Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food | Veterinarian Approved

Nowadays, a popular dog park discussion revolves around raw food diets. Pet owners are opting for this nutritional approach to enhance their furry companions’ well-being by addressing allergies, boosting energy levels, and improving digestion. While evidence supports these advantages, some individuals express concerns about the potential risks of consuming uncooked meat. As someone who insisted on well-done steak for most of their life, I can relate to the hesitancy.

However, once you overcome the initial unconventional nature of the diet, there are numerous benefits to feeding your dog raw foods. According to the American Kennel Club^[1], raw diets may contribute to shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.

A standard meal grocery list typically includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and possibly yogurt or other dairy products. Since raw items are never cooked, they retain more of their natural nutrients, potentially resulting in better health for your dog.

What Is Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food undergoes a dehydration procedure. Initially, the food is cooked, followed by freezing, and finally, it undergoes a vacuum chamber process. This sequence effectively eliminates moisture from the food, preserving only the essential nutrients and flavor. Importantly, freeze-dried dog food does not undergo any additional cooking after this method, ensuring the retention of all its nutritional components.

Freeze-dried Dog Food Benefits

Feeding your canine freeze-dried dog food can bring forth various potential benefits, such as:

High-Quality Ingredients:

Freeze-dried diets typically feature an impressive array of ingredients, including muscle meat, organs, and ground bones. While the freeze-drying process itself doesn’t dictate the quality of ingredients, freeze-dried dog food brands often target pet parents who scrutinize ingredient lists, resulting in a focus on high-quality components as part of their marketing strategy.

Alternative to Raw Diets:

Many individuals turn to freeze-dried dog food as a substitute for raw diets, which can pose risks to both humans and dogs due to handling and preparation challenges. Freeze-dried foods offer some of the claimed benefits of raw diets while being nearly as convenient to serve as dry dog food (some may require rehydration, but it’s generally straightforward).

Extended Shelf Life:

Freeze-dried foods typically boast remarkably long shelf lives, making them a practical choice for emergencies. Whether facing a week of being snowed in or residing in a hurricane-prone area where grocery store shelves empty quickly before storms, having freeze-dried dog food on hand ensures you won’t run out during unexpected situations. In a post-2020 context, being prepared for extended periods at home has become a priority for many.

Taste for Dogs:

Apart from the practical advantages, most dogs find freeze-dried foods irresistibly delicious, making them an excellent option for picky eaters. Some people even use them as healthy, albeit somewhat calorie-rich, treats. While taste isn’t the sole determinant of nutritional value, providing dogs with food they enjoy is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being and quality of life.

How Did We Choose The Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

When evaluating nutritious dog food, whether freeze-dried or otherwise, several key attributes should be considered. Additionally, certain factors merit attention when contemplating a switch.

Ingredients: Premium freeze-dried foods should incorporate ingredients rich in omega fatty acids. Common selections for this purpose include salmon, flaxseed, assorted vegetable fats, fish oils, and fish meals.

The primary composition of most freeze-dried foods consists of high-quality animal protein and minerals. The finest recipes, however, go beyond this by incorporating antioxidant- and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Examples include cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, spinach, parsley, and carrots.

No Additives: While seeking freeze-dried foods, it’s essential to steer clear of those containing artificial colors, flavors, or additives. While not inherently harmful, such ingredients are deemed unnecessary.

Where It’s Manufactured: Opt for foods manufactured in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Western Europe whenever feasible. These regions adhere to stringent quality control standards and regulations, ensuring the dog food remains untainted by harmful pollutants or unidentified ingredients.

High Quality vs Price: Resist the temptation to opt for low-quality, economy products solely to save a few dollars. While cost is a valid consideration, especially for high-quality dog food, scrimping on freeze-dried foods can be risky. Manufacturers may cut corners through cheaper packaging, and if it fails to remain airtight, moisture can infiltrate, leading to bacterial growth.

Best Freeze Dried Dog Food of 2025

Nutra Complete – Best Beef Dog Food

Buy on Official Website

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Ultimate Pet Nutrition Freeze Dried Raw Nutra Complete Beef Dog Food stands out as a top-tier dog food made from premium ingredients, ensuring both great taste and nutritional excellence. This blend features a combination of beef, vegetables, and essential vitamins, incorporating a total of 40 highly beneficial ingredients.

The freeze-drying process is employed to preserve the utmost nutrition while prolonging the freshness of the ingredients. Notably, this product is free from artificial preservatives or fillers, further emphasizing its commitment to providing wholesome and natural canine nutrition.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze Dried
• Brand: Nutra Complete
• Benefit: It’s freeze-dried, which locks in the maximum amount of nutrition, all while extending the shelf life of these fresh ingredients
• Active Ingredients: Meat and organs: Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef bone (ground) Seeds, fruits, and vegetables: Flax seed, dried kelp, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, broccoli, chicory, salt, cranberry, yeast culture, pumpkin seed, ginger Minerals and vitamins: Minerals and vitamins
• Price: $37.99

Pros & Cons of Nutra Complete

Pros

• Highly nutritious ingredients
• No artificial flavors
• Grain Free, easy to digest
• Full of antioxidants, probiotics, and amino acids

Cons

• A little expensive
• Breaks and crumbles easily.

