Does your dog turn their nose up at dinner sometimes? You want the best for your furry friend, but navigating the world of dog food can feel overwhelming. Freeze-dried food promises amazing nutrition, but which brand is truly the best? It’s tough deciding when every bag claims to be the healthiest option.
You worry about fillers and artificial ingredients. You want food that supports a shiny coat and lots of energy. Finding a freeze-dried option that ticks all your boxes without breaking the bank feels like a treasure hunt.
This post cuts through the confusion. We break down what makes great freeze-dried dog food. You will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and how to spot the fakes. Get ready to choose a food that makes your dog thrive.
Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to picking the perfect freeze-dried meal for your happy pup.
Top Freeze-Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS – Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail – our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
- VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS – Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats – ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
- 95% GRASS-FED BEEF & ORGANS – Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach delivers muscle-building protein, enhanced digestibility, and natural nutrients that support coat, skin, and overall health.
- BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat – free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
- MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS – Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – trusted by thousands of pet parents.
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
- Contains Premium Ingredients chosen for nutrition to help support your dogs smooth digestion, healthy vitality, and joint health.*
- Ingredients are hand-selected to support your dogs skin and coat, digestion and immune function.*
- Does not require refrigeration, heat, or water. Simply measure the suggested serving size based on your dogs weight and activity level, pour it into their bowl and watch them enjoy! When youre done, seal the bag up tight.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Freeze-Dried Dog Food Secrets Revealed
Freeze-dried dog food is becoming super popular. It offers great nutrition in a lightweight package. Thinking about making the switch? This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for freeze-dried food, look closely at these important features. These details tell you a lot about the food’s quality and how well it suits your dog.
1. Ingredient Transparency
- Simple Ingredient Lists: Good brands clearly list everything. You should easily recognize most ingredients.
- Protein Source First: The first ingredient should be a named meat, like “chicken” or “beef,” not a vague term like “meat by-product.”
2. Nutrient Retention
The freeze-drying process removes water but keeps nutrients locked in. Check if the manufacturer uses high-quality, raw ingredients before drying. This ensures maximum health benefits.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
This section shows the percentages of protein, fat, and fiber. Compare these numbers to your dog’s needs. Active dogs need higher protein levels.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The quality of the raw ingredients directly impacts your dog’s health. Focus on whole, recognizable foods.
Protein Sources
High-quality freeze-dried foods use whole muscle meats, organs, and sometimes bone. Avoid foods heavy in fillers or grains if your dog has sensitivities.
Fruits and Vegetables
Look for added superfoods like blueberries, spinach, or pumpkin. These provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. They should be included in meaningful amounts, not just trace elements.
Additives and Preservatives
The best freeze-dried foods contain zero artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives. The freeze-drying process itself preserves the food naturally.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all freeze-dried foods are created equal. Some processing methods significantly boost or harm the final product.
Quality Boosters
- Sourcing: Locally sourced or humanely raised meats often mean better quality control.
- Minimal Processing: Less handling before the freeze-drying stage usually results in better nutrient profiles.
Quality Reducers
User Experience and Use Cases
Freeze-dried food offers flexibility. Think about how you plan to use it.
For Everyday Meals
Many owners rehydrate the food by adding warm water. This creates a texture similar to raw food but with the convenience of kibble. It is easy to measure and serve.
For Topping or Supplementing
Because it is so nutrient-dense, a small amount works perfectly as a topper for standard kibble. This boosts the flavor and nutritional value of the existing meal.
For Travel and Training
This food weighs very little and takes up minimal space. It is perfect for camping trips, long hikes, or as high-value training treats. You only need to add water when you are ready to serve.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: What exactly is the freeze-drying process?
A: Freeze-drying removes almost all the water content from raw food through freezing and lowering pressure. This keeps the food shelf-stable without cooking it.
Q: Is freeze-dried food the same as raw food?
A: It is very similar! It starts as raw food. The process preserves the nutrients found in raw diets but makes the food safe and easy to store without refrigeration.
Q: How do I prepare freeze-dried dog food?
A: Most brands suggest adding warm water according to the package directions. Stir it well, let it sit for a few minutes, and then serve the softened meal.
Q: Can I feed freeze-dried food dry, without water?
A: Yes, you can feed it dry, especially if using it as a treat or a topper. However, for a full meal, adding water helps with digestion and hydration.
Q: How long does freeze-dried food last?
A: Unopened bags last for a very long time, often 15 to 25 years, because all the moisture is gone. Once opened, use it within a few months for best freshness.
Q: Is freeze-dried food more expensive than kibble?
A: Generally, yes, it costs more upfront. But since you rehydrate it, the actual volume of food you get is much larger than the dry weight suggests.
Q: Does this food contain grains?
A: Many high-quality options are grain-free, focusing only on meat, organs, and vegetables. Always check the ingredient list for specific grains like rice or corn.
Q: Is this good for senior dogs?
A: Yes, it is excellent. It is highly digestible and easy on aging teeth and stomachs. You can easily control the consistency by adding more or less water.
Q: Does the rehydration water need to be cold?
A: No. Using warm or lukewarm water helps the food rehydrate faster and makes the meal more appealing to your dog.
Q: How do I store opened bags?
A: Seal the bag tightly after every use. Keep it in a cool, dark pantry. Some people transfer leftovers to airtight containers for extra protection.