Just as with humans, a dog’s well-being hinges on their nutrition. We often say, “You wouldn’t dine on fast food every meal, so why should your furry friend?”
Switching to dehydrated food can significantly enhance your dog’s health. Do you need clarification on what dehydrated dog food entails? Fear not, as we’ve compiled all the essential information right here. We’ll delve into the details of dehydrated food and its potential benefits for your canine companion.
Please explore the entire article below or click on the section you’re interested in from the table of contents.
6 Best Dehydrated Dog Foods
Sundays Food for Dogs
Sundays Food for Dogs
Sundays for Dogs provides jerky-like, dehydrated dog food in chicken or beef flavors without rehydration.
This 100% human-grade food is rigorously tested for Salmonella and E. coli and is ideal for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs.
Pros
Hassle-free serving
Rigorous testing for pathogens
Manufactured in a human-grade facility in the United States
Cons
High price point, especially for larger breeds
Are you in search of a hassle-free dehydrated dog food option? Sundays for Dogs presents a solution with a convenient jerky-like texture—no rehydration required.
This shelf-stable product remains fresh even after opening, offering chicken or beef varieties to suit your pup’s palate. Crafted in a USDA-monitored kitchen, this 100% human-grade food undergoes rigorous testing for foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli.
While Sundays are ideal for fussy eaters and those with sensitive stomachs, its premium quality comes at a cost, particularly for owners of larger breeds.
If you want to learn more about human-grade dog food, explore The Doggo Bio’s comprehensive guide now.
The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen offers dehydrated whole grain chicken recipe dog food in multiple flavors.
Crafted from non-GMO ingredients, this USA-made formula contains no preservatives, by-products, or fillers.
Pros
Available in various flavors
Crafted from non-GMO ingredients
Made in the USA
Cons
Some pet parents reported their dogs refusing to try this food.
The Honest Kitchen is one of the most recognized brands in dehydrated pet food. While our top choice is the Whole Grain Chicken Recipe, it’s also offered in various flavors, including turkey, beef, and fish.
Available in 2-, 4-, or 10-pound packages, each pound yields four pounds of food once rehydrated. Crafted from minimally processed, non-GMO ingredients, this formula ensures easy digestion for your furry friend. With no preservatives, by-products, or fillers and being a certified B Corp, The Honest Kitchen prioritizes social and environmental initiatives.
Addiction Perfect Summer Brushtail
Addiction Perfect Summer Brushtail Raw Alternative Dog Food
Addiction Perfect Summer Brushtail, Raw Alternative Dog Food, offers the benefits of raw meat in a shelf-stable form, featuring a brushtail rich in Omega-3 and superfoods like coconut oil, flaxseed, apples, rosemary, and spinach.
Free from antibiotics, steroids, artificial growth hormones, grains, soy, wheat, or artificial colors and flavors, it can be served dry or mixed without water.
Made in New Zealand, this versatile option can enhance your dog’s diet in 5 ways.
Pros
Brushtail-based with coconut oil and an array of superfoods
Excludes antibiotics, steroids, artificial growth hormones, colors, or flavors
Offers versatility in serving options
Ethically sourced ingredients from New Zealand
Multiple flavors to choose from
Cons
Not suitable for puppies
Traditional raw diets often pose challenges in storage and serving, but Addiction Perfect Summer Raw Alternative Dog Food provides the advantages of uncooked meat in a convenient, shelf-stable form.
Originating from New Zealand, this dehydrated raw dog food boasts a brushtail infused with Omega-3, coconut oil, and a blend of superfoods such as flaxseed, apples, rosemary, and spinach. The formula excludes antibiotics, steroids, artificial growth hormones, grains, soy, wheat, or artificial colors and flavors.
Additionally, its versatility shines through with five serving options: dry, mixed with water, as a kibble topper, alongside homemade or canned food. While we focus on the brushtail variant, numerous other flavors offer unique nutritional benefits.
The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Chicken Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Chicken Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Chicken Dog Food offers limited formulas with just 6 whole food ingredients in multiple flavors.
Featuring human-grade ingredients, it’s suitable for puppies and adult dogs and is made in the USA.
Pros
It contains only 6 whole-food ingredients
Available in multiple flavors
Maintains human-grade standards
Ideal for both puppies and adult dogs
Made in the USA
Cons
Higher price point
For dogs with food sensitivities, The Honest Kitchen offers a range of limited-ingredient dehydrated foods, each containing only six whole-food ingredients. Available in flavors like Chicken & Quinoa, Beef & Chickpea, and Duck & Sweet Potato, these formulas come in 4- or 10-pound containers.
These recipes are free from preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, and soy and maintain their 100% human-grade standard. Additionally, like the original formula, 1 pound of the mixture yields four times its weight in food when mixed with water.
Only Natural Pet EasyRaw
Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Cage-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Feast Dehydrated Dog Food
Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Cage-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Feast Dehydrated Dog Food offers grain-free formulas with freeze-dried raw chicken developed by holistic vets in the USA.
Pros
Grain-free option
Utilizes freeze-dried, raw chicken
Developed by holistic vets
Reasonable price point
Made in the USA
Cons
Not suitable for puppies
For dogs on a grain-free diet, Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Dehydrated Dog Food offers a convenient solution. Made from freeze-dried raw chicken and dehydrated fruits and vegetables, this brand also provides grain-free options with turkey or beef as the primary protein source.
