What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

 

By BarkUpToday

 

Freeze-dried dog food is fresh, living food that can easily replace highly processed pet kibble

 

The technology and cost of freeze-dried pet food are costly, but it’s one of the best choices if you’re looking to feed a minimally processed, shelf-stable food. 

Freeze-dried is a raw food frozen in a vacuum using a process involving a product being frozen with the pressure lowered, and the ice is removed by a process called sublimation. This is when a substance like ice goes from a state solid to a gas, leaving out the liquid form and removing all moisture.

All freeze-dried pet food must be rehydrated with either low-sodium bone broth, goat’s milk, or warm water before feeding. This is one of the best types of pet food for pet parents that travel with their pets because freeze-dried has a longer shelf life and is incredibly shelf-stable. 

The takeaway with freeze-dried pet food is that you don’t need freezer space, and you can also find freeze-dried toppers for kibble, although these are not nutritionally complete.

When purchasing freeze-dried pet food, look for the nutritional adequacy statement if you plan on feeding this as your pup’s entire meal. All pet food diets should be formulated to meet minimum dietary requirements. If a pet food product is labeled as “intermittent or supplemental feeding only,” you should use them only for toppers, treats, or an occasional meal.

Benefits of Feeding Freeze Dried Dog Food Diets

Freeze-dried foods offer several benefits compared to other forms of pet food. Firstly, they feature fewer calories per serving due to low amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and other compounds – making them excellent options for pups trying to lose weight or maintain their current size. 

Secondly, freeze-drying helps preserve all essential vitamins and minerals in ingredients, providing your pup with essential nutrients that could otherwise be lost during cooking processes such as baking, steaming, etc. 

Lastly, these foods will not spoil if left unrefrigerated for extended periods – making them ideal for traveling owners who want peace of mind knowing their pup’s meals will stay fresh even when away from home!

Freeze-dried pet food retains all its natural nutritional benefits while providing excellent taste and texture during this process.

AAFCO Regulations

 AAFCO model regulations and the federal feed laws stipulate that all pet food labels need to list all the ingredients in their formulas in descending order, according to the weight of each ingredient listed. 

 With that said, it’s easy to see where the most important sources of calories and proteins are coming from – the first five ingredients listed. The first ingredient is the one ingredient in the highest amount. 

 

 

Freeze-dried dog food is great for people and dogs on the go

Why Feed Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice when feeding your pup the best food possible. Freeze-dried dog food is suitable no matter what life stage, with a mix of quality fruits, vegetables, bones, and meat, fish, or chicken for easy digestion or lightweight treats. A study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal explains freeze-drying leaves the food nearly unchanged compared with raw frozen diets and kills a percentage of bacteria. “Freezing, freeze-drying, or dehydration results in a reduction in bacterial counts, but viable pathogenic bacteria survive.”

Perfectly preserved minerals and nutrients mean top nutrition, while its portability makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, dog shows, or on the road.

Here are some of the key benefits:

 

• Nutritionally Complete: Since freeze-dried dog food retains all of its nutrition, it’s complete for your pup’s needs.
• Great Taste & Texture: Freeze-drying preserves the fresh taste and texture of the ingredients in a way that traditional canned or kibble dog foods can’t match.
• Shelf Stable: Because it’s been dried out, freeze-dried food doesn’t require refrigeration or special storage conditions like wet or frozen foods. You can store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and make it last much longer before purchasing more!
• Convenience: Using freeze-dried dog food is incredibly easy – add warm water, bone broth, or goat’s milk to rehydrate the entire meal in minutes! No mess or fuss involved!

 

Tips For Selecting A High-Quality Freeze-Dried Dog Food

 

 

                                                                                             Gradually transition from kibble to freeze-dried dog food 

 

If you decide to feed your pup freeze-dried dog food, there are certain tips you should remember when selecting a high-quality product. This process uses vacuum pressure to remove moisture from raw frozen ingredients, creating a crunchy goodness that still looks and tastes when fresh. 

And since most of its natural nutrients remain unchanged throughout this cold temperature preservation method—it’s as healthy for your furry friend as can be.

