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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- SMALL BREED RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from cage-free chicken, this recipe delivers bite-sized nutrition to support muscle tone and energy for smaller dogs. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and vibrant energy for small breeds.
- 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.
- 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 muscle meat, organ meat, beef 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
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.