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Quick Access To The Best Freeze Dried Dog Food?
| Editors Pick | Brand |
| Our Vets Top Pick | Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food |
| Best Runner Up | Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Food |
| Best Budget | BIXBI Rawbble All-Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food |
In recent years, freeze-dried dog food has become increasingly popular.
This type of dog food is made by drying raw foods like meat and organs at a low temperature.
The dog food is then sealed in airtight packaging to prevent it from spoiling.
As a pet parent, you know that proper nutrition is key to keeping your four-legged family member happy and healthy.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about freeze-dried dog food – what it is, the benefits of feeding it to your pup, and 9 of the best options available right now.
So whether you’re looking for new food for your dog or just want to learn more about this type of diet, read on!
Table of Contents
What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog foods are a type of raw dog food.
Raw diets for dogs are based on the premise that canines should eat what they would in the wild.
This means that the food is minimally processed and contains no grains or fillers.
Freeze-dried foods take this one step further by removing all moisture from the food through a freeze-drying process.
This leaves behind nutrient-dense food that is shelf-stable and easy to store.
How Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?
Freeze-dried dog food is made by drying raw meat and organs at a low temperature.
It works by taking food through a freeze-drying process which removes all the water contents while preserving its nutritional value.
Once the freeze-drying process is finished the food is then sealed in airtight packaging to prevent it from spoiling.
This process preserves the nutrients and flavor of the food while eliminating the need for preservatives.
Health Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
There are many benefits to feeding your dog this food.
For starters, this type of diet is packed with protein and nutrients.
Since it’s made from raw ingredients, it closely resembles the diet that dogs would eat in the wild.
In addition, freeze-dried foods are easy to store and has a long shelf life due to the freeze-drying process it goes through.
It can also be an excellent option for picky eaters or dogs with allergies.
Since many freeze-dried dog foods are made with limited ingredients and one protein source, it is easier to digest and unlikely to cause stomach upset.
Here is a summary of some of the benefits:
- High-quality ingredients
- Raw diet alternative and much easy to prepare
- Long shelf life and easy to store
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies
- Most dogs love freeze-dried food
Disadvantages Of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
While there are many benefits to freeze-dried dog food, there are a few disadvantages to consider.
For one, a freeze-dried diet can be expensive.
Since it’s made with high-quality ingredients and goes through a lengthy manufacturing process, freeze-dried food typically costs more than kibble or canned food.
Additionally, you can expect that some may not enjoy the taste of freeze-dried food.
Lastly, some may have bacteria contamination.
While this is rare, it can happen if the frozen raw food isn’t handled or stored correctly.
To avoid this, make sure to buy from a reputable brand and store the food in a cool, dry place.
Here’s a summary of the disadvantages:
- More expensive than kibble or canned food
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Rare chance of bacteria contamination
Now that we’ve covered what freeze-dried dog food is and some of the benefits and drawbacks of feeding it to your pup, let’s look at seven of the best options on the market right now.
What Are The Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods?
Here are my #1 picks for the best freeze-dried dog foods:
- Nulo Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Food
- Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- K9 Natural Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties
- Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals
- BIXBI Rawbble All-Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Orijen Acana Regionals Grasslands
- Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
1) Nulo Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
Our Vet’s Top Pick
Looking for a healthy, grain-free, freeze-dried dog food for your pup?
Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is the perfect solution.
This food is made with real meat, organs, and bone and comes in various flavors.
Plus, it contains probiotics to help with digestion and food sensitivities.
It’s easy to serve – just add water, and it’s ready to eat!
Also, as pet parents we know how annoying it is to buy an entire bag of expensive dog food just to find out your dog refuses to eat it… Picky dogs are pretty frustrating for this.
Well, this company answers that problem.
If your dog doesn’t like it, they offer a full refund on their freeze-dried food!
Key Features:
- Can be served as a topper, treat, or complete meal
- Comes in 5 and 13-ounce bags
- Includes probiotics to aid in healthy digestion
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Formulas contain at least 80% meat, organs, and bone along with fruits and veggies
- Available in beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, duck, and chicken
Pros:
- If your dog does not like this food, you can bring back the dog food for a full refund!
