Air Dried vs Freeze Dried Dog Food: What's the Difference?

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.

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.

How should I feed my dog freeze-dried food?

Freeze-dried foods are typically rehydrated before serving to improve digestibility, but they can also be fed dry as long as your dog has free access to fresh water. They're an excellent choice for travel - the stored product rehydrates into a much larger volume, making it far more practical than lugging around cans.

Are freeze-dried foods safe to feed my dog?

Freeze-dried foods have good shelf stability and should be stored in a cool, dry place - not in the fridge. Once rehydrated, follow the product packaging guidelines for storage times.

Like other minimally processed raw foods, there is a small risk of bacterial or parasitic contamination. Handle them carefully - keep them separate from other foods, wash hands after handling, and sanitise surfaces and bowls. For more on how these compare to other feeding styles, see our article on the types of dog food explained and raw vs dry dog food.