Freeze-Dried Dog Food: Are They Any Good?

by Katherine Khoo July 07, 2023 5 min read

Freeze-dried dog food is one of the fastest growing segments of the pet food market. The global demand for freeze dried pet food is expected to generate revenue of around USD 525.3 million by end of 2025. It's no wonder considering the increasing demand from pet owners who want to provide their beloved furry companions with top-notch nutrition in the most convenient way possible. Let's get to the heart of the matter - what exactly is freeze-drying, and more importantly, are these dog foods truly as exceptional as they claim to be? In this article, we'll dive deep into what freeze-drying is, and explore the pros and cons of freeze-dried dog food.

What is freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process that involves removing moisture from food while retaining the structure and its nutritional value. In other words, the dog food is still raw but contains almost no moisture. Most freeze-dried dog foods show around 5%-8% moisture in the Guaranteed Analysis. That compares to 10% - 12% for most dry dog kibbles.

The freeze-drying process consists of three main steps: freezing, sublimation, and desorption.

Freezing

The food is first frozen to a very low temperature, typically below -40°C. This freezing step helps to preserve the natural structure and integrity of the food.

Sublimation

After freezing, the food undergoes a process called sublimation. During sublimation, the frozen water within the food transforms directly from a solid state to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase. This process occurs under low atmospheric pressure, known as a vacuum, which helps prevent the formation of ice crystals.

Desorption

The final step involves removing the moisture-laden gas through a process called desorption. This step ensures that the food remains in a dry and stable state, which prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Pros of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Here are the benefits of freeze-dried dog food.

Nutritional retention

One of the significant advantages of freeze-dried dog food is its ability to retain the nutritional content of the original ingredients. The low-temperature freeze-drying process helps preserve the natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in the food. This ensures that your dog receives a nutrient-rich diet, promoting overall health and well-being.

Extended shelf life

Freeze-dried dog food has an impressively long shelf life. The removal of moisture inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould, preventing spoilage. However, like all pet food, once opened and the food comes in contact with air, the shelf life of the food diminishes significantly. In the case of freeze-dried dog food, it is highly recommended to use it within a month once opened.

Convenience

Freeze-dried dog food offers convenience in various ways. Firstly, it is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store and transport. Secondly, the food rehydrates quickly by simply adding water, allowing for effortless preparation, whether at home or on the go. This makes freeze-dried food an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritise convenience without compromising their pet's nutrition.

Allergen control

Today, many freeze-dried dog food options are formulated to be grain-free and contain limited ingredients. This is beneficial for dogs prone to food allergies or sensitivities. By eliminating potential allergens, freeze-dried food provides a suitable alternative for dogs with dietary restrictions.

Unlike traditional kibbles where starch is often added as a binder, freeze-dried foods don’t need starch. This is an added advantage for pet parents that prefer lower-carbohydrate dog foods. In fact, some prey model freeze-dried foods only have muscle meat, organ meat, and bones. Having said this, it is still recommended to check the ingredients before making a purchase. Some lower-cost formulas may still add starchy ingredients to their freeze-dried dog food, thereby increasing the overall carbohydrate content of the food.

Cons of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Cost

Freeze-dried dog food tends to be more expensive than traditional kibble or canned food. The specialised process of freeze-drying, along with the high-quality ingredients often used, contributes to the higher price point. Some brands would even ensure that their freeze-dried dog food uses sustainable, low carbon footprint ingredients like this Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Meals Grain-Free Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe Dog Food. Sustainable practices minimise the use of harmful chemicals, which can have potential health implications. By choosing products with sustainable ingredients, you may reduce your dog’s exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and other synthetic substances commonly found in conventionally produced food. This may help mitigate the risk of adverse health effects associated with long-term exposure to such toxins.

Though the costs of feeding freeze-dried dog food are higher, however, it's important to consider the potential cost savings that can come from improved health and reduced veterinary visits due to better nutrition.

You can consider adding freeze-dried toppers to your pup’s kibble to boost the overall nutritional value of his meals. Today, there are plenty of functional dog food toppers formulated for specific health benefits. Here’s one formulated with ingredients like Passionflower and Valerian root known to provide a calming effect to help your pup de-stress - Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain-Free Calming Support Dog Food Topper. You will find other functional dog food toppers formulated for gut health, immune health, joint health and skin health under our Try & Buy programme. Give them a try before purchasing the full-size toppers.

Limited availability (in some areas)

While freeze-dried dog food is becoming increasingly popular, it may still be challenging to find in some areas. However, this is not a problem in Singapore. Most local pet stores stock a wide variety of freeze-dried options. If you are purchasing from us (Good Dog People™), you’ll notice that we carry a big section of freeze-dried foods including dog food, dog toppers, mixers, treats, and even freeze-dried probiotics!

Rehydration process

Although the rehydration process of freeze-dried dog food is generally straightforward, some dogs may not readily accept the texture or taste of rehydrated food. It may require some trial and error to find a brand or flavour that suits your dog's preferences.

You’ll find freeze-dried dog food in numerous forms, from dinner patties to bite-sized nibbles. Always be sure to check the specific instructions listed on the food you choose. Some formulas, like this K9 Natural Freeze Dried Lamb & King Salmon Feast Dry Dog Food can be served as-is but some like this Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets Lamb Formula Dog Food are best rehydrated by adding a little water. Adding water to freeze-dried food is especially important for dogs who don’t drink much water on their own. Additionally, for dogs with digestive issues, you want to ensure that the food is properly rehydrated to avoid potential digestive issues.

In conclusion, freeze-dried dog food offers pet parents a convenient and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional kibble options. With its ability to retain nutritional content, extended shelf life, convenience, and allergen control, freeze-dried food has gained popularity among dog owners. However, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as cost, and the rehydration process. As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog's food. By understanding the pros and cons of freeze-dried dog food, you can make an informed decision and provide your furry friend with the best possible nutrition.