review of best freeze dried dog food

10 Best Freeze Dried Dog Foods in 2024

 

Sara Redding Ochoa DVM

This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary advisor Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

Knowing what to feed your dog isn’t always easy, and especially today when new options and alternatives are constantly being introduced.

A dog needs quality dog food to stay healthy, fit, and full of energy. Making the right choice for your pup is a crucial stage in caring for him or her.

Raw freeze-dried dog food is becoming more popular every day as dog owners discover the great benefits of natural and nutritious food – so delicious even the pickiest of dogs won’t be able to resist.

If this is the option you want to try, it is important to know what to look for to make sure you purchase a product that will meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

I found that K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food is the best overall freeze-dried dog food because it is packed with real meat and plenty of vitamins. However, we have plenty more options depending on your pup’s individual needs.

Our Top 3 Picks

Our Top Pick
farmers dog food

K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food

  • Meat from ethical and sustainable sources
  • All natural with no grains or fillers
  • Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat
BEST BULK CHOICE
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy

Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack

  • High meat and protein content
  • Variety pack with dandy lamb, duck, chicken, and beef
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
 best Organic Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy

Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

  • For dogs all ages and sizes
  • With organic whole grain
  • Natural human grade ingredients

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

Quick Look at the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food


  1. K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food (Best Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food)
  2. Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack
    (Best Bulk Freeze-Dried Dog Food)
  3. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food (Best Freeze-Dried Organic Dog Food)
  4. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food Original
    (Best Super Beef Recipe)
  5. Rawz Meal Free Dry Dog Food (Best Meal Free Dry Dog Food)
  6. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food (Best Natural Human-Grade Ingredients)
  7. Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners
    (Best Cheap Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food)
  8. Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets Pet Food
    (Best Pork Formula Dried Dog Food)
  9. Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw
    (Best Dandy Lamb Formua)
  10. Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates
    (Best Senior Freeze-Dried Dog Food)

Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food

1. K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food

K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food

The K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food contains 90% grass-fed New Zealand beef, organs, and ground bone, and it contains no grains, soy, or fillers.

This is a natural option that provides your dog with plenty of protein to get through the day, it has vital essential vitamins, minerals, and oils that promote healthy skin and coat. It is also a great option for mixing in with your dog’s kibble or regular wet food since its delicious taste will appeal to even the pickiest little eater!

Make your fur friend’s dinner a whole lot more appealing and nutritious by adding one of the best pre-made raw dog food products currently available on the dog food market.

Why We Liked It:

+ Meat from ethical and sustainable sources
+ All natural with no grains or fillers
+ Supports healthy skin and a shiny coat
+ With vitamins, minerals and vital essential oils

Once you’ve fed your dog this freeze-dried raw food – it speaks for itself. It is packed with real meat and plenty of vitamins, and it will give your dog a real health boost while also tasting delicious!

2. Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack

Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack

Not sure what flavor your pup would like the best? Try the Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack, and let your dog show you what he or she prefers!

There is tasty lamb, beef, chicken, and duck recipes, and it has no added hormones, grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, or gluten. This freeze-dried dog food is full of probiotics and antioxidants that will give your dog all the nutrition he needs to grow up strong and healthy.

It is made with a patented safety process (SecureByNature), and the meat comes from cage-free birds and grass-fed beef and dandy lamb.

Why We Liked It :

+ High meat and protein content
+ Variety pack with dandy lamb, duck, chicken, and beef
+ No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
+ With antioxidants and probiotics

This pack of freeze-dried dog food is full of flavor and protein, and it gives you a chance to see what flavor your dog likes the best! It is also great for dogs that need variety in order not to get bored since not all dogs will settle with being fed the same every day.

Whether your pup fancies the chicken recipe or the beef formula – he’s going to love it.

3. Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

Having dog food freeze-dried raw is an excellent way to preserve both flavor, freshness, and nutritional value, and this whole grain chicken formula is a kibble topping (or a complete meal) that your furry family members are almost guaranteed to love!

This food by Honest Kitchen is an all-natural dehydrated raw organic dog food that contains no GMO ingredients, no by-products, or preservatives, and it will help your pup to both look great and feel great.

