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As dog owners, we always want the best for our dogs, especially their nutrition. Traditionally, dog owners have chosen between kibble and canned dog food. But over the past decade, we've seen a rise in fresh food options, including raw, cooked, freeze-dried, and dehydrated dog food. What's interesting is freeze-dried dog food is often called “freeze-dried raw,” but is it raw? This blog post will examine the differences between freeze-dried and raw dog food and help you decide which is best for your beloved pet.
Benefits of Feeding Fresh Food to Dogs
The following are the benefits of feeding dogs a fresh food diet, specifically raw food:
- Improved digestion: Raw food diets can be easier for dogs to digest due to their high moisture content and natural enzymes.
- Healthier skin and coat: A raw diet can provide essential fatty acids and nutrients contributing to a dog’s overall skin and coat health.
- Stronger immune system: A raw diet may help improve the immune system due to the high level of antioxidants and probiotics.
- Increased energy and stamina: Raw food can provide essential vitamins and minerals that help increase energy levels and endurance in dogs.
- Better dental health: Raw food promotes chewing and can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on dogs' teeth.
- Decreased risk of allergies: Switching to a raw diet may improve the condition of some dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
- More natural and species-appropriate: A raw diet can provide a dog with a more natural and species-appropriate diet similar to what their ancestors ate before domestication.
- Better weight management: Raw diets can provide better weight management as they often contain fewer carbohydrates than traditional processed dog foods.
What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?
Freeze-dried dog food is a form of fresh dog food in which moisture is removed from the food at low temperatures. The food is initially frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber, where the water is removed. This process ensures that the food retains its nutritional value and that the end product is lightweight, easy to store, and has a long shelf life. Additionally, freeze-drying dog food ensures a low chance of bacterial contamination, making it safer.
Because freeze-dried dog food undergoes a process, it's not considered raw, unprocessed food. This doesn't mean that freeze-dried dog food is less beneficial for dogs; it's simply a different option.
What is Raw Dog Food?
On the other hand, raw dog food is uncooked and consists of raw meat, bones, and organs. Raw feeding advocates believe this type of feeding is the most natural for dogs. Raw food provides a high protein content and essential vitamins and minerals. Raw food enthusiasts believe their dogs have better coats, improved dental health, and an overall better immune system.
While commercial raw may go through a kill step to decrease bacteria, the homemade raw diet is free from this step and other forms of processing.
Choosing Between Freeze-Dried and Raw Dog Food
Pros of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- fresh food is superior to kibble and canned
- freeze-dried dog food can be mixed with kibble
- freeze-dried dog food is nutritionally complete
- freeze-dried dog food has a longer shelf life
- freeze-dried dog food is easy to feed
- dog owners can travel with freeze-dried dog food
- freeze-dried dog food offers many protein options
- some freeze-dried dog food brands can double as training treats
- veterinarians may more readily accept freeze-dried dog food
- anyone can feed freeze-dried (spouse, pet sitter)
- freeze-dried raw dog food doesn't require excess storage space
Cons of Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- freeze-dried dog food is more expensive
- dog owners cannot control ingredients when feeding commercial food
Why I Prefer Raw Dog Food
I don't have an issue with freeze-dried pet food. I feed it to my cat, and it's a great option for puppies. However, I prefer raw dog food because it's more affordable when I mix it up myself. Living in a multi-dog home with big dogs makes commercial raw and freeze-dried dog food too expensive. I have the storage space to order ingredients in bulk and enjoy meal prep for my dogs.
Freeze-dried and raw dog food both have pros and cons. As pet owners, choosing the best option for our dogs is essential. Both are a great alternative to traditional dog food for pet owners looking for a nutritious option that is easy to store and handle.
Ultimately, each dog is different, and their dietary needs may vary. With proper research and attention to detail, you can make informed decisions about your dog's nutrition, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
My toy poodle gets homemade organic, raw foods/veggies/meats. I dehydrate part of the batch for a crunchy ‘jerky’ type of treat and freeze the rest in one serving scoops and it is her ‘wet’ food, mixed with fresh lamb’s liver. That said, we’re going to visit Canada & zero foods are allowed across the border. I discovered “Tender & True” ALL organic freeze dried raw – sustainably harvested fish/also other protein choices. I can bring this to Canada (unopened) and I just received first bag and she LOVES it. I’m mixing it in with her current food to acclimate her to it. This is the BEST alternative, easy for travel and meets her approval. The company replied to all my questions promptly.