Freeze-Dried Dog Food: The Ultimate Guide | Pupford

As pup parents, we are always searching for the healthiest, most nutritious food for our dogs; and freeze-dried dog food has become a top contender. 

But what exactly is it, how is it made, and is it the right choice for your pup?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about freeze-dried dog food, including its benefits, how it compares to other types of food, and whether it’s suitable for all dogs.

Table of Contents:

1. What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
2. How is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?
3. What are the Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
4. Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Good for All Dogs?
5. Should I Feed My Dog Freeze-Dried Food?

What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is a type of raw dog food that has undergone a specialized drying process to remove moisture while preserving nutrients. Unlike traditional kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures, freeze-dried food retains the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in raw ingredients.

This results in a lightweight, shelf-stable, and nutrient-rich meal option for dogs.

What Does Freeze-Dried Dog Food Look Like?

Freeze-dried dog food typically looks like small, dry chunks or crumbles. The texture is porous and airy, making it easy to rehydrate with water if needed. Some brands create patties, nuggets, or morsels that resemble raw meat, while others have a more crumbled consistency.

Once rehydrated, the food regains its natural texture, closely resembling fresh or raw ingredients.

How Do You Feed a Dog Freeze-Dried Meals?

Luckily, feeding a dog freeze-dried food is similar to what you're probably already used to! It's simple, fast, and, above all, extra healthy for your pup.

Here’s how to feed your dog freeze-dried food:

1. Serve Dry or Rehydrate – You can serve freeze-dried food as is, or add water to bring it back to its original texture. Some dogs may prefer it hydrated, as it enhances flavor and moisture content. It's important to follow the instructions on the specific brand you choose, as some may recommend rehydrating the food before serving, while others are formulated to be served dry.
2. Measure the Right Amount – Follow the feeding guidelines on the package, adjusting for your dog’s weight, activity level, and age.
3. Mix with Other Foods – If transitioning from kibble, mix freeze-dried food gradually to prevent digestive upset. Some pup parents also use freeze-dried food as a topper for kibble to improve palatability and nutrition.

Giving your dog freeze-dried food doesn’t involve elaborate instructions or complicated steps, just scoop and serve!

How is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?

Freeze-drying is a specialized process that preserves food while maintaining its nutritional integrity. The freeze-drying process involves:

1. Flash Freezing – Raw ingredients, including meat, organs, and sometimes vegetables, are rapidly frozen at extremely low temperatures.
2. Vacuum Drying – The frozen food is placed in a vacuum chamber where the moisture is removed through sublimation (turning ice directly into vapor).
3. Sealing & Packaging – The now lightweight, moisture-free food is packaged in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

This process preserves nearly all of the food’s natural nutrients, giving dogs a high-quality, raw-like diet without the need for refrigeration.

Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Safe?

Yes! Because freeze-dried dog food is made from raw ingredients, it’s essential to choose brands that follow strict safety and quality controls. 

Reputable manufacturers test their products for pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, ensuring they meet food safety standards. Unlike traditional raw diets, freeze-dried food is safer to handle and store.

How Long Does Freeze-Dried Food Last?

One of the biggest advantages of freeze-dried dog food is its shelf life. Because the moisture has been removed, freeze-dried dog food can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place. 

Once rehydrated, it should be treated like fresh food and used within a few hours or refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

What Are the Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is a premium option that combines the benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of dry food. Unlike traditional kibble or canned food, freeze-dried meals preserve the integrity of their ingredients, making them a highly nutritious and appealing choice for pup parents looking to improve their dog’s diet. Some key advantages include:

• Nutrient Retention – Unlike kibble, which loses nutrients during cooking, freeze-dried food retains its original vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
• High-Quality Ingredients – Most freeze-dried foods use whole meats, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables, offering a biologically appropriate diet.
• No Artificial Preservatives – With no need for chemical preservatives, freeze-dried food is a cleaner option for dogs.
• Convenient and Lightweight – Unlike raw diets, freeze-dried food is easy to store and transport.
• Better Digestibility – Many dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs, benefit from the minimally processed nature of freeze-dried food.

In addition to these benefits, freeze-dried dog food often appeals to picky eaters due to its rich, meaty aroma and taste. It also provides a great option for pup parents who want to feed raw but prefer a safer, mess-free alternative. 

Freeze-Dried Food vs. Kibble

Both freeze-dried food and kibble are popular choices for pup parents, but they differ significantly in quality, processing, and nutritional value.

