Does your dog turn their nose up at dinner, or do you worry about what’s really in their bowl? Many dog owners feel the same way. Choosing the best food for your furry friend can feel like a guessing game. You want something healthy, but the labels are confusing, and you’re not sure which cooking method is truly best.
Air-dried dog food is gaining popularity, but it’s easy to get lost in the hype. You might wonder: Is it really better than kibble? How is it made? And most importantly, will my dog love it? Finding clear, honest answers can be tough when every brand claims to be the healthiest.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what air-dried food is, how it benefits your dog’s health, and how to spot the best options on the shelf. Get ready to discover a simple way to upgrade your dog’s diet and see them thrive. Let’s dive into the world of air-dried goodness!
Top Air Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- 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.
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only wholesome ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- 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.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Chicken, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- NUTRIENT RICH: Air drying naturally retains more vitamins and minerals due to its minimal processing, helping your dog to digest.
- 90% TURKEY RECIPE: Turkey makes up 90% of our recipe- no rendered meals or pea proteins ñ so your dogs get the essential amino acids they need from high quality pieces of meat you can see.
- THE FLAVOR DOGS LOVE: Our air-dried process locks delicious flavor into tender-jerky style bites without the use of fillers or artificial preservatives. Let your dog taste the difference.
- CONVENIENCE: As easy and convenient as kibble. Experience the benefits of fresh dog food with the convenience of dry. Easy to store, scoop, and serve without handling raw food. Our Air Dried is like kibble, but better!
- 100% HUMAN GRADE: Following quality standards made for people food.
- NUTRIENT RICH: Air drying naturally retains more vitamins and minerals due to its minimal processing, helping your dog to digest.
- 90% CHICKEN RECIPE: Chicken makes up 90% of our recipe- no rendered meals or pea proteins ñ so your dogs get the essential amino acids they need from high quality pieces of meat you can see.
- THE FLAVOR DOGS LOVE: Our air-dried process locks delicious flavor into tender-jerky style bites without the use of fillers or artificial preservatives. Let your dog taste the difference.
- CONVENIENCE: As easy and convenient as kibble. Experience the benefits of fresh dog food with the convenience of dry. Easy to store, scoop, and serve without handling raw food. Our Air Dried is like kibble, but better!
- 100% HUMAN GRADE: Following quality standards made for people food.
- THE ART OF SLOW AIR-DRYING - Our gentle, low-temperature air-drying process preserves the natural nutrients, flavors, and aromas of real ingredients, ensuring your pup experiences peak freshness & mouthwatering taste with every bite.
- REAL CHICKEN, BEEF, OR SALMON IS THE #1 INGREDIENT - Our delicious recipes provide your pup the hearty, protein-packed nutrition they crave for optimal health & happiness.
- NUTRITION YOU CAN SEE - Each bite is full of delicious, real superfoods you can see like carrots, pumpkin, & blueberries to support your pup’s healthy lifestyle.
- GRAIN FREE & NUTRIENT DENSE WITH NO FILLERS - Enjoy peace of mind with a grain-free, filler-free formula that emphasizes real, nutritious ingredients, helping your pup thrive.
- A TASTE THEY’LL BEG FOR - Tender meaty bites packed with flavor and a proven hit with picky eaters, turning every feeding into a joyful, tail-wagging experience.
- Nutritious and Delicious Meal - The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food is made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world, gently air-dried at a low temperature for longer to maintain optimal nutrition, freshness and flavor, ensuring a wholesome and balanced food that your pets will love
- Vet-Crafted Formula For All Life Stages - Developed in collaboration with a Board Certified veterinary nutritionist, our premium dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all sizes, promoting healthy growth and overall well-being
- Mess-Free and Shelf Stable - With our air dried dog food, busy pet parents can quickly provide their dogs with a nutritious meal in just two simple steps, making it ideal for those with limited time for meal preparation
- Superfood Ingredients for Optimal Health - Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, carrots, and oats, our food supports immune health, shiny coat and skin, gut health, and digestion, leaving them feeling full for longer
- Grain-Inclusive Healthy Option: With no artificial preservatives, fillers or added corn, wheat or soy, our limited ingredient dog food provides a balanced meal option while including wholesome grains like barley and oats
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food offers a great middle ground between raw and kibble. It uses gentle heat and airflow to remove moisture, keeping more nutrients intact than traditional cooking. Choosing the right bag requires knowing what to look for. This guide helps you make the best choice for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important features:
1. Ingredient Transparency
- Whole Food First: The first few ingredients should be named, recognizable meats (like “deboned chicken” or “salmon”). Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.”
