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The best freeze-dried dog food brands are great alternatives to other types of raw dog food because they’re more convenient while still containing all the necessary nutrients. Trying a freeze-dried product is a great way to get started in the raw dog food world. Plus, many dogs favor the flavors of freeze-dried dog food over kibble.
So, if you’re looking to try a freeze-dried brand, keep reading to find out what to look for.
What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-drying is a process for preparing dog food that involves using vacuum pressure to preserve raw, whole ingredients. The process usually removes the moisture from raw food to create a lightweight version with a longer shelf life. Freeze-dried raw food is more convenient than other types of raw dog food while still being rich in nutrients.
Freeze-dried dog food can be rehydrated with water before feeding, which brings back the original texture and moisture content, making it palatable for pets. This type of food is popular among pet parents who wish to feed their dogs a diet that’s as close to natural, raw food as possible, but with the convenience of a longer shelf life and easier handling. The process also inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, ensuring the food’s safety over extended periods.
How is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?
Freeze-dried dog food is made through the following steps:
- Preparation: Select and prepare raw ingredients, typically meats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Freezing: Quickly freeze the prepared ingredients to very low temperatures.
- Sublimation: Place the frozen food in a vacuum chamber to remove moisture as the ice sublimates.
- Drying: Apply low heat under vacuum to remove any remaining moisture.
- Packaging: Seal the dry food in moisture- and oxygen-proof packaging to ensure freshness.
Freeze-Dried vs. Dehydrated
Dehydrated and freeze-dried pet food are sometimes mistaken for the same thing, but they’re made differently. Dehydrated dog food goes through a similar process to freeze-dried, but it’s not as nutritious. Raw food is dehydrated by circulating warm, dry air over the food to evaporate the moisture without cooking the food. The texture of dehydrated dog food can be brittle.
Freeze-drying processes remove 98% to 99% of moisture from the food while dehydrating food only removes 90% to 95% of the moisture. Thus, freeze-dried dog food retains more natural nutrients, has a longer shelf life, and rehydrates faster than dehydrated dog food.
Pros and Cons of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Like all types of dog food, there are pros and cons to the best freeze-dried dog food.
Pros:
- High-quality ingredients
- Longer shelf life than other types of raw food
- No added fillers or preservatives
- Appealing to picky eaters
- Multiple ways to feed
- Can be beneficial for dogs with allergies
Cons:
- Expensive
- May contain bacteria
- Hard to find options with grains
Why is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Freeze-dried dog food is beneficial for dogs because it closely mimics their ancestral diet with minimal processing. The freeze-drying process preserves the raw ingredients’ natural nutrients, enzymes, and flavors, which might be lost during the high-heat processing of conventional kibble or canned foods. This method of preservation ensures that the food’s nutritional value remains as close to its natural state as possible, which can lead to better digestion, healthier skin and coat, and more energy for dogs. Plus, without high temperatures, the food retains sensitive vitamins, amino acids, and other micronutrients that are vital for a dog’s health.
Another advantage of freeze-dried dog food is its convenience and safety. Since the moisture is extracted, it eliminates the environment that bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, require to thrive, which can make it a safer alternative to raw diets that aren’t freeze-dried. Additionally, the lightweight and non-perishable nature of freeze-dried food makes it an excellent option for storing and traveling, offering a long shelf life without the use of preservatives.
What are Freeze-Dried Dog Food Toppers?
If you don’t want to give your dog freeze-dried food as a full meal, you should consider freeze-dried dog food toppers. They’re a supplemental form of pet nutrition that can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of a dog’s regular meals. Like freeze-dried food, they’re made by taking high-quality ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and fruits, and subjecting them to a freeze-drying process. The resulting product is lightweight, moisture-free, and shelf-stable.
These toppers are usually in a powdery form so they can be easily sprinkled over kibble or mixed with wet food, which can be especially enticing for picky eaters or dogs with appetite issues. Freeze-dried toppers offer a convenient way to provide additional nutrition and taste to a dog’s diet, potentially improving their overall health and wellbeing while making mealtime more enjoyable.
