Last Updated: 14/09/2026
Air Dried vs Freeze Dried Dog Food: What's the Difference?
Deciding between air dried and freeze dried dog food? Our vets explain the key differences, how each is made, and which suits your dog best.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Air dried and freeze dried dog food are both minimally processed - but they're made differently and have different textures and feeding methods. In short: air dried dog food is slowly dehydrated using moving air at a low temperature until firm and jerky-like, while freeze dried dog food is snap-frozen then dried under vacuum to produce a softer, crunchier product that can be rehydrated before serving.
Both options preserve the nutritional benefits of raw ingredients without the need for cooking, making them popular with dog owners looking for an alternative to traditional kibble. Here's what you need to know.
What is freeze-dried dog food?
Freeze dried foods retain the nutritional qualities and taste of raw ingredients while extending shelf life. They're made without heat, which preserves nutrients that conventional cooking can damage. The result is a soft, crunchier texture, which keeps most of the nutritional profile of the starting ingredients and has a long shelf life without refrigeration, but it's usually rehydrated with water before serving and needs the same careful hygiene and storage as raw food.
How is freeze-dried food made?
Raw ingredients are combined and then snap-frozen. The frozen water in the blend is turned directly into vapour through sublimation - a process that involves lowering the pressure and supplying enough heat in order for the water in the frozen food to be removed directly as vapour. A secondary drying phase removes any remaining unfrozen water molecules.
Some manufacturers also include high pressure processing (HPP) before freeze drying. The raw ingredient blend is subjected to high isostatic pressure transmitted through cold water, which inactivates pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, improving the safety of the finished product.
Wondering whether it's actually worth switching to? Our Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Worth It? guide breaks down the cost, nutrition and practical side.
What is air-dried dog food?
Air dried dog food retains the nutrients and intense flavour of raw ingredients while delivering the convenience and shelf stability of dry food. The end product is dense and firm - similar in texture to jerky - and doesn't require refrigeration. It doesn't need rehydrating, dogs can eat it straight from the bag like kibble, as a topper, or as a training treat, and it doesn't need refrigeration once opened, though it still needs cool, dry storage and good hygiene.
How is air-dried food made?
Raw ingredients are combined and slowly dehydrated at a low temperature using the circulation of warm air. Unlike conventional kibble, no high heat is applied - this gentler process is what preserves the nutritional profile and flavour of the raw ingredients. Reducing the moisture content also inhibits bacterial growth, giving the product its shelf stability.
Want to know if it's worth the extra cost for your dog? Our Is Air-Dried Dog Food Worth It? guide covers that in detail.
How do I choose between air-dried and freeze-dried dog food?
Owners usually ask us which is "better", air-dried or freeze-dried, but the honest answer is that it depends what you're looking for.
- Ready to serve, and for treats: If you want a ready-to-serve format with a firmer texture, especially for use as treats, air-dried usually suits better.
- Travel: Either format works well for travel, as they are both more calorie dense than kibble and therefore require less volume and serving sizes. However, for dogs who enjoy their wet food at home, freeze-dried foods are an excellent choice for travel as they are easily rehydrated.
- Softer texture: If you're looking for something that's easier for your dog to chew, such as for fussy eaters and senior dogs, freeze-dried dog foods win.
Ultimately, the best food for your dog depends on their life stage, breed, size, and any health conditions they have. For a full breakdown, see our guides what is the best dog food, how to choose the best food for your dog's lifestage, and how to choose the best food for your dog's breed. If your dog has any underlying medical conditions, read through our guide to nutrition for health conditions and always check with your vet before switching diets.
Freeze & Air-Dried Food FAQs
References
Hemida M, et al. Identification of modifiable pre- and postnatal dietary and environmental exposures associated with owner-reported canine atopic dermatitis in Finland using a web-based questionnaire. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7259748/, accessed 8/5/23
Anturaniemi J, ZaldÃvar-López S, Robin Moore R, et al. The effect of a raw vs. dry diet on serum biochemical, hematologic, blood iron, B12, and folate levels in Staffordshire bull terriers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32329096/, accessed 8/5/23
Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/882321/edible-insects-market-size-global/, accessed 9/5/23
Rishniw, M. Raw Food Diets. 2017. Veterinary Information Network, https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pid=11200&id=4380703&f5=1, accessed 8/5/23
Wynn, S. The Science and Safety of Raw Diets. 2022. Veterinary Information Network. https://www.vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pid=28837&catId=&id=10900107&said=&meta=&authorid=&preview=, accessed 8/5/23
Hiperbaric High Pressure Technologies. What is High Pressure Processing? 2023. https://www.hiperbaric.com/en/high-pressure/, accessed 8/5/23
Cuddon Freeze Dry. 2023. https://www.cuddonfreezedry.com/freeze-drying-food, accessed 8/5/23
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 4 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
