10 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Freeze-dried Dog Food is a relatively new concept that has grown incredibly popular, with a lot of new companies and brands emerging with their version of the best raw dog food.

Freeze-drying is a process that allows all the benefits of raw feeding. Because the food protein structures are not heat-treated, they remain unaltered. The result is a commercially available product as convenient to feed as dry food. Owners who are aware of the benefits of raw food can forget about dealing with preparing meats and organ bits daily. These products blend the best of both worlds: top-notch raw canine nutrition and convenience.

When compared to dry kibble, freeze-dried food comes with a higher price tag. However, it is important to consider that the food quality is also dramatically increased since you can get more protein per pound of food than in your regular kibble. In addition, the proteins are not rendered, so no feed-quality meat meal is used in these products. Instead, proteins are derived from real animal meat, organs, and bone.

The nutritional profile of your typical freeze-dried raw dog food is ideal for a dog: high protein and healthy fats with minimal carbohydrates. This is a challenge to find in the majority of dry dog foods, which are usually higher in carbohydrates and have a minimal amount of proteins. This is the reason the market is flourishing with these newly available products.  From raw patties to dry kibble toppers, there are a lot of different options to choose from. While it may be confusing to sift through all the options, we thankfully did the dirty work for you.

If your wallet doesn’t allow you to feed all freeze-dried raw, know that even by using it to supplement your dog’s kibble, you will be improving their nutrition, vitality, and overall health. We tested each product to find which one is the best, with quality and value in mind. Here are our in-depth reviews of the 10 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods:

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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The 10 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

1. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food — Best Overall

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The best overall goes to Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food. The Open Farm brand uses all-natural ingredients with humanely raised protein sources. Their freeze-dried line comes in six different recipes including chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, beef, and the Surf & Turf, which is a mix of beef and salmon. There is a great variety of choices to cover every taste and need. This brand’s recipes are 85% meat protein and bone from animal sources and 15% produce and supplements. This includes organic fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, kale spinach, carrots, and pumpkin, plus other unique natural ingredients like turmeric and coconut oil for multiple health benefits. The recipes are high in quality animal proteins and healthy fats and low in carbohydrates, making them an appropriate diet for dogs.  Unfortunately, Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food has a strong odor that some humans describe as unpleasant. So far, no dog has complained. It can be on the expensive side, but this company is unique in its great variety of products, top-quality natural ingredients, and ethical and sustainable standards and vision. Your dog will see great health with this high-quality, species-appropriate food, and while these products can be offered as a meal, even adding them to the current diet as a topper will result in highly improved nutrition.

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2. Nulo Freeze-Dried Dog Food – Budget Buy

Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is a premium raw freeze-dried dog food with a nutrient-dense recipe for optimal nutrition. It contains high-quality ingredients with a protein-rich blend for a variety of essential nutrients and vitamins for your dog. Nulo Dog Food also contains GanedenBC30 Probiotics, which help support your dog’s digestive and immune systems.

This brand is on the expensive side compared to other brands, but it’s a great brand for those looking for a premium choice of dog food for a good value. We also found Nulo to crumble a bit easier in the bag if you’re not gentle while handling it, leaving more powder than other brands do. Because of this, we kept it out of our Top 2 spots. If you don’t mind handling it with care and you’re can spend the extra dollars, Nulo Freeze-Dried Dog Food is a great option for your dog.

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3. Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Stella & Chewy Freeze-Dried Dog Food is an all-natural recipe made into convenient patties to make dinner time an easier task. Stella & Chewy doesn’t contain any fillers, preservatives, or additives. While there are high-quality ingredients, the patties are hard to chew for smaller dogs. This brand is also only meant for dogs under 40 pounds, which can be a dealbreaker if your dog is a large breed of dog. Stella & Chewy is also more expensive than most brands because the patties are small, and your dog may need more than one per meal. We recommend trying other brands with larger serving sizes per bag.

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4. Stewart Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best quality freeze-dried raw dog food, Stewart Raw Naturals is a freeze-dried dog food packed with wholesome ingredients and nutrients to keep your dog healthy. The first ingredient is fresh hormone-free chicken, with no protein by-products. It also contains fish oil, which gives your dog a daily dose of essential fatty acids rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Stewart Raw Naturals is soft and easy to chew for most dogs, so it can be fed to a variety of dog breeds. It’s also got a great flavor that dogs seem to really enjoy, without the strong smell of other freeze-dried foods. The only issue is that this brand is a bit more expensive than other brands, but it’s a high-quality, great-tasting food that your dog can benefit from.

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5. Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Primal CCF-FD Freeze-Dried Dog Food is a raw freeze-dried dog food that specializes in a balanced diet for your dog’s well-being. This brand uses naturally sourced vitamins and minerals for essential health benefits, without sacrificing on flavor. Primal is also free of fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a grain-free raw food diet for your pup.

This brand is on the expensive side, so we recommend trying Sojos Freeze-Dried Dog food for a better value. It also has a strong odor to it even when it’s dry, which can deter some dogs away from eating it. Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food may also be too rich for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. We recommend trying Stewart Naturals Freeze-Dried Dog Food for an overall better diet for your dog.

