Dehydrated Dog Food is rapidly gaining popularity as a top-tier alternative to traditional kibble, offering a blend of convenience and superior nutrition. Once considered a niche product, dehydrated options, along with their close relatives, freeze-dried foods, are now widely available. They serve not only as complete diets but also as nutritious meal enhancers or treats, reflecting a growing trend towards minimally processed pet food.
These foods, including dehydrated and freeze-dried varieties, distinguish themselves by incorporating a high percentage of raw meat and vital organs. Unlike conventional kibble, dehydrated dog food retains more of the natural nutrients and enzymes found in raw ingredients due to gentler processing methods. This category spans a range of textures, from powdery and muesli-like to chewier, jerky-style products, all characterized by lower moisture content compared to fresh or canned foods, yet slightly higher than typical kibble.
The innovation in pet food production has led to exciting developments in dehydrated dog food. Many modern dehydrated diets now integrate freeze-dried or dehydrated raw meats in novel ways, leading to unique products that defy simple categorization. Some formulations include more carbohydrates than traditional freeze-dried options, and remarkably, some even mimic the appearance and texture of kibble. Advanced techniques like cold-pressing, steaming, and air-drying are increasingly employed to minimize processing, preserving essential vitamins and enzymes, making dehydrated dog food a healthful choice for discerning dog owners.
Top Picks for Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Dog Foods
To help you navigate the choices, we’ve curated a selection of the best dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods across different categories:
Best Dehydrated Dog Food for All Life Stages
When selecting a food suitable for all ages, including the critical growth phase of large breed puppies, it’s essential to choose a complete and balanced formula.
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Chicken Variety
What stands out: Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers are celebrated for their exceptional palatability and digestibility, making them a hit with most dogs. The company emphasizes that 98% of the ingredients are meat, organs, and bone, complemented by organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, all Stella & Chewy’s products are enriched with taurine, an important amino acid for canine health.
Key ingredients: Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash.
Nutritional profile:
- Protein: Min 48%
- Fat: 28%
- Calories: 4,440 kcal/kg
Approximate cost: $1.94/oz
Other excellent choices:
- Bixbi Pet’s Rawbble Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe
- Open Farm’s Homestead Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Best Dehydrated Dog Food for Adult Maintenance
For adult dogs, a balanced diet that supports their maintenance and activity levels is key.
Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Raw Pronto Beef Recipe
What stands out: Primal Pet Foods prioritizes high-quality ingredients, including grass-fed beef and a significant amount of organic produce. They differentiate themselves by using only whole food sources for essential nutrients, avoiding synthetic vitamins. Probiotics are also included, enhancing digestive health, as listed in the guaranteed analysis.
Key ingredients: Beef (with ground bone), beef livers, organic carrots, organic squash, organic kale, organic apples, organic parsley, organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic blueberries.
Nutritional profile:
- Protein: Min 41%
- Fat: 18%
- Calories: 3,905 kcal/kg
Approximate cost: $2.40/oz
Other notable options:
- Instinct Raw Longevity 100% Freeze-Dried Raw Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
- Kiwi Kitchens Raw Freeze-Dried Chicken Dinner
Best Low-Fat Dehydrated Dog Food
Dehydrated dog foods are typically rich in protein and fat, which can be a concern for dogs needing a lower fat intake. However, some brands offer leaner options.
Fresh Is Best Bulk Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mix, Chicken Variety
What stands out: Fresh Is Best offers a “human-grade” dog food, produced in a human food facility using human-quality ingredients. This brand, like some from The Honest Kitchen, has undergone AAFCO feeding trials to verify nutritional adequacy, a rare achievement in the dehydrated food category, especially for lower-fat formulations.
Key ingredients: Chicken, chicken hearts, chicken liver, chicken gizzards, yams, apples, kale, collards, fish bone meal, dried kelp.
Nutritional profile:
- Protein: Min 45%
- Fat: Min 10%
- Calories: 3,946 kcal/kg
Approximate cost: $1.56/oz
Additional low-fat choices:
- Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Cage-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Feast Dehydrated Dog Food (Min 8% fat)
- Dr. Harvey’s Grain-Free Chicken & Garden Veggies (Min 7% fat)
Best Budget-Friendly Dehydrated Dog Food
Cost can be a significant factor when choosing dehydrated dog food. The Honest Kitchen is a brand that offers more affordable options without compromising on quality.
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet Grains Chicken & Duck Variety
What stands out: The Honest Kitchen is known for its “human-grade” foods, utilizing human-grade ingredients and manufacturing in human food facilities. Many of their recipes, including this Chicken & Duck variety, have passed AAFCO feeding trials, confirming their nutritional completeness. Their long-standing presence in the market likely contributes to their ability to offer value-priced options.
