Alex Seilis
Freeze-dried dog food has been gaining serious traction in the pet food market in recent years. Pet owners are increasingly seeking out premium nutrition for their dogs, and freeze-dried options are becoming a go-to choice. In fact, the global market for freeze-dried pet food was valued at $277 million in 2018 and is expected to nearly double by 2025, reaching $525 million.
Despite being pricier than other options, pet owners are drawn to freeze-dried dog food for its convenience, long shelf life, and high nutritional value. These foods offer an easy way to feed your dog raw, nutrient-dense meals without the hassle of storing or handling frozen raw food, making them a top pick for health-conscious pet owners on the go.
But are freeze-dried dog foods really the best choice for your pup? In the sections below, I'll walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Freeze-Drying?
The concept of freeze-drying may sound like a modern technological feat, but it actually dates back centuries to the ancient Incas of Peru. They stored their food high in the Andes mountains, where the cold temperatures and thin air naturally preserved the food by slowly vaporizing the frozen water.
In more recent history, freeze-drying was utilized during World War II to preserve blood plasma and penicillin, and it became commercially popular in the 1930s with the introduction of freeze-dried coffee.
Freeze-drying works by freezing food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber, where the moisture is drawn out as water vapor. This process, called sublimation, turns the ice directly into vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This allows the food to retain its structure and most of its nutrients, unlike other drying methods that use heat.
Freeze-dried dog food generally has only 5-7% moisture compared to frozen raw food, which contains around 70%.
Unlike dehydrated or air-dried dog foods, freeze-dried food remains raw. Dehydration and air-drying use heat to remove moisture, which alters the food’s structure and results in some nutrient loss. Though these other methods may claim to use low temperatures to preserve nutrients, they often still involve slight cooking.
Freeze-drying, on the other hand, retains the original raw state of the food while offering the convenience of a long shelf life. Let's take a closer look at its pros and cons.
Pros Of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Long Shelf Life
One of the biggest perks of freeze-dried dog food is its extended shelf life. These foods can last for years in their sealed packaging, thanks to the removal of moisture, which prevents bacteria from thriving.
Once opened, most freeze-dried foods need to be used within a month and may even need refrigeration, but their long shelf life makes them a great option for stockpiling or emergency use.
Convenience
Freeze-dried dog food combines the nutritional benefits of raw food with the ease of kibble. It doesn't require freezing or thawing, making it easy to store and serve at a moment’s notice.
If you love taking your dog camping or traveling, freeze-dried food is lightweight and compact, perfect for adventures without worrying about refrigeration.
Better Nutrition
Freeze-dried foods retain almost all their original nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, and enzymes.
Since the freeze-drying process avoids high temperatures, essential nutrients aren’t lost like they are in other drying methods. This makes freeze-dried food one of the best ways to provide your dog with raw nutrition in a more convenient format.
No Starches Or Fillers
Another major advantage is that freeze-dried foods typically don’t require the starches or fillers often found in kibble. Many high-quality freeze-dried foods focus on pure, whole ingredients such as muscle meat, organ meat, and bone. Without the unnecessary carbohydrates and starches, you can feel confident that your dog is getting nutrient-dense meals that promote overall health.
Cons Of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Cost
One of the biggest downsides to freeze-dried dog food is the price. Because the freeze-drying process is labor-intensive and requires specialized equipment, it drives up the cost of production. As a result, freeze-dried food can be significantly more expensive than kibble or canned food. However, for those who prioritize premium nutrition and convenience, many find the cost to be worth the investment.
Storage After Opening
While freeze-dried food boasts an impressive shelf life when sealed, things change once the package is opened. Most freeze-dried foods need to be consumed within a month, and some may even need refrigeration after opening to prevent spoilage. This can be less convenient than kibble, which can stay fresh for much longer even after the bag is opened.
Freeze-Dried Safety And Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout benefits of freeze-dried dog food is its ability to retain essential nutrients. The freeze-drying process preserves amino acids, proteins, probiotics, and other critical nutrients, ensuring that your dog receives a highly nutritious, raw-like meal. Unlike other drying methods, freeze-drying doesn’t use heat, so vital enzymes and fats remain intact, supporting your dog’s overall health without sacrificing the benefits of raw feeding.
Even though freeze-dried food is raw, you don’t have to worry about pathogens. Many freeze-dried foods undergo high-pressure pasteurization (HPP), which eliminates harmful bacteria while keeping nutrients intact. This method provides an added layer of safety, making freeze-dried food a safer alternative for dog owners concerned about raw food bacteria, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or health issues.
If you’re considering transitioning your dog from kibble to a raw diet, freeze-dried food is a perfect gateway. Its raw, nutrient-dense formula mimics the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of refrigeration or thawing. The texture is often closer to kibble, making it an easier adjustment for dogs who may be hesitant to switch from their usual food.
How To Choose Quality Freeze-Dried Dog Food
When selecting freeze-dried food, it’s crucial to check if it provides complete and balanced nutrition, especially if it’s going to be your dog’s sole diet. Some freeze-dried products are marketed as toppers, meant to enhance meals but not to serve as a standalone diet. Look for options labeled “complete nutrition” to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients from their meals.
Choose freeze-dried foods that prioritize high-quality animal proteins like grass-fed meats, poultry, or fish, alongside nutrient-dense organ meats such as liver or heart. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in ingredients like fish oils or flaxseed, are another essential component for healthy skin and coat.
Avoid products with synthetic vitamins, as well as those that contain starchy fillers like grains or legumes, which offer little nutritional value and can lead to weight gain or digestive issues. Additionally, be cautious of high-fat content, as too much fat can interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients.
How To Feed Freeze-Dried Food
To feed freeze-dried dog food, always follow the feeding guidelines on the package to ensure your dog is getting the right amount based on his size and weight. These recommendations are usually for the food in its dry state, so pay close attention to the instructions if you plan to rehydrate. You can adjust the portion sizes based on your dog’s weight gain or loss over time, ensuring he maintains a healthy weight.
While many freeze-dried foods can be fed as-is, it’s generally a good idea to rehydrate them with water or broth before serving. This helps to make the food more filling and aids in digestion. If you opt not to rehydrate, make sure your dog has plenty of access to water to stay properly hydrated, as the freeze-drying process removes most of the moisture from the food.
Bottom line? Consider freeze-dried food if you want to feed raw but struggle with freezer space. Or if you hate having the smell of thawing raw patties in your fridge. And if you travel with your dogs, it couldn’t be simpler ... just throw the bag and a bowl in the car.
Best of all, freeze-dried is really first-rate nutrition for your dog. And that’s what we all want for our best friends.
FAQ
Is freeze-dried food better for dogs? Freeze-dried dog food retains more nutrients, including protein and vitamins, because it stays in an unprocessed state, making it closer to raw food. This makes it a great option for dogs needing a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet crafted to support their overall health.
Is freezing dry dog food good? Freezing dry dog food is an effective way to preserve its nutrients and raw flavor while extending shelf life, as the process removes moisture but retains the food’s unprocessed state. It’s a convenient option for pet owners looking for a long-lasting, minimally processed food that’s easy to store.
How much freeze-dried food should I feed my dog? The amount of freeze-dried food to feed your dog can vary depending on their weight and the specific formulation of the food. Always check the feeding guidelines on the bag and remember to rehydrate the food with water or broth to ensure proper hydration.
How long does a bag of freeze-dried dog food last? An unopened bag of freeze-dried dog food can last for months or even years thanks to its extended shelf life, but once opened, it should be used within a few weeks. Some brands recommend rehydrating the food in minutes before serving for the best results.
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