Formulated by holistic vets and crafted in the USA, this dehydrated food is available in 2- or 7-pound packages, with 7 pounds yielding up to 35 pounds of food when mixed with water.
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food mix contains dehydrated vegetables, crushed eggshells, and organic grains, utilizing human-grade, non-GMO ingredients.
Pros
Features a blend of wholesome ingredients
Utilizes human-grade components
Enriched with essential vitamins and nutrients
Excludes preservatives, dyes, chemicals, or fillers
Offers extended usage compared to other dehydrated options
Cons
It is not nutritionally complete; it requires mixing with a raw or cooked protein source.
Requires an eight-minute wait time before serving
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food mix simplifies preparing balanced, wholesome homemade meals for your furry companion.
Comprising dehydrated vegetables, crushed eggshells, and organic grains, it’s intended to complement a raw or cooked protein source of your choice (though it’s not nutritionally complete on its own). The formula proudly excludes preservatives, dyes, chemicals, and fillers, utilizing only human-grade, non-GMO ingredients.
Furthermore, one 10-pound bag yields an impressive 66 pounds of food, offering extended longevity compared to other dehydrated options.
What Is Dehydrated Dog Food?
Dehydrated dog food, also known as air-dried dog food, undergoes a distinct manufacturing process compared to other canine diets. According to Dr. Brian Evans, medical director at Dutch, “Dehydrated food is slowly cooked at a low temperature to remove all of the moisture from the diet.” This method renders the food shelf-stable and ready for rehydration by mixing it with warm water before serving.
Dehydrated dog food is frequently mistaken for freeze-dried, yet their production methods differ. Freeze-dried food undergoes processing at freezing temperatures and undergoes a multi-step drying process to eliminate moisture. As it is never cooked, freeze-dried dog food technically falls under the raw diet category.
Pros and Cons of Dehydrated Dog Food
Dehydrated dog food offers several advantages over traditional kibble.
- Some brands assert that dehydrated food retains more nutrients and flavor due to its low-temperature cooking than standard dog food.
- Additionally, its ease of storage and transport is noted as a benefit.
However, there are considerations regarding dehydrated food.
- Unfortunately, the drying process does not eliminate potentially harmful pathogens. While some pathogens may perish, others, such as Salmonella, can survive, posing a higher risk than cooked diets.
- Moreover, dehydrated dog food typically carries a higher price tag than standard options.
Frequently Ask Question
Is dehydrated food good for dogs?
Yes, when produced safely and formulated according to AAFCO nutrient profiles, dehydrated food is a nutritious option for feeding your dog.
How long does dehydrated dog food last?
The shelf life of dehydrated dog food varies by brand and product line, usually lasting between 12 months to 2 years. It’s crucial to verify each brand’s specific duration to ensure the food remains safe for your pup.
Once mixed with water, leftovers from dehydrated food typically remain suitable for your pet for 2-3 days when refrigerated. When reheating leftovers, add warm water to enhance taste and aroma for your four-legged friend.
Is dehydrated dog food better than kibble?
While some think dehydrated dog food provides superior nutrition due to its minimal processing, no scientific evidence supports this assertion.
Is dehydrated raw dog food safe?
Due to its low-temperature processing, dehydrated dog food carries a heightened risk of foodborne illnesses like Salmonella. Numerous brands conduct thorough testing to mitigate these risks and ensure your dog’s safety.
How do you mix dehydrated dog food?
Blend warm water with the corresponding food and stir. The mixing ratios and amounts can be found on the feeding guide of the dog food bag, typically located on the back.
Allow the mixture 2-3 minutes to rehydrate all ingredients thoroughly. This ensures optimal nutrient absorption, flavor, and aroma for your furry friend’s enjoyment. Once rehydrated, serve it to your pup!
Mixing your dehydrated food at home is a breeze! Now, let’s delve into the process of preparing dehydrated dog food.
Is dehydrated dog food grain-free?
The grain-free status of dehydrated dog food varies depending on the brand and product line.
To determine if your dehydrated dog food is grain-free, consult the ingredient list. Look for grains like barley, buckwheat, corn, oats, quinoa, or rice in the list of ingredients.
Dehydrated vs Freeze Dried Dog Food: What’s The Difference?
After delving into dehydrated dog food’s benefits and production methods, you might ponder its variance from natural freeze-dried dog food. Let’s explore the three key distinctions:
1. Cooking Method
Dehydrated dog food employs warm air to eliminate moisture from the ingredients, while freeze-dried dog food undergoes a three-step freezing, absorption, and sublimation process.
2. Nutrient Makeup
Although both offer similar advantages, freeze-dried dog food typically boasts a higher nutrient concentration due to its gentler processing method.
3. Price
Freeze-dried dog food often carries a heftier price tag compared to dehydrated variants. This cost discrepancy arises from the more intricate and time-consuming manufacturing process. With its low-heat preparation, dehydrated dog food is a pocket-friendly alternative, providing pets with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Ultimately, choosing these options hinges on your budget and personal preferences. Both offer excellent nutrition for your furry companion.
Conclusion
Dehydrated dog food offers a nutritious, convenient, and cost-effective option for your pup’s diet. It utilizes natural, real-food ingredients, preserving their nutritional integrity through gentle dehydration.
This type of food provides the health benefits of raw diets without the associated risks of foodborne illnesses, extensive preparation times, or expensive grocery store trips.