What is the Best Freeze Dried Dog Food?
If you’re considering switching your dog to a freeze-dried diet, below are ten of the best brands to choose from. These brands stand out because of their high protein and natural, beneficial ingredients.
1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Stella & Chewy’s offers freeze-dried dog food in the form of patties. You can serve the patties as-is or rehydrate them by crumbling the patties and adding a 1/4 cup of water for every two patties. Rehydrating is recommended to ensure that your dog ingests enough water daily. This food is designed to improve digestion, promote strong teeth and gums, enhance skin and coat health, and increase energy levels.
These raw patties are made with 95% meat, organs, and bones to cater to your dog’s ancestral diet. The rest of the recipe includes nutritious ingredients like organic fruits and vegetables. It comes in a variety of formulas, including recipes with beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and rabbit. So, you can choose a flavor that caters to your dog’s preferences.
Features:
- Several ways to serve
- Contains 95% meat, organs, and bones
- Benefits several health aspects, including digestion, skin, and teeth
- Comes in a variety of flavors
- Made in the USA
2. Sojos Complete Natural Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food Mix
To serve this freeze-dried formula to your dog, you just need to add water and let it soak for 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and nutrients. Many dogs are drawn to this food more than kibble, so it can be a great option for picky eaters. If you don’t want to serve it as a full meal, you can also use it as a dog food topper.
When rehydrated, a 7-pound bag of dog food becomes 40 pounds of dog food. Each formula only contains premium, natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. There are a variety of recipes available, including turkey, beef, lamb, and goat. All the food is made using small-batch baking in USA kitchens.
Features:
- Rehydrating enhances flavors and nutrients
- Uses premium, natural ingredients
- No artificial preservatives
- Variety of flavors
- Made in the USA
3. Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Food
Open Farm has a freeze-dried raw line of dog food that’s minimally processed and never cooked. Each formula in this line is high in protein with 85% meat, organs, and bones in the recipe. The formulas also include organic fruits and vegetables. Using the lot code, you can trace all the ingredients back to the source on the website, so you can feel confident about what’s going into your dog’s tummy.
You can either feed these recipes as full meals or toppers. All you have to do is scoop the food and add water before serving. There are six flavors available: grass-fed beef, surf & turf, pasture-raised lamb, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and farmer’s table pork. You can also get a variety pack so your pup can taste all the flavors.
Features:
- Trace all ingredients to their source
- 85% meat, organs, and bones
- High in protein
- Variety of flavors
- Minimally processed natural ingredients
4. BIXBI Rawbble Freeze-Dried Dog Food
BIXBI’s Rawbble formulas come in soft, lightweight pellets that you can simply scoop into your dog’s bowl. Adding water is not required unless you need to add more moisture to your dog’s diet. It can be served as a treat, food topper, or full meal. This food comes in several flavors, including beef, duck, lamb, turkey, pork, and chicken.
Each formula is a limited ingredient option, making it perfect for dogs with allergies. 98% of each recipe is made of meat, organs, and bones, so the food contains a minimum of 50% protein. The ingredients are USDA-inspected and sourced in the USA. The recipes avoid fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives.
Features:
- Convenient
- Several ways to serve
- 98% meat, organs, and bones
- High in protein
- Sourced and processed in the USA
- Variety of flavors
5. Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets
Primal’s freeze-dried food comes in the form of rectangular-shaped nuggets. Before you serve them to your dog, the company recommends adding warm water, broth, or goat milk to rehydrate them. The ingredients include meat raised without antibiotics, steroids, or hormones, followed by organic fruits and vegetables. This food is a high-protein, balanced diet.
Primal provides a variety of health benefits for dogs, including improved digestion, dental health, eye health, and skin and coat. It can also help with weight management. Chicken is one of the most popular flavors, but the company also offers other recipes, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, and venison.
