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Freeze-dried raw dog food is a definite trend these days. Why? Freeze-drying preserves essential nutrients in raw food ingredients, producing a lightweight, shelf-stable dog food product. However, most kibble is baked under high temperatures and loses some nutrients in the baking process.
Many consumers think freeze-dried dog food is a healthier option than commercial kibble if they want the healthiest ingredients without having to store dog food in their fridge or freezer. I review my best freeze-dried dog food picks and give you the latest information about the questionable safety of raw dog food.
| Formula | Patties | Nuggets | Puppies | Topper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Nulo Freestyle | Stella & Chewy’s | Primal | Merrick | Instinct |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Chewy | View on Chewy |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food
A freeze-dried diet offers a fresh, raw taste with minimal processing. It can be an addition to regular kibble or, in some cases, a stand-alone meal. We chose several different freeze-dried raw dog food types to help you choose the best kind for your furry friend’s preferences. If you’re interested in dog treat options, check out our reviews of the best freeze-dried dog treats to see our top picks.
Best Formula: Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Review
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Nulo freeze-dried dog food formulas contain at least 80% meat, organs, and bone, along with real fruits and veggies. This high-quality food that’s made in a USDA-inspected facility comes in five recipes: beef, duck, lamb, salmon, and turkey. It’s free of grains, such as wheat, rice, corn, barley, and oats. It also includes probiotics to help food-sensitive dogs digest their food better and maintain a healthy gut.
You can sprinkle some on top of your pup’s kibble or use it as a stand-alone meal. Some customers complained about the food being crushed from delivery or that their dogs didn’t like it, but a majority said their dogs loved the food.
Price
- Starts at (5-ounce bag of turkey): Check Amazon for availability
In-Depth Review Of Nulo
Read our full review of Nulo dog food to learn more about this premium brand’s practices, dog chow offerings, and much more.
Best Patties: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Review
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These protein-rich patties include at least 85% meat, organs, and bone — all animal proteins are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild-caught. Each freeze-dried recipe also includes organic fruits and vegetables. The ingredients are all-natural, minimally processed, and enhanced with taurine, probiotics, and antioxidants.
Stella & Chewy’s offers a wide variety of patties: chicken, beef, duck, lamb, pork, turkey, venison, rabbit, salmon and beef, and more. They even have freeze-dried patties for puppies. Stella & Chewy’s also has freeze-dried dinner morsels, meal mixers, treats, and a blend of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with freeze-dried raw chunks.
Price
- Starts at (25-ounce bag of lamb): Check Amazon for availability
In-Depth Review Of Stella & Chewy’s
Read my full Stella & Chewy’s review to learn more about this premium brand’s practices, multiple freeze-dried dog food offerings, and much more.
Best Nuggets: Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food Nuggets Review
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Primal is another highly rated company that makes freeze-dried dog food. All of their meats are antibiotic and steroid-free without added hormones. Their all-natural nuggets are protein-rich (containing at least 80% of meat, organs, and bone) and include organic fruits and veggies. They’re also free from grains, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy. All products are made in the U.S. Primal also carries freeze-dried formulas.
Price
- Starts at (5.5-ounce bag of beef): $15.98 ($2.91 / Ounce)
Best For Puppies: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Food Review
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Merrick is a high-quality manufacturer of freeze-dried dog food. This chicken and salmon formula for puppies includes pieces of freeze-dried raw dog food and raw-coated kibble. This food is complete and balanced for a growing puppy’s needs, with a mix of proteins, healthy grains, vitamins, and minerals. It also includes high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and omega-6 and 3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Price
- Starts at (4-lb bag):
Best Toppers: Instinct Rawboost Mixers Review
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If you only want to mix freeze-dried raw dog food with your pup’s kibble, you may want to consider Instinct Rawboost Mixers. These all-natural freeze-dried dog food toppers are available in beef, chicken, and lamb and are made in the U.S. All animal ingredients are responsibly sourced, and all fruits and vegetables are non-GMO.
Instinct is one of the cheapest freeze-dried dog food brands you’ll find, but they don’t skimp on quality. They also offer freeze-dried meals, a formula of kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw chunks, raw-coated kibble formulas, and freeze-dried cat food options.
Price
- Starts at (6-ounce bag): $13.99 ($37.31 / lb)
What About Origen, Bixbi, Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend & More?
