Should You Add Water to Freeze-Dried Pet Food?

Key Takeaways

✅ Water isn’t required but has benefits - Most pets prefer it dry.

✅ Boosts hydration & digestion – Adding water supports kidney health, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.

✅ Enhances flavour & texture – Softens food, releases natural aromas, and makes meals more enticing.

✅ Convenient to serve dry – Stays fresh longer and is great for pets who love a crunchy texture.

✅ Fresh water is a must – No matter how you serve it, hydration is key!

Should You Add Water to Freeze-Dried Pet Food?

When feeding your pet freeze-dried pet food, a common question arises: should you add water or serve it dry? The answer depends on several factors, including your pet’s hydration needs, preferences, and digestive health. Understanding the benefits of both approaches will help you make the best choice for your pet.

Why Add Water to Freeze-Dried Pet Food?

Adding water to freeze-dried pet food has multiple benefits, from improving hydration to enhancing flavour and texture. Here’s why you might want to consider rehydrating your pet’s food: 

1. Hydration and Overall Health 

One of the biggest advantages of adding water to freeze-dried pet food is hydration. Unlike canned foods, raw diets, or commercially made raw meat-based diets, freeze-dried food lacks moisture levels. Freeze-drying removes moisture from food, which helps preserve nutrients and extend shelf life. If your pet doesn’t drink enough fresh water throughout the day, they might be at risk of dehydration. Rehydrating their food ensures they receive additional moisture, supporting kidney function, digestion, and overall well-being. 

2. Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption 

Soaking freeze-dried food can make it easier for pets to digest, particularly for older pets or those with sensitive digestive tracts. The added moisture helps break down the freeze-dried ingredients, making essential vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients more bioavailable and easier to absorb. This can be especially beneficial for pets prone to constipation, gastrointestinal issues, or health concerns related to hydration. 

3. Enhanced Taste and Texture

Many pets find rehydrated food more palatable than dry kibble. The process of adding water creates a soft, meaty texture to the freeze-dried raw food and releases the natural aromas of the raw ingredients, making the meal more enticing. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters who might not be interested in bland-tasting kibble or traditional pet foods. 

4. Preventing Choking or Dental Issues

For small pets, senior dogs, or pets with dental problems, hard, dry products like kibble or freeze-dried pellets can be challenging to chew and swallow. Rehydrating the food softens it, reducing the risk of choking and making it easier to consume, particularly for pets with missing teeth or jaw issues. 

To add or not to add water? It’s up to you and your pet! Rehydrating freeze-dried food has great benefits, but some pets prefer eating it dry. Just be sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Why Some Pet Owners Choose to Feed Freeze-Dried Food Dry

While adding water has its benefits, some pet owners and their furry companions prefer to serve freeze-dried food dry. Here’s why: 

1. Convenience and Simplicity

Serving freeze-dried food dry is quick and easy—just scoop and serve. This is especially convenient for pet parents with busy lives or those who travel frequently with their pets. There’s no need to wait for the food to absorb extra water before feeding. 

2. Pets Who Enjoy Crunchy Texture

Some pets prefer a crunchy texture over wet food. If your pet enjoys eating dry food and drinks enough fresh water separately, there’s no harm in feeding freeze-dried food as-is. Just ensure fresh water is always available, as freeze-dried foods have minimal moisture levels.

3. Extended Freshness

Once water is added to freeze-dried food, it should be consumed as soon as possible to avoid bacterial growth. If your pet is a grazer and doesn’t eat everything at once, serving it dry allows the food to remain fresh for longer periods, maintaining its shelf life and nutritional content.

How to Properly Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Pet Food 

If you decide to add water, follow these simple steps: 

• Refer to the packaging – Different brands, like our freeze-dried raw food, may have specific feeding guidelines on the amount of water to use.
• Use warm water – Warm (not hot water) water helps the food absorb moisture quickly and enhances aroma. Warm water helps the food absorb moisture more quickly, softening it to a texture that is easier for your pet to eat and digest. This ensures they get the full benefit of the nutrients in their meal.
• Let it sit – Give the dry food ample time to absorb the water. Some pets prefer a soft but not mushy texture, so adjust accordingly. For Frontier Pets food, you don’t need to wait after adding water—it’s ready to serve straight away! However, some pets prefer a softer texture, so you can let it sit for a few minutes to allow more absorption. It all depends on your pet’s preference. Try different rehydration times to see what they enjoy most!
• Adjust as needed – If your pet prefers more or less moisture, modify the amount of water to suit their liking. Bone broth or fresh food-based liquid supplements can also be added to enhance flavour and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Whether to add water to freeze-dried dog food & cat food ultimately depends on your pet’s needs and preferences. Rehydration provides essential moisture, enhances taste, and aids digestion, making it an excellent choice for many pets. However, if your pet enjoys dry feeding and stays hydrated through drinking water, feeding it dry is perfectly fine. The key is to ensure your pet receives a balanced meal with proper hydration and nutrition in a way that suits them best. 

At Frontier Pets, we recommend adding water to our freeze-dried raw pet food as it enhances the flavour, improves hydration, and creates a gravy-like texture that many dogs find irresistible. Most of our dog owners prefer serving it wet because it helps support digestion and ensures their pets stay hydrated. On the other hand, many cat owners find that their feline companions prefer eating the food dry, as cats naturally consume less water with their meals. Regardless of how you serve it, always ensure that fresh water is readily available to keep your pet properly hydrated. 

Always consult with an animal nutrition expert or veterinarian if you’re unsure about the best feeding method for your pet. Additionally, storing freeze-dried foods in it's original packaging or in airtight containers will help maintain freshness, extend shelf life, and ensure your pet continues to enjoy delicious dog food packed with first-rate nutrition.