Compare Pros & Cons of Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Imagine offering your dog a meal that mirrors the natural diet they crave, packed with flavor and nutrients. Freeze-dried raw dog food provides just that, maintaining the integrity of raw ingredients while offering convenience and a long shelf life.

As a dog owner, you want the absolute best for your pup. That's why We Feed Raw has researched the benefits of freeze-dried raw dog food compared to kibble, dehydrated, and air-dried foods.

There are many considerations when choosing what to feed your canine companion. We'll explore the advantages and drawbacks of freeze-dried raw food to ensure you feel confident and optimistic that you are providing the very best food for your dog.

What Is Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food?

What exactly is freeze-dried raw dog food, and what makes it so great?

Freeze-Drying Process and Nutrient Preservation

The freeze-drying process involves removing moisture from raw dog food through sublimation (a process where the water in frozen raw dog food turns into a gas, removing the moisture without any melting or cooking), preserving nutrients effectively. This method ensures that vitamins, minerals, and enzymes remain intact, offering a balanced diet for dogs.

While the cost of freeze-dried food can be higher than other options, the convenience of a long shelf life, lightweight packaging, and lack of nutrient loss during processing make it a valuable option for many dog owners.

Comparing Freeze-Dried Dog Food Vs Kibble and Other Alternatives

How does freeze-dried raw dog food compare to kibble and air-dried food?

Pros and Cons of Dog Kibble

Kibble can be one of the more cost-effective feeding solutions for your dog, and it’s relatively easy to store; however, dog kibble is designed for mass production and loses nutrients due to processing. 

Pros and Cons of Dehydrated or Air-Dried Dog Food

Dehydrated and air-dried foods balance nutrition and convenience, with a longer shelf life and better preservation than an option like kibble. However, these foods can take more time to prepare; can lose some nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes in the process; and can have a more unappealing texture and smell for dogs. 

Pros and Cons of Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Freeze-dried raw dog food retains more nutrients and flavor, making it a desirable option for a balanced diet that even the pickiest eaters are sure to love. It is free of preservatives and artificial additives. Freeze-dried raw food is lightweight and shelf-stable, making it more convenient to store than standard raw dog food.

Some of the drawbacks of freeze-dried raw food are that it can be more expensive than alternative dog food options.  Let’s dive deeper into the benefits and downsides of freeze-fried raw. 

Key Benefits of Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

What are some of the benefits of freeze-dried food for dogs?

Extended Shelf Life

Freeze-dried raw dog food offers an extended shelf life thanks to the removal of moisture, which significantly reduces the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.

This preservation method allows the food to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, and it can be stored at room temperature, unlike traditional raw diets, making it a convenient choice for pet owners seeking both practicality and high nutritional value.

Convenience for Pet Owners

Freeze-dried raw dog food offers exceptional convenience, particularly due to its ease of preparation—pet owners can quickly serve a nutritious meal by feeding as-is or adding water. Its lightweight and compact form also makes it highly portable, ideal for travel or on-the-go feeding.

This convenience appeals to busy lifestyles while still supporting a raw, nutrient-rich diet.

High Nutrient Density and Digestibility

Freeze-dried raw dog food preserves nutrients exceptionally well by using a low-temperature dehydration process that retains more vitamins, minerals, and natural enzymes compared to traditional kibble, which is often cooked at high heat. This results in a higher nutrient density, providing dogs with more bioavailable nutrition in each serving.

Additionally, the gentle processing enhances digestibility, allowing dogs to absorb and utilize nutrients more efficiently. These benefits support overall canine health, promoting better energy levels, a shinier coat, improved digestion, and stronger immune function. All of these things make freeze-dried raw food a powerful option for long-term well-being.

Disadvantages of Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

While freeze-dried raw dog food has many benefits, it isn’t right for every family or every dog.

Higher Cost Per Serving

Freeze-dried raw dog food often comes with a higher price per serving compared to traditional kibble or canned options, largely due to its specialized freeze-drying process and the use of high-quality, often raw, ingredients.

This premium cost can be a concern for budget-conscious pet owners, especially for larger dogs or multi-pet households. However, the investment may be justified by the food's superior nutritional value, ease of storage, and convenience in preparation.

Safety and Contamination Considerations

While freeze-dried raw dog food offers many nutritional advantages, it’s important to acknowledge potential risks such as bacterial contamination from pathogens like Salmonella or Listeria. Although the freeze-drying process reduces moisture and slows bacterial growth, it does not eliminate all risks entirely.

Fortunately, if you choose We Feed Raw, we use high-pressure processing (HPP) to inactivate potential pathogens, reducing the risk to your pup and your family.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

While freeze-dried raw dog food is undeniably a more expensive option compared to traditional kibble or canned food, many pet owners find that the potential health benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

This section will explore a cost-benefit analysis of freeze-dried raw diets, weighing the higher upfront cost against advantages such as improved nutrient absorption, enhanced digestion, and overall wellness.

Long-Term Health Benefits vs. Cost of Freeze-Dried Raw

It's important to consider the potential long-term health benefits of freeze-dried raw food in relation to its higher cost. Dogs on this diet often experience improved digestion, shinier coats, healthier skin, and increased energy levels, all of which contribute to overall well-being. 

While the initial expense may be significantly higher than conventional food options, these health improvements could lead to fewer veterinary visits and lower medical costs over time. 

Weighing the upfront investment against potential long-term savings and enhanced quality of life can help pet owners determine whether this dietary choice is the right fit for their dog and their budget.

How to Get Started With Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

When selecting a freeze-dried raw dog food, it's essential to choose a complete and balanced product like the recipes offered by We Feed Raw. Our beef and chicken formulas are naturally balanced in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support optimal health, including heart function and a strong immune system.

Each meal is packed with nutrient-rich superfoods, organ meat, and non-GMO fruits and vegetables, delivering wholesome nutrition in every bite. With three times more protein than traditional kibble, We Feed Raw’s freeze-dried raw food is ideal for adult dogs with active lifestyles, providing the energy and nourishment they need to thrive.

If you’re ready to embrace the benefits of freeze-dried raw dog food, get started by creating a custom meal plan with We Feed Raw. Please note that our freeze-dried recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced for adult dogs only. If you have a puppy, please consider our frozen raw recipes.