Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food: Guide 2024

This article thoroughly reviews the 10 best Freeze-Dried Dog foods that are very effective for your dog. Before listing these foods let’s dig into the meaning of the freeze-dry method.

What is the Best Freeze-Dry Dog Food

Freeze-drying, cryodesiccation, or lyophilization removes the moisture contained in the frozen food by lowering its temperature and using the sublimation process. 

It reduces the water contained in the frozen food by 98-99% without changing the size and shape of the raw food product.

The key highlight of freeze-dry dog food is that it has natural nutrients and is used mostly for ingredients like chicken, beef, salmon, and more.

Difference between Freeze drying and traditional dehydration process

This method differs from the traditional dehydration process, in which moisture is removed from the frozen food by passing heat at a very high temperature. The traditional dehydration process does not remove water as much as the freeze-drying.

The freeze-dried dog food has a longer shelf life and natural vitamins and minerals making the food healthy for your dog.

This article lists the 10 best freeze-dry dog foods to make your dog’s hunger more tasty and healthy. Some frequently asked questions are added at the end of this article.

List of the Best Freeze Dry Dog Food

Here, we look at the best freeze-dry dog foods of 2024. The foods are picked after lots of research and cross-examining the vet. 

All the below-listed dog foods are chosen on the following listed parameters:

  • Above 4 stars rating.
  • Made in USA dog food.
  • Highest Ratings.
  • Follow AAFCO standards.
  • The required amount of protein contains.

STELLA & CHEWY’S Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

Using the eating habits of raw food by wild dogs Stella and Chewy prepare their best freeze-dried dog food. It uses all-natural recipes with raw ingredients without adding fillers, preservatives, colors, or grains. Along with quality ingredients, it uses the freeze-dry dehydration method. 

This dog food comes in 11 delicious flavors. We are reviewing the Super Beef recipe. This freeze-dry dog food uses grass-fed beef with 100% certified organic fruits. Raw feeding helps in a healthy body, good immune system, strong teeth, shiny coat, and free from most allergies.

Your dog will get 44% protein and 5% fiber along with the essential nutrients. The properties of the Super Beef formula are as follows:

  • The beef used in this recipe does not contain any antibiotics or hormones.
  • This patties-form dog food can be rehydrated by putting water into it.
  • It is made with sustainability-sourced ingredients only.

Summarization

FlavorsSuper Beef
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsBeef, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach
SpecificationHigh Protein, Limited Ingredient
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.6
Price Check the price on Chewy.com 
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain grain, gluten, or pea.
  • It is free from artificial preservatives, or colors.
  • It has a high protein content.
  • It can be used for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • It is not for puppies.

PRIMAL Dog Food Nuggets

All about best freeze-dried dog food

The PRIMAL freeze-dried dog food provides a high protein-rich raw dog that is just ready to serve in 3 simple steps. It has amazing flavors. The key highlight of this brand is that it uses ingredients from partners who treat animals ethically and humanely. 

This irresistible food comes in 8 exciting flavors and we are reviewing the highest-rating Beef formula. The Beef Formula nuggets contain 34% protein and 8% fiber for supporting the digestive system.

The properties of this formula are as follows:

  • The key ingredients are free from antibiotics, steroids, and hormones. 
  • It uses human-grade ingredients.
  • The high-quality frozen dog food incorporates only certified organic produce and unrefined vitamins to make the food completely nutritious for your dog.
  • The freeze-dry dog food patties are super tasty with easy digestion and the raw ingredients help in:
    • Less stool formation
    • Good oral health
    • Vision 
    • Ideal weight
    • Shiny and healthy coat
    • Getting a healthy body

Summarization

FlavorsBeef
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsBeef, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach
SpecificationHigh Protein, Limited Ingredient
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.6
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros 

  • It is made from non-GMO ingredients.
  • It is free from soy, wheat, gluten, and grain.
  • It does not use artificial preservatives preservatives or colors.
  • Uses only raw recipes.

Cons

  • It is not for a specific breed of dog.

BIXBI Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

BIXBI dog food brand is best for picky eaters as it uses limited organic and raw ingredients in its recipes. The hand-picked ingredients are good for the health of the gut colon, and renal health of your dog.

My dog Boxo is very picky and when I use this food, he loves it and finishes the whole bowl. It has 7 freeze-dried flavors and we are reviewing the Pork recipe. This freeze-dried dog food formula has balanced portions of fibers and amino acid absorption for the better health of your dog. It provides 58% protein and 4% fiber with other essential nutrients.

