You may or may have been hearing more about freeze dried dog food. Usually when the focus for us is turned towards eating healthier and how we can get the best from the good foods we eat, that often trickles down to how we are feeding our animals as well. What exactly is freeze dried dog food? Where can you get it and which companies are best? Hopefully I am able to answer all of your questions below!
Related: Feed Your Dog THIS, not THAT!
What is freeze dried dog food?
Freeze drying is a very scientific process. Without sending you into a science lesson, a short description is that is takes the food which is completely frozen and removes the moisture without thawing the food. It also skips the liquid process and turns the frozen water into vapor. Yes I scratched my head too, but clearly this is possible! I told you it was scientific. The reason behind doing this is because most fresh foods contain about 95% water. Removing the water in this process allows all the nutrients to stay and the food keeps its structure.
How is this different from dehydration?
When dog food goes through the dehydration process, they use heat, which changes not only the composition of the food, but also the nutrients suffer and you are not getting the full nutrients. Think of it in terms of cooking your veggies, when you submerge them in hot boiling water, you lose a lot of the nutrients. When you steam them (less heat), you get to keep the good parts.
Do I give this inplace of kibble, or with his kibble?
You can give this inplace of kibble. If you can think of all the different ways we have of feeding our dogs, from kibble to a raw or home cooked diet, freeze dried will fall in the middle. If you want to feed your dog the best food you can (and who doesn’t?) but you don’t have the time to cook all of his food, or look into how to feed him a raw diet, freeze dried might be the next best option. You can also give this with his kibble. Think of it as icing on the cake!
Related: Is a Raw Dog Food Diet Right for Your Dog?
Who makes freeze dried food and where can I get it?
If you are going to purchase freeze dried, you need to know that at the moment, it is not carried in stores, or even in pet stores. You have to purchase online. Here are a few companies who make freeze dried dog food.
Orijen: This company even adds in fruits and veggies so your dog’s immune system can function properly! It is perfectly fine to feed this daily, as it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Also, their food is preservative free! It is like giving your dog a raw food diet without the mess. One place you can purchase is at www.chewy.com. A 16 oz bag will run you about $34 on their website.
Stella & Chewy’s: They carry meal mixers (just like it sounds, you mix with their kibble). This is a great option, because you don’t have to completely change their food they like, but you are adding raw food nutrition which is great for your dog! Visit their website www.stellaandchewy.com for their variety and other products.
Anything that we can do to boost our dog’s nutrition is always a plus. Do you think you might try mixing some freeze dried food with his kibble or switch over completely?
Have you already tried out freeze dried dog food? Have you noticed any difference in your dog’s coat or activity level? Share your stories with us below!