Key ingredients: Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, organic oats, flaxseed, dehydrated eggs, dehydrated carrots, dehydrated duck, dehydrated pumpkin, dried organic coconut, organic quinoa.
Nutritional profile:
- Protein: Min 30%
- Fat: 16%
- Calories: 3,908 kcal/kg
Approximate cost: $0.59/oz
Other budget-conscious choices:
- Grandma Lucy’s 3 Bears Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Chicken Variety ($0.50/oz)
- Only Natural Pet MaxBlends Grain-Free Beef Dehydrated Dog Food ($0.76/oz)
Understanding Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Dog Foods
Dehydrated, freeze-dried, and air-dried dog foods share fundamental traits that set them apart from traditional kibble. These foods are produced using gentle, low-heat processes that remove moisture from fresh ingredients. This careful dehydration helps preserve vital nutrients, enzymes, and the natural flavors of the food, making them highly palatable and nutritious. The reduced moisture content not only ensures a longer shelf life without artificial preservatives but also results in lighter products, which can be more economical to ship.
Despite the shipping advantages, the production of dehydrated dog food often involves high-quality, sometimes human-grade, ingredients and energy-intensive processes. This means that while shipping costs might be lower, the overall cost of dehydrated dog food can be higher than kibble. However, manufacturers argue that the superior digestibility and nutrient density of dehydrated foods mean that, when considering feeding amounts and health benefits, the cost is comparable to, or even more economical than, fresh, refrigerated, or frozen raw diets.
A significant characteristic of dehydrated dog food is its high animal protein content. Most brands boast formulations with 80% or more animal-sourced ingredients, including meat, organs, and bone. This high concentration of animal protein makes these diets exceptionally digestible and appealing to dogs. Furthermore, many dehydrated dog foods are low in carbohydrates, aligning with the dietary needs of dogs, who thrive on protein and fats.
However, the high protein and fat content in many dehydrated options requires consideration. Fat is calorie-dense, containing more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrates. While ideal for active, young, or working dogs, these high-fat, high-protein diets might not be suitable for less active dogs or those prone to weight gain or fat intolerance, such as dogs with pancreatitis.
Safety Considerations: “Kill Steps” in Raw Dehydrated Dog Food
Many dehydrated dog foods contain raw meat that hasn’t been cooked at temperatures high enough to eliminate harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. To mitigate this risk, especially for pets and humans with compromised immune systems, some manufacturers implement a “kill step.” High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a common method, using intense pressure to destroy pathogens in raw meat without cooking it. Irradiation is another effective method, though less commonly disclosed by pet food companies due to consumer perception, despite its widespread use and safety in human food.
Some manufacturers choose not to use a kill step, relying instead on ingredient quality and rigorous safety protocols (HACCP) to ensure their products are safe. This approach respects the principles of raw feeding but requires informed consumer decisions regarding potential risks, especially for vulnerable individuals. A further safety measure is a “test and hold” program, where batches are tested for pathogens before release, ensuring an extra layer of safety.
Choosing the Right Dehydrated Dog Food
Selecting the best dehydrated dog food involves several considerations to ensure it meets your dog’s needs and your preferences:
- Price: Dehydrated dog food can be more expensive than kibble. Evaluate your budget and how dehydrated food fits in, whether as a primary diet, supplement, or treat.
- Ingredients: Carefully review ingredient lists for any allergens or ingredients your dog might be sensitive to. Many dehydrated foods offer limited-ingredient options, which can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Protein and Fat Levels: Match the protein and fat content to your dog’s life stage, activity level, and health status. Highly active dogs benefit from higher levels, while less active or overweight dogs may need lower fat options.
- Company Transparency and Communication: A reputable company should provide comprehensive information about their products, including nutritional adequacy statements, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing processes. Easy access to customer service and responsive communication are also indicators of a trustworthy brand. Look for companies that clearly state whether their food is “complete and balanced” and for which life stages.
- Purchase Accessibility: Consider where and how you prefer to buy pet food. Some brands are widely available in chain stores and online, while others may be exclusive to independent pet stores or direct subscription services.
Making an Informed Choice
Dehydrated dog food offers a nutritious and convenient way to feed your dog a diet closer to nature. By understanding the different types, considering the benefits and potential drawbacks, and carefully evaluating product options, you can make an informed decision that supports your dog’s health and well-being. Always transition to new foods gradually and monitor your dog’s response to ensure the chosen diet is a good fit.
