Does your dog deserve the absolute best nutrition? Many pet owners wrestle with this question. We want our furry friends to thrive, full of energy and good health. But navigating the world of dog food can feel like a maze. You hear about raw diets being great, but the hassle of preparing them is real. Then you see “freeze-dried raw” and wonder if it’s the same thing, or just another confusing label.
Choosing the right raw freeze-dried food brings its own worries. Are the ingredients truly high quality? Is the process safe? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to balance convenience with your dog’s well-being. You want the benefits of raw food without the mess or worry.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what raw freeze-dried dog food is, how it’s made, and why it might be the perfect solution for your dog. Keep reading to learn how to pick a top-tier option that keeps your dog happy and healthy for years to come.
Top Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- Raw Food Made Easy : Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food. Just add water to make this 3 lb bag into over 18 lbs of raw whole food, ready to serve in minutes.
- Ingredients With Purpose : Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human grade ingredients. Every ingredient is chosen with care to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness : Freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics. Raw, whole food ingredients you can see.
- All Natural Nutrition : At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels. We are proud of the wholesome, clean ingredients we use to make Simply Raw - unlike some other brands, we never put anything into our dog food that isn’t listed on the label. No fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes. Just honest, raw, whole food nutrition. Key Product Features
- USA Sourced, Sustainable, Thoughtful : Made lovingly in small batches in the USA with regionally sourced ingredients & humanely raised meat. Real food for healthy dogs and a healthier planet.
- Safe Raw : Freeze-Drying is a natural food preservation process which removes moisture while maintaining the nutritional integrity of food. Freeze-Dried Raw is always free of pathogens, making it the safest way to feed a raw diet. Shelf stable, safe to handle & easy to store.
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- Made with High-Quality Ingredients – Each bag is crafted with real meat, nutrient-rich organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing a variety of ingredients in every serving. Made proudly in the USA.
- Freeze-Dried for Convenience – Freeze-drying helps maintain the natural taste and nutrients of raw ingredients while making it easy to store and prepare, with no refrigeration needed.
- Serve as a Meal or a Topper – Use as your dog’s complete meal or sprinkle over their usual food for added variety and taste. If using as a topper, reduce the amount of their current food to avoid overfeeding.
- No Fillers or Artificial Preservatives – Formulated without grains, cereals, or unnecessary fillers, and contains no artificial preservatives.
- Bite-Sized and Easy to Serve – The pieces are conveniently sized for dogs of all breeds and sizes, making mealtime quick and easy for you while providing a meal your dog will look forward to.
- PREMIUM BLEND - Nutra Complete is veterinarian-developed with 95% ranch-raised beef & organs. Each delicious bite contains hand-selected ingredients for nutrition that help support healthy digestion, a thick coat, healthy immune function, and overall health and happiness.*
- HIGH QUALITY BEEF - Premium, ranch-raised beef and organs make up 95% of Nutra Complete. Our beef is 100% freeze-dried, so your dog gets easily digestible protein from every bite.*
- SEEDS, FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES - Our unique blend of seeds, fruits, and vegetables provides your dog with health-supporting nutrients. This includes flaxseed, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, and more.*
- HEALTH-SUPPORTING VITAMINS AND MINERALS - Our food contains a variety of ingredients, carefully selected to offer your dog high-quality nutrition to help support their daily well-being and happiness.*
- USE AS FOOD OR AS MIXER - If you’d like to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding. Each 1lb bag contains about 7 cups of food.
- EXCEPTIONAL FOR PICKY EATERS – Consistently entices even the most finicky dogs to eat when other foods fail – our freeze-dried raw patties deliver irresistible taste that transforms mealtime for selective dogs.
- VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS – Perfect as complete meals, crumbled food toppers, or high-value training treats – ideal for puppies and adult dogs with options to serve dry or rehydrated with water.
- 95% GRASS-FED BEEF & ORGANS – Premium freeze-dried raw nutrition with whole-prey approach delivers muscle-building protein, enhanced digestibility, and natural nutrients that support coat, skin, and overall health.
- BALANCED NUTRITION FOR ALL LIFE STAGES – Complete and balanced diet for growing puppies and adult dogs with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat – free from grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
- MADE IN USA WITH PREMIUM INGREDIENTS – Small-batch production with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, responsibly-sourced ingredients, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors – trusted by thousands of pet parents.
- RAW DOG FOOD TOPPER WITH ALL NATURAL BEEF: Features all natural beef, fruits, and vegetables for wholesome nutrition
- POWER OF RAW: Gently freeze-dried raw ingredients lock in nutrients and flavor to support digestion, skin & coat, energy, and overall vitality
- PICKY EATER APPROVED: Perfect as dog food toppers or dog treats; adds irresistible flavor, texture, and variety to your dog's routine
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real meat and non-GMO vegetables and fruits and free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors and preservatives
- CRAFTED IN THE USA: Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world for a wholesome, complete diet
- FREEZE DRIED RAW MEAT: Kibble in the Raw locks in the nutrients and flavor of raw meat through our freeze-dried process. Unlike traditional kibble, it delivers optimized nutrition and digestibility without high-heat cooking and overprocessing.
