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Interested in feeding a healthier diet but not ready to tackle DIY raw feeding?  Have you considered a dehydrated or freeze-dried dog food product?

In this post, I compare two foods that I used to feed my dogs, sharing my thoughts on both and explaining why I no longer feed these foods to my dogs.  I also share a list of other brands that I think are a great alternative if these don't work for your dogs.

The Honest Kitchen and Sojos - this is my comparison.

When I was new to raw feeding, I was introduced to The Honest Kitchen and Sojos at an annual sale at a local independent pet store. I was excited because these brands would make feeding fresh food easier. Both brands offered a base mix that only required the addition of muscle meat. And they both offered several protein options. But one food was dehydrated, and the other was freeze-dried. This difference didn't mean much to me then, and this hasn't changed. But my opinion of The Honest Kitchen and Sojos has changed, which I will explain in this article.

Dehydrated vs. Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

Dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods are popular options for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a fresh food diet that's both convenient and nutritious. While they share similarities, there are a few key differences between the two:

Moisture Content

Dehydrated dog food typically retains some moisture, usually around 10-12%, whereas freeze-dried dog food is completely moisture-free, typically less than 3%. Freeze-drying involves removing moisture by freezing the food and then subjecting it to a vacuum, which turns the ice directly into vapor without passing through a liquid phase.

Processing Method

Dehydrated dog food is made by slowly removing moisture from fresh ingredients using low heat over an extended period. This process helps retain nutrients while removing the water content. In contrast, freeze-dried dog food involves rapidly freezing the food and placing it in a vacuum chamber, where the water is sublimated, leaving behind a lightweight, shelf-stable product.

Nutrient Retention

Freeze-drying often preserves more nutrients compared to dehydration. Because freeze-drying occurs at such low temperatures, it minimizes the loss of heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamins and enzymes. Dehydration can result in a slightly higher nutrient loss due to the more prolonged exposure to heat.

Rehydration Process

When feeding dehydrated dog food, water needs to be added to rehydrate it before serving. The food absorbs the water, restoring it to a more palatable and digestible state. On the other hand, freeze-dried dog food can be fed as is or rehydrated if desired. I feed my cat freeze-dried food in a dry state, keeping a water fountain nearby because he won't eat the food once rehydrated. I've also added freeze-dried as a meal topper to my dogs' meals. However, many pet owners prefer rehydrating to make the food more similar to traditional moist food.

Shelf Life and Storage

Dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods have extended shelf life compared to raw or wet food. However, freeze-dried food typically has a longer shelf life due to its lower moisture content. It is generally more lightweight and easier to store, making it suitable for travel or emergencies.

Ultimately, the choice between dehydrated and freeze-dried dog food depends on personal preference, cost, and your dog's specific needs. Let's discuss each using my dogs as an example.

The Honest Kitchen vs. Sojos

Protein Options

Sojos offers several more protein options than The Honest Kitchen:

  • Sojos: turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey & salmon; which is less than the number of proteins available several years ago.
  • The Honest Kitchen: beef, chicken, turkey, fish, chicken & duck, turkey & fish, beef & salmon, fish & oat

Both brands offer a base mix. The Honest Kitchen offers whole grain, grain-free, and limited ingredient recipes.

Vitamin Mixes

Both brands use vitamin mixes. This isn't unusual in the pet food industry. Synthetic vitamins, like those found in many multivitamin supplements, are artificially created in a lab to mimic the structure and function of natural vitamins. While they allow pet food companies to consistently produce nutritionally complete recipes when fresh food options aren't available, they are less bioavailable and effective. It's difficult for dogs to absorb and utilize synthetic vitamins in the body compared to natural vitamins found in whole food.

The Costs

Commercial pet food is more expensive than DIY, and these brands are no exception.

  • Sojos freeze-dried dog food ranges from $30 (1.75 lb box) to $130 (7 lb box).
  • The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food ranges from $15 (10-pack of 1.5 oz servings) to $150 (10 lb box).

The prices vary based on the main protein.

Availability

Both brands are available online (including Amazon and Chewy) and in pet stores.

Ownership

  • Wellness Pet Company purchased Sojos – January 2016; this company also owns Wellness, WHIMZEES, Old Mother Hubbard, Good Dog, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack
  • The founder, Lucy Postins, and an investment group manage the Honest Kitchen.

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