The properties of BIXBI Pork Freeze-Dried Dog food

  1. Ingredients are sustainably sourced from the USA, France, and New Zealand.
  2. Nutritionally Tailored dog food with required amounts of raw vitamins and minerals in every bite of food
  3. It is made from farm-raised pork without giving any hormones or antibiotics.         

Summarization

FlavorsPork
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsPork Pumpkin, Pork Liver, Salmon oil, Pork Bone
SpecificationHigh Protein, Limited Ingredient
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.6
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain artificial preservatives or colors.
  • It is free from soy, corn, wheat, or meat byproduct.
  • It uses only raw ingredients.
  • The meat and poultry products are USDA-passed and suspected.

Cons 

  • Not recommended for grain-sensitive dogs.

GRANDMA LUCY’S Dog Food 

All about best freeze-dried dog food

The Grandma Lucy freeze-dry dog food uses premium ingredients from trusted farms and suppliers. It comes in 4 beautiful recipes that preserve natural nutrients using the freeze-dried method. We are reviewing the Chicken recipe. This delicious recipe is made up of Chicken and provides 26% protein along with a high amount of 7.5% fiber.

The properties of the Chicken recipe are as follows:

  • Each hand-picked ingredients have a special purpose.
  • They are crafted with organic fruits and vegetables to nourish your dog with the required vitamins and minerals.
  • It contains the benefits of fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
  • It is useful for the sensitive digestive system.
  • The muscles and bones used in dog food are minimally processed to intake the natural minerals and vitamins of the food.

Summarization

FlavorsChicken
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsUSDA Chicken, Flax, Carrots, Potatoes, Celery.
SpecificationLimited Ingredient, Sensitive Digestion
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.0
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com 
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain any byproduct, grain, or peas.
  • It is crafted with non-GMO ingredients.
  • It does not use any artificial preservatives.
  • It can be used as a main course, treat, or topper.

Cons

  • It comes in small bag sizes.
  • It is costly.

K9 NATURAL Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

One of the best freeze-dried dog food from K9 NATURALS is grain-free with low carbohydrates and high meat content. All the ingredients are made in New Zealand and are sourced from New Zealand. Boost your dog’s hunger with its 5 delicious flavors. We are diving into the Beef Feast recipe. This nutritionally tailored recipe provides 35% protein using non-GMO ingredients. The key highlight of this tasty recipe is your pub health. 

The properties of the Beef Feast freeze-dried recipe are as follows:

  • It helps in making healthy muscles and muscle functions.
  • It is a completely balanced freeze-dried grain-free dog food.
  • High protein content helps manage your pet’s health by providing healthy skin.
  • It is crafted with all essential natural minerals and vitamins.

Summarization

FlavorsBeef Feast 
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsBeef, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Heart.
SpecificationHigh-Protein
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.3
PriceClick to check the price on Chewy 
Click to check the price on Amazon

Pros

  • It does not contain GMO ingredients.
  • It is free from corn, soy wheat, grain, gluten, or peas.
  • It is good for gluten-intolerant dogs.

Cons

  • It is costly.
  • Comparatively, it has low fiber content.

Halo Dry Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

Halo is a new form of TruDog that has the same taste and flavors. This high-nutrient content freeze-dry dog food comes in 4 delicious recipes. We are reviewing the Turkey recipe. This exceptionally delicious recipe contains all essential nutrients for overall body development. With this your dog consumes 46% protein and 2% fiber. 

The properties of the high-protein Turkey formula are as follows:

  1. It uses only premium-quality natural ingredients.
  2. Omega-3 fatty acids present in this recipe provide a shiny coat and healthy skin.
  3. It is rich in Vitamin C that supports the immune system.

Summarization

FlavorsTurkey
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsTurkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Hearing Oil.
SpecificationHigh-Protein, Limited Ingredients
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.3
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com 
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  1. It does not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
  2. It has a high protein content.
  3. It is free from soy, pea, grain, and gluten. 

Cons

  1. It has a limited bag size.

INSTINCT Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

Instinct with its 20 years of reputation is known for supplying quality freeze-dried dog food. Its 4 tasty recipes believe in providing completely nutritional balanced food for overall body development. The freeze-dried dog food by INSTINCT uses only natural ingredients that are not cooked. To maintain the real raw taste and preserve food vitamins, the dog food is freeze-dried under experts’ observations.  

