Does your dog deserve the best nutrition possible? Many dog owners worry about what’s truly in their pet’s bowl. Kibble can sometimes feel like a compromise. You want real, whole food for your furry friend, but preparing raw meals daily takes a lot of time and effort. Finding a convenient, safe, and complete raw diet can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
That’s where raw freeze-dried dog food steps in. It promises the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of freezing and thawing. But how do you know which brands are truly good? Are all freeze-dried foods the same? This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes this food a fantastic choice for your dog’s health.
Keep reading to learn the secrets to choosing the highest quality freeze-dried raw food. We will break down ingredients, look at processing methods, and give you the knowledge to feed your dog with total confidence. Let’s dive into the world of lightweight, nutrient-packed nutrition for your best friend.
Top Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS – Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail – our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
- VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS – Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats – ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
- 95% GRASS-FED BEEF & ORGANS – Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach delivers muscle-building protein, enhanced digestibility, and natural nutrients that support coat, skin, and overall health.
- BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat – free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
- MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS – Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – trusted by thousands of pet parents.
- RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER WITH ALL NATURAL BEEF: Features all natural beef, fruits, and vegetables for wholesome nutrition
- POWER OF RAW: Gently freeze-dried raw ingredients lock in nutrients and flavor to support digestion, skin & coat, energy, and overall vitality
- PICKY EATER APPROVED: Perfect as dog food toppers or dog treats; adds irresistible flavor, texture, and variety to your dog's routine
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real meat and non-GMO vegetables and fruits and free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors and preservatives
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- SMALL BREED RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from cage-free chicken, this recipe delivers bite-sized nutrition to support muscle tone and energy for smaller dogs. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and vibrant energy for small breeds.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens and includes added probiotics to support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Raw freeze-dried dog food offers a fantastic way to give your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of preparation or the worry of spoilage. This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind. They tell you a lot about the food’s quality and how well it will work for your dog.
- High Meat Content: Look for foods where meat (like chicken, beef, or turkey) is the very first ingredient, making up the largest part of the recipe. Dogs thrive on meat-based diets.
- Minimal Fillers: Good freeze-dried foods avoid cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. These offer little nutritional value to dogs.
- Nutrient Retention: The freeze-drying process is key. It removes water while keeping most of the vitamins and minerals intact. Check if the company highlights its low-temperature process.
- Complete and Balanced: Ensure the food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. This means it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals your dog needs for every life stage.
Important Ingredients to Prioritize
The ingredients list is your roadmap to good nutrition. Focus on whole, recognizable foods.
Protein Sources
The best sources are named meats. Chicken, salmon, lamb, or bison are excellent choices. Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.” Healthy fats, like those from fish oil, are also important for a shiny coat.
Fruits and Vegetables
These provide necessary fiber and antioxidants. Look for ingredients like carrots, spinach, blueberries, or pumpkin. These add natural goodness to the meal.
Supplements and Additives
Sometimes, vitamins and minerals are added back after processing. While some natural supplementation is normal, be wary of too many artificial colors or preservatives. High-quality brands use natural sources for these additions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all freeze-dried foods are created equal. A few simple checks can separate the premium options from the mediocre ones.
Quality Boosters:
- Sourcing Transparency: Companies that clearly state where their ingredients come from (e.g., “humanely raised chicken”) often use better quality meat.
- Gentle Processing: The slower the freeze-drying process, the better the nutrients survive.
- Inclusion of Organ Meats: Liver and heart provide essential nutrients that muscle meat alone lacks.
Quality Reducers:
- High Carbohydrate Load: If you see potatoes, peas, or sweet potatoes listed very high up, the food might lean too heavily on carbs, which is less ideal for carnivores.
- Excessive Heat Treatment: If the food was cooked before drying, it loses many beneficial enzymes.
- Artificial Additives: Dyes, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives significantly lower the quality score.
User Experience and Use Cases
Freeze-dried food is incredibly versatile. Understanding how others use it can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.
Convenience is King
Many owners use this food because it is incredibly light and easy to store. You just add water (or broth) and wait a few minutes. This makes it perfect for:
- Travel and Camping: It takes up very little space in a backpack or suitcase.
- Quick Meal Times: When you are rushing in the morning, rehydrating takes seconds.
- Toppers: Many people crumble a small amount over their dog’s regular kibble to boost flavor and nutrition.
Feeding Styles
You can feed it as a complete meal once rehydrated, or you can use it as a high-value treat or training reward because it is so appealing to dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: How do I rehydrate freeze-dried dog food?
A: Generally, you mix one part food with one or two parts warm water. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the food softens up. Always check the specific bag instructions.
Q: Is freeze-dried food truly “raw”?
A: Yes, mostly. The ingredients are raw before the process begins. Freeze-drying uses a vacuum and cold temperatures to remove moisture. This keeps the food safe without using high heat, which preserves the raw nutritional structure.
Q: Can I feed this food without adding water?
A: While possible, it is usually not recommended for regular meals. Feeding it dry makes it very concentrated, and your dog might not drink enough water to compensate, which could cause digestive issues. It works best as an occasional crunchy treat.
Q: How long does freeze-dried food last once opened?
A: Because almost all the moisture is removed, it has a very long shelf life—often over a year when stored correctly. Once you open the bag, keep it sealed tightly in a cool, dark pantry to prevent it from absorbing humidity.
Q: Is this food more expensive than regular dry kibble?
A: Yes, raw freeze-dried options are usually more expensive per pound than standard kibble. However, remember that you are buying concentrated nutrition. A small bag of freeze-dried food often yields much more food once water is added.
Q: Are there any risks of bacteria like Salmonella?
A: Reputable manufacturers test their ingredients rigorously. The freeze-drying process itself helps inhibit bacterial growth. Because the food is not cooked, some owners remain cautious, but high-quality brands manage this risk through strict safety protocols.
Q: What is the difference between freeze-dried and air-dried food?
A: Freeze-drying uses extreme cold and vacuum to remove water. Air-drying uses low heat over a longer time. Freeze-drying retains more nutrients and results in a lighter, fluffier product compared to the denser, chewier texture of air-dried food.
Q: Can I mix freeze-dried food with my dog’s current kibble?
A: Absolutely. Many owners use freeze-dried as a healthy “topper” or mix it in with dry kibble to encourage picky eaters or add extra raw nutrition to their existing meals.
Q: Does this food require refrigeration?
A: No. The lack of moisture makes it shelf-stable. Only refrigerate or freeze it if you have mixed it with water or broth and have leftovers you plan to serve later.
Q: Is this food suitable for puppies?
A: Many brands offer formulations specifically designed for puppies. You must check the bag to ensure the food is labeled as “complete and balanced” for “growth” or “all life stages,” confirming it has the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for growing bones.