Freeze-dried dog food: What is it and what are the benefits?

Key takeaways:

- Freeze-dried dog food and treats are nutrient-dense, high in protein, and retain the flavour and aroma of raw meat.

- They have a long shelf life and are easy to store, making them convenient for travel or special-occasion rewards.

- High-quality freeze-dried dog food and treats have minimal ingredients and no fillers, making them suitable for picky eaters and dogs with sensitivities.

Freeze-dried dog food, treats, and toppers are growing in popularity in the pet food world - but what does freeze-dried mean? Is it different to other dog food? Is it actually good, or just a craze? 

We’re glad you asked, because we LOVE to talk about this one. Freeze-drying is an incredibly exciting new dog food category - and we think both you and your dog will agree. 

Made with raw meat, freeze-dried dog food is a natural choice, packed with nutrients and strong flavour - to really unleash your dog’s wild side. 

They hold all of the benefits of raw meat, but are easy to store, safe to feed, and have a long shelf life. That means full raw meaty flavour, smell, and nutrients - without the mess, safety concerns, or need to refrigerate.

Curious? Let’s delve into it all.

What is freeze-dried dog food?

Freeze-dried dog food is dog food, treats, and toppers made from raw ingredients, but made safe and shelf-ready with the freeze-drying process. 

Freeze-drying is different to baked or cooked dog food as it uses low temperatures.

This keeps the raw ingredients incredibly close to their raw state. In fact, the only difference between raw ingredients and freeze-dried ingredients is that freeze-drying removes their water content. 

The nutritional value, flavour, and smell of raw meat stay intact - that’s why dogs go so crazy for them.

It appeals straight to their primal instincts - so you’d better watch out for curious noses… we wouldn’t be surprised if your pooch sniffs that packet down, Bloodhound style!

The strong aroma and taste of freeze-dried treats mean they’re a premium way to treat your dog as high-value rewards. They’re also a great meal topper to tempt fussy eaters, or to give your dog an extra boost of nutrition if they have a small appetite. 

How is freeze-dried dog food made?

So what does the freeze-drying process actually involve? Here’s the science.

Freeze-dried dog food and treats are made using a gentle process called lyophilisation (just another term for freeze-drying - we’re feeling fancy). 

Each step ensures that freeze-dried dog food retains its flavour, smell, and nutritional value, and stays as close as possible to its original, fresh form.

Starting with fresh ingredients

Freeze-dried dog food begins with fresh ingredients like raw meat and fish. Some brands might also use organs or fresh fruit and veggies.

Freezing

Next, the ingredients are frozen rapidly at very low temperatures. This locks in all of the good stuff - including nutrients, texture, and the flavour and smell of the raw ingredients.

Removal of moisture 

Once frozen, the ingredients are placed inside a vacuum chamber. This is where the magic happens.

The vacuum chamber is a sealed, airtight container where air is removed - this creates a low-pressure environment, where the water inside the food turns directly into vapour. This process is called sublimation, and it is what makes the raw ingredients safe to eat.

Drying

Next, the temperature is gently raised to make sure any leftover water isn’t missed.  Moisture slowly evaporates, making sure that the freeze-dried dog food is 100% safe and shelf-ready. 

Packaging 

After this, the freeze-dried dog food is put straight into airtight packaging. This protects it from humidity and keeps it fresh and ready for your dog to enjoy for 12-24 months.

What are freeze-dried dog food & treats made of?

Well, it’s excellent news - because freeze-dried dog food is a really healthy feeding option for your dog! It’s made using raw ingredients, and because the process preserves full flavour and nutrients, there’s normally no need for artificial flavourings and preservatives.

This means the ingredients list is usually a small list of nutrient-dense, whole foods.

This usually consists of raw meat or fish. Common choices include:

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Beef

• Salmon

• Lamb

• Duck

• Salmon

Some brands will also use raw fruits and vegetables for their own extra benefits, like:

• Pumpkin and sweet potato for added fibre and vitamins.

• Fruits, such as bananas and blueberries for antioxidants.

What makes high-quality freeze-dried dog food & treats?

To spot high quality freeze-dried dog food and treats, first of all, check that they’re made from high-quality animal protein.  Avoid vague terms and meat percentages that occur way down the list, and look for real meat and fish in the ingredients list, like ‘Chicken’, ‘Salmon’, and ‘Beef’. 

Ideally, good-quality freeze-dried dog food will also have a minimal ingredients list - one to five ingredients is perfect, and with no artificial flavours or preservatives. It’s also important to make sure the term ‘freeze-dried’ is clearly labelled - not ‘dehydrated’. 