Here are some suggestions for choosing a high-quality product:

 

• Read The Ingredients List: Be sure to carefully read the ingredients list and choose products with natural ingredients, such as real meat, rather than byproducts or fillers.
• Avoid Artificial Colors & Preservatives: Choose products free from artificial colors and preservatives, as these can harm your pup’s health.
• Look For Added Vitamins & Minerals: Some freeze-dried foods contain added vitamins and minerals, which can help ensure your pup gets all the nutrients they need without supplementing its diet separately.
• Above Average Protein: When selecting a freeze-dried pet food, you should always check the label first – some brands use higher quality meats than others, so double-check what ingredients have been used before purchase! Opt for chicken or beef liver, duck, rabbit recipes, and grain-free formulas with organic veggies and fruits.

Of course, if you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for advice, too; they’ll be able to provide direction on which types would suit your pup best based on age, breed, lifestyle, etc.

Shelf Life

Freeze-dried dog foods are expensive, so make sure you are investing in a brand that’s nutritionally complete. 

However, most freeze-dried products still have a shelf life of more than 12 months, but it’s still necessary to check the best-before date on the packaging. Remember that once you open it, you must use it within a month. 

Where To Buy Freeze-Dried Dog Food

 Now that you know what to look for when selecting high-quality freeze-dried dog food, you may wonder where to buy them! Here are some great places where you can purchase quality freeze-dried products online or in stores near you:

 

• Amazon – Offers a wide selection of great brands at competitive prices with convenient shipping options; plus, Prime members get Free 2 Day Shipping on many items!
• Local Pet Stores & Specialty Grocery Stores – Many local pet stores carry well-known brands like Stella & Chewy’s or Primal Pet Foods alongside premium natural pet foods from smaller boutique companies like Open Farm or Champion Pet Foods; plus, most stores offer discounts on large bags too so take advantage of those savings where available! 

Final thoughts

In conclusion, freeze-dried dog food is an excellent option for pet owners who want to provide their pup with quality nutrition without the mess of wet or frozen foods. 

Freeze-drying preserves the natural nutrition and taste of ingredients while also allowing for excellent convenience and shelf stability. 

When selecting a high-quality product, read the ingredients list carefully, avoid artificial colors and preservatives, and look for added vitamins and minerals. Finally, several options are available online and in stores near you, so take some time to research and find the best food for your pup!

FAQs About Freeze-Dried Dog Food

 With so many options available, deciding which type of dog food is the best choice for your pup can be challenging. To make it easier, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about freeze-dried dog food:

 What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? 

 Freeze-dried dog food is a type of pet food that consists of freshly prepared meals that have been quickly frozen and then slowly dried to remove moisture. During this process, the food retains all its natural nutritional benefits while providing excellent taste and texture.

What Are The Benefits Of Freeze-Dried Dog Food? 

The key benefits include nutritionally complete meals, great taste and texture, convenient preparation, and shelf stability.

Freeze-dried dog food offers a variety of benefits to pet owners. Firstly, it is nutritionally complete, preserving all essential nutrients during freeze-drying. 

Secondly, due to the lack of moisture in the food, it has a much longer shelf life than other types of dog food and can be stored for up to two years with no loss in quality or nutrition. 

The freeze-dried products also offer great taste and texture and convenient preparation – all it requires is adding water and waiting for five minutes before serving!

How Do I Select A High-Quality Product? 

When selecting a high-quality freeze-dried product, look for natural ingredients such as real meats instead of byproducts or fillers; avoid artificial colors and preservatives; and look for added vitamins and minerals.

When selecting a high-quality freeze-dried product, there are some important points to consider. Firstly, you should look for natural ingredients such as real meats instead of byproducts or fillers – this ensures that the food contains all the essential nutrients in its most natural forms. 

Secondly, it is essential to avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and unnecessary added ingredients such as fillers and sweeteners – these can be unhealthy for your pup and reduce the food’s nutritional value.

 It is also essential to look for added vitamins and minerals – these are especially important when choosing a complete diet for your dog. These can come in synthetic or natural forms. 

Additionally, you should check the packaging for a nutritional analysis to know what your pup is consuming; the analysis will provide information about calorie content, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, and more.

 Finally, there are other factors to consider, such as price point – remember that expensive doesn’t always mean higher quality. Also, consider any certifications that may be present; this will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet’s food is safe and healthy. Reading customer reviews to gain insight into user experiences with different products is also beneficial.

 All these considerations make selecting a good quality freeze-dried dog food an involved process; however, taking the time to research can help ensure that you make the best choice for your pup!

