What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog food offers the best of both worlds: the nutritional benefits of raw feeding combined with the convenience of shelf-stable storage. The freeze-drying process removes moisture from raw ingredients through sublimation, preserving nutrients, enzymes, and natural flavors that cooking would destroy.
Unlike traditional kibble that's processed at high temperatures, freeze-dried food maintains the integrity of proteins and fats. When you add water, it reconstitutes to a texture similar to fresh raw food, making it highly palatable for even picky eaters.
This makes freeze-dried food perfect for travel, camping, emergencies, or pet parents who want raw benefits without freezer space requirements or raw handling concerns.
Benefits of Freeze-Dried Food
🧊 Raw Nutrition Preserved
Retains enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids that heat destroys.
📦 No Refrigeration Needed
Store at room temperature for up to 2 years unopened.
🪶 Lightweight & Portable
Perfect for travel, hiking, camping, or emergencies.
🐕 Highly Palatable
Intense flavor makes it great for picky eaters or as a topper.
How to Serve Freeze-Dried Food
Measure the Portion
Follow package guidelines based on your dog's weight and activity level.
Add Water (Optional)
Rehydrate with warm water or bone broth for 2-5 minutes, or serve dry.
Serve & Store
Serve immediately after rehydrating. Keep unused dry food in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is freeze-dried dog food?
Freeze-dried dog food is raw food that has been frozen and then had all moisture removed through sublimation. This preserves nutrients, enzymes, and flavor while creating a shelf-stable product that doesn't require refrigeration.
Is freeze-dried dog food as good as raw?
Freeze-drying preserves nearly all the nutritional benefits of raw food. The process removes only water, leaving proteins, fats, vitamins, and enzymes intact. Many consider it the closest thing to fresh raw food.
How do you serve freeze-dried dog food?
Most freeze-dried foods can be served dry as-is, rehydrated with water or bone broth, or used as a topper on regular food. Rehydrating typically takes 2-5 minutes and returns the food to a texture similar to fresh.
How long does freeze-dried dog food last?
Unopened freeze-dried dog food can last 1-2 years at room temperature. Once opened, it should be used within 30 days and kept in an airtight container. Rehydrated food should be treated like fresh and refrigerated.
Is freeze-dried dog food worth the cost?
While more expensive than kibble, freeze-dried food offers raw nutrition benefits without the handling concerns or freezer space requirements. It's ideal for travel, as training treats, or as a nutrient-dense food topper.
Can I use freeze-dried food as a topper?
Yes! Many pet parents use freeze-dried food as a topper to boost the nutrition and palatability of their dog's regular food. Just crumble it over kibble or mix it in.