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6. Nature’s Diet Fresh Beef Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

This grain-free freeze-dried raw beef and superfood recipe is made including ingredients like bone broth and whole eggs. With a long shelf life and an easy-to-store option, this dog food has more than enough benefits. This just-add-water option results in much more food for your dog than it looks like. This dog food’s ingredients contain omega fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics to support a healthy digestive system.

Freeze-dried dog food does not require refrigeration, making it easy to store. This option is suitable for adult dogs only of all breeds. With a high protein content, it helps to build muscle in your dog. There were a few negatives of this product including the consistency being too dry, crumbly, and turning porridge-like with the addition of water.

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7. Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Food

If you and your dog are new to freeze-dried dog food, Sojos Complete Natural Freeze Grain-Free Dog Food is a great option to try. Sojos Freeze-Dried Dog Food uses high-quality ingredients without the premium price. It also contains a healthy blend of fruits and vegetables for a boost in your dog’s immune system. This dog food is easy to prepare, and it has a great flavor that most dogs seem to enjoy.

The only problem we found with Sojos Dog Food is that it has a slightly strong smell, which can be unpleasant for both you and your dog. We kept it in our top ten list because picky eaters may not enjoy this brand.

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8. Buckley Liberty Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Buckley Liberty Freeze-Dried Dog Food is a versatile type of dog food made with raw freeze-dried lamb and nutrients. It can be rehydrated for a well-balanced diet, served as a treat, or mixed with your dog’s favorite kibble. Buckley Liberty also contains fish oil and flaxseed oil rich in fatty acids, essential for healthy skin and coat. This brand also does not contain corn, soy, or wheat ingredients that can cause allergen flare-ups.

One issue with Buckley Liberty Dog Food is that it’s on the expensive side compared to high quality-brands like Stewart and Sojos. Another problem is this brand is high in fats, which can be a problem for dogs that have pancreatic conditions. Buckley Liberty Dog Food may also lead to dehydration if your dog doesn’t drink enough water with it, so dogs that tend to drink less than normal should try other brands first.

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9. K9 Natural Beef Feast Raw Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Promoting a healthy alternative to the average brands of dog food, this option of freeze-dried dog food from K9 Natural provides a glimpse into the benefits of natural, raw food. The freeze-dried alternative, like others, can be kept for a longer period than your average raw food. With 85% raw meat ingredients, free-range, and grass-fed livestock it gives you a “leg-up” in the quality of food for your dog.

The beef is raised in excellent conditions in New Zealand giving it an extra bonus. It has added fruit and vegetables for an extra kick in minerals and vitamins for your dog’s diet. The K9 dog food can be crumblier and dust-like in texture. It might also have a very off-putting smell to it.

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10. TRIKOS Freeze Dried Premium Dog Food

TRIKOS Freeze Dried Premium Dog Food is a raw chicken and vegetable blend freeze-dried and shaped into small, easy-to-serve patties. This brand does not contain any by-products or fillers, but it does contain a preservative that can be a concern. While the patties may seem convenient, they break too easily in the bag and quickly turn into chicken patty dust. TRIKOS patties are also very small, so they’re too expensive for larger breeds that require a raw food diet. TRIKOS Freeze Dried Dog Food may seem like a great deal for high-quality ingredients, but there are other brands with higher-quality recipes and more value for your money.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

There are a few important things to consider when finding the right freeze-dried dog food for your needs. Many brands include diet-specific options including grain-free, easy on the stomach, or hypoallergenic. Remember that this is only needed if your dog has a special diet suggested by a veterinarian.

Most of the above-listed options include similar qualities like raw, natural ingredients. You can differentiate them by the content of protein and fat. Some also have a drastically higher percentage of protein, making that a better choice than your regular kibble for a dog. The other important details listed in all these options like the amount of fat included, or the inclusion of oils, vegetables, or fruit is also good to note when making a choice.

The best freeze-dried dog food options seem to be the ones that have the highest value. This isn’t just related to a lower cost, but also bigger-sized bags that produce more food in the long run. A lot of complaints are based on the cost of freeze-dried food in comparison to bigger bags of regular dry dog food.

Consider the needs of your dog when selecting dog food in terms of possible food allergies, health requirements like weight management or ease on the stomach, and more. The premium or overall best choice of freeze-dried dog food might not benefit your dog’s health needs, or maybe you prefer a food topper over a large quantity.

Remember that dietary changes need to be done gradually, and you should always consult your veterinarian for advice on the best food choices for your dog.

 

Conclusion

After going over the reviews of each freeze-dried dog food, we found Open Farm Freeze-Dried Dog Food to be the best overall freeze-dried dog food. It uses all-natural ingredients and supplements for your dog’s health and wellness in mind. For best value, we found NuloFreeze-Dried Raw Dog Food to be high in quality and low in cost. It also has a great flavor that dogs seemed to enjoy.

We hopefully have made it easier for you to find the best freeze-dried dog food for your dog. With quality and value in mind, we looked for the best products on the market. If you’re ready to start a new dog food, consult your veterinarian first.

• See Also: Dr. Marty Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons

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Featured image credit: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock