Considering adding freeze-dried raw food to your pup’s diet? You’ve come to the right place! Closer to the diet your dog would have in the wild, freeze-dried raw products are not only more natural and satisfying for your dog, but they provide key nutrients without any junk ingredients, making them Gluten Free, Grain Free, and Guilt Free®. Read on for more!
So, what is freeze-dried dog food?
Freeze-dried dog food is different from frozen dog food (though both methods can provide similar benefits if produced with the right ingredients and under the right conditions). At Vital Essentials, we use a special freeze-drying process that uses cold pressure to remove moisture from meat without cooking it, maintaining nutritional integrity and allowing for easy storage without the need for refrigeration (more on that below!).
Is freeze-dried dog food better than kibble?
Freeze-dried raw dog food made from high-quality ingredients offers more protein without the excess soluble carbohydrates that traditional kibble has. Our freeze-dried products feature only meat, organs and bones (no corn, rice or fillers), modeling what dogs would eat in the wild (the ALPHA-Prey Model).
What does that mean for your doggo?
Not only will your pup feel more satiated from the higher protein content, but they’ll also experience an overall improvement in health! Freeze-dried raw dog food makes nutrients easier to absorb, often helping with sensitive stomachs, maintaining a healthy weight and creating less waste. And, those are just a few of the benefits! Vital Essentials freeze-dried raw dog food can also help alleviate dry skin, contribute to a shinier coat and improve oral health.
Now that’s something to bark about!
How Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Food is Made
We make 100% of our own food, using meats raised on U.S.A.-based farms and even wild-caught fish. Rather than heating or cooking our ingredients, we use a slow, 48-hour freezing method to remove moisture from meats and lock in the food’s nutrients. Learn more about our process and how it differs from dehydration.
See how we do it:
Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Products from Vital Essentials
Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Treats
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Bar Snacks
Are Vital Essentials Raw Bar Snacks Safe for Your Pet?
Learn why exotic treats and snacks like Vital Essentials Chicken Necks, Duck Heads, and Pig Snouts are safe for your pet from animal nutritionist, Dr. Richard Patton.
Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Mix-Ins
Whether you feed your pup raw dog food or traditional kibble, supplements and meal toppers are a great way to add more protein or an additional energy boost to your doggo’s diet. If your dog is a picky eater, needs an immune system boost or has a sensitive stomach, Vital Essentials supplements might just be for them. Our products promote health and vitality without any of the synthetic vitamins, artificial colors and fillers of other dog food supplements.
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Answers to Your Freeze-Dried Dog Food Questions
Q: Does it matter which protein I feed my dog?
A: If you’re feeding your dog Vital Essentials products, the protein you choose is mostly a matter of preference for you and your pet. Thankfully, we have a lot to choose from to delight even the pickiest eater! Whether your pup enjoys more traditional proteins like beef or chicken, or you want to try rabbit, duck or salmon, we have something for you and your dog. Shop all of our dog food products here.
Q: Can I add freeze-dried raw dog food to my dog’s regular kibble?
A: Of course! Doing so is a great way to add some of the benefits of raw food without fully committing to the price. Read this blog post about how to incorporate raw food into your pet’s diet.
Q: What’s the difference between frozen and freeze-dried dog food?
A: While they may sound similar, the process is completely different! Vital Essentials frozen dog food is frozen with a flash (or quick) freezing method. Freeze-drying preserves the food by removing the water from it, meaning the product is dry and does not require freezing or thawing at home. Learn which kind your dog might prefer here. We also offer frozen cat food and freeze-dried cat food and treats.
Q: Can I freeze-dry dog food myself?
A: Freeze-drying should only be conducted by professional dog food manufacturers to maintain food safety and pet health. Freeze-drying requires specialized equipment, so you should not attempt the process yourself.
Q: Does freeze-dried dog food need to be refrigerated?
A: In short, no! See below for feeding and storing instructions.
Feeding and Storing Instructions for Freeze-Dried Dog Food
How to Feed Your Dog Freeze-Dried Food
Feeding your pup raw dog food is easy! Use our freeze-dried varieties as a complete meal or mix in with other food. Freeze-dried products can be fed as is or rehydrated with warm water. After adding water, let the food sit for a few minutes and then serve. Feed up to double the amount for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs (individual requirements may vary).
How to Store Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Store freeze-dried products in a cool dark place and feed within 30 days after opening for optimal food safety and freshness.
Transitioning your dog to a freeze-dried raw dog food diet?
It’s easy to make the switch to a healthy diet like Vital Essentials. Just introduce small portions and gradually increase over time. Use the chart below as a guide to help your pup adjust to their new favorite food.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food Reviews and Testimonials
Hear real pet stories from our customers!
Where to Buy Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Treats & Supplements
Shop online or find Vital Essentials freeze-dried dog food and treats near you!