Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food

These dog foods were carefully reviewed for ingredient quality, nutrition, and standards.
Mike Sagman Howard Calvert

By

Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

Founder

Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.

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Howard Calvert
Howard Calvert

Howard Calvert

Content Writer

Aside from Dog Food Advisor, Howard has written for a range of newspapers, magazines, and websites on topics including how to pole vault, what it’s like to leap around a giant human pinball machine, and the experience of running 100 miles round Mont Blanc.

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Updated: March 17, 2026

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Laura Ward

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Laura Ward
Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Pet Nutritionist

Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.

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All reviews are impartial. We may earn referral fees from links on this page. Some products may be from companies affiliated with Dog Food Advisor's owner—these are marked with an asterisk (*).

On this page… the Dog Food Advisor takes an in-depth look at some of the best freeze-dried dog foods on the market for 2026.

And we’ll rate each of our top picks.

But first…

What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze drying is a process that uses vacuum pressure to remove the moisture from raw frozen food. This creates a dry, crunchy product that retains most of its original size and shape.

It’s a cold-temperature method that creates a super-healthy pet food. One that’s naturally preserved without chemicals… while its original nutrients remain mostly unchanged.

Freeze-Dried vs Dehydrated: What’s the Difference?

Dehydrated dog food is made by circulating warm dry air over the surface of a food. The temperature is high enough to evaporate the moisture… but without cooking the food.

Freeze drying removes 98-99% of the moisture. Dehydration removes less. Just 90 percent.

Which is why freeze-dried dog food retains more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in the original food. And why it has a longer shelf life, too.

Our Editor’s Top Picks

The outstanding freeze-dried brands below were selected by our research team because they contain:

  • Above-average protein
  • No generic meats
  • No high-risk preservatives

On the list below…

You’ll find the Dog Food Advisor’s best freeze-dried raw dog foods… and we’ll rate each of our top picks.

You’ll also learn the answer to the most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding freeze-dried dog food.

The Dog Food Advisor - Editor's choice

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food March 2026

Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best freeze-dried dog food brands for March 2026.

  • Maxbone Muscle Up Beef Meal

    Rating:
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    Formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist, this recipe is certainly worthy of the 5 stars it has received from the Dog Food Advisor.

    Maxbone Muscle Up Beef Meal contains a generous amount of beef and beef organs as its primary source of animal protein. Made in the USA with fresh, natural ingredients, completely free from anything artificial.

    It is one of two grain-free recipes in our review of the product range.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 53.8% protein, 33.7% fat and 4.2% carbohydrates . . . resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    An excellent freeze-dried dog food with natural ingredients. Relatively new to the market, it’s well worth trying.

    Read our review of the full Maxbone Freeze-dried Raw Dog Food range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Maxbone is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to be complete and balanced. For active small dogs who require a high-energy food, this is a good option.

    Main Ingredients Beef, beef bone, beef fat, beef kidney, beef heart
    Type Freeze-Dried
    Protein Percentage 53.8%
    AAFCO Standards All life stages
    Best For All dogs and puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "My Cavalier Elizabeth is a very picky eater. I tried several different foods ranging from kibble to raw to lightly cooked and she walked away from all of them. So I decided to try the Beef Meal. She licked her bowl clean and looked up at me as if to ask for more. I am beyond thrilled with this nutritious and tasty food."

    Read more buyer reviews at maxbone.com

    What do pet parents think?

  • Tally's Ranch Freeze-Dried Beef Recipe

    Rating:
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    One of two products reviewed in the line, Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Beef Recipe, is a limited-ingredient, vet-formulated formula, rated 5 stars by Dog Food Advisor. This freeze-dried raw recipe delivers protein-packed fuel with zero fillers, meat meals, or artificial preservatives.

    Beef is the main ingredient, which provides essential amino acids and omega-3s to support muscle growth and heart health, while nutrient-rich beef liver adds natural sources of vitamin A, B12, and iron, vital for vision, energy, and red blood cell function. Kale offers antioxidants and supports immune function, and carrots contribute beta-carotene for healthy eyes and skin.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 32.1% protein, 23.9% fat and 31.4% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%

    With natural, simple ingredients and premium sourcing, this is a top pick for anyone seeking a wholesome, raw-inspired diet without the prep.

    Read our review of the full Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Beef is a high-quality freeze-dried food developed with a vet, including high protein from beef, with a combination of vegetables and barley. Prepared in human-grade facilities, and providing a nutrient-dense food which is palatable for many dogs.