- Minimal Fillers: Look for low amounts of grains or starchy vegetables, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
2. Moisture Content
Air-dried foods are low in moisture (usually under 10%). This is normal, but you need to know how much water to add when feeding, as it rehydrates the food.
3. Guaranteed Analysis
Check the guaranteed minimums for protein and fat. Higher protein percentages (often 30% or more) are common in high-quality air-dried options.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The quality of ingredients directly affects your dog’s health. Focus on these components:
Protein Sources
Choose single-source animal proteins. Chicken, beef, turkey, and fish are excellent choices. These provide the essential amino acids dogs need for energy and muscle maintenance.
Nutrient Additions
Good air-dried foods include added vitamins and minerals. Since the drying process can reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients, manufacturers fortify the food afterward. Look for added probiotics for gut health.
Fats
Healthy fats, like those from fish oil or flaxseed, are crucial for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Avoid foods listing generic “animal fat” high on the ingredient list.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all air-dried foods are created equal. Pay attention to how they are made and stored.
Quality Boosters
- Gentle Drying Process: Shorter drying times at lower temperatures preserve more natural vitamins.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients are sourced from the human food chain, quality control is usually higher.
Quality Reducers
- High Ash Content: Excessive ash can indicate too many bone meals were used instead of whole meat.
- Artificial Additives: Skip foods containing artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) are much better.
User Experience and Use Cases
Air-dried food offers excellent versatility. Understanding how to use it enhances the experience.
Feeding Methods
Most owners rehydrate air-dried food by adding warm water and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to digest. Some owners also use it as a crunchy topper over kibble for added flavor or nutrition.
Best Use Cases
- Pickier Eaters: The strong smell and texture often entice dogs who refuse standard kibble.
- Travel: Because it is lightweight and shelf-stable (no refrigeration needed until opened), it is fantastic for camping or long trips.
- Transition Food: It works well when switching a dog from raw food to a shelf-stable diet without a huge shock to their system.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air-Dried Dog Food
Q: Is air-dried food truly raw?
A: No. While it is much less processed than kibble, the process involves heating the food slightly to remove moisture, meaning it is not technically raw.
Q: Does air-dried food need to be refrigerated?
A: Not before opening. Once you open the bag, you should store it in a cool, dry place, or seal it tightly. Refrigeration is not usually required, but check the specific brand’s instructions.
Q: How much air-dried food should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary greatly based on the calorie density. Always follow the feeding chart on the bag, adjusting for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Q: Is air-dried food more expensive than kibble?
A: Yes, generally. Because it uses higher quality ingredients and a more careful drying process, the cost per serving is usually higher than standard dry kibble.
Q: Can I mix air-dried food with my dog’s current kibble?
A: Yes, this is a very common practice. It is often used as a nutritious topper to enhance mealtime.
Q: What is the main difference between air-dried and freeze-dried food?
A: Freeze-drying removes moisture almost instantly at very low temperatures, preserving almost all nutrients. Air-drying uses gentle heat and airflow over a longer time; it is slightly more processed but often results in a chewier texture.
Q: Is this food good for puppies?
A: Many brands make puppy formulas. Ensure the label states it is “complete and balanced” for the growth stage of puppies.
Q: Does the texture change after I add water?
A: Yes. When you add water, the food softens and becomes more like a hearty stew or mash, which is easier for dogs to chew and digest.
Q: How long does an opened bag last?
A: Most manufacturers suggest consuming an opened bag within four to six weeks to ensure maximum freshness and nutrient retention.
Q: Are there any potential downsides to air-dried food?
A: The main potential downside is the higher cost. Also, because it is dense, owners must be diligent about adding enough water during feeding to prevent dehydration.