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete

Buy on Official Website

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Superfood Complete is a premium dog food made with 34 high-quality ingredients and air-dried at low temperatures to support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Its combination of essential nutrients can help promote smooth digestion, healthy energy levels, and easy-moving joints. The formula is free from meat meals, byproducts, and preservatives known to cause dog health issues.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze Dried
• Benefit: Supports your dog’s smooth digestion, Healthy energy level & Easy-moving joints.
• Brand: Badlands Ranch
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Salmon, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $59.95*

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains specific superfoods
• Air-dried for maximum nutrition
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Proceeds and food donated to animal shelters and no-kill advocacy organizations
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Expensive
• Only two formulas are available
• No grain-inclusive option
• Only available in small 24 oz bags (about 6 cups of food)

Nature’s Blend – Best Premium Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Buy on Official Website

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is an organic, freeze-dried food for dogs, which is rich in meats, fruits, vegetables, and healthy nutrients. This nutritionally rich formula is designed to elevate your dog’s overall well-being and bolster their immune system.

Additionally, it promotes improved joint health, offers a sustainable energy boost, and enhances the luster of your dog’s coat. The formula is 100% organic and free of harmful additives.

Key Specs

• Form: Dog food
• Type: Serum
• Benefit: Nutrition-packed formula, Easy digestion, Healthy teeth and skin, Improves Mobility & Healthy lifespan
• Brand: Dr. Marty
• Active Ingredients: Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver, turkey heart, Fruits and Vegetables
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $170.85*

Nature’s Blend Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Freeze-dried for maximum freshness and nutrient retention
• Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
• The product has received positive reviews and good ratings

Cons

• The product is considered expensive by some customers
• There are some customer complaints about the pricing and changes in the food

Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites – Best Beef Liver Treats for Dogs

Buy on Official Website

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Superfood Bites is a revolutionary pet product from Badlands Ranch™, designed as a healthy and tasty treat option for dogs. These bite-sized morsels are exclusively made from 100% freeze-dried raw beef liver, offering a nutrient-rich supplement to promote your pet’s overall well-being.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze-dried dog treats
• Benefit: Support’s your dog’s muscles and body weight
• Brand: Badlands Ranch
• Active Ingredients: 100% beef liver, the chicken bites with premium chicken breast, and the salmon bites with premium freeze-dried wild caught salmon.
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $59.95*

Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made with a single, nutritious ingredient
• Supports your dog’s muscles and body weight
• Can be used as a daily snack, a reward while training, or a special treat when you’re on the go
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• The product is considered expensive
• Only available in small 2.5 oz bags

Open Farm – Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Buy on Amazon

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Open farm Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is a nutritious blend made with 100% pasture-raised raw beef and Ocean Wise®-approved wild-caught salmon, along with organic veggies and superfoods to support your dog’s overall health.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: Nutrition-packed formula, Joint support & Overall health Benefit
• Brand: Open Farm
• Active Ingredients: 100% pasture-raised raw beef, Ocean Wise® approved wild-caught salmon, organic vegetables, and superfoods
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $12.99*

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Pros & Cons

Pros

• Antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free
• 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
• Contains organic vegetables and superfoods
• Supports your dog’s overall health
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• Not Suitable for Every Dog

Nulo Freestyle Dog Food – Best Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Recipes

Buy on Amazon

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Nulo FreeStyle has different types of dog food like dry, wet, freeze-dried raw, treats, and toppers. Most of the protein in their dog diets (about 80-87%) comes from animals, giving your dog the right amino acids. Their formulas don’t have grains; instead, they use things like sweet potatoes and chickpeas for carbs, which are good for your dog.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: It contains ultra-rich protein & balanced fat levels,  Support your pet’s digestive and immune health.
• Brand: Nulo
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidneys, Ground Beef Bone, Apples, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Kale,
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $15.29*

Nulo Freestyle Dog Food Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Contains ultra-rich protein and balanced fat levels inspired by prey
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• Some pets may experience digestive upset

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal – Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Topper

Buy on Amazon

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixer is a premium dog food crafted with real, raw beef and nutrient-rich ingredients. Perfect for enhancing your canine companion’s meals, it adds a burst of flavor and wholesome goodness to their diet.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: Formulated to mimic a canine’s natural diet, Offers digestive support and Help maintain strong muscles and bones
• Brand: Stella & Chewy’s
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Essential fruits and Vegetables
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $22.99*

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Contains ultra-rich protein and balanced fat levels inspired by prey
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• May not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with certain health conditions

Buying Guide

When selecting the optimal freeze-dried dog food for your furry companion, several factors warrant consideration to ensure the best choice. Here are essential features to prioritize:

