Does your dog turn up their nose at their dinner? Are you tired of reading confusing ingredient lists on dog food bags? Many dog owners feel lost when trying to pick the best food for their furry friend. It’s tough to know what truly nourishes them.
Air-dried dog food is a popular choice, but the market is full of different brands and claims. You want food that is healthy and tastes great, but navigating the options can feel overwhelming. You might worry about missing out on a better, more natural option for your dog’s health.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes air-dried food unique, its real benefits, and how to spot the very best options available. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a nutritious meal your dog will love. Let’s dive into the world of air-dried goodness and discover if it is the perfect fit for your pup!
Top Air Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
- Contains Premium Ingredients chosen for nutrition to help support your dogs smooth digestion, healthy vitality, and joint health.*
- Ingredients are hand-selected to support your dogs skin and coat, digestion and immune function.*
- Does not require refrigeration, heat, or water. Simply measure the suggested serving size based on your dogs weight and activity level, pour it into their bowl and watch them enjoy! When youre done, seal the bag up tight.
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only wholesome ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- 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.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Chicken, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- NUTRIENT RICH: Air drying naturally retains more vitamins and minerals due to its minimal processing, helping your dog to digest.
- 90% TURKEY RECIPE: Turkey makes up 90% of our recipe- no rendered meals or pea proteins ñ so your dogs get the essential amino acids they need from high quality pieces of meat you can see.
- THE FLAVOR DOGS LOVE: Our air-dried process locks delicious flavor into tender-jerky style bites without the use of fillers or artificial preservatives. Let your dog taste the difference.
- CONVENIENCE: As easy and convenient as kibble. Experience the benefits of fresh dog food with the convenience of dry. Easy to store, scoop, and serve without handling raw food. Our Air Dried is like kibble, but better!
- 100% HUMAN GRADE: Following quality standards made for people food.
- NUTRIENT RICH: Air drying naturally retains more vitamins and minerals due to its minimal processing, helping your dog to digest.
- 90% CHICKEN RECIPE: Chicken makes up 90% of our recipe- no rendered meals or pea proteins ñ so your dogs get the essential amino acids they need from high quality pieces of meat you can see.
- THE FLAVOR DOGS LOVE: Our air-dried process locks delicious flavor into tender-jerky style bites without the use of fillers or artificial preservatives. Let your dog taste the difference.
- CONVENIENCE: As easy and convenient as kibble. Experience the benefits of fresh dog food with the convenience of dry. Easy to store, scoop, and serve without handling raw food. Our Air Dried is like kibble, but better!
- 100% HUMAN GRADE: Following quality standards made for people food.
- THE ART OF SLOW AIR-DRYING - Our gentle, low-temperature air-drying process preserves the natural nutrients, flavors, and aromas of real ingredients, ensuring your pup experiences peak freshness & mouthwatering taste with every bite.
- REAL CHICKEN, BEEF, OR SALMON IS THE #1 INGREDIENT - Our delicious recipes provide your pup the hearty, protein-packed nutrition they crave for optimal health & happiness.
- NUTRITION YOU CAN SEE - Each bite is full of delicious, real superfoods you can see like carrots, pumpkin, & blueberries to support your pup’s healthy lifestyle.
- GRAIN FREE & NUTRIENT DENSE WITH NO FILLERS - Enjoy peace of mind with a grain-free, filler-free formula that emphasizes real, nutritious ingredients, helping your pup thrive.
- A TASTE THEY’LL BEG FOR - Tender meaty bites packed with flavor and a proven hit with picky eaters, turning every feeding into a joyful, tail-wagging experience.
- THE ART OF SLOW AIR-DRYING - Our gentle, low-temperature air-drying process preserves the natural nutrients, flavors, and aromas of real ingredients, ensuring your pup experiences peak freshness & mouthwatering taste with every bite.
- REAL CHICKEN, BEEF, OR SALMON IS THE #1 INGREDIENT - Our delicious recipes provide your pup the hearty, protein-packed nutrition they crave for optimal health & happiness.
- NUTRITION YOU CAN SEE - Each bite is full of delicious, real superfoods you can see like carrots, pumpkin, & blueberries to support your pup’s healthy lifestyle.
- GRAIN FREE & NUTRIENT DENSE WITH NO FILLERS - Enjoy peace of mind with a grain-free, filler-free formula that emphasizes real, nutritious ingredients, helping your pup thrive.
- A TASTE THEY’LL BEG FOR - Tender meaty bites packed with flavor and a proven hit with picky eaters, turning every feeding into a joyful, tail-wagging experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food is a fantastic option for pet owners who want the benefits of raw food without the hassle. This type of food uses gentle drying methods to preserve nutrients, making it a healthier choice than highly processed kibble. Here is what you need to know before buying.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for air-dried dog food, look for these important signs of quality:
- **High Meat Content:** Good air-dried food should list a named meat (like chicken, beef, or salmon) as the very first ingredient. Aim for 70% or more animal protein.
