Does your dog deserve the best nutrition possible, but you worry about the mess and hassle of traditional raw feeding? Many dog owners dream of giving their furry friends the benefits of a raw diet—like a shinier coat and more energy—but the constant juggling of frozen packages and strict handling rules can feel overwhelming. It’s a real challenge to balance convenience with optimal health for your best friend.
Freeze-dried raw dog food promises a perfect middle ground. It locks in the goodness of raw ingredients without the freezer burn or the worry. But stepping into this world brings its own set of questions: Which brands truly deliver? How do you rehydrate it correctly? And is it worth the price tag?
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what freeze-dried raw food is, explore the top benefits, and give you the clear steps to choose a superior product for your dog. Get ready to transform mealtime from a chore into a powerhouse of nutrition!
Top Freeze Dried Raw 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.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- 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
- 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.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding.
- 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 lean muscles, strong bones, healthy digestion, immune health, improved energy & vitality, and a 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
- 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.
- Raw Freeze Dried Nutrition for Dogs – Solid Gold Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Topper is made with real beef, organ meat & functional superfoods like pumpkin & cranberries. Use as a high-protein food topper for dogs or tasty freeze dried dog treat
- Digestive & Immune Support – This freeze dried raw food for dogs has a blend of plasma, amino acids & FOS prebiotics to support gut microflora, nutrient absorption & immune health—a great freeze dried dog food for picky eaters or sensitive stomachs
- Powered by nutrientboost – This freeze dried dog food for small breeds & large breeds has our nutrientboost blend to deliver protein, digestive support & nutrients in one tasty bite—ideal as freeze dried raw food for dogs or as dog meal toppers
- Easy to Serve, Great for All Breeds – Serve freeze dried training treats for dogs or sprinkle on their kibble for a dog food freeze dried option. This versatile freeze dried dog food is perfect for small breeds, large breeds, or as puppy food toppers
- Holistic Ingredients, No Fillers – Without grains or artificial additives, this freeze dried dog topper delivers protein-rich bites for dogs of all ages & sizes—perfect for parents seeking meal toppers for dogs & freeze dried treats for dogs
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Decoded
Freeze-dried raw dog food offers a fantastic way to give your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle or safety concerns of handling raw meat. This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label carefully. Good freeze-dried food should mimic what a dog naturally eats.
- High Protein Content: Look for at least 40-50% protein from named meat sources (like chicken, beef, or salmon). The first few ingredients should always be meat, organs, or bone.
- Whole Food Ingredients: The best foods include vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, not just fillers.
- Minimal Carbohydrates: Avoid foods with lots of grains (corn, wheat) or excessive starchy vegetables like potatoes.
- Nutrient Density: Because the water is removed, the nutrients are highly concentrated. Ensure the food provides complete and balanced nutrition, often verified by AAFCO statements.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The quality of the ingredients directly impacts your dog’s health.
Protein Sources
Always prioritize named animal proteins. Chicken, turkey, beef, and fish are excellent choices. Some brands use novel proteins (like venison or duck), which are great if your dog has allergies.
Organs and Bone
A balanced raw diet needs organs (like liver and kidney) for vitamins and bone for minerals like calcium. In quality freeze-dried food, these are included naturally.
Additives and Preservatives
Good freeze-dried food should have very few additives. You want to see natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The manufacturing process greatly affects the final product’s nutritional value.
Quality Boosters
Sourcing: Food made from humanely raised, free-range, or grass-fed animals often results in higher quality meat.
Processing: The freeze-drying process itself is key. It removes moisture while keeping most of the nutrients intact, which is much better than high-heat cooking.
Quality Reducers
High Ash Content: Too much ash can indicate an excess of non-digestible bone matter, which might mean the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is off.
Fillers: Adding cheap fillers like corn gluten meal or excessive plant proteins lowers the overall biological value of the food.
User Experience and Use Cases
People choose freeze-dried food for convenience and specific feeding needs.
Ease of Use
The biggest advantage is convenience. You simply scoop the required amount and add warm water or broth. The food rehydrates quickly, usually in minutes. This makes it perfect for busy owners.
Best Use Cases
- Toppers: Many owners use freeze-dried crumbles as a healthy, tasty topper mixed into their dog’s regular kibble.
- Travel and Camping: Because it is lightweight and shelf-stable, it is ideal for taking on trips without needing refrigeration.
- Pickier Eaters: The intense meaty aroma often entices dogs who refuse plain dry food.
10 FAQs About Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Q: What exactly is freeze-drying?
A: Freeze-drying removes nearly all the water from the food by freezing it and then lowering the pressure. This preserves the food and nutrients without cooking it.
Q: Is freeze-dried food safe?
A: Yes, it is generally considered safer than feeding home-prepared or commercially sold fresh raw food because the process significantly reduces harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
Q: Do I have to add water?
A: While you can feed it dry as a treat or meal topper, most manufacturers recommend adding water or broth to rehydrate it. Rehydration makes it easier to digest.
Q: How long does it take to rehydrate?
A: Most brands rehydrate within 5 to 15 minutes when warm water is used. Stirring speeds up the process.
Q: Is freeze-dried food the same as air-dried food?
A: No. Air-drying uses low heat over a long time. Freeze-drying uses cold temperatures and vacuum pressure, keeping more heat-sensitive vitamins intact.
Q: How much should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary widely based on the brand and your dog’s weight and activity level. Always follow the feeding chart on the bag, adjusting for your dog’s needs.
Q: Does this food expire quickly once opened?
A: No. If stored in a cool, dry place, the sealed bag lasts a long time. Once opened, try to use it within a month or two for best freshness, though it remains safe much longer.
Q: Is this food expensive?
A: Generally, yes. Freeze-dried raw food is one of the more premium options on the market due to the intensive sourcing and manufacturing process.
Q: Can I mix it with kibble?
A: Absolutely. Many owners use it as a highly palatable, nutritious boost mixed into a standard kibble diet.
Q: Does it contain artificial ingredients?
A: High-quality brands should not. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you are buying a product made from whole, recognizable ingredients.