Features:
- Can be served with water, broth, or goat milk
- High in protein
- Benefits several health aspects, including digestion, dental health, and eye health
- Good for weight management
- Variety of flavors
6. Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Halo’s freeze-dried raw meal bites might look like kibble from a distance, but they’re a healthier alternative. This food used to be called TruDog, but it was recently rebranded to Halo. The morsels are crunchy like dry dog food, but they’re packed with key nutrients that are often lost during the kibble cooking process.
You can feed this food dry for added convenience or you can rehydrate it by adding some warm water. All the ingredients come from animal sources, and 99% are real meat and organs. This food can benefit your dog’s skin, coat, digestive system, and immune system. It also enhances energy levels. This dog food comes in a few flavors, including beef, turkey, and whitefish.
Features:
- Convenient
- Several ways to serve
- 99% real beef and organs
- Benefits several health aspects, including skin, coat, and digestion
- Several flavors available
7. Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
There are a few ways to serve Nulo’s freeze-dried food to your dog. You can serve it as is, crumble it over other food as a topper, or add water to rehydrate it. The food is packed with ingredients that are designed to help your dog with allergy relief and weight management. Many dogs are drawn to the taste as well, making it a good choice for picky eaters.
80% to 83% of the food contains meat, organs, and bones, depending on which formula you choose. Nulo has beef, duck, lamb, turkey, and salmon recipes available. All the food is manufactured in the USA with a single protein source. The food can benefit your dog’s coat, digestion, and immune system.
Features:
- Several ways to serve
- Good for dogs with allergies
- Benefits your dog’s coat, digestion, and immune system
- Variety of flavors
- Made in the USA
8. Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Mini Nibs
This freeze-dried dog food comes in dry, lightweight pieces that are as convenient as kibble but with extra nutrients. They can be served as a full meal or mixed with other food for a flavor and nutrient boost. The pieces of this food can also make great training treats. You can choose from a variety of flavors, such as beef, chicken, duck, rabbit, salmon, and turkey.
The freeze-drying process for this food helps lock in vitamins and nutrients with minimal processing. So, the food is packed with natural, USA-sourced ingredients to make it protein-rich. The formulas only include necessary items, so they avoid artificial flavorings, by-products, and legumes. The limited ingredient list makes this food great for dogs with allergies.
Features:
- Convenient
- Variety of flavors
- Good for dogs with allergies
- USA-sourced ingredients
- Work well as training treats
9. Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Meals
Finally, Instinct provides great raw meals that are convenient like kibble. These recipes contain about three times more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than dry dog food. The ingredient list also includes non-GMO fruits and vegetables. The food is never cooked and is minimally processed to provide better digestion and nutrient absorption for the dogs that eat it.
This food has balanced nutrition, including 85% meat and organs with 15% fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. It’s always made in the USA, and it avoids unnecessary items like corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives. You can choose beef, chicken, or lamb recipes, all of which are great for dogs with allergies. The food can be served as-is or you can add water to it.
Features:
- 3 times more real meat and organs than kibble
- Convenient
- 85% meat and organs
- Good for digestion and nutrient absorption
- Good for dogs with allergies
- A few flavors are available
10. iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper
While it’s not a full meal, the iHeartDogs Happy, Healthy Nutrition Boost Food Topper can enhance the nutritional value of your dog’s diet. It’s a freeze-dried, raw dog food seasoning that’s grain-free and acts as a superfood meal mixer, providing a significant health boost for dogs. With beneficial ingredients like probiotics, collagen, nutrient-dense organ meat, blueberries, carrots, and kale, your dog will feel better from nose to tail.
The topper can improve joints, digestion, immune health, heart health, skin, and coats all in one small scoop per day. Plus, sprinkling it on top of your dog’s existing food can enhance the flavor, enticing picky pups to eat regularly. It’s available in chicken or beef flavors, and every package purchased donates seven meals to shelter dogs.