This is because some brands will try to lean into the popularity of freeze-dried with similar words like this, - but dehydration still uses heat and won’t have the same nutritional value and flavour as true freeze-dried dog food.

Why is freeze-dried dog food good for dogs?

Freeze-dried dog food has a strong flavour and scent

Your dog’s FAVOURITE part… freeze-dried dog food, treats, and toppers have a very strong flavour and scent. They look, smell, and taste just like raw meat - which sends dogs WILD.

And because the flavours are so strong, most freeze-dried dog food is typically made with minimal, natural ingredients. Without added extras, freeze-dried dog food stays very meat-forward, and is a firm favourite amongst even the fussiest of eaters (Shih Tzu and Cavapoo parents, we see you.) 

The premium taste of freeze-dried dog food makes it the perfect, protein-packed option for your pooch to enjoy in training, or as a flavour-boosting meal topper to tempt picky eaters. Or simply as some everyday VIP treatment (and hey, it’s much deserved).

Freeze-dried dog food is nutrient-dense

Freeze-dried dog food, treats, and toppers are a high-protein, nutrient-dense choice to support your dog’s health and wellbeing. 

As we know, the freeze-drying process removes moisture without using high heat. This helps preserve the essential proteins, amino acids (the building blocks of protein), plus vitamins and minerals from the raw ingredients - without the need for artificial extras.

This is especially beneficial if your pooch struggles with sensitivities or allergies, as freeze-dried dog food is usually made purely from whole foods, without the need for any added potential irritants.

Freeze-dried dog food is high in protein

Freeze-dried dog food is an excellent source of high-quality protein.

Protein is important for dogs of all ages. It provides energy for all of their daily activity - whether that’s trotting about the house, full-speed sprints at the park, playtime, or fuelling those all-important zoomies.

Protein also supports healthy skin, shiny coats, tissue repair, and muscle development. All in all, an essential for keeping your pooch strong and healthy.

Freeze-dried dog food is particularly protein-dense because it’s made from raw meat, organs, or fish, and contains little to no moisture or fillers. 

This results in highly concentrated protein. For example, a single, small freeze-dried treat can contain more protein than a large portion of dry dog food. That makes them a healthy, satisfying reward for your dog, without overloading them with unnecessary carbs.

That said, freeze-dried treats are calorie-dense for their size, so it’s best to remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

The good news? Thanks to their rich, meaty flavour and concentrated protein, your dog will often feel satisfied with just one small piece.

Freeze-dried dog food & treats have a long shelf life

The lack of moisture from the freeze-drying process means that freeze-dried dog food has a long shelf life.

This is because mould and bacteria thrive in moist environments. The freeze-drying process removes moisture and makes them longer-lasting and easier to store.

So if you hate food waste, prefer to bulk buy, or like to take dog food and treats on trips - freeze-dried dog food could be your best friend. 

They can last for 12-24 months, often without a need for preservatives - all while staying just as fresh and delicious. 

Would my dog benefit from freeze-dried dog food?

If your dog’s a picky eater

If your dog’s a picky eater, freeze-dried dog food, treats, and toppers could be your saving grace. Their strong meat flavour is enough to tempt the fussiest of eaters. Feed as treats for a boost of calories, protein, and nutrients, or sprinkle over their everyday meals as tempting toppers.

If you like to travel

Freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice if you like to travel with your pooch. 

They have a naturally long, fridge-free shelf life whilst keeping all of the nutritional benefits of raw meat. Just seal the packet, stick it in your bag, and your pooch gets fresh, high protein, nutrient dense snacks on the go.

If your dog struggles with allergies or sensitivities

Freeze-dried dog food can be a great choice for pooches with allergies or sensitivities. 

This is because they’re made with limited ingredients, without preservatives, additives, or fillers. This means they’re gentle on digestion and contain fewer potential allergens.

Freeze-dried dog treats are great for training

Freeze-dried treats are a high-value reward to use when training your pooch. This is because one small treat is packed with flavour and high in protein, meaning you can keep your dog satisfied and engaged without overfeeding.

If your dog needs support with weight management

Although higher in calories per piece, one freeze-dried treat is much more likely to satisfy your dog than a handful of baked treats, because of their highly concentrated protein and rich flavour. Meaning freeze-dried treats are really helpful if you're supporting your pooch to lose or maintain their weight.

A win for dogs, a win for owners… now do you see what the hype’s all about?