If you’re considering a raw or dehydrated dog food, you probably already know that these types of foods are considered the healthiest dog food option for a variety of reasons. They’re typically minimally processed, free from things like artificial preservatives, and can be easily turned into a dog’s complete and balanced diet by adding water.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to determine which one is best for your dog. So we decided to do some research and find the best dehydrated dog food for your pooch.
Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Our Editor’s Best Dehydrated Dog Food Reviews
- MAKES 40 LBS OF FOOD: Just add warm water for a wholesome & delicious meal that rehydrates to 4x its weight. A 10 LB box makes 40 LBs of fresh food! Serve alone as a complete easy homemade meal, or use as a topper to dry food.
- HUMAN GRADE, FREE RANGE CHICKEN: This recipe is 100% human grade and made with wholesome ingredients like free range chicken, organic oats, carrots & bananas. Each recipe is produced in a human food facility where our whole food ingredients are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor, nutrient retention and digestion.
- SUITABLE FOR PUPPIES & ADULT DOGS: Complete & balanced nutrition for adult dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes, including large breed puppies, as well as adult mothers (gestation/lactation).
- WE SAY NO TO: This recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy.
- CERTIFIED B CORPORATION – We meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to have a positive impact on our employees, communities and the environment.
- 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.
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED NUTRITION FOR YOUR DOGS: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food provides a wholesome, grain free dog food with cage free chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans for optimal health
- GRAIN FREE, CAGE FREE CHICKEN: The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken dog food is made with real whole food ingredients like cage free chicken, green beans & apples, which are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor & nutrient retention and easy digestion.
- SUITABLE FOR ADULT & SENIOR DOGS: Complete & balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes including adult and senior dogs.
- IDEAL FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACHS: This grain free dog food is formulated for adult, aging and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes. Great for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, ensuring a gentle mealtime experience
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade dog food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST - A wholesome blend of highest quality ingredients, freeze-dried fruits, vegetables and herbs
- LIMITED INGREDIENTS - This all natural, grain-free recipe contains no fillers, by products, GMO’s or preservatives to keep your dog happy and healthy
- PRE-MIX - This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Add desired protein that is either cooked or raw
- GREAT TASTE - We don’t compromise on taste. Freeze-drying uses low levels of heat to retain taste, texture and aroma that your pup craves
- JUST ADD WATER - For each cup of dog food add 1-2 cups of warm water. Stir well and let stand for 3-5 minutes
- Bark & Whiskers Beef & Veggie Entrée Dehydrated Dog Food supports a complete and balanced diet for your furry friend, and may be used as a meal topper or replace your pet’s meals entirely
- Made with real, recognizable ingredients, this formula contains 100% grass-fed beef, including organ meats and bones, sustainably sourced organic vegetables and fruits and essential vitamins and minerals
- This species-appropriate entrée is shelf stable and when rehydrated, makes 12 lb. of food per 3 lb. bag
- Our Dehydrated Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages
- Bark & Whiskers is bridging the gap between you and your pet’s everyday wellness regimens with veterinarian-formulated products for farther walks, longer play and more memories together – because they’re family, too
- Nutrition You Can See and Smell! Canine Health is a base mix used to effortlessly create balanced, homemade meals for your dog as a whole food alternative to kibble. Feeding your dog a whole food, nutrient dense diet has been shown to improve digestion, increase energy, help improve itchy skin, and produce firmer, less smelly stools. (You'll thank us later!)
- Canine Health is 100% Human Grade. This base mix is packed with real whole foods, including 9 dehydrated vegetables, crushed eggshells for calcium, and 6 organic grains. There are zero fillers, preservatives, dyes, or synthetic ingredients.
- Ready in minutes. Simply rehydrate the base mix with hot water, let sit for 8 minutes, and add the protein of your choice and a healthy oil of your choice for healthy fats. (Try our fish oil!)
- Why choose a base mix? Pet parents who feed their dogs a base mix like Canine Health love that they have control over the type, quality, and quantity of meat that their dog eats. If you'd like an option with meat included, try our line of Complete Foods!
- This 10 pound bag of dehydrated whole foods makes 66, one pound meals when combined with a protein of your choice. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) - 9%, Crude Fat (min) - 3%, Crude Fiber (min) - 5%, Calorie Content (Calculated) - 3098 kcal ME/kg; 83 kcal ME/scoop
- DELICIOUS HOMEMADE MEALS MADE EASY: With our grain free dog food, create wholesome meals with ease. Just add warm water and protein to this dehydrated base mix for a meal your pup will love.
- HUMAN GRADE QUALITY FOR YOUR DOG: Our dehydrated meals are 100% human grade, made with real ingredients, gently dehydrated to preserve flavor and nutrition. A shelf-stable and affordable alternative to fresh, raw and homemade food.
