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Need to make sure you're feeding your dog the best? Find out the difference between freeze-dried and raw dog food, so you can decide which is right for your dog.

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:

  1. Improved digestion – Raw food diets can be easier for dogs to digest due to their high moisture content and natural enzymes.
  2. Healthier skin and coat – A raw diet can provide essential fatty acids and nutrients contributing to a dog’s overall skin and coat health.
  3. Stronger immune system – A raw diet may help improve the immune system due to the high level of antioxidants and probiotics.
  4. Increased energy and stamina – Raw food can provide essential vitamins and minerals that help increase energy levels and endurance in dogs.
  5. Better dental health – Raw food promotes chewing and can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a dog's teeth.
  6. Decreased risk of allergies – Some dogs may improve from food allergies and sensitivities when switching to a raw diet.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 food for dogs where the moisture is removed from the food at low temperatures. The food is initially frozen, 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 goes through a process, it's not considered raw, unprocessed food. This doesn't mean that freeze-dried is less beneficial for dogs; it's simply a different option.

A glass bowl of raw dog food including quail, a chicken egg,fish, shredded greens, heart and liver meat, and a steak.
Source: DepositPhotos

What is Raw Dog Food?

On the other hand, raw dog food is uncooked, consisting 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 up raw dog food 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 their optimal health and well-being.

Need to make sure you're feeding your dog the best? Find out the difference between freeze-dried and raw dog food, so you can decide which is right for your dog.

Read More About Raw Feeding

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