- **Minimal Fillers:** Check the label for ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy. Quality brands use very few, if any, of these cheap fillers.
- **Whole Ingredients:** You want to see recognizable vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats listed. These provide essential vitamins.
- **Simple Ingredient List:** Shorter ingredient lists usually mean less processing and fewer artificial additives.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients used directly impact your dog’s health. Air-drying preserves nutrients best when the starting materials are top-notch.
Protein Sources
Look for single-source proteins, especially if your dog has allergies. Novel proteins, like duck or venison, are great for sensitive stomachs. Avoid generic “meat by-products.” Real cuts of muscle meat and organs offer the best nutrition.
Fats and Oils
Healthy fats are crucial for a shiny coat and brain health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are vital. Sources like flaxseed, salmon oil, or coconut oil are excellent additions. These healthy fats should be included naturally or added back in after drying.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
While dogs thrive on protein, they need some carbohydrates for energy. Choose complex carbs like sweet potatoes, lentils, or peas over white potatoes or rice. These provide necessary fiber for good digestion.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way the food is made strongly affects its final quality.
Factors That Improve Quality
- **Gentle Air Drying:** This process removes moisture slowly at low temperatures. This technique keeps vitamins and enzymes intact, unlike high-heat extrusion used for kibble.
- **Human-Grade Ingredients:** When manufacturers use ingredients fit for human consumption, the quality control is usually much higher.
- **Probiotics and Prebiotics:** Good brands often add beneficial bacteria after drying to support gut health.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- **High Heat Exposure:** Any time food is heated too much, valuable nutrients are destroyed. Check if the process involved high temperatures.
- **Artificial Additives:** Preservatives like BHA or BHT, along with artificial colors or flavors, signal lower quality. Air-dried food should naturally stay fresh longer due to low moisture content.
- **Vague Ingredient Labeling:** If the bag uses terms like “animal digest” or “meat meal” without specifying the source, the quality is likely lower.
User Experience and Use Cases
Air-dried dog food offers great flexibility for dog owners.
Ease of Use
Many owners love that air-dried food is shelf-stable. You don’t need to refrigerate it until opened, and it lasts much longer than raw food. You can serve it dry, or you can add warm water to soften it, which many dogs enjoy.
Ideal Use Cases
- **Transitioning from Raw:** If you want to feed a raw diet but worry about bacteria or freezer space, air-dried food is a perfect middle ground.
- **Treats and Toppers:** Because it is highly palatable (tastes great), many people crumble it over regular kibble to encourage picky eaters or use it as high-value training treats.
- **Travel and Camping:** It is lightweight and doesn’t spoil easily, making it perfect for long trips where fresh food storage is difficult.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air-Dried Dog Food
Q: Is air-dried dog food the same as freeze-dried?
A: No, they are different. Freeze-drying uses a vacuum to remove almost all moisture quickly, often preserving more nutrients. Air-drying uses warm air over a longer period. Both are better than kibble, but freeze-dried is often considered the premium method.
Q: How long does air-dried dog food last?
A: If sealed properly and stored in a cool, dark place, most unopened bags last for 12 to 18 months. Once opened, it is best used within 6 to 8 weeks to ensure peak freshness.
Q: Do I need to add water to air-dried food?
A: You do not have to, but many dogs prefer it. Adding a little warm water softens the texture and releases more aroma, making it more appealing.
Q: Is air-dried food safe?
A: Yes, it is generally very safe. The drying process significantly reduces moisture, which prevents harmful bacteria like Salmonella from growing. This makes it safer than handling raw meat.
Q: Is air-dried food expensive?
A: It is usually more expensive than standard dry kibble. This higher cost reflects the higher quality ingredients and the specialized, gentle drying methods used.
Q: Can I feed this to my puppy?
A: Many brands make formulas appropriate for puppies. Always check the bag to ensure it meets the AAFCO nutritional standards for “growth” or “all life stages.”
Q: Does air-drying remove all the nutrients?
A: No. The goal of air-drying is specifically to retain nutrients better than high-heat cooking methods. Some heat-sensitive vitamins might slightly decrease, but protein and minerals remain well-preserved.
Q: How much should I feed my dog?
A: Because air-dried food is very nutrient-dense, you typically feed much less by volume than you would with traditional kibble. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the specific product bag based on your dog’s current weight.
Q: What if my dog has allergies?
A: Air-dried food is often excellent for allergies because it usually features limited, high-quality ingredients. Look for single-source novel proteins like venison or turkey.
Q: How does the texture compare to kibble?
A: Air-dried food is usually chewy and slightly crunchy when dry. It is much softer and less brittle than hard, extruded kibble. When water is added, it becomes soft and mushy.