You can also choose to get the turkey or the beef variety, where all meat comes from free-range birds and grass-fed cattle. Thia quality premade dehydrated dog food is known to aid in keeping your pup at a healthy weight, give them the nutrients needed for shinier fur and healthy skin, and provide them with energy that lasts all day.

Why We Liked It:

+ For dogs all ages and sizes
+ With organic whole grain
+ Natural human grade ingredients
+ Three flavors to choose from (Chicken Formula is the one reviewed here)

The Honest Kitchen freeze-dried raw dog food is full of nutrition and a great option for dog owners that prefer not to go completely grain free. There is no GMO; the food is processed in human grade food processing facilities in the United States.

4. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food Original

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food Original

It is no secret that dogs love meat, and this is one of the freeze-dried dog food brands that have taken this into consideration by creating a meat-packed product with a balanced nutritional content.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food Original is one of the best commercial raw dog food brands available, as all their ingredients are sustainably sourced and from ethical meat sources.

Strengthen your dog’s immune system with this delicious and nutritious freeze-dried food for dogs, and notice the difference in both energy level, coat quality, and overall health. It is rich in protein and 100% grain free.

Why We Liked It:

+ Carefully selected meat ingredients
+ 100% Grain Free Dog Food
+ No fillers or artificial preservatives
+ Boosts the immune system
+ Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

This freeze-dried meat for dogs is not only delicious, but it is also an ethically conscious product where all ingredients come from identified and approved sources; free of cruelty and/or exploitation.

If you’re looking for a grain-free raw dog food with a responsible background, this is the pet product for you!

5. Rawz Meal Free Dry Dog Food

Rawz Meal Free Dry Dog Food

Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, this dried meat dog food is a strong contender for the title of the Best Freeze Dried Dog Food.

The content of each bag of grain-free freeze-dried dog food by Rawzreg is carefully crafted in FDA and USDA approved facilities. The first seven ingredients are meat products such as deboned chicken and turkey, chicken liver, and turkey hearts – all full of healthy protein that will keep your beloved pup as healthy as he or she can be.

It also contains healthy veggies such as sweet potato, spinach, and broccoli.

Rawzreg is one of the best raw dog food brands when it comes to quality ingredients and fair trade. Their products have meat from non-hormone treated animals and without added antibiotics. They know that your dog deserves the best and have dedicated time and research to find out exactly what that is.

Why We Liked It:

+ The first 7 ingredients are quality meat products
+ Made in USDA and FDA approved facilities
+ With broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, and more
+ Grain-free and high-protein

The effort to become the best raw dog food brand shows in the quality of this Rawz Meal Free Dry Dog Food; we love that the first seven ingredients on the ingredients list are meat from quality sources!

Alternative Option: Entree Mini Nibs Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food.

Check Amazon Price

6. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food

With the choice of cage-free turkey, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and farm-raised beef – it is hard not to notice the Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food.

FDA safety standards are carefully followed to ensure a high quality because this is one of those raw dog food brands that care about you and your dog.

The balanced levels of carbs and calories make Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food suitable for puppies and adult dogs, and it works just as well for miniature breeds like Chihuahuas as it does for that Great Dane you have chosen to share your life with.

Why We Liked It:

+ Balanced calorie content for a healthy weight
+ Meat from free-range birds and wild-caught fish
+ No GMO, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
+ Made following FDA safety standards
+ Great option for new owners as a puppy food

Freeze dried puppy food is an appealing option for new dog owners all over the world, and this dehydrated food is made so that it will fit dogs all ages and sizes! Start your puppy off on the right paw with this nutritious and organic freeze-dried dog food.

7. Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners

Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners

Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners is a grain-free prepared raw dog food that is full of nutrients and will keep your furry family member just as healthy and happy as he (or she) deserves to be. The lack of grains make room for more protein and natural antioxidants; such as those from vegetables and legumes, and all you need to do is to add water and this grain-free raw dog food will be ready to serve!

It is a complete meal that is suitable for dogs all life stages, which means you can use it for all the dogs in your family, or for as long as you are fortunate enough to have your dog with you. When choosing dog food freeze-dried products are the perfect option for a fussy eater, since it is incredibly hard to resist due to its high meat content and rich flavor. This is an amazing pet product.