Features:
- Freeze-dried dog food topper
- Includes superfoods like blueberries, carrots, kale, and collagen
- Benefits the joints, immune system, heart, and more
- Entices picky eaters
- Comes in chicken or beef
- Donates meals to shelter dogs
Tips for Choosing the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Even though all the products mentioned in this article are high-quality, not every type of food works for every dog. So, here are a few aspects to consider when choosing the best raw freeze-dried dog food.
Ingredients of Freeze Dried Dog Food
Ingredients are essential for any type of dog food. Before choosing a brand, check the ingredients to make sure they have quality animal protein and organic fruits and vegetables. Most importantly, ensure the food has the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive.
If your dog is allergic to certain ingredients or just doesn’t like certain foods, it’s also a good idea to make sure those items aren’t on the ingredient list. Dog food recipes with single protein sources and short ingredient lists are best for dogs with allergies.
Health Benefits of Freeze Dried Dog Food
Your dog’s overall health can depend a lot on the food they eat. Dog food recipes may include ingredients to help with certain health aspects, such as skin, coat, heart, digestion, eyes, and immune system. Ideally, the food will benefit your dog’s health in all aspects, but if there’s something specific you need the food to focus on, check the recipe’s details. If you’re worried your dog isn’t getting a big enough health boost from their food, consider trying some supplements.
Type of Food
Freeze-dried dog food doesn’t always look the same. Some brands have small, crunchy pieces similar to kibble while others have soft, crumbly pieces. Some can be served as-is while others are most beneficial when mixed with water.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, food that looks like kibble may be your best choice. Yet, if your dog is older with sensitive teeth, a softer food type might be easier for them to chew. It all depends on the needs and preferences of you and your dog.
Price of Freeze Dried Dog Foods
It’s no secret that the best freeze-dried raw dog food is expensive. So, if you’re on a budget, you may have to make your final decision based on what’s most affordable. Higher prices often equal better quality, but most freeze-dried dog food recipes are considered better quality than kibble regardless of the price.
Freeze Dried Dog Food vs. Kibble: A Comparison
Freeze-dried dog food and kibble represent two ends of the dog food spectrum, each with their own unique benefits and considerations. In this segment, we’ll explore how freeze-dried food compares to kibble, shedding light on which might be the best fit for your canine companion.
Nutritional Content and Quality
Freeze-dried dog food is often touted for its high nutritional value, which is largely due to the process of freeze-drying. This method involves freezing the raw ingredients and then reducing the surrounding pressure to allow the frozen water in the food to sublimate directly from ice to vapor. This process retains most of the nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes present in the raw ingredients, leading to a product that is as close to its natural state as possible without being raw.
On the other hand, kibble undergoes a high-heat extrusion process. While convenient, this process can degrade some of the natural nutrients found in the raw ingredients, which are often compensated for by adding synthetic vitamins and minerals after cooking. Despite this, high-quality kibble brands have refined their processes to ensure balanced nutrition suitable for most dogs’ needs.
Convenience and Accessibility
Kibble is the king of convenience. Its dry nature makes it easy to store and serve, with no preparation needed, and it has an extended shelf life even after the bag is opened. It’s also the most readily available dog food on the market, found in virtually any store that sells pet supplies.
Freeze-dried food, while also shelf-stable, typically requires rehydration before serving. This extra step can be a minor inconvenience and requires access to clean water. Additionally, freeze-dried dog foods are less common and can be more expensive and harder to find than kibble, often found only in pet specialty stores or online.
Price Point
When it comes to cost, kibble is generally more budget-friendly. The manufacturing process for kibble is well-established and scaled for mass production, which keeps prices relatively low. Conversely, the freeze-drying process is more resource-intensive and often involves higher quality, less processed ingredients, which translates to a higher price tag. For dog owners on a budget, kibble offers a more cost-effective option, while those looking for a closer-to-raw diet and have room in their budget might prefer the benefits of freeze-dried food.
Frequently Asked Questions about Freeze Dried Dog Food
Before you buy new food for your dog, here are a few commonly asked questions that can help you make a final decision.
