With so many different dog foods you would think that finding the best diet for your dog will be easy. In truth, this is rarely the case.
While many owners like the idea of feeding a raw diet to their dogs, most don’t have time to prepare raw meals or know how to do it right. If this sounds familiar, you might want to consider freeze-dried dog foods as the next best thing.
Most freeze-dried foods are made from high-quality ingredients, such as organic fruit and veggies and free-range animal proteins. However, these foods usually cost more than kibble, and you might have trouble finding the best for your budget.
To help you make an informed decision we have found and reviewed five delicious and nutritious formulas. Stay with us till the end of this article to find the best freeze-dried dog food for your pooch!
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Reviews
Whether you are looking for healthier food for your pooch or would like to transition him to a raw diet, freeze-dried food is a great option. Continue reading to find the best freeze-dried dog food your money can buy!
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Whole Grain Dog Food
Tap to view on Amazon
Made from high-quality human-grade ingredients, the Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is an excellent pet food for all dogs regardless of their breed and age. Being a dehydrated product you’ll have to mix it with warm water before serving it to your pooch.
Product Highlights
- 10lb box makes 40lb of food
- Made in the USA
- For all life stages
We like that this food is made from premium quality ingredients such as cage-free chicken and that it meets the nutrient profiles for all life stages. High in protein and calories, this delicious formula is a good choice if you have a picky eater or an older and sick dog who can’t stomach regular kibble.
The only downside of this food is that it hardens if it’s not eaten right away.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Complete and balanced for all life stages
- Long shelf life
- Looks and tastes great
Cons
- The mushy texture can be a hit or miss depending on a dog
Buckley Liberty Dog Food Topper & Mixer
Tap to view on Amazon
The Buckley Liberty freeze-dried raw dog food can be fed as a treat or topper or you can add water and serve it as a meal to your dog. Made with high-quality ingredients these meal mixers are packed with healthy nutrients your dog needs.
Product Highlights
- Grain-free
- 80% meat, bones, and organs
- High in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
The greatest thing about these raw boost mixers is that they are made from high-quality lamb meat and fresh veggies. Complete and balanced for daily feeding, this formula contains all the vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids for a strong immune system.
However, these healthy toppers can be quite expensive if you own a large dog that can gobble huge quantities of food.
Pros
- Tastes great and even picky eaters love it
- Can be used as a food, topper, or treat
- Made without grains and fillers
- Supports healthy skin and digestion
Cons
- High-fat levels can be problematic for some dogs
Fresh Is Best Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Tap to view on Amazon
American made, the Fresh Is Best Freeze-Dried raw dog food is a great choice for dogs who don’t eat their meals right away. Convenient to store and prepare, just add water and you’ve got a complete meal for your pooch.
Product Highlights
- Grain-free
- Minimally processed
- High-quality raw ingredients
Made with duck meat, hearts, and gizzards, this freze-dried raw dog food has a high protein count which makes it suitable for very active dogs. This formula is supplemented with all essential vitamins and minerals and is as such complete and balanced for daily feeding.
The only downside of this product is that it may contain too many crumbs which make it look like a mush once rehydrated and served.
Pros
- Delicious and easy to digest
- Sourced and made in the USA
- Available in four different flavors
- High in protein
Cons
- Small package – available only in 8oz bag
Orijen Freeze-Dried Adult Original Formula
Tap to view on Amazon
Highly palatable and nutritious, the Orijen Freeze-Dried Adult Formula is made to mimic the ancestral diet of dogs.
Product Highlights
- Grain-free
- Can be used as food or topper
- Low glycemic index
Made from whole meats, ground bone, organs, fruits, and veggies, this formula contains all nutrients an adult dog needs to stay healthy and thrive. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants this food tastes great and will entice even the pickiest eaters.
The only downside of this food is that it can be quite expensive, but that’s a common complaint about freeze-dried dog foods.
Pros
- Convenient to store and make
- Highly nutritious
- Tastes and smells amazing
- High quality and natural ingredients
Cons
- Medallions can sometimes arrive crushed into flakes
TruDog: Feed Me: Freeze-Dried Raw Superfood – Real Meat Dog Food
Tap to view on Amazon
Made without fillers, grains, preservatives, or coloring, the TruDog Freeze-Dried Superfood is a great option for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs. Suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds this formula is proudly made in the USA.
