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.
- MAKES 16 LBS OF FOOD: Just add warm water for a wholesome & delicious meal that rehydrates to 4x its weight. A 4 LB box makes 16 LBs of fresh food! Serve alone as a complete easy homemade meal, or use as a topper to dry food.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- MAKES 12 LBS OF FOOD Just add water to make up to 12 pounds of real, homemade food.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- MAKES 40 LBS OF FOOD: Just add warm water for a wholesome and 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.
- LIMITED INGREDIENT, WILD CAUGHT FISH: This recipe is 100% human grade, and made especially for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Produced in a human food facility and are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor, nutrient retention, and digestion.
- SUITABLE FOR PUPPIES and ADULT DOGS: Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages, breeds and sizes including adults, puppies and gestation.
- 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.
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.