Dog Food Nutrition

Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

July 17, 2024

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Array

Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

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Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

 

Out of the many categories of dog foods available on the market, one option that is rapidly gaining popularity is dehydrated dog food. This type of product removes all the moisture from the food and dries it up completely.

This process of dehydration increases the shelf life and also retains its original nutritional value. Therefore, dehydrated dog food is for dog owners who prefer a raw diet for their beloved pets.

At a Glance: Best Dehydrated Dog Food:

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Dehydrated Dog Food

OVERALL BEST
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

1. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

BEST AFFORDABLE
Stella & Chewy's Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper

2. Stella & Chewy's Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey

3. Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey

BEST FOR SENIORS
Sojos Pre-Mix Natural Grain Free Dry Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food

4. Sojos Pre-Mix Natural Grain Free Dry Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

5. Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Protein
24.5% Min
Protein
44% Min
Protein
31% Min
Protein
14.3% Min
Protein
47% Min
Fat
14% Min
Fat
35% Min
Fat
21% Min
Fat
5.1% Min
Fat
25% Min
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
5% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
8.2% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Calories
485 kcal/cup
Calories
224 kcal/cup
Calories
411 kcal/cup
Calories
332 kcal/cup
Calories
127 kcal/oz

Best Dehydrated Dog Food Reviewed

OVERALL BEST
1.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 24.5% Min
  • Fat: 14% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 485 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Tastes and smells great
  • Low sodium content which is good for the heart health
  • Grain-free and low-carbohydrate
Cons
  • Some reviewers complain about questionable ingredients
This recipefulfills the dog’s natural high-protein requirements of chicken, duck, turkey, and beef recipes. It is 100 percent human-grade natural dog food with minimally processed organic ingredients. This helps to retain the calories and proteins. Moreover, the food has a soft consistency that makes it ideal for canines of all breeds and sizes.
BEST AFFORDABLE
2.

Stella & Chewy's Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper

Product Info

  • Protein: 44% Min
  • Fat: 35% Min
  • Fiber: 5% Max
  • Calories: 224 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Grain-free and made with complex carbohydrates
  • Rich in dietary fiber (5% crude fiber)
  • 100% Organic-certified fruits and vegetables
Cons
  • Slightly expensive
Every petparent wants wholesome and natural nutrition for their pet. Stella & Chewy’s raw diets focus on pure ingredients and raw protein. The limited ingredient recipe contains 90 percent or more meat, organs, and bone than other similar pet food products. Also, often only a single source of animal protein is used in the recipe. That’s the perfect solution for pets with food sensitivities.

Each animal or bird is grass-fed, reared in a cage-free manner or caught from the wilds to guarantee that your pet’s diet is 100 percent natural. Furthermore, the recipe is carefully formulated with minimal processing to preserve the nutritional value of the raw meat. Hence, it provides dogs with the highest levels of animal protein and high-quality grain-free nutrition.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
3.

Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey

Product Info

  • Protein: 31% Min
  • Fat: 21% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Calories: 411 kcal/cup
Pros
  • No digestive issues
  • Can be used as a food topper
  • 100% Natural and grain free
  • Protein rich formula
Cons
  • Fish flavor has a strong smell
  • It is costlier than other food options
These air dried natural and tender protein morsels are made up of 70 percent natural raw protein fortified with vitamins and minerals. This promotes the overall health of your canine. Furthermore, it is air dried to get the raw taste and the ease of a kibble. Wellness CORE grain free dog food formulas are based on the philosophy that dogs mainly need a meat-based diet.
BEST FOR SENIORS
4.

Sojos Pre-Mix Natural Grain Free Dry Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 14.3% Min
  • Fat: 5.1% Min
  • Fiber: 8.2% Max
  • Calories: 332 kcal/cup
Pros
  • High energy levels
  • Vet-recommended
  • Great taste
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Some find the smell of herbs too strong for dogs
  • Extreme picky eaters did not eat it
This freeze-dried meat chow recipe from Sojos is yet another favorite among dogs. It is completely natural and contains only premium and natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Furthermore, you can choose from the four different delicious variants of turkey, beef, goat, and lamb.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
5.

Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 47% Min
  • Fat: 25% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Calories: 127 kcal/oz
Pros
  • Balanced diet for all life stages
  • Steroid-free chicken meat and organs
  • Highly-palatable dog food
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Some reviewers complained about the inconsistency of food quality across products
All meat sources are antibiotic and free from the steroid. It also contains certified organic produce, certified organic minerals, and unrefined vitamins. This helps to fortify and balance the diets. Furthermore, all of the ingredients that are found in the Primal Formulae are procured from ranches and farms in the United States and New Zealand.

Benefits Of Dehydrated Dog Food

Dehydrated dog food is a healthy and high-protein diet that provides numerous vitamins and minerals for your canine companion. This diet is easy to digest, retains most nutrients, and is easier to prepare than dry food kibble. It is also easier to store as it doesn’t require refrigeration. Dehydrated dog food is rich in protein and comes from multiple sources, ensuring a healthier skin and coat.

The dehydration method makes it easier for your dog to absorb nutrients, leading to improved energy levels and stronger immune systems. Improved digestion is directly linked to a strong immune system. Dehydrated dog foods are rich in protein with a moderate fat content and a lower carbohydrate content, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy body weight.

Dehydrated dog food offers numerous benefits, including easier digestion, a longer shelf life, and a variety of protein sources. It also promotes healthier skin and coat conditions, improved energy levels, and a stronger immune system. Dehydrated dog food is a great option for maintaining a healthy weight and overall health.

Disadvantages Of Dehydrated Dog Food

With so many advantages to dehydrated dog food, you might be wondering if there are also many disadvantages. Well, there definitely are some disadvantages that you should consider before picking this food option.

  • Expensive: Dehydrated food is usually less expensive than freeze-dried food, but both options tend to be more expensive than the good old dry kibble.
  • The texture may not be appealing to some dogs: Dogs that are used to the crunch of kibbles or the feel of raw food may not enjoy the texture of dehydrated or freeze-dried foods. These types of foods have a softer texture that is more like oatmeal.
  • The taste isn’t always natural: The process of dehydration can change the taste slightly, but that’s good enough for your pet to detect the change. Your pet may not relish this change of taste. However, freeze-dried foods are much better at preserving the taste of the ingredients put into the recipe than air-dried foods.
  • Rehydration time: Though rehydrating the food is usually a quick process, it could also take a few hours, depending on the type and brand of the food.

How are These Two Different Recipes Processed?

Air-dried dog food is processed at high temperatures to extract moisture from raw food, typically 140°F to 180°F. However, this method can expose meat to spoilage due to oxidation and slightly cook the food, potentially losing nutritional content.

Freeze-dried dog food, on the other hand, is quicker and uses lower temperatures for drying, preserving all nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins. This method retains most of the flavor and aroma of the food, making it a better option than air-dried food. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks.

Final Thoughts

Processed food is not perfect for your dog, as it loses some nutritional value. Each dog has unique needs and tastes. Dehydrated dog food recipes are popular due to their high nutritional value, flavor, and ease of preparation. However, before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet, it is recommended to consult an expert or a vet. Remember, every dog is different and needs different diets.

Array

Anne is a wellness writer with a lifelong love of animals large and small. As a former veterinary technician, she has a passion for your pet’s well-being. Anne rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. She shares her farm with lots of critters including horses, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens
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