• Processing & Nutrient Retention – Kibble is cooked at high temperatures, which can reduce its natural nutrient content. In contrast, freeze-dried food retains more of its original nutrients due to the low-temperature freeze-drying process.
• Ingredient Quality – Many kibble brands use fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, whereas freeze-dried food typically focuses on high-quality animal proteins and whole-food ingredients.
• Moisture & Hydration – Kibble has low moisture content (about 10%), which can contribute to dehydration. Freeze-dried food, when rehydrated, provides extra moisture, benefiting dogs' overall hydration.
• Digestibility & Palatability – Some dogs struggle to digest kibble due to its processing and fillers. Freeze-dried food is minimally processed, making it easier to digest and often more appealing to picky eaters.
• Convenience & Storage – Kibble is easy to store and doesn’t require preparation, while freeze-dried food is lightweight and shelf-stable but typically requires rehydration.
• Cost Considerations – Kibble is generally more affordable, but freeze-dried food offers superior ingredient quality and nutrition, making it a better long-term investment in your dog’s health.

Overall, freeze-dried food provides a more natural, nutrient-rich option compared to kibble, making it a great choice for pup parents looking to optimize their dog’s diet.

Raw Dog Food vs. Freeze-Dried

Freeze-dried dog food offers many of the same benefits as raw food, such as high protein, minimal processing, and natural ingredients, but with added convenience and safety.

• Nutritional Benefits – Like raw food, freeze-dried food is made with high-quality meats, organs, and vegetables, providing essential nutrients for a healthy dog.
• Safety – Raw food carries a risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella, while freeze-dried food is safer due to the removal of moisture, which helps prevent bacteria growth. Plus, it doesn’t need refrigeration.
• Convenience & Storage – Unlike raw food, which requires careful handling and refrigeration, freeze-dried food is shelf-stable, easy to store, and simple to serve—just rehydrate or serve dry.

In short, freeze-dried food provides the benefits of raw feeding—nutrition, high protein, and natural ingredients—without the risks and storage hassles.

Air-Dried vs. Freeze-Dried vs. Dehydrated Dog Food

Air-dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated dog foods all aim to preserve food by removing moisture, but they do so in different ways, which affects the nutrient content and overall quality of the food.

• Air-Dried Dog Food – Air-drying involves slowly drying food at room temperature or with warm air. While this method preserves much of the food's nutritional value, it does slightly cook the ingredients, which can result in some nutrient loss, especially for heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes. 

It’s a good middle ground for convenience and preserving nutrients, but it doesn’t retain as much as freeze-drying.

• Dehydrated Dog Food – Dehydration uses heat to remove moisture, often at higher temperatures. While this method is effective for long-term preservation, the heat can lead to the breakdown of some vitamins, minerals, and proteins, which can reduce the overall nutritional value. 

Dehydrated food usually needs to be rehydrated before serving, and the process may affect its texture and digestibility.

• Freeze-Dried Dog Food – Freeze-drying involves freezing the food and then removing moisture through a process called sublimation, where the frozen water turns into vapor without going through a liquid stage. This method is the most effective at preserving nutrients, including heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes. 

Freeze-dried food maintains its natural texture, flavor, and nutritional integrity better than both air-dried and dehydrated options, offering a more complete and nutritious meal for your dog.

Take a deeper dive into various dog food types in our comprehensive comparison! 

Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Good for All Dogs?

Many people wonder if freeze-dried food is the right option for their specific pup's needs. Let's look at some common questions we see about which dogs should (or shouldn't) eat freeze-dried meals.

Can Puppies Eat Freeze-Dried Food?

Yes! Freeze-dried food provides a balanced, protein-rich diet for growing puppies. Ensure the formula meets AAFCO standards for puppies to provide essential nutrients for growth.

Can Senior Dogs Eat Freeze-Dried Food?

Absolutely. Senior dogs benefit from the high-quality protein and easy digestibility of freeze-dried food, which can help maintain muscle mass and overall health.

Learn how a nutritious diet can impact your dog’s mood and behavior!

Will Freeze-Dried Food Help My Dog Lose Weight?

Because it is nutrient-dense and free from fillers, freeze-dried food can help overweight dogs maintain a healthy weight by providing high-quality protein without excess carbohydrates.

Many factors contribute to a dog losing weight, but a healthy food option like freeze-dried food can help!

Is Freeze-Dried Food Good for Dogs with Allergies?

Yes! Many freeze-dried options use limited, high-quality ingredients, making them ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Look for single-protein formulas to eliminate allergens.