Why We Liked It:

+ With protein and natural antioxidants
+ Suitable as puppy food, as well as for adult dogs (all life stages)
+ A balanced and complete meal
+ No grains or unnecessary fillers

Buying dried meat for dogs in your household is a way for you to show them how much they mean to you since this adult dog food for all life stages is filled with nutrients that will keep your pup feeling better than ever. Great to see that it is suitable for both young and old dogs.

8. Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets Pet Food

Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets Pet Food

This dried raw dog food is pork-based, and a great option for dogs that might be allergic to chicken and turkey, or whose stomachs don’t do well with beef. It contains pork hearts, liver, bones and more, and the high protein content is balanced with a diverse mix of vegetables and legumes; such as squash, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, collard greens, and blueberries – all organic!

There is no grain, gluten, corn, soy or wheat in these Primal Pet Pork formula nuggets. This Primal pet product has a natural content of vital essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and everyday maintenance.

Why We Liked It:

+ Complete and balanced
+ Made with quality pork ingredients
+ All-organic vegetables and seeds
+ With organic coconut oil

Just looking at the ingredients’ list makes even human mouths water, and it is a big plus to see listed ingredients that are recognizable and organic in this raw dehydrated dog food.

9. Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw

Here we have the best raw dog food to add you your fussy pup’s meal, to make sure he gulps it all down without further hesitation! Dogs love these Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw with 95% grass-fed lamb (including organs and bone), plus a carefully composed mix of organic vegetables and fruit.

Every batch of Stella & Chewy’s best dehydrated raw dog food is crafted in their very own U.S based kitchen, where only the finest ingredients make the final cut. Freeze-dried raw dog foods will help your pup obtain a shinier coat, healthier skin, a stronger immune system, and better digestion, and best of all – they will love you for feeding them the delicious meal we all know they deserve.

Why We Liked It:

+ 95% grass-fed dandy lamb
+ Made in the United States
+ Improves metabolism and digestion
+ With added vitamins and minerals

Lamb is a very mild meat ingredient that works great for many dogs with sensitive stomachs, and it has a high enough protein content to fulfill each of their nutritional needs.

Related: Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

10. Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates

Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates

A limited ingredient natural dried food for dogs that need extra motivation! No picky eater will be able to resist this delicious free-range beef recipe, where 99% of its content is made up by dried dog appropriate meat ingredients!

The other 1% consists of a blend of Rosemary extract and Hoki fish oil, which provides your pup with natural antioxidants for healthier skin and a shiny coat that is sure to outshine other pup coats at the dog park!

The source of the beef recipe freeze-dried dog food topper comes from New Zealand; a country that is known for its quality meat, because there is no reason to why your dog shouldn’t be fed high-standard dehydrated food. If you are looking for the best raw food for dogs – Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates is a pet product worthy of your consideration.

Why We Liked It:

+ Hoki Fish Oil for a shinier and healthier coat
+ 99% meat from New Zealand animals
+ Contains natural antioxidants
+ Money back guarantee

The manufacturer is so sure that your dog will love the beef recipe freeze-dried dog food topper that they offer you your money back if he or she doesn’t love it.

For an alternative, give Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Mixers a try! The Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers from this company is fast becoming a family favorite in dog households.

A More In-Depth Look: Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food by Type

There are several different types of freeze-dried dog food available on the market. In addition to the top overall picks we highlighted above, we take a deeper look below into specific variations that may better suit your needs.

Best Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

The ‘K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food’ is a strong contender due to its high protein percentage; with meat from free-range New Zealand animals.

K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food

Best Bulk Freeze-Dried Dog Food

The ‘Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack’ is a great option for someone who wants variety, or a chance to see which flavor a dog likes best since it comes in a pack of four different flavor varieties.

Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Variety Pack

Best Cheap Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze dried can be a bit pricey, but an affordable dog food option is the ‘Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners’ pack. See more cheap dog food here.

Bravo! Homestyle Complete Freeze-Dried Dog Dinners

Best Freeze-Dried Organic Dog Food

If you are looking for an organic option, you might want to consider ‘Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food’. It is made with organic vegetables and grains, plus a high meat content, and it comes in three flavor varieties.

Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

Best Senior Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Most quality freeze-dried raw dog foods are suitable for senior dogs, but you might want to have a look at the ‘Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates’ since it has a good level of protein as well as healthy fish oils that could be beneficial for senior pups.

