Does your dog turn their nose up at dinner sometimes? You want the best for your furry friend, but the pet food aisle can feel like a maze. So many bags promise health and happiness, but which one truly delivers? Choosing the right dog food is a big deal for your pup’s well-being.
Air-dried dog food is gaining popularity, and for good reason! It keeps more of the good stuff from fresh ingredients compared to some other types. However, with so many brands out there, how do you know which air-dried option is the perfect fit for your dog’s needs? It can be confusing to figure out what makes one bag better than another.
In this post, we’re cutting through the confusion. We’ll break down what air-dried food really is and what to look for on those labels. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out a delicious and nutritious air-dried meal your dog will love. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets behind this popular food style!
Top Air-Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- 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.
- Premium Nutrition for Your Pets - Made in the USA with finest ingredients from around the world such as high-quality beef, eggs, and nutrient-rich superfoods, our Air-Dried Dog Food ensures your pup receives essential vitamins for optimal health and vitality, making it the perfect puppy dog food or senior dog food
- Healthy Grain-Free Option - Our Beef & Berries dog food is crafted without grains, artificial preservatives, or fillers like corn, wheat, or soy and is a sensitive stomach dog food alternative to kibble
- Packed with Superfoods for Enhanced Well-Being - Our air dried dog food includes a blend of fruits and vegetables like beet powder and spinach, supporting good vision and promoting a shiny coat for your furry friend
- Quick and Easy Meal Preparation - Mess-free and shelf stable, our premium air dried dog food is perfect for busy professionals who want to nourish their dogs without spending hours in the kitchen
- Gently Air-Dried for Optimal Nutrition - While not organic, our limited ingredient dog food is air-dried at a low temperature for longer to maintain optimal nutrition, freshness and flavor verus dehydrated dog food.
- REAL HUMAN-GRADE QUALITY BEEF - Imagine a bowl filled with air dried dog food made with real human grade quality beefy goodness. This high protein dog food will have your pup's tail thumping with joy. It's not just real meat air dried dog food; it's a meaty party for their taste buds, crafted with care
- NO MORE GRAINS OR PESKY ADDITIVES - Our beef dry dog food small bites are gentle on the tummy making it perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. No fillers, coloring, or artificial additives. Just pure wholesome, all-natural real meat dog food
- GENTLY AIR-DRIED TO PAW-FECTION - Real Meat's secret air-drying process seals in the goodness, making every bite a punch of flavor and nutrition. This premium & nutritious beef dog food is perfectly bite-sized, making meal time something to look forward to
- COMPLETE & BALANCED FOR EVERY PUP - Whether it's a full meal or just a topper, these dog food dry bites offer a delicious, holistic feast with vital vitamins and minerals. Perfect for dogs of all life stages and breeds, including puppies, adults, seniors, and small to large dog breeds
- CRAFTED IN THE U.S. OF YAY - Ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches our holistic dog food is as premium, as it is affordable. Made with beef sourced from free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, and utterly happy cows straight from the USA & New Zealand
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food is a fantastic option for pet owners seeking a healthy, minimally processed alternative to kibble or raw food. This guide helps you navigate the choices so you can pick the best food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
1. Ingredient Transparency and Quality
Always check the ingredient list first. High-quality air-dried foods list a named meat source (like “deboned chicken” or “salmon”) as the very first ingredient. Avoid foods where “meat meal” or generic fillers appear at the top.
2. Minimal Processing
The main appeal of air-dried food is gentle processing. Look for brands that clearly state they use low-heat drying methods. This helps keep more natural nutrients intact compared to high-heat extrusion used in traditional kibble.
3. Nutritional Completeness
Ensure the food is labeled “Complete and Balanced” by organizations like AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This means the food provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals your dog needs for their life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages).
Important Materials and Ingredients
Protein Sources
The best air-dried foods feature high-quality animal proteins. Good options include poultry (chicken, turkey), red meat (beef, lamb), and fish (salmon, herring). These provide the essential amino acids dogs need for energy and muscle maintenance.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Superfoods
Look for whole food additions like sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, or spinach. These ingredients add necessary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. These additions should be recognizable whole foods, not vague “vegetable by-products.”
Fats
Healthy fats are crucial for skin, coat, and brain health. Look for sources like flaxseed, coconut oil, or fish oil (rich in Omega-3s).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients meet standards for human consumption, quality is usually higher.
- Added Probiotics/Prebiotics: These support healthy digestion, which is important for nutrient absorption.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These are great if your dog has sensitivities, as they use fewer ingredients.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT) should be avoided.
- High Carbohydrate Fillers: Too much corn, wheat, or soy lowers the overall nutritional density of the meal.
- Excessive Sodium: While some salt is needed, overly salty food is unhealthy for dogs.
User Experience and Use Cases
Air-dried food offers great flexibility. Many owners use it in several ways.
As a Complete Meal
Because it is nutritionally complete, you can feed it directly from the bag. It offers the palatability of raw food with the convenience of dry food. Because it is light, it is easy to scoop and store.
As a Topper or Mix-In
Due to its excellent taste, many owners crumble it over regular kibble. This boosts the flavor and increases the nutritional value of the dog’s standard diet, which is helpful for picky eaters.
For Travel and Training
Air-dried food is significantly lighter than canned food, making it perfect for hiking, camping, or long road trips. It also breaks down easily, making it an excellent, high-value treat for training sessions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air-Dried Dog Food
Q: How is air-dried food different from regular dry kibble?
A: Air-dried food uses much lower heat during drying. This gentle process preserves more of the natural vitamins and flavors found in the raw ingredients compared to kibble, which is cooked at very high temperatures.
Q: Is air-dried food the same as freeze-dried food?
A: No, they are processed differently. Freeze-drying removes almost all moisture using a vacuum at extremely low temperatures. Air-drying uses gentle, moving warm air over a longer period to remove moisture.
Q: Does air-dried food need to be rehydrated?
A: Usually, no. Most air-dried foods are shelf-stable and can be fed dry straight from the bag. However, some dogs prefer it softened, so you can add a little warm water if you wish.
Q: How should I store opened air-dried dog food?
A: Seal the bag tightly after opening. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Because it has very low moisture content, it usually lasts well, but follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for “best by” dates.
Q: Is air-dried food suitable for puppies?
A: Yes, provided the packaging states it is formulated for “All Life Stages” or specifically for “Growth/Puppies.” Always check the AAFCO statement.
Q: Is air-dried food expensive?
A: Generally, yes. Because it uses higher-quality ingredients and a more careful manufacturing process, it costs more per pound than standard kibble.
Q: Can I mix air-dried food with my dog’s current food?
A: Absolutely. Many people use it as a topper to encourage eating or slowly transition their dog to a new diet by mixing it gradually.
Q: Does air-dried food smell strong?
A: It often has a stronger, more appealing meat smell than plain kibble, which is a benefit for picky eaters. However, it usually does not have the strong odor associated with raw or canned foods.
Q: What is the shelf life of unopened air-dried food?
A: Unopened bags typically last for 12 to 18 months. Always check the “Best By” date printed on the package.
Q: Is it safe for my dog to eat air-dried food long-term?
A: Yes, if the product is labeled complete and balanced by AAFCO standards, it provides all necessary nutrition for daily, long-term feeding.