    Main Ingredients Beef, beef liver, steamed barley, flaxseed, sweet potatoes
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 32.1%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Natural ingredients

    Sample buyer review...

    "My very picky dog loves Tally's Ranch, our new go to."

    Read more buyer reviews at tallysranch.com
  • pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey

    Rating:
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    pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey recipe is a high-quality, protein-packed food designed to deliver the nutritional benefits of raw food topper in a convenient, easy-to-serve format.

    Made with real turkey as the primary ingredient, this product provides essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health and well-being. Our dry matter label analysis reveals a protein reading of 44.7%, a fat level of 34% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 13.3%.

    This turkey recipe is one of three in our review of the freeze dried raw range by pawTree, a brand founded by Roger Morgan in 2012. The foods are created with the support of an advisory team made up of expert veterinarians and nutritionist. Recommended with confidence.

    Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “pawTree has created a complete freeze-dried, single-source animal protein food. It contains a multitude of functional ingredients, from prebiotics and probiotics to salmon oil. Using this as a topper can boost the palatability of another food, but also provide a boost in nutrition provided.

    Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, turkey hearts, garbanzo beans, dried sweet potatoe
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 44.7%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds)

    Sample buyer review...

    "The Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw has been a great addition to pawTree's product lineup. I use it as a kibble topper in addition to the pawTree kibble. The Freeze-Dried Raw is a simple way to amplify my pet's nutrition!!"

    Read more buyer reviews
  • Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey and Cranberries

    Rating:
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    Raw Turkey is one of six freeze-dried recipes covered in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.

    Nulo Raw Turkey gets most of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 47.7% protein, 37.6% fat and 4.5% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 79%.

    A superior, grain-free and palatable freeze-dried food which is elevated through prebiotics, probiotics and omega 3 oils to support gut and microbiome health and joint health. Made in a USDA-inspected facility and fast-frozen to preserve flavor and micro-nutrients. Contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives and coloring. Heartily recommended.

    Read our review of the full Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Cranberries is a palatable freeze-dried food which is elevated through prebiotics, probiotics and omega-3 oils to support gut and microbiome health and joint health

    Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey necks, turkey liver, turkey heart, dried egg
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 47.7%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds)

    Sample buyer review...

    "I have been using Nulo for approx. 1 year now. My 4 year old Mastiff and my 5 year old Shepard Mix LOVE Nulo products. Their coats are so shiny and the previous allergies that they struggled with are GONE! I would highly recommend any of the Nulo products."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

    What do pet parents think?

  • Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties

    Rating:
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    Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties is one of 13 freeze-dried recipes evaluated in our review of the product line.

    This particular recipe acquires a major part of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50.5% protein, 29.5% fat and 12% estimated carbs, delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    The formula provides most of the benefits of a raw diet using a combination of meat, ground bone and organ, with seeds, vegetables, fruits, enhanced with probiotics to aid in healthy digestion. Affordable and recommended with confidence.

    Read our review of the full Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinners Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Patties are complete and balanced food. Using a combination of meat, ground bone and organ, with seeds, vegetables, and fruits, enhanced with probiotics to aid in healthy digestion.

    Main Ingredients Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 50.5%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adults and puppies (including small breeds)

    Sample buyer review...

    "Healthy and likeable. This product is healthy and affordable, and our 5-year-old Yorkie loves it! "

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

    What do pet parents think?

  • Grandma Lucy’s Freeze-Dried Pureformance Chicken Recipe

    Rating:
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    Pureformance Chicken Recipe is one of four formulas rated in our review of the Grandma Lucy’s freeze-dried product line.

    Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Chicken gets the better part of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36.2% protein, 14.9% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs, which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41%.

    Grandma Lucy’s is suitable for picky eaters. Rehydration of the meal with water creates a tasty texture.

    Prepared in a family-owned California facility, this fully grain-free formula is made in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. Free of generic by-products and preservatives, and made with premium ingredients throughout. Easy to recommend.

    Read our review of the full Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Grandma Lucy’s is suitable for picky eaters. Rehydration of the meal with water creates a tasty texture. 34% protein is mainly from chicken and chickpeas, giving a quality source of protein.