Although the following brands didn’t make our top picks for best freeze-dried raw dog foods, they’re also excellent choices for high-quality dog food.
BIXBI Freeze-Dried Rawbble Review
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BiXBI’s freeze-dried Rawbble dog food is a high-quality option for dogs on a raw food diet, or you can use it as a topper or treat. Every recipe includes 80-98% fresh meat, organs, and bone and no added hormones or antibiotics. It comes in three sizes: 4.5, 12, or 26 ounces.
Price
- 4lb bag: $18.99 ($4.75 / Pound)
In-Depth Review Of BIXBI
Read my full BIXBI review to discover the many all-natural dog food and supplement options this brand has to offer.
Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food Review
Nature’s Blend Dr. Marty’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food is a nutrition-packed formula that’s all-natural and free of fillers and artificial preservatives. This formula blends a variety of meats (turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef and turkey liver, and turkey heart) with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a popular choice for many dog owners.
Price
Dr. Marty’s offers discounts if you purchase multiple bags.
- 16 oz bag: $30.95
In-Depth Review Of Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend
Want to know more about this freeze-dried option? See our full review of Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend to learn about this unique dog food option.
Our Personal Experience With Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend
“I was able to try out Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend dog food with my senior dog, Daisy, a Pitbull Labrador retriever mix. She is about 11 years old and has started becoming very picky about her kibble. Sometimes, she will not want to eat all day or turn her nose up at her favorite treats. Mixing these freeze-dried meaty nuggets into her crunchy kibble has made a big difference. She really enjoys the taste and is excited whenever I open the bag. As a senior pup, I worry about her getting the right nutrients, especially since she is eating less. She has had more energy and is excited for mealtimes since we started mixing in freeze-dried nuggets.”
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue dog mom and writer for Canine Journal
Orijen Freeze-Dried Dog Food Review
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Orijen offers three all-natural freeze-dried formulas that contain 90% animal ingredients (meat, organs, cartilage, and bone), 10% vegetables and fruits, along with vitamins and minerals. Like many other freeze-dried dog food products, Orijen’s are grain-free. The Original formula includes free-run chicken and turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish. They also have Exotic Meats and Beef formulas.
Price
- 1 lb bag: $43.99 ($43.99 / lb)
Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Review
Open Farm offers six flavors of freeze-dried raw dog food. All freeze-dried foods are minimally processed, containing 85% meat and 15% produce, vitamins, and natural supplements. There are no artificial flavors or fillers. Open Farm offers freeze-dried patties along with freeze-dried morsels. Proteins include chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, lamb, and pork. Apple cider vinegar helps with digestion without a lot of bulky fiber.
Recipes include organ meats like beef liver, beef heart, beef kidney, turkey liver, turkey necks, and ground bone. Open Farm suggests pairing morsels like the Grass-Fed Beef Freeze-Dried Raw dog food with one of their dry kibble recipes to offer a crunch and meaty taste.
Price
- 10.5 oz bag: $24.99
In-Depth Review Of Open Farm
If you’re looking for a mix of freeze-dried and other dog food options, I encourage you to read my full review of Open Farm. This is one of our favorite dog food brands for many different types of chow.
BARF World Dog Food Freeze Dried Nuggets Review
BARF World Dog Food specializes in a biologically appropriate raw diet for dogs. Its recipes are all-natural, grain-free, and use multiple protein sources to maximize nutrition and health benefits. Currently, BARF makes five recipes of raw, freeze-dried nuggets: chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, and land & sea. The recipes include organ meats like chicken liver, beef kidney, beef liver, lamb liver, beef heart, and ground bone. They’re high in protein and have a meaty taste.
Price
- Starts at: $41.97 for one 4 oz bag of chicken nuggets
In-Depth Review Of BARF
See our full BARF review to learn more about this brand’s freeze-dried and raw dog food offerings.
What Do Veterinarians Say About Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
I’ve heard concerns from some pup owners about the safety and nutritional value of freeze-dried dog food. So I asked one of our partner veterinarians about this type of chow.
