Dog owners want to feed their dogs the best possible food. The pet food market might feel overwhelming at times with so many options, which is why we want to help you. Understanding the benefits and downsides of each diet helps you choose the right food for your furry friend.
Today, we will discuss the benefits of freeze-dried dog food, its downsides, and try to explain the process from start to finish.
What is Freeze Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog food is a type of commercially made raw meat-based food for dogs. Freeze-dried food has been gaining popularity in recent years because pet parents want less processed alternatives to kibble and dehydrated diets. You can find it in many retailers and pet stores and online shops.
Freeze-drying is a special process that removes the water content of the food while maintaining its integrity.

History of Freeze-dried Food
Here is a fun fact: freeze-drying has a long history, maybe more than a thousand years.
People living near mountains have always left products out in favorable locations. The combination of cold temperatures and high altitudes allows the water to freeze, and then sublimate, changing from ice to evaporated gas.
Modern Freeze-dried Food
Nowadays, we do not leave products outside. We have mastered the process of sublimation, which is changing water content from ice to evaporated gas without passing through liquid form. The result is a low-water-content food that resembles the original food and lasts much longer.
Modern freeze-drying starts with frozen products put into a large vacuum chamber. There, the frozen water inside the food sublimates under controlled conditions, resulting in a lightweight food retaining its original colors and taste.
Freeze-dried foods are harvested at peak ripeness for better taste and higher nutrient value. They contain minimally processed raw ingredients including meat, fruits, and vegetables. Labeled as a special diet, it costs more compared to standard kibble.
Benefits of Freeze Dried Dog Food
Convenience and Storage
Lightweight and compact, freeze-dried dog food is easy to transport, store, and measure out portions. Because of its longer shelf life, it is a convenient choice for pet parents who want to go camping with their dogs or travel for longer periods.
Extended Shelf Life
There is no moisture in freeze-dried food, extending the shelf life of the product. When stored according to the packaged instructions, it can last between 10 and 20 years. There is no bacterial activity due to the removal of water content. Of course, always use your best judgment when serving and preparing food that has been stored for an extended period of time.
Natural Preservation
Because the moisture has been removed, freeze-dried food contains natural preservatives like tocopherols, a natural source of vitamin E.
Integrity of Ingredients
The freeze-drying process allows the ingredients to retain all of their flavor, color, and taste. Their structure remains the same, allowing it to retain up to 95% of nutritional value, resulting in nutrient-dense meals.
Improved Digestibility
The process does not affect enzymes in the food, allowing dogs to digest it easily. Due to the high meat content, the food is high in protein, making it easy for dogs to digest it.
Bones
Bones are a source of calcium and other minerals. They are important to your dog and freeze-dried dog foods often include bones.
Better than Kibble
Pet owners are turning to freeze-dried raw dog food as a healthy and nutritious alternative to kibble and raw food. Kibble is cooked at high temperatures, resulting in lower nutrient value. Freeze-dried food, however, retains all of the nutrients and enzymes found in raw meat.
Packed with Flavor
Imagine serving your dog a meal packed with rich flavor and essential nutrients of fresh meat, yet it is shelf-stable and easy to store. Dogs love the strong flavor of raw meat, and freeze-dried food will smell and taste like raw chicken and steak.
Great for Training Treats
Freeze-dried food is a great alternative for a complete and balanced diet. It provides your dog with all the nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Yet, you can also use it as training treats. Dogs love higher-value treats during training sessions, and you can make freeze-dried food into bite-size treats. It is the perfect way to reward your furry friend for good behavior.

Downsides of Freeze Dried Food
Cost
Freeze-drying is an expensive process, resulting in a higher cost compared to traditional kibble or frozen raw food.
Potential Pathogen Exposure
There is always the possibility of pathogens in the diet. Even high-pressure pasteurization does not fully eliminate pathogens.
Incomplete Nutrition
Not all freeze-dried dog food products are manufactured to serve as complete nutrition. Look at the label and see whether the product states it provides complete nutrition. Check if it is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Short Shelf Life Once Open
Freeze-dried dog food has a long shelf life, but once you open it, you have to use it within a few weeks. Check the recommendation by the manufacturer.
Difference Between Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Dog Food
The biggest difference between the two is that freeze-dried dog food is raw. Air-dried and dehydrated dog foods do not use raw ingredients. All non-freeze-drying technologies are similar in that they remove moisture from food, yet, they use heat. The food might not be cooked technically, but it is still prepared at low temperatures, changing the structure of the food.
Is Freeze-Dried Food the Same as Kibble?
No, freeze-dried dog food is different from kibble. It is a minimally processed raw diet, compared to kibble which is highly processed using high heat. In kibble, all the ingredients are cooked. Freeze-dried food is superior to commercial kibble, but you should consult with your veterinarian before opting for a raw diet.

Final Words
Freeze-dried food has many advantages, including convenience, concentrated nutrition, and longer shelf life. Yes, budget is a factor to consider. Freeze-dried dog food might be more expensive due to processing and packaging. Yet, you can have more control over the cost and ingredients if you want to create your raw dog food recipes.
Freeze-dried dog food has taken the pet world by storm with its delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional kibble. It is up to you to join the trend!