Two of the lesser known dog foods available on the market are dehydrated or freeze dried meats. While dehydrated and freeze dried are their own types of food, we consider them part of the same family. As they provide many of the same benefits that a raw or whole food diet will while also maintaining some of the convenience associated with kibble or commercial wet food.
Freeze Dried and Dehydrated Diets
Dehydrated diets are made by using raw meats and nutrients that are gently cooked before dehydrating. A low cooking temperature close to 120 degrees fahrenheit is used to remove moisture as well as kill any bacteria or enzymes. In relation the food retains a much larger quantity of its natural nutrients including proteins compared to kibble. Estimated ranges are between 70-95%.
In the case of freeze dried diets, they are not cooked prior to freezing. All the moisture is removed beforehand so when frozen they become small pucks or pellet like structures. Due to the elimination of the cooking process, in freeze dried fried food almost all natural nutrients retain bioavailability; often greater than 97%. Enzymes may still live in freeze dried food and reactivate once defrosted which can help digestion. Any preexisting bacteria is killed through the freezing process.
Pro/Cons of Dehydrated Diets and Freeze Dried Diets
Dehydrated diets are easy to serve since their components are already properly portioned compared to homemade whole or raw diets. This ensures your pup is getting all the right nutrients daily to keep them healthy and strong. Additionally, these diets consist of high quality ingredients making them more expensive than other options such as kibble and canned food. The cooking method of production allows these diets to retain higher levels of bioavailability for the nutrients they contain. As a result of the dehydration process at the end of cooking, it does not contain much moisture.
As mentioned before, dehydrated and freeze dried meat should always be rehydrated with water before serving to restore the moisture. Individual types have their own preparation instructions so read ’em carefully! There is no “one-size-fits-all” formula for rehydration ratios among food. Bone broth or goat’s milk can be used in varying amounts to add more flavor. Tread carefully, and only use extra flavoring when needed or you may end up with the canine equivalent to a picky eater. Since the composition typically contains less carbs, it is easier to digest and better for dogs who have sensitive stomachs. Similar to dehydrated diets, it gives you proper portion sizes, while retaining all of the bioavailability. If you’re attached to commercial kibble, processed wet food, or want to see how your dog responds to a different type, adding freeze dried food on top of a meal can help provide a higher quality of nutrients. When adding freeze dried meats to other diets it should be kept to no more than 10 percent of their food.
The convenience of dehydrated and freeze dried meats given their nutritional value is a primary benefit. In fact, I think of this as a raw/whole food substitute for those who can’t implement that type of diet successfully. With the added comfort that our woofs won’t miss out on vital nutrients if we make a mistake in food prep. Ease of use and comparable nutritional composition also makes both options fantastic for dogs on a raw/whole food diet who are traveling.
Since dehydrated foods remove all moisture, its packaging is compact and much smaller than the food you’ll eventually make. Freeze dried meat takes up about the same space as kibble but must be stored in a cold environment like a freezer or cooler. Ultimately both foods last longer than commercially produced alternatives since water + oxygen + heat are enemies of food preservation. An important related implication is these diets rarely use synthetic preservatives, dyes, or other cheap ingredients which add minimal or no nutritional value to the food. Why would we want to eat, or give our dogs food products that provide no nutritional value, have never been part of their natural diet, and are associated with a wide assortment of health risks?
Although price can be a deterrent, for many dog families in the modern world dehydrated and freeze dried dog food are the best available option which carry meaningful health benefits for your pup.
