Does your dog gobble down their kibble, but you secretly worry if it’s truly fueling their best life? Many dog owners feel that tug of doubt. We want our furry friends to thrive, full of energy and healthy coats. But navigating the dog food aisle, especially with all the buzz around raw diets, can feel overwhelming. You hear about the benefits of raw food, but the thought of handling raw meat daily makes you pause. Then you see “freeze-dried raw,” and the confusion deepens. What is it really? Is it worth the cost?
Choosing the perfect raw freeze-dried option means balancing nutrition, convenience, and your budget. It’s a big decision that affects your dog’s long-term health. This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what raw freeze-dried dog food is, how it stacks up against other foods, and the simple steps to find the best fit for your pup. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and feed your dog with confidence. Let’s explore this exciting world of convenient, nutrient-packed canine nutrition!
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.
- 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
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FREEZE-DRIED RAW: 3x more real meat & nutrient-rich organs than Instinct Original Kibble, delivering high-quality animal protein for strong, lean muscles
- MINIMALLY PROCESSED: Never cooked and less processed than kibble to preserve ingredient integrity, nutrients, and deliver complete, balanced nutrition
- POWER OF RAW: Feeding raw supports healthy digestion, lean muscles, strong bones, and vibrant skin & coat
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with 85% meat & organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins & minerals; free from grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors & 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.
- BEEF RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein and grass-fed beef, this recipe delivers protein-rich nutrition to help maintain muscle health and support sustained energy. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic apples, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and kale—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and overall wellness.
- 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 Decoded
Raw freeze-dried dog food offers a fantastic balance. It gives your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the risks of handling raw meat. This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for specific features that show quality and nutritional value.
1. Ingredient Transparency
- Whole Food Sourcing: The label should clearly list whole ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and edible bone. Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.”
- Protein Percentage: Check the guaranteed analysis. High-quality freeze-dried food should have a high protein content, often 40% or more on an as-fed basis.
2. Minimal Processing
The freeze-drying process itself is gentle, but look for minimal added ingredients.
- No Fillers: Good brands skip grains (corn, wheat, soy) and unnecessary starches.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.
3. Nutritional Completeness
Ensure the food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your dog’s life stage (growth, maintenance, or all life stages).
Important Ingredients: What Should Be Inside?
Raw freeze-dried food mimics what a dog naturally eats. Focus on these core components:
Protein Sources
The first few ingredients must be named meats. Chicken, beef, turkey, or fish are excellent choices. These provide the essential amino acids dogs need for muscle and energy.
Organs and Bone
These parts are crucial for vitamins and minerals. Liver, kidney, and ground bone provide calcium, phosphorus, and essential nutrients often missing in muscle meat alone.
Superfoods and Supplements
Many premium brands add healthy extras. Look for things like pumpkin, kelp, cranberries, or fish oil (for Omega-3s). These boost overall health and immunity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The production method and ingredient sourcing heavily influence the final product quality.
Quality Boosters
- Humanely Raised/Organic Sourcing: Meat from ethically raised animals often means better quality input ingredients.
- Flash Freezing Before Drying: This technique helps preserve the nutrient structure better than slow freezing.
Quality Reducers (Watch Out For These)
Sometimes, manufacturers add ingredients to bulk up the food or lower costs, which reduces the raw benefit.
- High Starch Content: If you see potatoes, peas, or lentils listed very high up, the food might be less concentrated in raw meat nutrition than you think.
- Rendering: If the ingredients were rendered (cooked at high heat before drying), you lose some of the raw benefits. True freeze-drying starts with raw or near-raw material.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use this food affects your satisfaction.
Ease of Use
Freeze-dried food is incredibly light and shelf-stable. You simply add water or broth, let it rehydrate for a few minutes, and serve. This makes storage simple.
Best Use Cases
- Tough Eaters: Many owners use a spoonful as a topper over kibble to encourage picky dogs to eat.
- Travel and Camping: Because it weighs almost nothing and requires no refrigeration, it is the perfect food for adventures.
- Sensitive Stomachs: Since the ingredients are simple and highly digestible, some dogs with sensitivities thrive on this diet.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: What is the main difference between freeze-dried and air-dried food?
A: Freeze-drying removes almost all moisture through freezing and a vacuum, preserving nutrients best. Air-drying uses gentle heat over a longer time, which can slightly reduce some heat-sensitive vitamins.
Q: Do I have to add water to freeze-dried food?
A: Yes, generally you should rehydrate it with water or bone broth. This makes it easier to digest and ensures your dog gets enough moisture.
Q: Is raw freeze-dried food truly “raw”?
A: It starts as raw meat and ingredients. The freeze-drying process kills pathogens without using high heat, so it retains most of the raw nutritional benefits safely.
Q: How long does opened freeze-dried food last?
A: If sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dark place, it can last for several weeks or even months after opening. Always check the manufacturer’s specific guidelines.
Q: Is this type of food expensive?
A: Yes, it is usually one of the pricier options because of the specialized, gentle processing required to maintain quality.
Q: Can I feed this to my puppy?
A: Many brands offer formulas suitable for all life stages, including puppies. Always confirm the packaging states it meets AAFCO requirements for growth.
Q: Does this food stink like regular raw food?
A: No. In its dry, kibble-like state, it has very little odor. It only smells strongly of meat once you add water.
Q: How much do I feed my dog?
A: You feed much less by volume than kibble because the water has been removed. Always follow the feeding chart on the bag, adjusting based on your dog’s activity level.
Q: Are there risks of bacteria like Salmonella?
A: The risk is extremely low compared to feeding grocery store raw meat because the freeze-drying process is designed to prevent harmful bacteria growth.
Q: Can I mix freeze-dried food with my dog’s current kibble?
A: Yes! Many people use it as a healthy meal topper or mix a small amount in for added nutrition and flavor boost.