A Dog Owner's Guide To Freeze Dried Raw Dog Foods
When it comes to our furry friends, we want to make sure they are eating the best food possible. That’s why so many dog owners are turning to freeze-dried dog food as an option. But what is freeze-dried dog food and is it good for your dog? In this article, we will discuss what freeze-dried dog food is, how it works, the benefits of freeze-dried dog food, and how to store and prepare it. We will also answer some common questions about freeze-dried dog food and give you all the information you need to know before making a purchase.
What is freeze-dried dog food?
Freeze-dried dog food is a type of raw food that has been frozen and then dried at a very low temperature, typically between -20 degrees Celsius and -60 degrees Fahrenheit. This preserves the nutrients in fresh foods that would otherwise be lost during cooking processes such as boiling or baking. In order to remove water from the freeze-dried dog food (dehydrate), it’s placed in a freeze-drying machine that lowers the atmospheric pressure. This causes the water inside freeze-dried dog food to convert directly into gas – a process called sublimation.
Because there’s no heat involved in the process, freeze-dried dog food is considered to be a raw product. However, because the water has been removed, bacteria can’t reproduce as rapidly, which does make it slightly safer than unprocessed raw foods.
The freeze drying process preserves the nutrients and flavor of the food. Once it is rehydrated, the food will look and smell just like fresh food.
What are the benefits of freeze-dried raw dog food?
There are many benefits to feeding your dog freeze-dried dog food. First, freeze dried foods typically have a longer shelf life than other types of pet food, making them a good option for pet owners who want to stock up on food in advance.
They are also shelf-stable, which means that they can be stored for up to 12 months at room temperature without refrigeration or freezing – making them easy to store and transport, an excellent option for pet owners who travel with their dogs often as well as for those who live in warmer climates where foods can spoil quickly if not refrigerated.
Another benefit of freeze-drying is that it preserves the nutrients and flavor in fresh foods while killing harmful bacteria, making freeze-dried dog food an excellent option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a healthy and nutritious, all-natural diet.
Freeze dried foods are also great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients. These foods are made from fresh ingredients with no preservatives or artificial additives – making them a perfect choice for pups with allergies or food sensitivities.
Finally, freeze-drying is a natural process that doesn’t involve any chemicals so it’s safe for your pet to eat freeze dried food without worrying about them ingesting anything harmful.
How do you freeze dry dog food?
The first step in freeze drying dog food is to freeze the raw ingredients at a very low temperature, typically between -20 degrees Celsius and -60 degrees Fahrenheit. This preserves nutrients in fresh foods that would otherwise be lost during cooking processes such as boiling or baking. In order to remove water from the food (dehydrate), it’s placed in a machine that lowers the atmospheric pressure. This causes the water inside the food to convert directly to gas – a process called sublimation.
Your freeze-dried dog foods are then ready for storage! Keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them again (which could be up to 12 months later). For example, freeze dried salmon can last about two years as long as it stays cool and dry throughout its shelf life – just like any other food product.
Are freeze-dried dog foods raw?
Freeze-dried dog foods are freeze-dried raw products. They’re made from meat, fruits and vegetables that haven’t been cooked or treated with any preservatives before freeze drying. This means freeze dried dog food is considered a “raw diet” because it still contains all of its natural enzymes, nutrients and moisture.
Dehydrated vs freeze-dried dog food - which is healthier?
Although water is removed from the food in both cases, freeze-drying does not use any heat during the process, while dehydration does. In the case of dehydrated foods, the raw ingredients are placed in a low-heat environment for an extended period of time until the water slowly converts into a gas – the same process used to make jerky or dried fruit.
Although the heat used is extremely low, it still changes the structure of the food. So technically, dehydrated dog food is no longer considered raw. This is why many raw dog food devotees prefer freeze-dried foods over dehydrated ones. Freeze-drying food is commonly regarded as healthier and more nutritious than dehydrated, which can lose its nutritional value during the dehydration process.
Freeze-dried foods offer a longer shelf life and lower moisture content than dehydrated foods. The dehydration process removes approximately 90-95% of moisture, while the freeze-drying process removes about 98-99%.
The time it takes to rehydrate also differs for both. Freeze-dried dog foods rehydrate faster – usually rehydrate in 2-3 minutes, whereas dehydrated dog foods may take 5-10 minutes or require an hour or longer of soaking depending on the size of the food chunks.
Freeze-dried foods retain their original shape, texture, and color. They also generally taste better than dehydrated foods. There are more types of foods that can be freeze-dried than there are that can be dehydrated.