Is Freeze-Dried Food Good for Picky Dogs?

Definitely! The intense natural flavors of freeze-dried food make it a favorite for picky eaters. Many pup parents use it as a meal topper to entice their dogs to eat.

Should I Feed My Dog Freeze-Dried Food?

If you're looking for a diet that combines the benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of dry food, freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice. It offers superior nutrition without the risks associated with raw food, such as bacterial contamination or the need for refrigeration.

Pupford's premium freeze-dried dog food is made with carefully selected, high-quality ingredients that support your dog’s overall health. 

Our formula consists of carefully selected, high-quality ingredients that support your dog’s overall health. Our formula includes beef, which is packed with essential amino acids and vitamins like B12 and iron, promoting muscle growth, energy, and a healthy immune system. 

We also include chicken, an excellent source of lean protein that supports muscle development and overall vitality, lamb, which is rich in healthy fats and minerals like zinc and iron, supporting joint health, energy, and a shiny coat, and salmon, which provides Omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin, coat, and cognitive function.

Pumpkin provides fiber to aid digestion and supports healthy gut function, while herring oil offers additional Omega-3 fatty acids for joint and heart health. We also include cranberries, rich in antioxidants to support urinary tract health and reduce inflammation, and carrots, which support digestion, vision, and immune function with their high Vitamin A content.

These nutrient-rich ingredients are freeze-dried to retain maximum nutrients, ensuring that your dog receives the full benefits without any added preservatives or artificial additives.

With the convenience of being shelf-stable and easy to serve, Pupford’s freeze-dried dog food makes it easy to give your dog the best possible nutrition. 

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

Switching your pup to a new diet should be done gradually to prevent digestive upset and ensure a smooth transition.

Since freeze-dried food is more nutrient-dense than many traditional diets, your dog may need time to adjust. Follow this simple 7–10 day process for the best results when switching to freeze-dried food:

• Mix 25% freeze-dried food with 75% of your dog’s current diet.
• Gradually increase the freeze-dried portion while decreasing the old food.
• Monitor digestion and adjust as needed.
  

Some dogs may transition more quickly, while others need extra time. Watch for signs of digestive discomfort, such as loose stools or decreased appetite, and slow the transition if needed.

Providing plenty of fresh water and sticking to a consistent feeding routine will also help your dog adjust comfortably to their new, healthier diet.

Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Healthy?

Yes! Freeze-dried dog food is incredibly healthy, and when you choose Pupford’s premium freeze-dried food, you're giving your dog the best nutrition possible. 

Freeze-drying preserves the nutrients in the food, keeping vitamins, minerals, and proteins intact—unlike traditional cooking methods, which can degrade many of the essential nutrients that support your dog’s overall health.

Pupford’s freeze-dried dog food is made with high-quality ingredients like beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon, all rich in protein and amino acids essential for muscle growth, energy, and immune system health. These proteins are a natural source of essential vitamins like B12, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain your dog’s coat, joint health, and cognitive function.

We also include beets, which are great for supporting digestion and providing antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, support your dog’s vision, immune function, and skin health. Shiitake mushrooms are packed with fiber and zinc to support your dog’s immune system, energy levels, and joint health. And spinach is included for its wealth of vitamins A, C, and K, which promote bone health, skin health, and overall vitality.

Related Reading: 39 Dog Safe Fruits and Vegetables

Freeze-Dried Dog Food Recap & Next Steps

Freeze-dried dog food combines the best aspects of raw feeding with the convenience of dry storage. It offers superior nutrition, better digestibility, and high palatability, making it an excellent choice for dogs of all sizes and life stages. 

Unlike many other types of dog food, freeze-dried food retains more of its natural nutrients, helping to support overall health, from a shiny coat to strong muscles and a healthy immune system. It also contains fewer fillers and artificial ingredients, ensuring your dog gets more of what they need and less of what they don’t.

The high-quality ingredients in freeze-dried food—like real meat, wholesome vegetables, and nutrient-rich oils—work together to promote healthy skin, coat, digestion, and energy levels. Plus, the convenience of easy storage and preparation means you can feed your dog a healthy, balanced meal without the hassle of refrigeration or complicated prep.

If you’re ready to switch to a healthier, more nutritious diet for your dog, enter to win a year's supply today!

Pupford's Freeze-Dried Dog Food will be available to purchase starting April 14th, 2025. Your pup will love the taste, and you’ll love the benefits.