The real Beef recipe is made from animal-sourced protein and vitamin-rich fruits & veggies. Your dog gets 36% protein and 5% fiber from this recipe.

The properties of the freeze-dried Beef recipe are as follows:

  • Real beef is the only animal source of protein.
  • It is crafted with 85% animal-source protein and 15% non-GMO veggies and fruits.
  • It provides healthy skin and strong bones.

Summarization

FlavorsReal Beef
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsBeef, Carrot, beef Liver, Beef Spleen, Beef Kidney.
SpecificationHigh-Protein, Limited Ingredients
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.5
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com 
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain artificial preservatives or colors.
  • It is free from soy, gluten, corn, wheat, grain, or legumes.
  • It uses premium quality ingredients.
  • You can use this dog food directly in kibble form, or add water to make it more moist.

Cons

  • Small-size bags are not available.

VITAL ESSENTIAL Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

Vital Essential 4 tempting freeze-dried food recipes are manufactured with real natural ingredients. This best dog food uses limited ingredients in its recipes and pays special attention while selecting ingredients. We are reviewing the Turkey entree recipe. It provides 53% protein and 5% fiber along with other essential nutrients. The high-protein turkey recipe has the following properties:

  • It is crafted with premium raw high-protein turkey.
  • It contains all-natural vitamins and minerals. 
  • This tasty recipe is frozen within 45 minutes of harvesting to preserve natural nutrients.
  • It helps to make strong teeth and shiny coats, enhances energy levels, and a healthy digestive system.

Summarization

FlavorsReal Turkey
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsTurkey, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Herring oil, Vitamin supplements.
SpecificationHigh-Protein, Limited Ingredients
Used for Adult dogs of extra small breeds
Ratings4.6
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain artificial preservatives, filler, dyes, and legumes.
  • It is grain-free and gluten-free.
  • It is pocket-friendly.

Cons

  • It is breed-specific.

ORIJEN Dog Food

All about best freeze-dried dog food

ORIJEN best freeze-dried dog food uses WholePrey formula for their different recipe to deliver the nutritionally tailored part of the prey. This formula provides your dog with a needed amount of natural vitamins and proteins.   

You can use different recipes for its freeze-dried dog food in 3 different forms:

  •  A complete meal by adding some water.
  • Directly as a kibble.
  • Used as a topper in dog food.

We are reviewing the Original formula from its 3 recipes. You can use this recipe as dog food or a topper. It provides 40% protein and 5% fiber. 

The properties of this recipe are as follows:

  • It contains a good amount of fatty acid that provides a healthy coat and shiny skin.
  • Animal sources of protein in this recipe are Chicken and turkey.
  • It is crafted with 90% raw animal ingredients and Wholeprey ingredients.
  • This nutritionally tailored dog food uses premium quality ingredients.

Summarization

FlavorsOriginal
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsChicken, Chicken Liver, Ground with Bone, Turkey, Herring oil, Vitamin supplements.
SpecificationHigh-Protein, Limited Ingredients
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.5
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com  
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros

  • It does not contain grain, GMO ingredients, and Gluten.
  • Customers are happy with Orijen’s recipes.

Cons

  •  It comes in only two bag sizes.
  • It is not recommended for pea-sensitive dogs.

ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Dog Food

The premium quality freeze-dried dog food by Ultimate Pet Nutrition provides quality dog food that helps your four-legged friend’s overall growth. The food quality is tested by a third party to ensure you get the right densely rich protein diet for your dog.

There are 4 delicious freeze-dried Ultimate Pet Nutrition recipes for your picky eater. We are reviewing the Premium Pork recipe. This recipe provides 33% protein and 3% fiber. Premium Pork recipe is carefully freeze-dried to preserve all-natural nutrients.

The properties of this recipe are as follows:

  • It is crafted with premium quality pork.
  • It is a rich source of antioxidants, fatty acids, probiotics, and amino acids.
  • It is crafted with human-grade ingredients.

Summarization

FlavorsPremium Pork
Food TypeFreeze-dry
First 5 IngredientsPork, Pork liver, Pork Heart, Dried Kelp, Flax seed.
SpecificationHigh-Protein, Limited Ingredients
Used for Adult dogs of all breeds
Ratings4.7
PriceCheck the price on Chewy.com
Check the price on Amazon.com

Pros 

  • It is free from fillers and artificial preservatives.
  • It is a vet-recommended recipe.
  • It does not contain chicken and grain.

Cons

  • It is not recommended for gluten-sensitive dogs.
  • It comes in only 2 bag sizes.

Tips to Select the Best Freeze-dried Dog Food

  • Check the ingredients list. 
  • Examine the brand value of dog food.
  • Understand the nutritional profile of your dog and select food accordingly.
  • Choose completely balanced dog food with a good amount of protein.
  • Identify the sensitive ingredients of your dog.
  • Evaluate the free-drying processing method and packaging.
  • Do thorough research and check ratings.
  • Consult your vet before switching to any dog food brand.
  • Check the dietary needs of your dog.
  • Compare various brands based on cost, nutrient content, and ingredients.
  • Use premium quality food for your dog.

Comparison Tables of Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Dog Food BrandsRatings Flavors Starting dog food package weightFocused on Specific body areas of dog
Stella & Chewy4.61. Absolute Rabbit
2. Duck Duck Goose
3. Chewy’s Chicken
4. Dandy Lamb
5. Purely Pork
6. Remarkable Red Meat
7. Simple Venison
8. Super Beef
9. Tantalizing Turkey
10. Surf N Turf
11. Venison Blend.
7-oz bagGood for sensitive stomach
Primal4.11. Beef
2. Chicken
3. Lamb
4. Duck Venison
5. Rabbit
6. Pork
7. Turkey & Sardine.
7-oz bagGood for weight loss
Bixbi4.41. Duck
2. Beef
3. Chicken 
4. Lamb
5. Pork
6. Chicken & SalmonTurkey
12-oz bagWhole body development
Grandma Lucy4.2ChickenFishLambRabbit.7-oz bagSensitive digestive system
K9 Natural4.61. Cage-free Chicken
2. Grass-fed Beef
3. Hoki & Beef
4. Grass-fed lamb
5. Lamb & King Salmon.
17.6-oz bagDevelopment of muscles and muscle functions
Halo4.11. Beef recipe
2. Turkey recipe
3. Whitefish Recipe
4. Turducken recipe
8-oz bagWhole body development
Instinct4.61. Alaskan Pollock
2. Cage-free Chicken
3. Grass-fed lamb
4. Real beef.
10-oz bagWhole body development
Vital Essential4.41. Beef Entree
2. Chicken Entree
3. Rabbit Entree
4. Turkey Entree
5. Duck Entree
6. Protein Mix-in.
14-oz bagWhole body development
Orijen4.51. Original
2. Regional Red
3. Tundra.
6-oz bagWhole body development
Ultimate Pet Nutrition4.31. Premium Beef
2. Premium Chicken
3. Duck with Organic Chicken Bone Broth
4. Premium Pork.
5-oz bagWhole body development

Conclusion

Freeze dry technique is best to intake the raw taste and nutrients of the food. To follow the dog’s ancestor pattern of eating you can go for using the freeze-dried dog foods. Quality dog food helps in giving a healthy, and happy life to your dog. Unleash the hunger of your paw with the high-protein freeze-dried dog food and give them a long life. All of the above-listed best freeze-dried dog foods are of premium quality ingredients and have high protein content.

The list is thoroughly researched and vet-verified so that you provide the best and highest-quality food to your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vets recommend freeze-dried raw? 

Yes, vets do recommend freeze-dried dog food due to its richness in minerals and vitamins. Initially, the shell life of this food was limited and had chances of contamination but now the new technology fixed this issue and preserved the freshness of the food. Your dog will get the best.

Which is better freeze-dried or air-dried dog food?

Various factors are responsible for deciding the best between air-dried and freeze-dried dog food. Each technique has its uses.
The freeze-dried technique maintains the natural taste and has high nutritional value. The air dried dog food needs not to rehydrate before serving

Is freeze-dried dog food cheaper?

Compared to other methods of dog food, freezing dried dog food is costly. But the quality of freeze-dry dog food is incomparable. The time and processing make the freeze dry dog food a little more costly than normal dog food.

Who makes the best freeze-dried food?

Several dog food brands make the best freeze-dry dog food using premium ingredients without using fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. 
The best freeze-dry dog foods are:
Stella and Chewy
BIXBI
K9 Naturals
Grandma Lucy
Tylee
Instinct
Vital Essentials
Orijen
Ultimate pet nutrition

Is freeze-dried food good for my dog?

Freeze-dried dog foods are packed with raw taste natural vitamins, and minerals. This process does not use heat to eliminate moisture which helps in making the dog food more nutritional for your dog.

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