Freeze-dried dog food is made from raw frozen food that has been treated with vacuum pressure to remove most of its moisture. Freeze drying removes about 98-99% of moisture compared to other processes, such as dehydration, which only removes about 90% of moisture. This gives freeze-dried food the advantage of being a very stable product with a long shelf-life. This type of processing may retain more of the food’s benefits compared to other packaged dog foods, as cooking or dehydrating can affect nutrient levels. Freeze-dried food is much easier to store than fresh or frozen raw food or home-cooked food alternatives. Many dogs also find it quite palatable.
One disadvantage of freeze-dried dog food is that it can be more expensive than other packaged diets. It may also need to be rehydrated for serving by adding water and letting it soak. Another downside is that it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially young, pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised animals. This is because freeze-dried foods and treats can still contain the same pathogens that we find in raw meat. These are not killed off during the freezing processes; only cooking will eliminate some potentially harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella. As well as potentially being problematic to pets, it also means that owners should be careful and maintain good hygiene practices when handling this type of product. Raw meat-based diets have also been linked with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, which can be difficult to treat.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS, companion animal veterinarian and surgeon in the United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
At Canine Journal, we often get many questions about freeze-dried dog food. If you don’t see your question here, please ask us in our comments, and we’ll get back to you!
Is Freeze-Dried Food Good For Dogs?
There’s some controversy over the safety of freeze-dried pet food and treats. The raw diet is a growing trend in the dog food industry (particularly freeze-dried food and treats), but the concern is that raw foods, especially meats, can be contaminated with bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. And the freeze-drying process doesn’t normally involve cooking meat before freeze-drying it.
However, the best freeze-dried dog food and treat manufacturers use high-pressure processing (HPP), a pasteurization process used to eliminate bacteria before the freeze-drying process.
Still, the FDA and major veterinary organizations advocate strongly against raw food diets for dogs, so we suggest you speak with your vet before feeding your dog raw or freeze-dried food.
Do You Have To Add Water To Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Although you can give your dog a small chunk without rehydrating it as a treat, most freeze-dried dog food is best rehydrated with water before giving it to your pup for several reasons. Not only does it help your dog stay hydrated, but it’s also more filling and helps them digest the food better.
Depending on the product, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes to rehydrate. Rehydration adds water to your dog’s diet and makes the food more palatable and easier to digest.
Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Better Than Kibble?
It depends on your dog. There are pros and cons to any doggy diet, and freeze-dried is no exception. However, the process of freeze-drying dog food preserves more of the natural nutrition and is considered more “pure” than processed kibbles or other types of cooked food.
Can You Mix Freeze-Dried Raw With Kibble?
The answer is somewhat complicated and controversial. Some say that adding kibble (which has starch) interferes with the benefits of the raw diet, while others encourage having a healthy balance of the two. Talk to your vet to discuss your dog’s health situation and whether or not it’s a good idea. It may be a way to help stretch your dollar since raw food is more expensive than diet, but you want to make sure you aren’t wasting your money either.
Dehydrated Raw Dog Food vs Freeze-Dried: What’s The Difference?
Is dehydrated raw dog food the same as freeze-dried raw dog food? Technically, no. However, many people often call freeze-dried dog food dehydrated dog food. The difference comes down to how the raw food is processed — it’s either freeze-dried or air-dried. Freeze drying removes about 98%-99% of moisture, while air drying removes about 90%-95%. While both methods help to preserve nutrients, some believe that freeze-drying is slightly better.
What’s the best dehydrated dog food? We’ve reviewed several brands that offer air-dried dog food and have chosen Unkibble by Spot & Tango as our top pick. Our runner-up is Sundays For Dogs. Both are convenient, shelf-stable alternatives to commercial kibble. Both brands are also made with all-natural ingredients. Some companies, like Badlands Ranch, offer air-dried kibble and freeze-dried meaty treats.
Can You Freeze Dry Dog Food Yourself?
You can if you have a freeze dryer. However, they’re super expensive. Otherwise, you’re better off purchasing a freeze-dried dog food product.
Have You Considered Fresh Dog Food?
If you’re not sure freeze-dried raw food is ideal for your pup, we encourage you to learn more about other healthy dog food options. One popular choice for health-conscious pet parents is fresh, all-natural dog food. See our reviews of the best fresh meal dog food delivery companies, including our top picks for services that can personalize your dog’s food with fresh, whole-food ingredients. This can be an excellent alternative to raw food, as long as freezer and fridge space aren’t an issue for you.
Our Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs’ nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brand’s history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. She’s an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
