What is Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

As pet owners, we want the best for our pets, from their health to their happiness. In recent years, a significant shift has occurred in the pet food industry, with many owners turning towards more all-natural dog treats and food and nutrient-rich diets. One of the most popular and beneficial options on the market today is raw freeze-dried dog food. But what exactly is it, and why is it becoming a top choice for conscientious pet owners?

What is raw freeze-dried dog food?

Raw freeze dry dog food is exactly what it sounds like: raw ingredients that have been freeze-dried to preserve their nutrients. The freeze-drying process involves removing moisture from the food without using high heat, which helps maintain the nutritional integrity of the ingredients. This method locks in the natural flavours and essential nutrients, offering a diet that closely mimics what dogs would eat in the wild.

The primary components of raw freeze dry dog food often include high-quality meats, organs (offal), vegetables, and sometimes fruits, providing a balanced diet that supports overall health and well-being. This type of food is convenient for pet owners because it has a long shelf life and is easy to store, making it a practical alternative to fresh or raw diets that require refrigeration.

What is the difference between freeze-dried and raw?

While both freeze-dried and raw dog food offer numerous benefits, there are some key differences to consider.

One of the main differences is the method of preservation. Raw dog food is typically prepared by grinding fresh ingredients, including raw meats, organs (offal), and raw vegetables, and serving it to your dog immediately. This type of diet closely resembles what dogs would eat in the wild and is known for its high nutritional value. However, it does require freeze and refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life compared to freeze-dried dog food.

On the other hand, freeze-dried dog food goes through a preservation process that removes moisture from the ingredients without using high heat. This results in a lightweight, shelf-stable product that can be stored at room temperature for an extended period. The freeze-drying process retains most of the nutrients and flavours of the raw ingredients, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who seek convenience without compromising quality.

Another distinction is the feeding method. Raw dog food typically needs to be thawed before feeding, while freeze-dried dog food can be served as is or rehydrated with water. This versatility makes freeze-dried food ideal for travel, camping, or simply as a quick and mess-free option for busy pet owners. That is why at Frontier Pets, we call our food it the "Raw Food Made Easy" and the "Raw Food You Can Travel With".

How does raw freeze-dried dog food compare to traditional kibble?

Freeze-dried dog food is the preferred option over kibble (extruded), air-dried dog food or dehydrated foods for several reasons.

Nutritional Content

Firstly, freeze-drying preserves the nutritional content of the food more effectively. The gentle freeze-drying process ensures that the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the finished product of the dog food remain intact, resulting in a highly nutritious meal for your dogs. According to the research, close to 100% of the nutrition quality remains compared to less than 80% in kibble pet foods (Butowski et al., 2019). This is because traditional kibble uses high heat pressure and extrusion methods, which can degrade the nutritional value of the ingredients.

Nutritional Quality

Secondly, traditional kibble or extruded (kibble) can lead to browning and loss of nutritional quality because of the amount of heat involved. The high temperatures used in the production of traditional kibble can cause browning and a loss of nutritional quality in the ingredients. This is because the heat can denature proteins and destroy certain vitamins and enzymes that are essential for your dog's health.

In contrast, raw, freeze-dried dog food is made using a low-temperature freeze-drying process that helps to preserve the natural colour, flavour, and nutritional integrity of the ingredients. The freeze-drying method removes moisture from the food without the use of high heat, ensuring that the essential nutrients and enzymes remain intact.

By avoiding the heat associated with traditional kibble production, freeze-dried dog food maintains a higher nutritional value. It contains a wide range of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to your dog's overall health and well-being.

Additionally, the freeze-drying process also eliminates the need for artificial preservatives, additives, and fillers that are commonly found in traditional kibble. This means that freeze-dried dog food is often free from artificial colours, flavours, and unnecessary fillers that may be detrimental to your dog's health.

Moisture Content

Kibble food for pets retains higher moisture in the food compared to freeze-drying, reducing shelf-life and leading to further loss of nutritional quality during storage. This quality loss is often seen as a browning of the product where proteins combine with carbohydrates, reducing the protein’s availability to your pet.

The textural changes during extrusion which can make the food harder and more difficult for some dogs to chew. Some kibble might not be suitable for all dogs, particularly small, mini, or toy breeds, as well as senior dogs with dental issues.

How do you transition a dog to raw freeze-dried food?

If you want to transition your dogs to our pet food, here's a guide. If you are currently feeding your dog with kibble or processed wet food, it’s important to transition gradually to raw feeding as a complete balanced meal. Raw food is digested differently to processed food which is why different dogs might take longer to adjust if they were not introduce to raw food before.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin by mixing 20% Frontier Pets Raw Freeze-Dried food with 80% of your pet's regular food.
2. Feed this 20/80 mix for 2-4 days.
3. If your pet handles the new food well with no issues, increase the ratio to 40% Frontier Pets and 60% regular food for the next 2-4 days.
4. Gradually increase the proportion of Frontier Pets by 20% every 2-4 days until you're feeding 100% Frontier Pets as a completely balanced meal.

Transitioning too quickly to raw feeding can cause stomach upset. Similarly, if your pet is used to dry kibble or canned food, they may be fussy with raw food at first, so gradually introducing raw food will help their taste buds adjust.

This is a guide that only follows general vet advice for transitioning to raw feeding. However, every pet is unique, and they may transition at a different pace. If you have any concerns, contact us or consult your Vet or Animal Health Specialist.