    Main Ingredients USDA Chicken, chickpeas, flax, carrots, celery
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 36.2%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adults and puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "My dog had been unenthusiastic about the high quality kibble I had been feeding. I tried adding raw to the kibble, and while the dog liked it, I did not. Tried Grandma Lucy's freeze dried chicken, and the dog loved it. I love how fresh it smells. Highly recommend, especially if your dog is a picky eater."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Sojos Complete Turkey Recipe

    Rating:
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    This Turkey recipe is one of five freeze-dried formulas analyzed in our review of the Sojos Complete product line.

    The formula gets most of its animal protein from fresh turkey and egg. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32.1% protein, 14.1% fat and 42.3% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

    Sojos is a freeze-dried food which has a controlled protein and fat analysis, which is better suited to senior dogs than options which are higher in fat and protein. This is a digestible and high quality food. The combination of turkey, vegetables, enhanced with ginger root and kelp to aid in supporting digestion, joint and dental health. Easily recommended.

    Read our review of the full Sojos Complete Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Sojos is a freeze-dried food which has a controlled protein and fat analysis, which is better suited to senior dogs than options which are higher in fat and protein. This is a digestible and high-quality food. The combination of turkey, vegetables, enhanced with ginger root and kelp to aid in supporting digestion, joint and dental health.

    Main Ingredients Turkey, sweet potatoes, whole egg, broccoli, apples
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 32.1%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult and senior dogs

    Sample buyer review...

    "Best dog food ever! This is the best dog food ever! I have a 14-year-old Sheltie with major stomach issues, and this cleared it up. He loved the Wild venison best, but when I couldn't get the venison anymore, we switched to the turkey, and he loved it too!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Duck Recipe

    Rating:
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    If your dog has allergies, offering them a single-protein meal, such as Bixbi’s Rawbble Duck Recipe, could solve the problem.

    This food is one of seven dry formulas analyzed in our review of the Bixbi Rawbble product line. It draws the majority of its animal protein from fresh duck. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 55.9% protein, 32.3% fat and 3.8% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    We like the simple, single-protein design, which makes it ideal for use as a limited-ingredient diet. It’s made with poultry that’s raised without antibiotics or added hormones, free of all rendered meal by-products while it also contains no corn, wheat soy, artificial preservatives or coloring agents. A top, grain-free, freeze-dried option. Easy to recommend.

    Read our review of the full Bixbi Rawbble Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Bixbi utilises a single animal protein approach and a simple recipe to help to best suit limited ingredient requirements whilst meeting the requirements for a complete and balanced diet for all life stages.

    Main Ingredients Duck with ground bone, duck liver, duck heart, pumpkin, coconut oil
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 55.9%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For All dogs (including small or medium breed puppies)

    Sample buyer review...

    "My mini golden doodle is picky & allergic to a lot, this was perfect."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Healthy Growth

    Rating:
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    Nature’s Blend Healthy Growth is one of seven recipes included in our review of Dr. Marty freeze-dried product line.

    This recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39.4% protein, 28.7% fat and 23.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.

    Dr Marty’s Nature’s Blend Healthy Growth uses a combination of multiple protein sources. Omega 3 fatty acids support the development of the brain, vision, joints, skin and coat, and more. Plant-based ingredients provide a multitude of nutrients and functional focuses, from antioxidants to gingerols. Enthusiastically recommended for puppies.

    Read our review of the full Dr. Marty Dog Food (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here

    Why we chose this

    Our expert nutritionist, Laura Ward, says: “Dr Marty’s Nature’s Blend uses a combination of multiple protein sources. Omega-3 fatty acids support the development of the brain, vision, joints, skin and coat, and more. Plant-based ingredients provide a multitude of nutrients and functional focuses, from antioxidants to gingerols.

    Main Ingredients Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 39.4%
    AAFCO Standards Growth
    Best For Puppies (including large breed pups)

    Sample buyer review...

    "Its great food for my pup, she loves it and I love that I can read and understand all the ingredients that go into the making of Nature's Blend and I can trust that what my puppy is eating is actually good and healthy for her diet and that the food is paraben-free. Thank you, Dr. Marty!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Dr. Marty

    What do pet parents think?

How we review dog foods

We read the label.

This may sound simple, but there are thousands of dog foods on the market, and the label is the only source of reliable, standardized and government-regulated data available on every one of them. This includes the AAFCO nutrient profile, the Guaranteed Analysis and the ingredients.

We use our algorithm.

We take the data and enter it into our unique algorithm to produce a different set of figures, including the Dry Matter Analysis (the nutrient levels after water has been removed). This algorithm gives us a base score range on our five-star rating system.

