Article: The Shelf Life of Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

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The Shelf Life of Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Dog owners seeking the ultimate balance between convenience and nutrition often turn to raw freeze-dried dog food. This modern pet food option has transformed how we feed our pets, offering the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of refrigeration or short shelf lives. Understanding the shelf life of raw freeze-dried dog food and the best practices for storage ensures your furry companion always gets the best nutrition.

What is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-drying is a meticulous process where raw ingredients are frozen and placed in a vacuum chamber. The moisture is then removed through sublimation, bypassing the liquid state and turning ice directly into vapour. This innovative method preserves the nutritional integrity of the ingredients, including essential vitamins, amino acids, and other vital nutrients, while extending their shelf life. The result? Lightweight, shelf-stable, and nutrient-rich meals that replicate a raw food diet without the need for freezing or refrigerating.

Typical Shelf Life of Raw Freeze-Dried Food

Unopened Freeze-Dried Dog Food

One of the standout advantages of freeze-dried dog food is its long shelf life. Most brands, including Frontier Pets, offer unopened bags with a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. The absence of moisture creates an environment hostile to bacteria and mould, ensuring the food stays fresh for extended periods.

Opened Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Once a bag of freeze-dried dog food is opened, its longevity depends on proper storage. Typically, opened freeze-dried dog food remains fresh for 30 to 60 days. Frontier Pets’ freeze-dried food lasts up to three months after opening if stored correctly in an airtight container.

Consumed Shelf Life vs Nutritional Shelf Life

It’s important to differentiate between "consumed shelf life" and "nutritional shelf life":

Consumed Shelf Life: Refers to the period during which the food remains safe to eat.
Nutritional Shelf Life: Represents how long the food retains its optimal nutrient levels. While freeze-dried food remains safe to consume for months, it’s best to adhere to recommended time frames to ensure your pet benefits from peak nutrition, including a complete diet with balanced nutrition.

Storage Tips to Maximise Shelf Life

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of freeze-dried dog food. Here are some tips to ensure your dog’s meals remain fresh:

Use Airtight Containers: After opening, transfer the food into an airtight container to protect it from moisture and air, which can affect nutritional quality.
Keep It Cool and Dry: Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity to avoid nutrient loss.
Reseal Bags Properly: If you prefer to keep the food in its original packaging, ensure it’s resealed tightly after every use.
Use a Dry Scoop: Always use a dry scoop to avoid introducing moisture into the food.

Why Choose Frontier Pets?

Frontier Pets is a leader in the freeze-dried raw dog food market, offering products with a shelf life of up to two years. Here’s why Frontier Pets stands out:

Nutrient Preservation

Their advanced freeze-drying process locks in the natural goodness of raw ingredients, ensuring your dog receives optimal nutrition, including essential nutrients and vital vitamins.

Convenience

With a long shelf life, Frontier Pets’ food eliminates the need for frequent purchases or complicated storage solutions, making it a convenient option for pet parents.

Sustainability

Frontier Pets prioritises ethical sourcing, using free-range and sustainably farmed ingredients to produce high-quality pet food.

Benefits of Raw Freeze-Dried Food

Nutritional Integrity: Freeze-drying preserves the original nutrients found in raw ingredients, including protein sources and sensitive nutrients.
Convenience: Lightweight and easy to store, freeze-dried dog food is perfect for busy pet owners.
Long Shelf Life: With a shelf life of up to two years, it’s a reliable option for stocking up.
Safety: The freeze-drying process reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, making it safer than traditional raw food.
Versatility: Serve as-is or rehydrate with water for a meal that mimics fresh food.

Where to Buy Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food

You can find raw freeze-dried dog food at specialty pet stores, online retailers, and directly through brand websites. Frontier Pets offers an extensive range of freeze-dried raw dog food, accessible via their official website. Their products are designed with your pet’s health and your convenience in mind.

Competitor Brands

While Frontier Pets is a trusted choice, other brands like Stella & Chewy’s and K9 Natural also offer quality freeze-dried options. However, Frontier Pets distinguishes itself with its commitment to ethical sourcing, first-rate nutrition, and a superior freeze-drying process.

Conclusion

Raw freeze-dried dog food combines the best of both worlds: the nutrition of a raw diet and the convenience of shelf-stable products. Brands like Frontier Pets excel in providing top-tier freeze-dried raw dog food, ensuring your pet gets the best nutrition with minimal effort. With proper storage, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your dog’s meals will remain fresh and safe for months. To explore Frontier Pets’ range of freeze-dried raw dog food, visit our website today.

Written by Pink Phungdet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can freeze-dried dog food go bad?

Yes, if not stored correctly. Always follow storage guidelines and check for changes in smell, texture, or appearance.

How long does freeze-dried dog food last after opening?

Most freeze-dried dog food lasts 30 to 60 days after opening. Frontier Pets offers a shelf life of up to three months when stored in an airtight container.

Does freeze-dried dog food need refrigeration?

No, freeze-dried dog food is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

What is the best way to store freeze-dried dog food?

Use airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and nutrient quality.

Is Frontier Pets Food considered a BARF diet?

Yes, Frontier Pets Food is considered a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet because it follows the core principles of BARF diet design. This includes using raw, minimally processed, and high-quality whole food ingredients, focusing on animal-derived ingredients to meet the natural dietary needs of dogs and cats so it's naturally grain-free. Additionally, Frontier Pets Food uses human-grade, Australian ingredients, making it a nutritionally optimal choice for pets. Even when it’s freeze-dried, it remains a BARF diet because this method simply makes raw feeding more convenient while preserving the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients.

Frontier Pets is rated as Australia's top pet food on Frontier Pets Reviews and take a look at the feedback from Aussie dog owners. Additionally, you have the option to purchase a 300g bag of our freeze-dried raw food as a sample for your pets to try.