Does your dog turn up their nose at dinner, or do you worry about getting enough real nutrition into their bowl? You see bags of freeze-dried dog food, promising the benefits of raw food without the hassle, but the choices can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to know which brands truly deliver on quality and which ones are just clever marketing.
Finding the perfect freeze-dried option means balancing taste, nutrition, and your budget. Many pet owners feel stuck between convenient kibble and complicated raw diets. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down what makes freeze-dried food great, what red flags to watch out for, and how to pick a meal your dog will truly love.
Keep reading to discover the secrets to choosing the absolute best freeze-dried food for your furry best friend. Let’s dive into how this innovative food can transform mealtime!
Top Freeze Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- Nutritious Air Dried Dog Treats: Real Strips are soft-textured meat bars designed to support your dog's skin and coat health while offering the perfect portion size for easy chewing. These naturally tasty dog chews are air-dried to ensure sustainability and lock in nutrients, providing high-quality without the premium price tag. The air-drying process preserves the natural goodness, making these a healthy and irresistible option for dogs.
- Limited Ingredient, Natural Dog Treats: Real Strips Salmon dog treats are made with brown rice and provide a natural source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health while offering enjoyable chewing in a perfectly portioned treat. These dog chew sticks can be broken into smaller pieces, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes. They're free from artificial flavors, corn, wheat, and soy.
- How to Feed and Store: Feed as a snack or reward for your pup. Keep in mind that it's best to store these puppy chew treats in a cool, dark place; never refrigerate.
- Made in California: Our dog chew treats are air-dried in our family-owned facility in Fresno, CA. We prioritize sourcing as many ingredients as possible from the U.S., with most coming from nearby our California facility. Our owners personally oversee the entire air-drying process, ensuring the highest quality standards from start to finish.
- Honestly Healthy Dog Treats: Plato Pet Treats was founded by Aaron Merrell after his Border Collie’s health scare inspired him to improve her diet. Noticing the connection between wholesome, nourishing ingredients and a pet’s well-being, Aaron created Plato Pet Treats to provide high-quality, delicious limited ingredient dog treats that help pets live healthier, longer lives, so every pet can thrive.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Nutritious Air Dried Dog Treats: Small Bites are air-dried to ensure sustainability and retain maximum nutrient value. These organic dog treats provide top-tier quality without the premium price tag, locking in all the natural nutrients to create a healthy choice that dogs find absolutely irresistible.
- Limited Ingredient Dog Treats: Small Bites are bite-sized, meaty morsels made with organic salmon, designed to support healthy digestion for your pup. They contain organic chicken, cranberry, blueberry, sweet potato, and other natural ingredients, ensuring your pup's digestive health. These salmon dog treats are made with real ingredients, are grain-free, and have no artificial flavors.
- The Perfect Dog Training Treats: Small Bites are ideal training treats for small, medium, and large dogs. They're great for offering multiple rewards during training sessions!
- Made in California: Our small dog chews are air-dried in our family-owned facility in Fresno, CA. We prioritize sourcing as many ingredients as possible from the U.S., with most coming from nearby our California facility. Our owners personally oversee the entire air-drying process, ensuring the highest quality standards from start to finish.
- Honestly Healthy Dog Treats: Plato Pet Treats was founded by Aaron Merrell after his Border Collie’s health scare inspired him to improve her diet. Noticing the connection between wholesome, nourishing ingredients and a pet’s well-being, Aaron created Plato Pet Treats to provide high-quality, delicious dog treats that help pets live healthier, longer lives, so every pet can thrive.
- Contains one (1) 10.5 lb. bag of freeze dried blend dog food
- A tasty blend of freeze dried chicken bites and delicious crunchy dog food kibble
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, providing protein to support healthy organs and lean muscle
- Formulated with Omega-6 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and coat
- Nutrient dense with high quality ingredients and no artificial colors, preservatives or poultry by-products
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food is a fantastic option for pet owners who want the best nutrition without the hassle of raw feeding. This process removes moisture, keeping the food fresh and packed with nutrients. But how do you choose the right one for your furry friend? Here is what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features tell you if the food is high quality:
- High Meat Content: Look for recipes where real meat (like chicken, beef, or salmon) is the very first ingredient. Dogs thrive on animal protein.