We refine the score.

We take into account other factors, such as the quality of ingredients and the nature of the first few ingredients on the list (and therefore the most prevalent in the food), and narrow the score. The key ingredients are explained in-depth in the review.

Our expert nutritionist takes over.

At this point, our expert pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, goes through the review to check and approve it. She has the authority to make small discretionary changes to the star-rating based on her judgment of a food. We now have our final star-rating.

What other information do we include for dog parents?

Each dog food review includes sample consumer reviews and links to other reviews. It also includes the brand’s recall history. Our Best Dog Food pages also include consumer reviews.

Why we don’t just feed foods to our dogs.

Despite what other dog food review sites claim, simply giving a food to a dog and seeing if they eat it is completely unscientific and has little value as a review method. If you give a kid candy, they’ll happily eat it, but it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. And no one food suits every dog.

It’s also dangerous for dogs. We rate every dog food, good and bad. Why would we deliberately feed a dog bad dog food?

That said, we understand that personal experience of a food is important to dog parents and include consumer reviews on our pages.

What about lab-testing dog food?

Lab-testing dog food can provide useful, in-depth information, but as mentioned, there are thousands of dog foods on the market. We’d love to test them all, but there isn’t a facility in the country that could. Therefore, it’s impossible to have a fair universal rating system using lab tests.

It’s worth noting that dog food brands carry out their own testing. This ensures compliance with AAFCO and FDA pet food standards, as well as checking for pathogens.


Why you should trust our dog food reviews


Dog Food Advisor has been impartially reviewing dog food since 2008. We are the most trusted dog food review site in the United States, with a 4.9-star TrustPilot rating.

Here's why:

We do not accept money, gifts, samples or any other incentives in exchange for special consideration in writing our reviews.

We rate every dog food in the same way, using the only information we believe is equally available for all foods, reliable and therefore fair: what’s on the label. It’s the only way for any review site to rate every dog food on the market.

We focus on ingredients, nutrient profiles and recipes. We look at the ingredients used, including their quality, and review the nutritional analysis and macronutrient balance. We take into account any controversial or harmful ingredients.

Every review is expertly checked and approved by our highly qualified in-house animal nutritionist, Laura Ward.

We report all dog food and dog treat recalls through our Dog Food Recall Alert service, no matter the brand.

For more information, read our How We Rate Dog Food and Disclaimer and Disclosure pages.

Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding freeze-dried dog food:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I switch to freeze-dried food... without making my dog sick?

In this video

Holistic vet, Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your dog’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a freeze-dried food.

It’s best to switch your dog to freeze-dried dog food slowly.

Begin by mixing 20% “freeze-dried” with 80% “old” food. Then, gradually increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 8 to 9 days.

Schedule Old Food Freeze-Dried
Days 1 and 2 80% 20%
Days 3 and 4 60% 40%
Days 5 and 6 40% 60%
Days 7 and 8 20% 80%
Day 9 0% 100%

How long can freeze-dried food remain in the bowl?

If fed dry, the food can remain in the bowl for up to 12 hours before discarding. If the food has been “rehydrated”, it can stay in the bowl for up to 2 hours.

How do I feed freeze-dried dog food?

Freeze-dried dog food can be fed either dry or rehydrated. If you choose to feed the product dry, be sure your pet has access to plenty of water at mealtime.

If your pet doesn’t usually drink much water, or if you’re concerned they may not get enough, then rehydrating the food with cool or warm (NOT hot) water before feeding is probably a good idea.

Can I warm up freeze-dried food before it's served?

Freeze-dried dog food should never be warmed, cooked or heated. To maintain its nutritional value, it’s best to serve the food in its natural state. Heating can negate the benefits of feeding a freeze-dried raw diet.

Is freeze-dried dog food safer than raw dog food?

Freeze-dried dog food is still considered raw. So it’s important to handle the food with caution to avoid contaminating your kitchen.

Some (but not all) freeze-dried dog foods have been prepared using a special germ control process known as High Pressure Processing (or HPP). Supporters claim the process renders the food safer than a traditional raw diet.

What's the difference between dehydrated, freeze-dried and frozen dog food?

In the following video, Dr. Richard Patton, explains the critical difference between dehydrated, freeze-dried and frozen dog foods.

https://youtu.be/MPAmjUYUJsk

Final word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

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