Natural Premium Dog Food Topper by Meat Mates

Related: Best Dog Foods for Senior Dogs

Freeze-Dried Dog Food Buyers Guide

While the best raw dog food can be used on its own as a 100% complete and balanced meal for your dog, many dog owners opt for using it as a topper – to make their fur friends breakfast and dinner a little extra nutritious and delicious.

It is a great food option for picky eaters that might otherwise refuse to touch their food, and freeze dried raw food is already prepared and ready to eat – just add some water!

What is freeze dried dog food, you might be asking yourself, and the answer to is quite simple. It is a mix of quality ingredients that have been carefully dried so that the food will last longer without any important nutrients getting lost in the process.

A way to find the best frozen raw dog food is by looking through freeze dried dog food reviews, as they can tell you more than just the text on the back of a product.

An honest freeze dried raw dog food review can give you inside information regarding what a product is truly like, but keep in mind that every dog is different and that what works for one dog might not work for another. Instead, learn what to look for and what to avoid, so that you can make an educated decision for your best fur friend.

What to Look for in Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Most quality adult dog foods will have a high meat content; meaning pure protein, but you want to make sure that the meat comes from named meat sources (where the animal type is specified), and preferably that the meat is high-quality.

Avoid animal by-products and go for freeze-dried food with fresh meat, organs, bones, and other animal parts, and if possible – you might also want to aim for something organic.

What you don’t want is artificial coloring, flavors and/or preservatives, and a good tip is to go for products with a list of ingredients that you can easily read and understand.

Looking for a natural but meat-free treat? Your pup may enjoy these vegan treats.

What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze drying dog food is a way of dehydrating it; condensing it and having all the moisture from it removed. This makes it lightweight and easy to pack, and it lasts longer than fresh food would (and in most cases it even outlives kibble!), without losing important nutrients.

The process of freeze drying food has been around for a very long time, and it does not come as a surprise that dog food companies are now starting to see the benefits of also freeze drying dog food.

How to Feed Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

All you need to do is to add water before serving, which puts moisture back into the food and makes it soft and appealing to eat. It is a quick process that won’t take up much time, and once prepared – you can barely tell it was freeze-dried, to begin with!

Companies tend to sell these types of products in smaller bags, compared to kibble, so while you can use it on its own (if choosing a complete and balanced product) – most dog owners seem to prefer to use it as a kibble or wet food topping.

It is great for adding nutrients to a dog’s diet, but also for convincing picky eaters to eat what they are served since few can resist the delicious taste of quality freeze-dried food.

Freeze Dried Dog Food VS Kibble?

As long as you compare two high-quality products, there generally isn’t a big nutritional difference between kibble and freeze-dried food. The biggest difference is that freeze-dried dog food might appear more appealing to your four-legged friends due to smell and flavor, but in some cases, it might also be richer in protein than the average kibble.

Kibble, on the other hand, has the advantage of being great for a dog’s teeth, since chewing helps prevent tartar and oral problems, so if you are unsure of what you rather have and what you can live without – you might want to consider mixing both kibble and freeze-dried food.

How Long Does Freeze Dried Dog Food Last?

This depends, and you always want to read the labels carefully, to make sure you are not feeding your dog expired food, but freeze-dried dog food tends to have a very long life-span – often much longer than canned wet food and kibble.

This can be extremely beneficial for those who live remotely or travel a lot since it means you rarely have to worry about expiration dates.

Why Feed Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Perhaps you struggle to get your dog to eat, maybe you worry about your pup not getting enough protein or perhaps you just want to give him or her something extra! Feeding freeze-dried food is more of a personal preference than anything else, because while it has many dog care and health benefits – it is not for everyone.

Best

Conclusion

Finding the right food for your best fur friend is a journey, and it might take a few attempts before you get it right. Freeze dried food is an automatic winner, however, since it tastes delicious, lasts long and is incredibly nutritious. If you are not ready to make a complete switch – just add some to your dog’s regular food and see how excited they will start getting at meal time!

Expert Tip

Try different flavors until you find the one your dog likes the best or switch it up and feed different flavors at every meal!

Did You Know?

Dogs are creatures of habit, and they enjoy having routines such as being fed on a specific time every day.

Similar Posts