When dogs are exposed to the same things we are—think work stress, a less-than-ideal sleeping environment, and a tight budget—it’s easy to forget they have different needs than we do. One of the biggest differences is their diet. That’s because, unlike humans, dogs are true carnivores. As obligate hunters, dogs have developed a digestive tract that allows them to more easily extract the maximum amount of nutrients from their prey.
That means they require more protein than most humans do, and they need more fat. And while they can process carbohydrates, they don’t need as many.
Another reason to consider freeze dried dog food is that it’s minimally processed, which means it’s closer to the natural state of things, just like minimally processed human food.
So, what does all this mean for your dog? Here’s what you need to know about freeze dried dog food.
Our Editor’s Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Reviews
- 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.
- 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.
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
- Contains Premium Ingredients chosen for nutrition to help support your dogs smooth digestion, healthy vitality, and joint health.*
- Ingredients are hand-selected to support your dogs skin and coat, digestion and immune function.*
- Does not require refrigeration, heat, or water. Simply measure the suggested serving size based on your dogs weight and activity level, pour it into their bowl and watch them enjoy! When youre done, seal the bag up tight.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete Chicken Recipe is veterinarian-developed with 95% cage-free chicken & 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 CHICKEN - Premium, cage-free chicken and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our chicken 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.
- 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.
- SOFT NIBS FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF & SALMON DOG FOOD: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Soft Nibs Dog Food packs more protein than industry standard into every soft bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves, especially when compared to dehydrated dog food. This complete and balanced freeze-dried raw dog food is made with premium Butcher Cut beef and salmon, responsibly sourced in the USA.
- USA MADE AND SOURCED: Premium freeze dried dog food made with USA sourced proteins. Give your pet a wholesome and nutritious meal, packed with the goodness of locally-sourced, high-quality proteins sourced from trusted American farms.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog food on the market uses premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog food and treats are farm-raised and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every bite of Vital Essentials freeze dried dog food.
- WHOLE ANIMAL PROTEIN: We harvest high-quality protein from the whole animal, with no dog food additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, legumes, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food products on the market great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- 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.
- 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.
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Protein packed, nutrient dense kibble combined with 100% raw freeze-dried lamb pieces for a crave worthy savory dog food; with optimal protein levels, high fiber and calorie content your dog needs to thrive.
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat, this dog food is made with high quality protein ingredients.
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH AND HEALTHY COAT: Contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine for strong joints, probiotics for digestive health, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
- 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.
Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Buying Guide
Before choosing the best freeze dried dog food you should consider following options:
1. What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? Freeze-dried dog food is exactly as it sounds: dog food that has been frozen and then dried at extremely low temperatures. In the process, all moisture is removed from the food, leaving a highly concentrated form of protein and nutrients.
2. Advantages of Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
A single bag of freeze-dried food can last for up to five days.
Freeze-dried dog food is lightweight, making it easy to carry on backpacking trips or camping.
It’s easy to store, requiring little space.
It’s shelf-stable, making it perfect for emergency situations.
Freeze-dried dog food is great for treating your dog to a special meal.
3. Disadvantages of Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
It’s expensive, especially if you’re purchasing a quality brand.
One bag of freeze-dried food isn’t enough to feed your dog for several days, so you’ll need to purchase several bags of food at one time to feed your dog for an extended period.
It’s not nutritionally complete, meaning your dog will still need to eat other foods, such as fresh meats, to meet his nutritional needs.
4. How to Use Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
If you’re using freeze-dried dog food as a treat, be sure to break it up into small pieces first and then add a little bit of water.
It’s best to feed freeze-dried dog food to your dog as part of his regular diet, along with fresh meat, vegetables, and other treats.
5. Types of Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
There are two types of freeze-dried dog food: wet and dry.
Wet dog food contains a high amount of moisture, while dry dog food contains little to no moisture.
It’s important to note that wet dog food is more expensive than dry dog food, and some dogs may not prefer the taste of wet dog food.
6. What to Look for When Purchasing Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
There are three main factors you should analyze when purchasing freeze-dried dog food: protein content, fat content, and moisture content.
Protein content should be 25-30%.
Fat content should be less than 20%.
Moisture content should be less than 10%.
7. How Much to Feed Your Dog:
It’s important to measure the amount of freeze-dried dog food you feed your dog, as overfeeding can cause your dog to experience digestive upset.
The amount will vary based on your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level, but a good starting point is 1/4 cup for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
8. Where to Purchase Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
You can purchase freeze-dried dog food at most pet supply stores and at some camping supply stores.
You may also be able to order freeze-dried dog food online, though it’s often more expensive than what you can purchase in stores.
9. When to Avoid Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
You should avoid feeding your dog freeze-dried dog food if he’s experiencing any gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Freeze-dried dog food can cause further irritation to your dog’s stomach, so it’s
What else you should know about freeze dried dog food
1. What is the best freeze dried dog food for my pet?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best freeze dried dog food for your pet. However, many pet owners and experts believe that freeze dried foods offer a more nutritious and digestible option for dogs, as they retain more of their natural nutrients and are easier for dogs to digest.
2. How do I know if freeze dried dog food is right for my pet?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. You will need to consult with your veterinarian to see if freeze dried dog food is right for your pet.
3. What are the benefits of feeding my pet freeze dried dog food?
Some benefits of feeding your pet freeze dried dog food are that it can be a more nutrient-dense option, it can be easier to digest, and it can be a good option for picky eaters.
4. How do I choose the right freeze dried dog food for my pet?
The best freeze dried dog food is one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It should also be free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
5. What are the top freeze dried dog food brands?
There are many freeze dried dog food brands on the market, but some of the most popular brands include Stella & Chewy’s, Sojos, and The Honest Kitchen.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best freeze dried dog food. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best freeze dried dog food will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.