Pros and cons of freeze-dried dog food
Now that you know all about freeze-dried dog food, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
– Generally considered healthier than dehydrated foods
– Retain more nutrients than dehydrated foods due to not using any heat in the freeze drying process
– More variety of freeze-dried foods than dehydrated (including freeze-dried raw)
– Easier to rehydrate than dehydrated food – usually takes only a few minutes
Cons:
– Higher price tag compared to other dog food options
– Not as readily available in stores as other types of dog food
Do I add water to freeze-dried dog food?
Yes, freeze-dried foods are typically dry and need to be rehydrated before feeding. When adding water, some prefer to use hot or warm water as it helps the freeze-dried food break apart easier. This is especially helpful if your pup doesn’t like crunchy food. Others recommend adding cold water and letting the freeze-dried food soak for a while, like an hour or more. Doing this will help the food maintain its original shape, texture and flavor.
Some freeze dried foods also come with their own rehydration instructions on the package. Follow those if they are available.
It’s important to note that freeze-dried foods will expand in size once added water. Make sure you add enough water to rehydrate the food and make it soft and easy for your pup to chew. This way they won’t choke on the pieces and you can make sure they’re getting enough to eat.
However, if too much water is added, you may end up with a mushy mess or waste some of the freeze-dried food.
How do I store freeze-dried dog food?
You can store freeze-dried dog food in its original packaging or an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags are perfect for this. Place the freeze-dried food in a cool, dark place (kept out of direct sunlight) and it will be good to go for months – even years if stored this way!
You can freeze the freeze-dried dog food, but it will not last as long and may lose some of its nutrients when thawed. If you want to freeze the freeze-dried dog food, make sure it has been thawed before feeding it to your pup!
How long do freeze-dried dog foods last?
Freeze dried foods have a longer shelf life than other types of dog food (even kibbles)! In fact, they can last for up to two years or more without going bad when stored properly. This is because moisture has been removed from the food during the freeze-drying process.
How to freeze-dry dog food at home?
Freeze drying is a process that takes time and requires freeze dryers. This can be expensive, so you probably won’t want to do it yourself. However, if you have the equipment and know-how, then go for it! Otherwise, we recommend leaving freeze drying to the professionals.
Is freeze-dried food good and healthy for dogs?
Yes, freeze-dried food is safe and healthy for your dog. It is an excellent source of nutrition for your dog as it contains all of the enzymes, nutrients and moisture that are beneficial to your pup.
They are also high in protein and low in carbs, making them a healthy alternative to kibble or canned food. And since freeze drying is a natural process that doesn’t involve heat, they retain more vitamins and minerals than foods that are cooked.
In fact, freeze-dried dog food often contains more nutrients than cooked or processed foods do. Not only freeze-dried dog food is healthy, but it’s also easy to prepare and rehydrate – just add water! No need for you to worry about your pup not getting enough nutrition in their diet when feeding them freeze-dried meals or treats.
What to look for when buying freeze-dried dog food?
When buying freeze-dried dog food, you’ll want to know what ingredients are in the product. Avoid foods that contain corn or soy and opt for freeze-dried foods made with whole meat as their primary ingredient.
Look at the company’s reputation – do they have good reviews? What do others say about their freeze-dried foods? Many reputable brands offer high-quality freeze-dried foods for dogs. If you like to get some recommendations, check out our reviews on the top-rated freeze dried dog food here.
When buying freeze dried dog food, also make sure to consider your pup’s age, size and activity level. There are freeze dried foods made specifically for puppies, seniors or those with allergies or sensitivities. Just make sure you read the ingredient list before buying freeze-dried dog food to ensure it doesn’t contain anything your pup is sensitive or allergic to!
Final Thoughts
Looking for a convenient and healthy way to feed your dog? Then check out freeze-dried dog foods! The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavor of the food, making it a popular choice for pet owners. Freeze-dried dog foods are often a good alternative to feeding a raw diet. Your pup gets the same nutritional benefits of eating raw without the mess. The foods are nutritionally balanced, easy to handle and store, plus they keep for a long time.
When switching your dog to freeze-dried food, you might want to start with a small amount and add it as a topping. In fact, some dog parents only feed their dogs this kind of food as a treat or topper in order to avoid the high cost.
Even the most finicky eaters will appreciate freeze-dried food because it’s delicious and nutritious. And because it’s generally made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial fillers or additives, you can feel good about it too!
And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your dog nutrition & diet, always reach out to your veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t intend to replace professional veterinary advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for veterinary services, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this website, including information and opinions expressed herein, are intended for general informational purposes only. In case you have concerns or questions regarding your dog’s health and diet requirements, please consult your veterinarian before doing anything that might affect it.
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