This review records our experience in 2017. Product packaging, ingredients, price and availability may have changed since it was first published.
Earlier that year, a new fridge appeared in the pet aisle at my local Tesco, filled with a pet food brand from the US called Freshpet. I had not heard of the company before, so I was curious to find out what made its chilled food and treats different.
After trying the brand’s food with our pets, I was interested to see Freshpet launch Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats in the UK. The treats arrived just in time for Christmas, and my two dogs were more than happy to help me review them.
Discovering Freshpet in Tesco
Freshpet stood out because its products were kept in a chiller rather than on the usual shelves of tins and dry food. At the time, the range included chilled meals in rolls that could be sliced into portions, as well as bags of food and treats.
I had already shared our experience in my Freshpet Gourmet Pet Food review. Our pets enjoyed trying that range, so the Dog Joy treats seemed like a natural product to explore next.
The idea behind the brand appealed to pet owners who wanted convenient food made with recognisable ingredients. It offered another option for people who wanted to give their pets something different but did not have the time, confidence or ability to prepare homemade pet food.
What Were Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats?
Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats were soft strips of naturally wood-smoked turkey bacon. They looked and smelled surprisingly similar to turkey bacon made for people, which certainly caught my dogs’ attention as soon as the packet was opened.
The soft strips were easy to handle and could be offered whole or broken into smaller pieces. That made them useful as an occasional treat or as a reward during a walk or training session.
Because the treats were sold chilled, they needed to be stored in the fridge. This was worth remembering when shopping and when deciding where to keep them at home.
Ingredients and Product Information
Freshpet described the Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats as being free from corn, wheat, soy by-products and fillers. The information available when I reviewed them also stated that they contained no rendered meats, artificial flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives.
They were promoted as a source of natural protein and as a less processed alternative to many traditional dog treats. As with any pet food, it is sensible to check the current packet before buying because recipes and ingredient information can change over time.
If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a medical condition, introduce any new treat carefully and ask your vet for advice if you are unsure. Treats should also be given alongside a suitable, balanced diet.
What Did My Dogs Think?
My two dogs loved them. The smell made the treats very tempting, and they were both keen to have one while we were outside enjoying the snow.
The photograph from this review still makes me smile because it captures a simple winter moment: two happy dogs, fresh snow and a treat they were very pleased to receive.
The soft texture was convenient, and being able to break a strip into smaller pieces helped me control the amount they were given. As these felt like a special treat, I would use them in moderation rather than as an everyday replacement for their usual food.
A Convenient Treat for Busy Pet Owners
Preparing homemade treats is not practical for every household. Time, energy, mobility, confidence and family responsibilities can all affect what someone is able to make at home.
A ready-made chilled treat can be useful when you want to offer your dog something enjoyable without adding another job to the day. The packet was easy to keep in the fridge, and the strips required no preparation before serving.
That convenience was one of the main attractions for me. Pet care needs to fit into real family life, and a product can still feel special without requiring lots of extra work.
Price and Availability at the Time of Review
When this review was originally published in December 2017, Freshpet Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats were exclusive to Tesco and had a recommended retail price of £3.99. They were stocked in Freshpet chiller cabinets in selected Tesco stores.
This information is included as part of the original review and should not be treated as current availability or pricing. If you are looking for the product today, check directly with Freshpet or your usual retailer.
My Final Thoughts
Freshpet Dog Joy Turkey Bacon Treats were a success with my two dogs. They loved the smell and taste, while I appreciated the soft texture, simple serving and convenient chilled format.
For us, they worked well as an occasional reward and brought a little extra excitement to a snowy winter day. Although this is an older review, it remains a lovely record of a product my dogs genuinely enjoyed.
My two loving the snow and a Freshpet treat.