Freeze-dried dog food has taken off in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. It offers the nutritional benefits of a raw diet without the mess, the freezer space, or the short shelf life. But not all freeze-dried food is made the same way, and plenty of products look premium on the packaging without delivering on the ingredients list.
Here's what actually matters when you're choosing one.
What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-drying removes moisture from raw ingredients at very low temperatures under vacuum pressure. Because there's no heat involved, the proteins, enzymes, and nutrients in the food stay largely intact. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that rehydrates quickly and closely mirrors what a dog would eat in the wild.
It's worth noting this isn't the same as air-dried food, which uses low heat over a longer period. Both are solid options, but freeze-dried tends to retain more of the raw nutritional profile.
1. Check the Protein Source First
The first ingredient should always be a named animal protein. "Chicken", "beef", "lamb" — specific and identifiable. Vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal derivatives" are a red flag.
Single-protein recipes are worth considering if your dog has a sensitive stomach or known food sensitivities. They make it easier to pinpoint what's causing a reaction if something goes wrong.
Boneve Freeze-Dried Raw Prey Dog Food uses a whole-prey raw model, including muscle meat, organ meat, and bone in proportions that reflect a natural diet. No fillers, no plant-based protein padding.
2. Look at How It's Meant to Be Served
Most freeze-dried food is designed to be rehydrated before serving. When you add water back in, you're also adding hydration to your dog's meal, which is a real benefit for dogs that don't drink enough on their own.
Check whether the brand recommends rehydrating and follow those instructions. Serving it dry isn't harmful, but you lose one of the main advantages of the format.
3. Read the Ingredient List Properly
A short ingredient list is usually a good sign. Long lists with multiple carbohydrate sources, synthetic additives, or preservatives suggest the product is more processed than it looks.
What you want to see: named proteins, organ meats, ground bone, and minimal extras. What to avoid: corn syrup, artificial colours, BHA/BHT, and anything you can't identify.
4. Consider Air-Dried as a Complement
Air-dried food sits in a similar category. It's minimally processed, nutrient-dense, and shelf-stable. Some owners use it as a daily base and add freeze-dried as a topper or treat, which keeps costs manageable without sacrificing quality.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is made in New Zealand with free-range and grass-fed meats. High protein, low carbohydrates, no artificial preservatives. The Chicken and Lamb recipes are good starting points, and there's also a Venison option for dogs that need a novel protein.
If your dog prefers wet food, Ziwi Peak Wet Dog Food is made to the same standard and works well as a mixer or standalone meal.
5. Match the Food to Your Dog's Life Stage
Most freeze-dried and air-dried foods are formulated for adult maintenance. Check whether the product suits your dog's specific stage before switching. If you have a puppy or a senior dog with health conditions, it's worth a quick conversation with your vet first.
6. Transition Slowly
If your dog is currently on kibble, don't switch overnight. A sudden diet change can cause digestive upset even with high-quality food. Introduce the new food gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing increasing amounts with the old food until the transition is complete.
What We Stock
At That Pet Supply Store, we carry freeze-dried and air-dried options we've vetted for ingredient quality and sourcing:
- Boneve Freeze-Dried Raw Prey Dog Food — whole-prey raw, no fillers
- Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food — New Zealand-sourced, grain-free
- Ziwi Peak Wet Dog Food — good as a mixer or standalone
Browse the full range in our dog food collection.
Not sure which format suits your dog? Send us a message and we'll help you figure it out.
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