- CONVENIENCE FOR BUSY PET PARENTS: Say goodbye to lengthy prep work! This mix is perfect for health-conscious pet parents who want delicious food for their dog without the hassle. Just mix, add protein, and serve
- NUTRITION YOU CAN TRUST: Packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, this grain free dog food supports your dog’s health. It’s ideal for pets with specific dietary needs, especially for adult and senior dogs
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade dog food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- HUMAN GRADE: Our dry dog food is crafted from a 100% human grade ingredients, like ranch raised beef, beef liver, and carrots for complete and balanced meals that your dog will love.
- SAFE AND RELIABLE FOOD CHOICE: Made in a certified human food facility, this dry dog food upholds the highest safety standards, giving you peace of mind that your pets are eating healthy food from your own kitchen
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED FOR FRESH FLAVOR: Our production method cold-presses fresh ingredients into bite-sized clusters and slow roasts them to keep their rich aroma and taste, making mealtime delightful for dogs
- IDEAL FOR ADULT DOGS OF ALL BREEDS: This complete nutrition formula is perfect for adult and senior dogs, ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals, making it the smart choice for health-conscious pet parents
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade dog food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- CONVENIENT HOMEMADE MEALS: Our Whole Grain Base Mix provides an easy way to create homemade meals for your dogs. Just add your own protein to this dehydrated base for an excellent dog food
- MAKES 12 LBS OF FOOD Just add water to make up to 12 pounds of real, homemade food.
- EASY AND TIME-SAVING MEAL PREP: Enjoy hassle-free cooking with our dehydrated meals that eliminate chopping. This dog food recipe creates a healthy base for you to add meat or your pup's favorite protein to make the perfect meal.
- HIGH-QUALITY, HUMAN-GRADE INGREDIENTS: Trust in human-grade food for your dogs. This recipe is crafted with high-quality, human grade ingredients and produced to the same standards of quality and safety as the food you eat.
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade dog food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED NUTRITION FOR YOUR DOG: Our human-grade dog food features grains & high-quality proteins like wild-caught salmon and ranch-raised beef, to ensure your dogs receive complete & balanced meals.
- TIME-SAVING HOMEMADE MEALS: Preparing meals for your dog is a breeze! Simply add warm water and wait three minutes for a tasty, homemade meal packed with wild caught salmon, ranch raised beef, and bone broth
- SUITABLE FOR PUPPIES AND ADULT DOGS: This versatile recipe suits dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes, meeting their nutritional needs. Perfect for large breed puppies and nursing mothers, every meal supports healthy growth
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade dog food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CHOICE: As a certified B Corporation, The Honest Kitchen is dedicated to sustainable practices. Feeding your dogs our high quality food helps the environment and supports ethical standards
Best Dehydrated Dog Food Buying Guide
Before choosing the best dehydrated dog food you should consider following options:
1. Meats: Meats are the most important ingredients in dehydrated dog food. Meats contain protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall health.
Red meats such as beef, lamb and venison are higher in protein than white meats such as chicken and turkey.
Dehydrated dog foods that are higher in protein are generally more expensive, but they may be worth the extra cost. Look for dog foods with 20 to 25 percent protein.
2. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes and grain, are an important source of energy for your dog. Look for a product that has between 20 and 30 percent carbohydrates.
3. Fats: Fats are an important source of energy and essential fatty acids for your dog. Too much fat may cause weight gain and other problems, so look for a product that has less than 10 percent fat.
4. Vitamins and minerals: Look for a product that contains vitamins and minerals, since your dog can’t synthesize these nutrients.
In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals, your dog needs, look for additives such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which aid in joint health.
What else you should know about dehydrated dog food
1. What are the benefits of dehydrated dog food?
There are many benefits to dehydrated dog food, including that it is often more nutrient-rich than other types of dog food, it is easy to store and transport, and it can be less expensive than other types of dog food. Additionally, dehydrated dog food can be easy to prepare and can be tailored to meet a dog’s specific dietary needs.
2. What are the best brands of dehydrated dog food?
There are many brands of dehydrated dog food on the market, but some of the best include The Honest Kitchen, Sojos, and Stella & Chewy’s.
3. How do I choose the right dehydrated dog food for my pet?
When choosing the right dehydrated dog food for your pet, you should consider your pet’s age, activity level, and health condition. For example, puppies and senior dogs may need a different formula than adult dogs.
4. How do I prepare dehydrated dog food?
Dehydrated dog food can be bought pre-made or you can make it at home. To make it at home, you will need a dehydrator. First, cook the food that you want to dehydrate. Once it is cooked, spread it out in a thin layer on the dehydrator tray. Set the dehydrator to the correct temperature and let it run until the food is completely dehydrated.
5. What are the possible risks associated with feeding my dog dehydrated food?
The possible risks associated with feeding a dog dehydrated food are choking, blockages, and gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best dehydrated dog food. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best dehydrated dog food will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.