- EASY SCOOP AND SERVE: Skip the prep and mess! Kibble in the Raw is ready to serve straight from the bag, offering the convenience of dry dog food with the nutrition of a raw diet. No preparation or hydration necessary.
- SMALL BREED RECIPE: Made with 100% freeze dried raw protein from cage-free chicken, this recipe delivers bite-sized nutrition to support muscle tone and energy for smaller dogs. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal your pup will love with every bite!
- ONLY REAL WHOLE FOODS: We use organic kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples—no synthetic vitamins or minerals. Our minimally processed recipes preserve natural nutrients to help support healthy digestion and vibrant energy for small breeds.
- GENTLE ON DIGESTION: Primal freeze dried dog food is crafted without fillers or common allergens and includes added probiotics to support digestive health, leading to smaller, firmer stools.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Raw freeze-dried dog food offers a great way to give your dog the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of preparation or the risk of spoilage. This guide helps you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features. They tell you how good the food really is.
- High Meat Content: Look for recipes where meat (like chicken, beef, or fish) is the first ingredient, making up most of the food. Dogs thrive on animal protein.
- Nutrient Retention: Because of the freeze-drying process, most vitamins and enzymes should stay locked in. The label should mention this preservation method.
- Minimal Fillers: Good food avoids cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. These ingredients offer little nutrition for dogs.
- Complete and Balanced: Ensure the food meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. This means it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages).
Important Ingredients and Materials
The quality of the raw materials directly affects your dog’s health. Focus on whole, recognizable foods.
Protein Sources
The best proteins come from named sources. For example, “chicken” is better than “poultry byproduct.” Organs, like liver and kidney, are essential for extra vitamins.
Fruits and Vegetables
These add important fiber and antioxidants. Look for things like pumpkin, blueberries, or spinach. They should be included in small, balanced amounts.
Bone Content
Raw food often includes ground bone for calcium and phosphorus. This balance is crucial for strong bones. Check if the bone source is specified.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The manufacturing process greatly impacts the final product’s quality.
Quality Boosters
Sourcing: Food made from humanely raised or grass-fed animals often means better quality ingredients overall. Variety in the protein sources (rotating proteins) is also a plus for a balanced diet.
Quality Reducers
High Heat Processing: If any part of the food was cooked after freezing, it loses some raw benefits. Excessive carbohydrate load (too many vegetables or starches) lowers the overall raw quality because dogs are carnivores.
User Experience and Use Cases
Freeze-dried food is incredibly versatile. How you use it changes your experience.
As a Complete Meal
You simply rehydrate the pieces with warm water or broth. This is fast and easy. Many owners use this when traveling because it is light and shelf-stable.
As a Topper or Treat
Many people crumble the dry pieces over their dog’s regular kibble. This boosts nutrition and palatability (taste). If your dog is a picky eater, this works wonders to encourage them to finish their meal.
The texture, once rehydrated, should be soft and easy for dogs of all ages to chew, including seniors.
Top 10 FAQs About Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Q: What exactly is “freeze-drying”?
A: Freeze-drying removes almost all the water from the raw ingredients while keeping the nutrients safe. This keeps the food fresh for a very long time without freezing or adding chemicals.
Q: Is freeze-dried food truly “raw”?
A: Yes, generally it is. The ingredients start raw, and the freeze-drying process uses cold temperatures, not heat, so the nutrients stay close to their original raw state.
Q: How much water do I add back in?
A: Most manufacturers suggest adding equal parts water to the food. Always check the specific bag instructions, as ratios can change slightly between brands.
Q: Can I feed this to my puppy?
A: Many freeze-dried formulas are complete for “All Life Stages,” meaning they work for puppies, adults, and seniors. Just confirm the label specifically states it supports growing puppies.
Q: Does this food smell bad?
A: It usually has a mild, meaty smell when dry. When you add water, it will smell like cooked meat, but it should not smell spoiled or overly strong.
Q: Is this type of food expensive?
A: Yes, it is often more expensive than standard dry kibble because of the high-quality raw ingredients and the specialized drying process.
Q: How should I store the unused food?
A: Keep the bag tightly sealed in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. Once opened, you do not need to refrigerate it until you add water.
Q: What if my dog has allergies?
A: Freeze-dried options are great for allergies because you can easily find single-protein sources (like just turkey or just salmon), making it easier to avoid triggers.
Q: Will my dog gain weight eating this?
A: Weight gain depends on the total calories you feed. Because it is nutrient-dense, you might feed less volume, but you must measure portions carefully based on your dog’s activity level.
Q: Is it safe from bacteria like Salmonella?
A: The freeze-drying process significantly reduces harmful bacteria. Furthermore, when you rehydrate it, the bacteria that remain are usually neutralized by the dog’s strong stomach acid.