Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

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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 1. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food View on Prf Read Review	BEST AFFORDABLE 2. Stella & Chewy's Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR PUPPIES 3. Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey View on Prf Read Review	BEST FOR SENIORS 4. Sojos Pre-Mix Natural Grain Free Dry Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food View on Amazon Read Review	BEST FOR ALLERGIES 5. Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review
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

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Try Honest Kitchen

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.