Does your dog deserve the absolute best nutrition possible? Many pet owners want to give their furry friends a diet as close to nature as possible. Feeding raw food offers incredible benefits, but the thought of handling raw meat can make some owners pause. You worry about safety, preparation time, and whether you are giving your dog a complete meal.
This is where Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food steps in as a game-changer! It combines the powerful nutrition of a raw diet with the unmatched convenience you need in your busy life. However, navigating the market filled with different brands and claims can feel overwhelming. How do you know which one truly delivers on its promise without sacrificing quality?
This detailed guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what freeze-drying does, explore the major benefits, and give you the insider knowledge needed to choose the perfect, safe, and complete raw freeze-dried option for your beloved companion. Get ready to transform your dog’s bowl and boost their health!
Top Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 to help 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.
- UPGRADE FROM KIBBLE TO FRESHDRIED 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 and nutrients
- 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
- 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.
- Bulk Value Daily Training Treat or Meal Topper: Our 21 ounce tub of single ingredient freeze dried beef liver contains up to 475 pieces, providing a 3 month supply of irresistible, high-protein rewards or food toppers for dogs and cats of all sizes
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats: Made in the USA since 1973 in small batches using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure premium quality and safety for your pets; Supports muscle development and overall pet health
- Professional Trainer Preferred & Award Winning Quality: Trusted by professional trainers for decades as a high value reward for obedience and performance training; Recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024; Safe for all life stages
- Single Ingredient Nutrition for Versatility: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural treats are grain free and gluten free without any fillers to provide a perfect food topper or snack for dogs and cats with food sensitivities or allergies
- Nutrient-Dense Raw Nutrition: Gently freeze dried to lock in nutrients and flavor and packaged in a resealable tub to maintain freshness; Treat size will vary and the naturally-occuring powder works as a delicious meal topper; Store at room temperature
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Raw freeze-dried dog food offers a fantastic way to give your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle. This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind. They tell you a lot about the food’s quality and how good it is for your dog.
1. Ingredient Transparency
Look for brands that clearly list every ingredient. You should know exactly what your dog is eating. Good brands show the exact percentage of meat, organs, and vegetables used.
2. Complete and Balanced Nutrition
The food must meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. This means the food has all the necessary vitamins and minerals your dog needs for every life stage, whether they are a puppy or a senior dog.
3. Minimal Processing
The main selling point of freeze-drying is how little it changes the food. Check the ingredient list to ensure there are no added fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Less processing means more natural nutrients remain.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The quality of the raw ingredients truly matters. Think about what you would want in your own healthy meal.
- High-Quality Protein Sources: The first few ingredients should be named meats, like chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. Avoid generic terms like “meat by-products.”
- Organs and Bone: Real raw diets include nutrient-dense organs (like liver and kidney) and ground bone for calcium. These are essential for a balanced raw meal.
- Whole Food Inclusions: Healthy fruits and vegetables (like pumpkin, carrots, or blueberries) add fiber and antioxidants.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all freeze-dried foods are created equal. Some steps in the process keep the food better.
Factors Improving Quality:
Sourcing matters. Food made from humanely raised, grass-fed, or free-range animals often means higher quality meat. A gentle freeze-drying process preserves the most nutrients.
Factors Reducing Quality:
Watch out for foods that use excessive plant proteins (like peas or lentils) to bulk up the protein count instead of using real meat. If the list includes corn, wheat, or soy, the overall quality drops for many raw feeders.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the food affects which type you should buy. Freeze-dried food is very versatile.
Easy Meal Preparation
The biggest win is convenience. You simply add water (or broth) to rehydrate the pieces, and the meal is ready in minutes. This saves you the time of handling raw meat.
Versatile Feeding Options
- As a Complete Meal: Mix with water to serve as a complete, balanced dinner.
- As a Topper: Crumble the dry pieces over kibble to boost the nutritional value and palatability (making it taste better) for picky eaters.
- As Training Treats: Because the pieces are lightweight and easy to break, they make excellent high-value training rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: What is the difference between freeze-dried and air-dried dog food?
A: Freeze-drying removes moisture using cold temperatures, which keeps the nutrients almost exactly as they were in the raw state. Air-drying uses lower heat over a longer time, which can slightly change the nutritional profile compared to true freeze-drying.
Q: Do I have to rehydrate freeze-dried food?
A: You can feed it dry, especially if using it as a treat or a topper. However, most owners rehydrate it by adding warm water to ensure the dog gets enough hydration with their meal.
Q: Is freeze-dried food safe?
A: Yes. The freeze-drying process kills harmful bacteria like salmonella because the food is frozen during dehydration. It is considered a safe alternative to feeding fully raw, frozen diets.
Q: How long does it last once opened?
A: If stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, an opened bag usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. Always check the specific brand’s recommendation, but airtight storage is key.
Q: Is it more expensive than regular kibble?
A: Generally, yes. Because it uses high-quality raw ingredients and specialized processing, the cost per serving is usually higher than standard dry kibble.
Q: Can puppies eat this food?
A: Many brands formulate their freeze-dried foods to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including puppies. Always confirm the label states it meets AAFCO standards for growth.
Q: Does it smell bad?
A: It often has a stronger, meatier smell than regular dry food, which dogs love! However, once rehydrated, the smell is usually mild and only noticeable up close.
Q: What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Freeze-dried food is often easier to digest because it closely mimics the dog’s ancestral diet. Start slowly when switching foods to avoid temporary stomach upset.
Q: How much should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary greatly based on the food’s calorie density. Follow the guidelines on the bag based on your dog’s current weight, but adjust based on their activity level.
Q: Where should I store the unused portion?
A: Keep the bag sealed tightly. You can store it in a pantry, but some owners choose to keep the bag in the freezer for very long-term freshness, especially in hot or humid climates.