Product Highlights
- All-natural and organic
- Made form free-ranging beef
- 99% real meat, organs, and meaty bone
We like that this formula is packed with meat and meat organs and has a limited ingredients list, which makes it ideal for dogs with food allergies. Complete and balanced for daily feeding this food contains all essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and wellness.
The only downside of this formula is that it doesn’t contain fresh fruit and vegetables.
Pros
- Easy to digest
- Limited ingredients for dogs with allergies
- Suitable for all life stages
- Made without fillers, grains, or additives
Cons
- Picky eaters may refuse to eat this food
What to Look for When Buying the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
There are many benefits of feeding freeze-dried food to your dog, but to get the most of it you’ll have to pay attention to certain characteristics. Here are some features you should look for:
Ingredients
The ingredients list is the first thing you should look at when buying food for your dog. Most freeze-dried dog foods are made from high-quality ingredients, but there’s no harm in checking.
Note that while most freeze-dried formulas are grain-free, some aren’t. So, if your dog suffers from allergies or stomach sensitivities be sure to check the ingredients list.
When it comes to ingredients you should also pay attention to:
Meat Content
Most freeze-dried dog foods are made primarily of meat and have a higher meat content compared to kibble and wet dog food. However, you should check to see what type of meat is used and see if the formula contains valuable organs and meaty bones too.
Organic
If you don’t want to expose your dog to the dangers of GMO ingredients, look for organic freeze-dried dog foods (source). Many formulas are made from ingredients such as cage-free chicken, free-range beef, and organic fruits and veggies so you won’t have trouble finding one that suits your needs.
Preservatives
Although preservatives are rarely used in freeze-dried food, make sure to check if any are listed on the ingredient list.
Colors
Most manufacturers don’t add artificial colors into freeze-dried pet foods so you probably won’t find any on the ingredients list.
Flavoring
The same thing that applies to colors and preservatives, applies to added artificial flavors. These types of ingredients don’t have any value for your dog and can be harmful if consumed over a long period of time (source).
Origin
Whenever possible try to buy dog food that is made and sourced in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Western Europe. These countries have higher quality and safety control standards and you can rest assured that your dog’s food was made following strict regulations.
Expiration Date
Whether you are buying kibble or freeze-dried dog food, you should always check the expiration date. Otherwise, you may end up feeding your dog with rancid food which can cause digestive problems.
GMP Certified
GMP certificate stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and shows that the manufacturer complies with all the necessary regulations and can guarantee the same level of quality (source). GMP certified dog foods have passed FDA inspection which means that they are completely safe for your dog to consume daily.
Related Questions:
Is freeze-dried dog food good for dogs?
When made from high-quality and nutritious ingredients, freeze-dried food is great for dogs. Freeze-dried dog foods retain all essential vitamins and minerals that are generally lost during manufacturing processing.
What is better freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food?
Freeze-dried food hasn’t been cooked at all and is generally a better option than dehydrated dog food. With dehydrated food, moisture is removed by placing the food in low heat for an extended period of time. On the other hand, freeze-dried foods aren’t heated at all and don’t lose any nutrients during the heating process.
Do you have to add water to freeze-dried dog food?
Yes, you will have to add water to freeze-dried dog food. The amount of water will vary depending on the brand and type of food, so read the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions.
Is freeze-dried food healthy?
When manufactured and prepared right, freeze-dried dog food is healthy and can be a great alternative to a raw diet. Freeze-dried foods are generally made from human-grade, premium quality ingredients, and retain all essential nutrients that are otherwise lost in high temperatures and processing.
Conclusion
As a dog owner, you already know that food plays a huge role in the health and overall well-being of your pooch. If raw feeding is too complicated for you, you’ll be pleased to learn that freeze-dried dog foods are a great alternative.
Made from high-quality and nutritious ingredients, the best freeze-dried dog food is easy to prepare and suitable for dogs of all ages. Most formulas are grain and gluten-free and don’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Ultimately, whichever you choose you can rest assured that your dog is getting the best from every bite he takes!
Related Articles:
- How to Boil Chicken for Dogs – Complete Guide
- Best Dog Training Treats – 2023 Guide and Reviews
- What You Should Do First Before Giving Your Dog a Treat – Trick or Treat?
0 Comments