Where Can I Buy Freeze Dried Dog Food? 

You can purchase freeze-dried products online from retailers like Amazon or in-store from specialty grocery stores or local pet stores.

What is Bone Broth For Dogs?

Bone broth for dogs is a healthy, nutritious, and tasty way to keep your pup happy and well-nourished. Bone broth is made by simmering bones in water over low heat for an extended period of time; this process draws out the minerals, vitamins, and healing compounds from the bones into the liquid. You can also purchase bone broth that’s low sodium and made especially for dogs. 

Both homemade and store-bought bone broth for dogs can provide your pup with beneficial nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), amino acids, and collagen – all of which help support joint health, skin health, digestion, coat shine, and general vitality. 

In addition, bone broth has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore muscles or joints and improve overall immunity.

Bone broth is becoming increasingly popular amongst pet owners, as it is not only a tasty treat but also offers an array of beneficial properties. Amongst its many advantages, bone broth can help boost your dog’s immune system, improve joint health and mobility, promote healthy digestion, and even nourish their skin and coat. 

For best results, organic or grass-fed bones are recommended whenever possible when making this from scratch at home – this ensures that the bones do not contain any antibiotics or hormones that could be potentially unsafe for your pet. You can also add fresh veggies such as carrots or sweet potatoes to boost nutritional value while providing flavor. 

Freeze-Dried Toppers for Dog Kibble

The Benefits of Toppers

 Toppers are an easy way to introduce variety into your pup’s diet by turning kibble into meals that are not only delicious but also nutritional. By adding these freeze-dried pieces to your pup’s regular kibble, you can ensure that they get all the essential nutrients their body needs each day, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, as well as protein from meats such as chicken or beef. 

Moreover, they require no cooking or preparation – sprinkle some on their meal, rehydrate with bone broth, water, or goat milk, and watch them enjoy every bite!

 For pet owners looking for a quick yet healthy way to enhance their pup’s kibble experience – Stella & Chewy toppers can provide just that. These freeze-dried bits contain natural ingredients, and veterinarians have tested them for safety, so you know you can trust their quality! 

Can I Add Bone Broth to Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Absolutely! Adding bone broth to your pup’s freeze-dried food is an excellent way to boost nutrition and flavor. Bone broth provides many beneficial nutrients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), amino acids, and collagen, which are great for improving joint health, skin health, digestion, and coat shine.

When adding bone broth, it is important to use organic or grass-fed bones to avoid the potential presence of antibiotics or hormones. For example, add fresh vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. 

Mix the bone broth with the freeze-dried food according to your pet’s dietary needs and allow it to absorb before feeding – this will ensure your pup gets all the nutritious goodness that bone broth offers!

How Do I Transition My Dog To Freeze -Dried Dog Food?

Switching to freeze-dried dog food can provide your pup with many health benefits; however, transitioning your pet over is simple but should be done gradually.

 

Choose the Right Freeze-Dried Food

The first step in making this switch is to choose the right freeze-dried food for your pup. For example, consider those when selecting a product if your dog has specific dietary needs or preferences. 

You can also look for foods fortified with additional vitamins, probiotics, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients – these will help further boost the nutritional value and provide additional support for your pet’s overall well-being.

Gradually Increase Amounts Over Time

Once you have chosen the right freeze-dried food for your pup, it’s important to transition them over gradually. Start by introducing small amounts of freeze-dried food while still providing regular meals – slowly increasing the amount while decreasing regular meals until they are fully transitioned over. This will help ensure they don’t experience digestive distress during the process.

Add Some Flavorful Toppings

Adding tasty toppings to their fresh meal can also encourage your pup to enjoy their new mealtime experience! Consider adding some fresh vegetables like carrots or sweet potato along with bone broth – not only will this enhance flavor, but these additional ingredients will provide beneficial nutrients such as fatty acids (omega 3 & 6), amino acids, and collagen, which can all help promote joint health, skin health, digestion, and coat shine. 

With these tips, you should be prepared to transition your pup to frozen, dried dog food! Just remember to go slow and introduce small changes at a time; soon enough, your pup will enjoy meals full of nourishing goodness!

ACANA® Freeze-Dried Foods | The Benefits of Raw Nutrition Without the Mess

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWosd-ATg2s

Video credit: Acana Freeze Dried Dog Food