more than to include their four-legged companions in exciting activities planned all season long. A national study* commissioned by Freshpet reveals that more than a third (35 percent) of pet parents bring their dogs on family vacations as many pack up for outdoor adventures and take advantage of beautiful weather, giving a whole new meaning to "dog days of summer."

In fact, many dogs join their human pack on family excursions to the point that nearly one-third (29 percent) of pet parents have gone on road trips with just their pups and 39 percent expressed interest in buckling up for their own excursions. Passing the time is not a problem for many as 58 percent of pet parents have conversations with their pup, with women more likely to do so (68 percent vs. 41 percent). There's no reason not to treat our furry family members like our own children, as 81 percent consider their dog an official member of the family.

The study also uncovered exactly what activities pet parents hope to cross off their pup's bucket list and other ways they involve their dogs in family-friendly experiences. Additional findings include:

Bucket List Challenge. More than one in three (34 percent) of pet parents have a bucket list for their dog. Top wishful activities include traveling the world (26 percent), relaxing with a doggy massage or 'paw'-ticure (23 percent) and becoming a certified therapy dog (22 percent).
Part of the Pack. 36 percent of pet parents include their four-legged family members in holiday cards or family photos.
Shop Till You Bark. More than a quarter (26 percent) of pet parents have gone shopping with their dog.

"We know how much love pet parents have for their furry companions, but taking it a step further, we were curious to see how deep the relationship runs during a time when families typically spend more time together," said John Speranza, vice president of marketing at Freshpet. "It's amazing to see the role dogs play in families, and our fresh, all-natural meals will help make sure any pup is ready for summer adventures and unforgettable moments."

At Freshpet, the magic starts with the fresh ingredients used in its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, kitchens, where every meal is made from scratch. They gently steam our foods so our ingredients retain their natural goodness and provide the essential nutrients dogs and cats need for boundless energy and healthy lives. There are never any preservatives, which is why Freshpet meals are found in more than 18,000 of its refrigerators across the United States, Canada and the United Kington in grocery, pet specialty and natural food stores.

To learn more or locate your nearest Freshpet retailer, please visit Freshpet.com.

* Online survey conducted by Kelton Global to 1,024 American dog owners ages 18 and over, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

About Freshpet®
Freshpet® has a single-minded mission – to improve the lives of dogs and cats everywhere through the power of fresh, natural food. We make our fresh refrigerated foods at our Freshpet® Kitchens, where we thoughtfully prepare our recipes and gently cook them in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve key nutrients. That way, your pet gets the best. Freshpet® refrigerated foods and treats are kept cool from the moment they are made until they arrive at Freshpet® fridges in your local market. Our foods are available in select mass, grocery, natural food, club, and pet specialty retailers across the United States, Canada and are currently testing in the United Kingdom. From the care we take to source our ingredients and make our food, to the moment it reaches your home, our integrity, transparency and social responsibility are the way we like to run our business. To learn more, visit www.freshpet.com. Connect with Freshpet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

SOURCE Freshpet