How Should You Transition to Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Gradual transitions are always a good idea when switching your dog to a new food, especially if the two foods are drastically different from each other. Here is our recommended transitioning process:
- Days 1 to 3: Serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food
- Days 4 to 7: Serve 50% old food with 50% new food
- Days 7 to 14: Serve 20% old food with 80% new food
- Day 15: 100% new food
You can adjust this process to fit your dog’s needs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a longer transition may be necessary. if your dog handles food well, the transition may not need to be as long. When in doubt, ask your vet for advice.
Is Freeze Dried Dog Food Healthy?
Yes, freeze-dried dog food is generally healthy for dogs. It preserves more nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes than many other food processing methods, as the freeze-drying process eliminates moisture without high temperatures that can break down these beneficial components. However, it’s important to ensure that the specific freeze-dried diet is balanced and appropriate for a dog’s particular life stage and health needs.
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Better Than Kibble?
In most ways, freeze-dried dog food is better than kibble. It’s less processed, allowing the food to retain nutrients better and improve digestion. However, it’s more expensive and more likely to contain bacteria. So, it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer.
How Long Does Freeze-Dried Dog Food Last?
It depends on the product, so check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure. However, most freeze-dried dog food will last over a year unopened but only a month or two when opened.
How Long Can Freeze-Dried Dog Food Sit in a Bowl?
Once you pour your dog’s freeze-dried food into a bowl, it can last up to 12 hours if left dry, but only up to 2 hours if it has been rehydrated with water. So, your dog cannot graze on rehydrated food throughout the day like they can with dry food.
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Safer Than Raw Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog food is still a form of raw dog food, but it tends to be safer than fresh raw dog food. The freeze-drying process reduces the risk of bacteria contamination, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk. Freeze-dried food can last longer than refrigerated raw food, making it less likely for your dog to eat expired food.
Do You Have to Add Water To Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Not all freeze-dried dog food brands require you to add water. Yet, if you can add water, you should. Adding water rehydrates the food, making it more filling, flavorful, and nutritious for your dog. Adding water may also make the food easier to digest while keeping your pup hydrated.
Can You Freeze-Dry Dog Food Yourself?
If you serve your dog fresh raw food, you can freeze-dry it to help it last longer. However, that task is often too time-consuming and expensive for the average dog parent to take on.
What is a Dog Food Topper?
A dog food topper is a supplemental feeding option that can be added to a dog’s regular food to enhance its flavor and nutritional content. These toppers can be made from a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and grains, and come in different forms such as freeze-dried pieces, gravies, or powders.
What are Dog Food Toppers Used for?
Dog food toppers are used to enhance the taste and nutritional value of a dog’s main meal, often to entice picky eaters or to add variety to their diet. They can also serve specific health-related purposes, such as providing extra protein, supporting digestion, or improving coat and skin condition.
Are Food Toppers Good for Dogs?
Food toppers can be good for dogs as they often enhance the palatability and nutritional content of a dog’s regular meal, which can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters or those requiring additional nutrients. However, it’s important to choose high-quality toppers appropriate for the dog’s dietary needs and to use them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as advised by a veterinarian.
Can Dog Food Toppers Replace a Meal?
Dog food toppers are not meant to replace a meal as they are typically not nutritionally complete on their own. They’re intended to be added to a dog’s regular meal to supplement it with additional nutrients, enhance flavor, or encourage a better appetite.
Can I Give My Dog a Food Topper with Every Meal?
Yes, you can give your dog a food topper with every meal, but it’s essential to ensure that the topper is appropriate for your dog’s nutritional needs and that it doesn’t lead to overfeeding. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the topper’s packaging and consider your dog’s overall calorie intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
The best freeze-dried dog food is the perfect balance between kibble and traditional raw food. It has all the nutritional benefits of raw dog food in a convenient kibble-like form.
So, if you’ve been thinking about switching your dog to a raw diet, the food brands mentioned in this article are a great way to get started. However, don’t forget to gradually transition your dog from their old food to their new food to avoid any digestive problems.
Still looking for great dog food options? Check out the 8 Best Dog Foods of 2023.