Freeze Dried Dog Food
Way Better Than Kibble……
Freeze-dried dog food involves freezing the food and then removing most of its moisture through a process called freeze-drying or lyophilization. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable dog food product that closely resembles the original fresh ingredients in terms of flavor, aroma, and nutrient content. This process protects far more of the original nutritional profile than kibble. It’s a good process but it is not the same as feeding a fresh meal to your your dog daily.
Some key characteristics and benefits of freeze-dried dog food:
Nutrient Retention: Freeze-drying preserves the majority of the food's original nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins, as it minimizes nutrition and enzyme damage that can occur during traditional high-temp cooking processes.
Long Shelf Life: The removal of moisture during freeze-drying prevents the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeast, which helps extend the food's shelf life without the need for preservatives.
Lightweight and Portable: Freeze-dried dog food is lightweight and doesn't require refrigeration, making it convenient for boarding facilities, storage, travel, and outdoor activities like hiking or camping. It actually makes for good training rewards without processed ingredients and without moist, wet food in your treat pouch!
Limited Ingredients: Many freeze-dried dog foods contain limited, high-quality ingredients, making them a suitable option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. But I can tell you from first-hand experience, dogs with chronic allergies need to heal the gut first and then you may be able to move into maintenance mode with a freeze-dried.
Rehydration: Freeze-dried dog food can be rehydrated by adding water, which allows it to regain its original texture and appearance, making it more palatable for some dogs. I’d argue that hydration is essential for most meals. See the importance of water in dog food.
Whole Ingredients: Freeze-dried dog foods often use whole ingredients, such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, which can be more nutritionally beneficial compared to processed or rendered ingredients.
Raw Diet Option: Some freeze-dried dog foods are formulated to mimic a raw diet, with raw meat, bones, and organs. These products provide the benefits of a raw diet without the potential safety concerns associated with handling raw meat.
Variety: Freeze-dried dog food is available in various flavors and formulations, catering to different dietary preferences and requirements. While you can vary the protein sources easily without having to go through the transition process to switch foods, you can’t customize the recipe itself. You can zhuzh it up with some fresh veg for moisture and to target some functional food ingredients, but the food is what it is.
How I Use Freeze-Dried Food
Of course, I prefer to guide my clients to the Volhrad Dehydrated base mixes + fresh rotational protein options OR to completely custom home prepared recipes. Volhard is more moisture-rich, and the dogs love the fresh proteins that I can rotate frequently each week (usually 5 days muscle meet, 1 day fish, and 1 day either dairy or fasting). While you can have multiple bags of freeze-dried to rotate through — it’s not the same.
I tend to use freeze-dried food as a suggestion for toppers to my kibble feeders who are not quite ready to make the switch to fresh. But before I add freeze-dried — I prefer to suggest adding vegetables first! See Toppers For Dog Food.
But I also use tiny bite-size pieces for training rewards. It’s a better option than processed treats and is easy to keep in a treat pouch. For puppies eating 3x per day or still growing simply replace that 3rd meal or a portion of your fresh meal to manage calorie intake and still get your dog a complete nutritionally balanced option.
It's important to note that while freeze-dried dog food offers many benefits, it can be more expensive than traditional kibble or canned dog food. Additionally, some dogs may have a preference for the texture and taste of moist or wet foods. Especially dogs with kidney and bladder heath issues.
As with any dog food, it's essential to consult with your pet coach or veterinarian to determine the best dietary option for your specific dog's needs and preferences.