• Ingredients:
  Begin by assessing the quality of ingredients in freeze-dried dog food. Opt for products with high-quality, whole-food components, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. Steer clear of options containing fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.
• Nutritional Value:
  Ensure the chosen freeze-dried dog food offers balanced nutrition under the guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).^[4] These guidelines guarantee that your dog receives all the essential nutrients necessary for their well-being.
• Protein Content:
  Given dogs’ primarily carnivorous nature, select a freeze-dried dog food with a high protein content, ideally exceeding 30%.
• Price:
  While prices for freeze-dried dog food can vary, prioritize the quality of ingredients and nutritional value over cost. While a more affordable option may be tempting, it’s crucial to prioritize the overall well-being of your pet.
• Brand Reputation:
  Choose a reputable brand with a track record of producing high-quality freeze-dried dog food. Look for brands endorsed by pet owners and veterinarians, indicating a positive reputation in the market.

By carefully considering these key features, you can confidently choose the best freeze-dried dog food for your beloved furry friend.

Freeze-Dried vs Dehydrated: What Sets Them Apart?

Dehydrated dog food is created by exposing the food to warm dry air, with a temperature sufficient to eliminate moisture without cooking the food. In contrast, freeze-drying removes an impressive 98-99 percent of moisture, while dehydration removes only about 90 percent.

This distinction highlights that freeze-dried dog food preserves a higher percentage of the natural vitamins and minerals present in the original food, contributing to both nutritional quality and an extended shelf life.

Is The Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Better Than Dry Kibble?

Selecting the optimal food for your dog involves considering various factors. Kibble stands out as the most common type, but the market also offers numerous freeze-dried options. So, which one is superior?

Both kibble and freeze-dried foods have their advantages and disadvantages. Kibble is typically more budget-friendly and widely available, yet it may be less rich in nutrients. On the other hand, freeze-dried food tends to be pricier but is often more densely packed with nutrients.

Determining the best food for your dog hinges on their specific needs. If you prioritize high quality and nutrient richness, freeze-dried options may be preferable. Conversely, if you’re mindful of budget constraints, kibble remains a solid choice.

While the initial cost of freeze-dried dog food might seem daunting, consider the long-term benefits. Most freeze-dried options have an extended shelf life compared to kibble, as the concentrated natural goodness means you won’t need to feed your dog as much of this premium food.

What’s The Drawback to Freeze Dried Dog Food?

No dog food is flawless, or else we would all simply opt for the perfect one and be done with it.

When it comes to freeze-dried dog food options, two primary drawbacks exist. These might be deal-breakers for certain owners, while others are willing to overlook these downsides. Let’s delve into both below.

Expense of Freeze-Dried Dog Foods: The predominant drawback of freeze-dried dog foods (and to a lesser extent, dehydrated foods) is their cost. Compared to conventional kibble that has been cooked, every freeze-dried dog food in the market comes with a higher price tag.

It’s crucial to note that most dehydrated dog foods expand to three to five times their original size when rehydrated, so the seemingly small package sizes for freeze-dried products can be deceiving.

Given the relatively high cost of freeze-dried dog food, many owners opt to use them as “toppers” by serving them alongside more budget-friendly dog foods. However, some manufacturers may discourage this usage, so it’s important to consult the feeding instructions and, as always, seek advice from your vet before incorporating these foods in such a manner.

Potential Bacterial Contamination: Raw meats, a common component of freeze-dried dog foods, can harbor bacteria ^[2] that pose health risks to humans and dogs. Cooking food is a key practice for humans to ensure food safety.

While dogs may not be as susceptible to illness-causing bacteria as humans, they can still fall ill after consuming raw meat. Although freeze-drying reduces the moisture content and slows bacterial reproduction, it does not completely eliminate bacteria. Once water is added to rehydrate your dog’s freeze-dried meal, bacteria can start reproducing again.

Discussing the switch to freeze-dried dog food with your vet is advisable. While the risks may be acceptable for some dogs, they could be deemed too hazardous for others.

Grain-Free Nature of Most Freeze-Dried Foods: In the past, grain-free dog foods were favored, but recent concerns link ^[3] them to heart issues in dogs. While the connection is not conclusively established, many recommend sticking to grain-inclusive foods unless specific grain intolerances are present.

Unfortunately, the majority of freeze-dried dog foods are grain-free. The potential implications for a dog’s heart health remain unclear. Consult with your vet and carefully consider your dog’s well-being before deciding, especially given the current discussions surrounding grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Final Verdict

Overall, selecting the best freeze-dried dog food is a crucial decision that directly impacts your pet’s overall health and well-being. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of prioritizing high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and adherence to stringent safety standards.

The top freeze-dried options often boast superior nutrient retention, convenience, and longer shelf life. Always consult with your veterinarian to tailor your choice based on your dog’s needs, age, and health considerations.

With a careful evaluation of ingredients, nutritional value, and brand reputation, you can decide to provide your canine companion with the optimal freeze-dried diet endorsed by veterinary professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions