9 Best Dehydrated Dog Foods in 2023

Most dogs go wild with excitement at the hour of breakfast and dinner, and some even seem to know when it is time to be fed. That’s why it’s important to make an educated choice for our furry friends to ensure they get the nutrition they need to thrive.

An option that has gained popularity in recent years is dehydrated pet food. Its ingredients undergo a dehydration process where the moisture is removed, and the food is cooked shortly at a low temperature. This helps the ingredients keep their nutrients in a revolutionary way while also lasting longer and easier to store and transport.

Many dehydrated dog food brands are available today, and knowledge and self-education go a long way towards finding the best dehydrated dog foods for your furry friend.

I found that The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food is the best overall dehydrated dog food because of its excellent quality and balanced nutrition suitable for dogs of all ages and breed sizes. However, we have plenty more options depending on your pup’s individual needs.

Our Top 3 Picks

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dehydrated food for your dogs, read our in-depth reviews below.

Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Dehydrated Dog Food

1. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

Introducing Amazon’s #1 bestseller in the category of ‘Dehydrated Dog Food,’ The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food. This is made with human-grade and whole food ingredients like free-range chicken, organic oats, carrots, and bananas.

This human-grade dog food is free from GMOs, by-products, preservatives, and artificial colors. It is possibly the best-dehydrated dog food currently on the market. It’s dehydrated, so your pupper can get all the nutrients and flavor, providing a 100% complete and balanced meal for both puppies and adults.

Why We Like It – Dehydrated dog food reviews often praise this organic dog food product, which is not surprising considering its excellent quality. It’s impressive, especially for its ingredients fit for human consumption and balanced nutrition suitable for dogs of all ages and breed sizes.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	4270 kcal/kg, 485 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	24.5% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Moisture	8.0% max
Taurine	0.15% min

2. Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food, Human Grade Dehydrated Base Mix for Dogs

Dr. Harvey Raw Vibrance Dog Food is packed with fresh whole foods, with 9 different dehydrated veggies, 2 fruits full of antioxidants, and 6 organic grains. It’s fairly easy to prepare, just add hot water and your dog’s preferred raw meat and it’s good to go as a meal!

It’s among the best-dehydrated dog food products you can provide to your dog. Thanks to the ingredients, eggshell membranes, mushrooms, raw goat’s milk, and the known “miracle supplement,” green-lipped mussel. For outstanding quality, it’s formulated without animal by-products or other low-quality meat sources, and it is non-GMO certified.

Why We Like It – You rarely see dog food products with these many health-boosting ingredients. This dehydrated food for dogs stands out for containing Green Lipped Mussels – a superfood full of fatty acids like EPA and DHA (Omega-3).

Nutrition Information:

Crude Protein	12.0% min
Crude Fat	3.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	12.0% max

3. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain-Free Base Mix Dog Food

This dehydrated raw dog food is basically a base mix where you add your own protein, meat or fish, to make it complete. Dehydrated dog foods are usually made to include protein already, but the company behind this product wanted to make something that would give dog owners a chance to customize it more.

Choose the veggie, nut, and seed mix, or go with the fruit and veggie variety! Both are grain-free, and ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, as you have the power to choose a protein source over another. With The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain-Free Base Mix Dog Food, all ingredients are human grade and processed in FDA approved facilities.

Why We Like It –If you are hesitant regarding dehydrated dog foods and not sure it is right for you and your dog, then you might want to start out with this base mix! The benefit is that you can mix it with any meat source and make the mix 100% customized.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,850 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	13.5% min
Crude Fat	10% min
Crude Fiber	8.5% max
Moisture	8.8% max
Taurine	0.15% min

4. Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

These delicious dinner patties are grain and gluten-free, and they have animal protein from one single source. Your pup will love a plate of Stella & Chewy's Stella's Super Beef Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for breakfast and dinner, keeping your pooch energized all day long!

We can argue that it’s the best organic freeze-dried dog food made with 95% grass-fed beef, bone, organs, organic fruits, and vegetables. It has no added grains, fillers, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, or hormones.

Why We Like It – This is the ideal product for pet owners that like to offer variety to their dogs at dinner time! It comes in many more flavor varieties than most other similar products, and it is one of the best freeze-dried dog foods that is specifically made to imitate a dog’s natural diet.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	4,940 kcal/kg, 56 kcal/patty
Crude Protein	44.0% min
Crude Fat	35.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	5.0% max
Microorganisms	50,000,000 CFU/oz min

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5. Only Natural Pet Wholesome Homemade Stew Dehydrated Dog Food

On the hunt for the best air-dried dog food? Have a try at Only Natural Pet Wholesome Homemade Stew Dehydrated Dog Food! It is a nutritious stew that looks, smells, and tastes homemade. Full of deboned turkey, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, and delicious fresh fruit and vegetables.

The fruit and vegetables are non-GMO and high-quality, and you can rest assured that you are feeding your pooch food fit for a champion. You have the choice of fish, poultry, and red meat, and you can either allow your dog to pick a favorite or change it up whenever it is time to purchase a new package.

Why We Like It – It’s rich in protein and great for maintaining healthy bones and pain-free joints, which makes it a good option for adult and senior dogs. Only Pet Natural is in our top choices for dehydrated dog food brands as their dehydrated dog food recipes are always high-quality and support your dog’s health.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,360 kcal/kg, 460 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	35.0% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Taurine	0.1% min
Glucosamine	1,000 mg/kg min
Chondroitin Sulfate	1,000 mg/kg min

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6. Sojos Complete Turkey Recipe Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dehydrated Dog Food

Sojos Complete Turkey Recipe Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dehydrated Dog Food contains nutritious and beneficial raw ingredients. You can assure that no unnecessary fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors have made its way to this freeze-dried raw food providing your pooch a high-quality dog food.

Its ingredients start with real freeze-dried turkey, then a blend of nutrient-rich and air-dried superfoods, including cranberries, papaya, celery, pumpkin, kelp, and more. With this easy raw dehydrated dog food, your fur buddy will have a fresh and delicious meal ready within a matter of minutes. It’s gluten-free, grain-free, and only made of premium, all-natural ingredients.

Why We Like It – A chunky and delicious meal for adult dogs that does not require refrigeration! A great mix of berries, fruit, and vegetables to help your dog’s immune system protect them from different illnesses.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,604 kcal/kg, 342 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	28.0% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max

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7. Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Cage-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Feast Dehydrated Dog Food

Give your favorite fur friend the chance to dine on this irresistibly tasty Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Cage-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Feast Dehydrated Dog Food. With free-range Turkey as the #1 ingredient, your pupper is getting various nutritional benefits, including protein, digestive enzymes, and amino acids.

This formula is 100% human-grade and includes dehydrated and non-GMO fruits and vegetables for easy digestion and whole food nutrition. Formulated to support overall health with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and cranberries. This freeze-dried and dehydrated food is one of the best you can find today.

Why We Like It – Quality dog food doesn’t equal expensive dog food because all dogs deserve the best raw dog food that there is. Good thing this one comes at an affordable price that suits most budgets. Only Natural Pet is one of the most respected dehydrated dog food brands on the market, and you will not regret it once you have tried one of their dehydrated foods.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,357 kcal/kg, 266 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	32.0% min
Crude Fat	8.0% min
Crude Fiber	8.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Taurine	0.1% min

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8. Only Natural Pet Maxmeat Beef With Pumpkin Recipe Air-dried Dog Food Topper

Satisfy your dog’s natural craving with Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Grain-Free Air-Dried Dry Dog Food. Only one meat source makes this product an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Its first ingredient, free-range grass-fed beef, is raised in New Zealand with no added antibiotics and growth hormones. Other than high-quality protein, your dog is also getting heart health support with the added Taurine.

Why We Like It – Many dog owners struggle with finding the best raw food for pups with sensitive stomachs. It’s also formulated to help improve dogs’ metabolism and digestion. Serve it as a complete meal or a food topper on dry kibble or canned food.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,863 kcal/kg, 320 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	30.0% min
Crude Fat	27.0% min
Crude Fiber	2.0% max
Moisture	18.0% max
Taurine	0.1% min

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9. Stir & Boom Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food by “I and love and you” Dehydrated Topper

Forget grains and fillers with the Stir & Boom Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food by I and love and you! Filled with wholesome ingredients and superfoods such as ginger root, kelp, flaxseeds, and more, this dehydrated food offers complete and balanced nutrition.

This “I and Love and You” dog food uses free-range beef as its main protein source, a perfect option for dogs with poultry allergies. Formulated to preserve all natural flavors and nutrients, this freeze-dried dog food is minimally processed and underwent a gentle dehydration process. Your puppy, adult doggo, or senior dog can enjoy this recipe from “I and Love and You”.

Why We Like It – Fix up a warm, soft, and chunky meal every day for your furry friend, by adding hot water to this protein-rich and grain-free freeze-dried dog food. Feed it as a meal topper or a complete meal and you’re guaranteed to have a happier and healthier pupper.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3702 kcal/kg; 351 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	28.0% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	18.0% max
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	1.8% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.5% min

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Dehydrated Dog Food Buyer’s Guide

The basic minimum qualification of good dog food you should never forget is that it should meet the standards of The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Other than that, here are some of the other things you should look for when buying freeze-dried and dehydrated foods for your dog.

Important Things to Look For in Dehydrated Dog Foods

Quality Animal Protein as the #1 Ingredient

The most important aspect of any dog food you buy is the protein source. Make sure that the top ingredient listed is a quality protein with specific animal species listed. Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Salmon, or Lamb, are just some of the main examples of a good quality protein you can find in most pet food.

Stay away from anything that has “meat meal,” “animal by-product,” or unspecified sources of meat in it because an unknown source of animal meat is usually a sign of low-quality food.

Whole Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are also an important part of your dog’s diet. These are great sources of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and more, that are designed to support your dog’s overall health.

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

You know you found the best dog food when it offers complete and balanced nutrition for your pupper. Being able to meet your dog’s nutritional needs is essential, especially if you’re planning on using that dog food as their daily driver. Most of the dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods we listed here provide complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch. While some may still require you to add raw meat as a protein source to complete the whole meal.

Made and Sourced in the USA

“Made in the USA” and “Sourced in the USA or New Zealand” are two important features of dog food that you can’t separate. Some may put “made in the USA” on the product, but the ingredients are sourced elsewhere. Keep an eye out for products like that, especially those with “globally-sourced ingredients.” Usually, we avoid any dog foods with ingredients sourced from China.

No Artificial Ingredients, Animal By-Products, or Fillers

Of course, we also avoid any food that contains artificial ingredients or preservatives, animal by-products, fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. These ingredients are low-quality and add no nutritional value to the food.

Benefits of Dehydrated Dog Foods

If our review is not enough to convince you to switch to a dehydrated or freeze-dried dog food diet, here’s a list of reasons and benefits of dehydrated dog foods to consider.

1. Filled with all the necessary nutrients your dog needs
2. Longer shelf life
3. Easy to prepare and serve
4. Made from high-quality ingredients
5. Single source of protein
6. Serve as a meal topper or a whole meal
7. Great alternative to raw diet

Related: Best Diet Dog Foods

Best Dehydrated Dog Foods FAQs

Is dehydrated raw dog food good for dogs?

All dogs are different, and while some foods work for some dogs, it might not work for others. What you need to know is that dehydrated dog food is an excellent option thanks to its high nutritional value, but it is up to you – as the owner – to determine whether it is working for your dog. Always consult a veterinarian if unsure.

Is dehydrated food better than dry kibble?

When it comes to dog food, dehydrated products last longer, as they don’t expire the way fresh food does. Another reason why dehydrated food is better is because it has more nutrients than traditional dry or wet dog food would.

What’s the best dehydrated dog food brand?

We would personally recommend freeze-dried or dehydrated raw dog food products from top brands such as Only Natural Pet, The Honest Kitchen, and Dr. Harveys.

What’s the difference between freeze-dried dog food and dehydrated dog food?

Freeze-dried and dehydrated foods differ because they didn’t undergo the same dehydration process.

As you can imagine, freeze-dried foods go through a process of freeze-drying where the raw ingredients are frozen to retain its nutrients. Once the ingredients are frozen, they use a machine to lower the atmospheric pressure allowing the ice to sublimate (from solid-state to gas).

Meanwhile, with dehydrated foods, the opposite is done. The raw ingredients are put under low heat to slightly cook. The moisture is removed through evaporation (from a liquid to a gaseous state), extending its shelf life.

Conclusion

Dehydrated dog food is the ultimate compromise for those who want to upgrade from kibble and wet food, but who aren’t quite ready for the commitment that comes with feeding raw. This dog food is cheap, easy and it is something your dog will love, as a dehydrated meal is usually packed with irresistible flavor. Do your dog a favor and feed them something that will be beneficial for both body and mind, while also giving a dehydrated diet the chance it deserves.

Expert Tip

When switching to new dog food, always do the switch gradually to avoid causing stomach upset.

Did You Know?

When dehydrated food, it keeps its original texture, taste, and color (after adding water to rehydrate); similar to what happens when freezing food.