- Made with animal raw food sources with no grain-free
- Made in the USA in a USDA inspected facility
- Helps with allergy relief and weight control
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Only available in select stores
Price:
A 13 oz bag of dog food is listed on Amazon for $51.99-$72.56, depending on the protein and seller you choose to buy from.
The 5oz bag is around $29.99 but varies by $5-10 depending on the protein and seller.
2) Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Food
Runner Up
Looking for nutritious, all-natural food that provides a complete and balanced meal?
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is the perfect food for your pet.
It’s minimally processed and contains 95% cage-free poultry, organs, and bone plus 100% organic certified fruits and vegetables.
This food is good for your pet, but it also supports digestion, allergy relief, skin & coat, teeth health, etc.
It comes in various protein sources, and all are produced on a farm, cage-free, and grass-fed.
Key Features:
- Comes in beef, chicken, duck, lamb, rabbit, red meat, salmon & beef, turkey, venison & lamb, venison, and pork flavors
- Comes in packages of 5.5, 14, and 25 ounces
- 95% cage-free, grass-fed, farm-raised poultry, organs, and bone plus 100% organic certified fruits and vegetables
- Probiotics are also included in this food
- Suitable for all breed sizes
Pros:
- It can be used for all stages of life
- Made with animal raw foods
- Made in the USA
- Minimally processed and all-natural
- No added hormones, antibiotics, grains, or fillers
- Supports digestion, allergy relief, skin & coat, and teeth health
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Expensive
- Patties are large, so you may have to break them up
Price:
A 14 oz bag listed on amazon ranges from $20 for lamb flavor to $44.59 for chicken and even higher for other protein sources.
3) Orijen Regional Red Freeze Dried Dog Food
First on our list is the Orijen Regional Red Freeze-Dried Food.
This dog food is made with animal ingredients that provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive.
It comes in a convenient, dry form – so you can easily store it and feed it to your dog anytime.
Your dog will love the taste of this food – it’s brimming with meat, organs, cartilage, and bone from raw ranch-raised beef, grass-fed lamb, wild boar, Yorkshire pork, wild-caught flounder, and herring.
And because it uses the whole prey animal, your dog is getting all the nutrients they require naturally.
Key Features:
- 90% premium quality animal ingredients
- 10% vegetables, fruits, and botanicals (non-GMO)
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- First 5 ingredients are fresh or raw dog food
- Just add warm water, stir and serve
- Use as a meal or a food topper
- Comes in 3 variations (Regional, tundra, original)
Pros:
- Partner of Acana (high-quality vet recommended dog food brand)
- Made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients
- Works will include all dog breeds and sizes
- No synthetic proteins or added fats
- Packed with nutrients
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Expensive
- It may be too rich for some dogs
- When rehydrated, need to freeze it, and it only lasts three days
Price:
For the 10oz (454g) package, amazon has this priced at $42.99.
4) K9 Natural Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food
Next up on our list is K9 Natural Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food.
It’s made with only the best ingredients and comes in various flavors to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Not food is good for your pup, but it’s also relatively affordable than some freeze-dried dog food.
You can buy it in bulk and save money while keeping your dog healthy and full of energy.
Key Features:
- Comes in beef, lamb, salmon & lamb, Hoki & beef, or chicken flavor
- Comes in packages of 1.1 pounds, 4 pounds, and 8 pounds
- Suitable for all breed sizes and life stages
- Made in New Zealand
Pros:
- Palatability guarantee – full refund if your dog doesn’t like the food
- Grain-free, grass-fed, filler-free, GMO-free, and animal meal free
- No artificial preservatives
- Cheaper than most freeze-dried dog foods
Cons:
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Expensive
- Shipping can sometimes lead to issues since it comes from New Zealand
Price:
For the 1.1-pound package, amazon has this priced at $41.99 for the lamb flavor. Depending on the seller, some flavors will range from $5 to $ 15.
5) Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties
Up next is a freeze-dried dog food your dog’s going to love!
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties are made with fresh ingredients and provide your dog with balanced nutrition.
They’re also low in carbs and calories, making them perfect for dogs on a diet or those who are sensitive to grains.
These patties are freeze-dried so they last long on the shelf and don’t require any refrigeration – perfect for when you’re on the go.
Simply crumble and mix with water to create a moist meal, or feed as-is for a crunchy snack.
Key Features:
- Fresh food made with high-quality ingredients
- Farm-raised beef, chicken, duck, rabbit, and turkey
- Made with organ meat like chicken liver, beef liver, lamb liver,
- Rich in Vitamin B12 and amino acids
- Balanced dog food protein-packed, low-carb, and low on starch.
- No grain or added fillers, dyes, flavorings, or artificial preservatives
- Simply crumble and mix with water for a moist meal, or feed as-is
- Shelf-safe and long-lasting
Pros:
- Made with real meat, organs, and bone
- No grain or added filler, dyes, artificial preservatives, or rendered by-product
- Can help relieve a dogs allergies
- Made in USA
- 30 oz bag is relatively cheap compared to other brands
Cons:
- To some a purely meat based diet is not as optimal for their dogs
- Shipping can sometimes turn some of the food into a powder
Price:
This freeze-dried food is priced at $37.19 on Amazon.
6) Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals are made without grain, corn, soy, wheat or legumes.
They’re also free of artificial colors and preservatives. So you can trust that your pet is getting the best possible nutrition.
These meals are 85% beef and organs, with 15% fruits, vegetables and other essential vitamins and minerals.
This balanced diet supports digestion, strong bones, healthy skin and a glossy coat – as well as overall energy and vitality.
Key Features:
- Comes in chicken, lamb or beef
- 85% beef and organs, 15% fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals
- Supports digestion, strong bones, skin, coat and overall energy and vitality.
- Made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Made from real meat & whole food ingredients
Pros:
- Option for puppies
- Made in the USA
- 3x more real meat & organs comapred to kibble
- Bite sized pieces and option to just use as a topper
Cons:
- It’s minimally processed
- Over priced
- Some dogs won’t like the taste
Price:
This freeze dried raw food is $52.99 for the 1.5 pound bag of chicken. Smaller sizes and different flavors will change the pice.
7) BIXBI Rawbble All-Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
Best Budget
BIXBI Rawbble freeze-dried food is made with 95-98% meat, organs, and bone – no animal meal or fillers.
It’s also grain-free and gluten-free. Plus, it’s made in the USA with USDA human-grade inspections.
One thing I love about this food is depending on the flavor you select they include ground-up bone (e.g ground lamb bone or ground beef bone).
This can add a lot of nutrients to the food.
After looking through reviews, not one negative review mentions their dog not enjoying the food.
The most significant complaint people have is with the price (as with most dog foods)
Key Features:
- Comes in chicken, lamb, turkey, pork, duck, or beef
- Contains 95-98% meat, organs & bone, no animal meal or fillers
- Each bag comes with 14 or 26 ounces
- No grain or gluten
- No antibiotics or artificial preservatives
Pros:
- One of the more affordable freeze-dried foods on the market
- Contains no fillers or grains
- Made in the USA with USDA human-grade inspections
Cons:
- Some dogs may not be a fan of the taste
- Price and no refunds
Price:
The 14-ounce bag is priced at $19.99 on Amazon, while the 26-ounce bag is $32.99.
Some flavors change the price by $4-5.
8) Orijen Acana Regionals Grasslands
Orijen Acana Regionals Grasslands is made with 70% premium animal ingredients and 30% vegetables, fruits, botanicals, and nutrients.
This means that your dog will be getting the best possible nutrition from their food. Plus, Acana is one of the three dog food brands my family (of vets) recommends the most. So whenever I know a brand is vet approved I know its high quality.
Orijen Acana Regionals Grasslands comes in various flavors (grasslands, meadowlands, wild atlantic, and appalachian ranch), so you can find the perfect one for your pup.
It also comes in 4.5 pounds, 13 pounds, or 25 pounds – so you can choose the size that’s right for your home.
Plus, it’s grain-free and gluten-free, so it’s perfect for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies.
Key Features:
- Comes in a variety of flavors (grasslands, meadowlands, wild atlantic, and appalachian ranch)
- Comes in 4.5 pounds, 13 pounds, or 25 pounds
- Made with 70% premium animal ingredients, 30% vegetable, fruit, botanicals, and nutrients
Pros:
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Suitable for all dog breeds, sizes, and life stages
- No artificial preservatives, grain, or gluten
- Includes probiotics and fiber to support digestion
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some dogs may not like the taste
Price:
For the 13-pound bag, amazon has this priced at $54.99 but will vary by $5-10 depending on the protein source selected.