- Whole Food Ingredients: Good brands include real vegetables and fruits, not just fillers. Think sweet potatoes, blueberries, or carrots.
- Minimal Processing: The best freeze-dried foods require very little cooking. This keeps the natural vitamins intact.
- Nutrient Density: Because water is removed, these foods pack more nutrition into a smaller serving size. Check the guaranteed analysis for protein levels.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list reveals the true quality of the food. You want simple, recognizable items.
Protein Sources
High-quality protein is essential. Chicken, turkey, beef, and fish are excellent choices. Avoid foods that rely heavily on plant proteins like peas or lentils as the primary source.
Fats and Supplements
Healthy fats, like those found in flaxseed or fish oil, support a shiny coat and healthy skin. Essential vitamins and minerals must be added back after the freeze-drying process to ensure the food is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Ingredients That Reduce Quality
Steer clear of foods that list lots of artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy often lower the overall quality, even if they are present in small amounts.
Factors That Affect Quality
The manufacturing process significantly impacts the final product.
Improving Quality
A slow, gentle freeze-drying process is best. This gentle method preserves the structure and nutritional value of the raw ingredients better than high-heat cooking methods. Brands that source ingredients locally or organically often provide superior quality.
Reducing Quality
If the food uses high-heat extrusion (like kibble) before freezing, some nutrients are already lost. Also, if the food contains many rendered by-products instead of whole cuts of meat, the quality drops.
User Experience and Use Cases
Freeze-dried food offers great flexibility for dog owners.
Ease of Use
Most owners use this food in one of two ways:
- As a complete meal: You simply add the required amount of warm water, let it sit for a few minutes, and serve. It rehydrates quickly into a moist, palatable meal.
- As a topper or mixer: Many people sprinkle the dry pieces over their dog’s regular kibble. This boosts flavor and adds a nutritional punch without changing the entire diet.
Best Use Cases
This food is perfect for:
- Travel: It is lightweight and shelf-stable, making camping or road trips easy.
- Picky Eaters: The strong, meaty smell often convinces even the fussiest dogs to eat.
- Sensitive Stomachs: Because it closely mimics a raw diet, some dogs digest it more easily than heavily processed foods.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: What exactly is freeze-drying?
A: Freeze-drying is a method that removes almost all the water from the food using very cold temperatures and a vacuum. This keeps the food safe to store without refrigeration for a long time.
Q: Is freeze-dried food the same as raw food?
A: It is very similar! It starts as raw ingredients, but the freeze-drying process itself involves some temperature changes. It offers the benefits of raw food without the risks associated with handling uncooked meat.
Q: Do I have to add water to freeze-dried dog food?
A: Yes, for a complete meal, you must add water. The food is too dry to eat as-is and needs rehydration to be easily digestible and meet your dog’s hydration needs.
Q: How long does freeze-dried food last once opened?
A: If you keep it sealed tightly in a cool, dry place, it usually stays good for several weeks or even months. Always check the package date for the best recommendation.
Q: Is freeze-dried food expensive?
A: Yes, it is generally more expensive than standard dry kibble because of the high-quality ingredients and the costly freeze-drying process.
Q: Can puppies eat freeze-dried food?
A: Many brands make formulas specifically for puppies. Always look for the AAFCO statement on the bag that says it is appropriate for “all life stages” or “growth.”
Q: Does the freezing process destroy nutrients?
A: The process is designed to preserve nutrients. While some vitamins might slightly decrease, most vitamins, minerals, and amino acids remain very well-preserved compared to regular cooking methods.
Q: How much food should I feed my dog?
A: Serving sizes are much smaller than kibble because the water is gone. Follow the feeding chart on the bag closely, adjusting based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Q: Can I use it as a training treat?
A: Absolutely! You can break the nuggets into tiny pieces to use as high-value rewards during training sessions. They are easy to carry and smell great.
Q: Does my dog need to be transitioned to this food slowly?
A: Yes, even though it is high quality, any sudden change in diet can upset a dog’s stomach. Start by mixing a small amount with their old food and gradually increase the freeze-dried portion over seven to ten days.