What Are The Benefits of Freeze Dried Dog Food

We all want what’s best for our dogs, and that includes the best food for their diet. We’ve already talked a lot about what the best pet food is for your dog and what foods your dog shouldn’t eat. But there is a new trend in dog food that has many more dog lovers wondering if there are still new ways to improve your dog’s diet: freeze-dried dog food.

According to Zion Market Research, the market for freeze-dried dog food is projected to increase to $525 million dollars by 2025. This begs the question: why freeze-dried dog food, and is it worth the price?

What Is Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Freeze drying is a food preservation process that has become more accessible with modern technology. It works by removing the moisture from food while it's at extremely cold temperatures.

Using sublimation, the moisture in food is turned from ice to vapor without ever entering the liquid stage. Then it is vacuumed out, leaving the structure of the food intact. Freeze-dried food can sit on a shelf for years without degrading, as water is needed for bacteria to form.

There are many benefits to freeze drying any kind of food, such as:

• Longer shelf life, as freeze-dried food, can last anywhere from one to five years without going bad
• More convenient, as freeze-dried food is easier to store and serve than bulkier food packaging, especially while traveling
• Increase nutritional value, as the preservation process does not affect the food’s structure
• Allows for non-denatured food, which is better for your dog as any kind of cooking can denature the protein in your dog’s food

Please note that while freeze drying good generally does not affect the nutritional value of your dog’s food, it does deplete the vitamin C content. However, unlike humans, dogs can produce their own vitamin C.

What Are the Negatives of Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Which all of the benefits listed above, you may be wondering why there aren’t more dog owners vying for freeze-dried dog food. However, there is one major downside to freeze-dried dog food: cost.

Any kind of freeze-dried food is expensive, especially since freeze drying itself is a slow, expensive process. Specialized machines are required to freeze-dried food, which is costly to make and use. Plus, most machines can only freeze dry foods in as little as two days. This process cannot be sped up without the risk of leaving moisture within the food.

The cost alone makes freeze-dried dog food a luxury that even the most loving dog owners cannot afford.

Is Freeze Dried Dog Food Better Than Kibble?

In terms of sheer nutritional value, yes. Freeze-dried dog food has no fillers and has a higher amount of nutritional value per serving.

However, do not feel obligated to switch your dog over to freeze-dried food. There are other food alternatives on the market that are both tasty and healthy that your dog can eat instead. You can always consult your veterinarian for dog food recommendations.