9) Open Farm Freeze Dried Dog Food
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food is made with 95-98% meat, organs, and bone.
There are no fillers or grains in this food; perfect for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Plus, it’s gluten-free and contains no artificial preservatives.
You’ll love that each bag comes with 3.5, 13.5, or 22 ounces of freeze-dried dog food.
It also includes five different protein sources to choose from. Some people have complained about the food arriving in poor condition due to bad packaging.
Key Features:
- Comes in chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, salmon, or beef
- Made with 95-98% meat, organs & bone
- Each bag comes with 3.5, 13.5, or 22 ounces
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- No antibiotics or artificial preservatives
- Good for all breed size
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- No fillers
- 100% transparency in their food production
Cons:
- Price
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
- Shipping can cause issues with food being crushed
- No refund
Price:
The 14-ounce bag is priced at $34.99 on Amazon, with some flavors increasing price by $5-10.
What Is The Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
The best freeze-dried food is Nulo. Nulo is a family-owned company that makes all of its products in the USA.
Nulo’s freeze-dried foods come in chicken, lamb, turkey, pork, duck, or beef. It also contains 95-98% meat, organs, and bone.
Not to mention it contains no preservatives and is completely grain-free and gluten-free.
Freeze Dried Food Vs. Dehydrated Food
Now that we’ve gone over the best freeze-dried dog foods, let’s compare them to dehydrated dog food.
Dehydrated food is made with whole, raw ingredients slowly dried at a low temperature.
This process preserves the nutrients in the food better than other methods, such as kibble or canned food.
Freeze-dried dog food is made with raw ingredients that are frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber.
The pressure in the chamber evaporates the water in the food, leaving behind only the nutrients and flavors.
Some people believe that freeze-dried foods are more nutritious than dehydrated because of this process.
However, the most significant difference between the two is that freeze-drying removes 98% of the water in foods. On the other hand, dehydration removes about 80%, giving freeze-dried products a much longer shelf-life.
Otherwise, they are very similar in terms of nutrition and benefits.
Freeze-Dried vs Totally Raw Dog Food
When it comes to feeding their pets, many dog owners have begun to reconsider the traditional option of dry kibble.
With growing awareness of the benefits of raw diets and natural foods, many pet parents are now opting for freeze-dried or totally raw diets.
Although both freeze-dried and raw diets offer numerous benefits, there are some key differences to consider. Freeze-dried food is typically made from raw ingredients that have been dehydrated and then reconstituted with water.
This process preserves many of the nutrients found in raw ingredients, but it also makes the food more shelf-stable than totally raw options.
In contrast, a totally raw diet consists of unprocessed, fresh ingredients that have not been dehydrated or cooked in any way.
This means that they often need to be kept frozen until they are ready to be served, which can be inconvenient for some pet owners.
How To Feed Your Dog Freeze-Dried Food?
Now that you know all about freeze-dried dog food, it’s time to learn how to feed it to your pup.
Each company will have its own recommendations so always refer to the packaging first.
When introducing your dog to freeze-dried food, start by mixing it with their current food.
You never want to change a dog’s diet too quickly as it can cause stomach upset.
Slowly increase the amount of freeze-dried food you give them over a few days so they can become accustomed to it.
Here is a process Dr. Littlejohn recommends when switching foods:
- For the first 3 days, 1/4 of their usual daily intake can be their new food. So for 1-3 days, their meal will be 1/3 what they normally eat and 1/4 their new freeze-dried food.
- On days 4-6, you can adjust the amount from 1/4 new food to 1/2. This means their diet will be half new food and half old food.
- On days 7-9, you can now half 3/4 of their food be the new food and 1/4 their old food.
- Finally, by day 10 all of their food can be the new food
Many freeze-dried foods can be served as-is but for others, they may require rehydration.
The rehydrating process is done by adding water to the food and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Once rehydrated, the food will have a softer texture that’s easy for your dog to eat.
If you find yourself struggling to get your dog to eat freeze-dried dog food, try adding a little chicken broth.
You can also try crumbling the food over their kibble or using it as training treats.
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