DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
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 2024.
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.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best freeze-dried dog food brands for December 2024.
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey recipe is a high-quality, protein-packed food designed to deliver the nutritional benefits of raw food 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
Things we like
- High protein
- Grain and gluten-free
- Contains salmon oil
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...
Read more buyer reviews"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!!"
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper
Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw
Raw Beef is one of five freeze-dried recipes covered in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
Nulo Freestyle Raw Beef gets most of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 29% fat and 18% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
A superior, grain-free, All Life Stages option that makes a healthy and nutritious topper with a good boost of protein for your dog. 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 Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Things we like
- Fast-frozen to lock in nutrients
- High protein from fresh beef
- No corn, wheat or soy
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidneys, ground beef bone Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food For Small Breeds
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Chicken Dinner Patties
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 51% protein, 29% 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 with the added convenience of freeze-dried patties which are ideal for smaller breeds. Made with cage-free chicken (raised without hormones or antibiotics) and 100% organic-certified fruits and vegetables. Recommended with confidence.
Things we like
- High protein from cage-free chicken
- Contains organic fruit and vegetables
- Enhanced with probiotics
Main Ingredients Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 51% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including small breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have two small elderly dogs. They love this food and are more active now that we switched to this food. We are happy to see them perk up and be more playful."
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Large Breeds
Grandma Lucy’s Freeze-Dried Pureformance Chicken Recipe
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% protein, 15% fat and 41% estimated carbs, which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41%, and is ideal for larger breed dogs.
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
Things we like
- Chicken-based protein
- Made with premium ingredients
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients USDA Chicken, chickpeas, flax, carrots, celery Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My vet recommended this food and the website. After introducing & testing it out with my 2 weimaraners, I switched them to this. Smells great, not too fine a blend with chicken pieces, hydrates quickly & they devour it!"
-
Best Affordable Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Sojos Complete Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey Recipe
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 31% protein, 13% fat and 48% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
Sojos is totally free of genetically engineered and artificial ingredients, as well as containing no preservatives or fillers. An excellent option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities at an affordable price for most budgets. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Sojos Complete Dog Food (Freeze-Dried) range here
Things we like
- Protein from turkey and egg
- Low price
- Good for dogs with sensitive skin
Main Ingredients Turkey hearts, carrots, dried egg product, chickpea flour, cranberries Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My husky would always fight me to eat and now she looks up after she finishes her bowl for more. I could not be happier. I have 3 dogs and I usually put aside enough for 4 days covered in the fridge. It is so easy and very affordable for raw food!"
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food For Picky Eaters
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Duck Recipe
If your dog’s a picky eater, 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 56% protein, 32% fat and 4% 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
Things we like
- Single-protein recipes
- Ideal for picky eaters
- No artificial preservatives or colors
Main Ingredients Duck with ground bone, duck liver, duck heart, pumpkin, coconut oil Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 58% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs (including small or medium breed puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My guy LOVES this. He is the pickiest eater and we crumble this on top of his food and then shake it up, His bowl has been consistently empty at the end of every day. It is such a relief knowing he is eating enough daily. I HIGHLY recommend. It is on the pricier side but it is so worth it."
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food For Senior Dogs
Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend Essential Wellness
Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness 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 freeze-dried dog food offers multiple sources of good quality meat and fish protein, fruit, vegetables and seeds and is free from artificial preservatives and fillers, boosting senior dogs’ energy levels. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Dr. Marty Dog Food (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here
Things we like
- Uses named meats
- Includes fruit and vegetables
- Boosts energy
Main Ingredients Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39.4% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only (including senior dogs) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Dr. Marty"My 10 year old Shih Tzu has only been on Natures Blend for 4 days and I can see a difference already! "
-
Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food For Dogs With Allergies
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey Entrée
Turkey Entrée is one of 13 freeze-dried recipes included in our review of the Vital Essentials product line.
This Vital Essentials formula receives the lion’s share of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57.6% protein, 18% fat and 16% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 32%.
The single-protein diet is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Can be used as a complete and balanced meal or used as a topper to improve the palatability of another product. Offers several recipes to choose from.
Vital Essentials is one of only a few commercial diets that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles by conducting actual feeding trials on live animals. A real gem and a rare find. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Vital Essentials Dog Food (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here
Things we like
- Extremely high protein from turkey
- Single protein ideal for dogs with allergies
- Vital Essentials conducts actual feeding trials
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey heart, turkey liver, herring oil, mixed tocopherols Texture Freeze-dried Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 57.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our little girl is allergic to chicken and to find a clean Turkey kibble is not easy. No extra added ingredients, just Turkey!"
-
Best Freeze Dried Food for Puppies
Open Farm Puppy
Open Farm Puppy is one of seven foods in our review of this freeze-dried raw range.
This grain-free premium food has been specifically crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of growing puppies. It is made with responsibly sourced ingredients, including humanely-raised chicken and pork and wild-caught salmon, combining high-quality animal proteins with wholesome fruits, vegetables, and essential nutrients to support your puppy’s development. Open Farm’s commitment to sustainability ensures that every ingredient is traceable back to its source.
Our dry matter analysis reveals a protein reading of 36%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 39% with a fat to protein ratio of 50%.
Things we like
- Responsibly sourced ingredients
- Formulated specifically for puppies
- High in fiber
Main Ingredients Chicken, salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, peas Texture Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"I love the way Open Farm does business, where and how they source the products for their food and their focus on quality. I believe this is so important to my dog's health."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
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.
