7 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food | Veterinarian Approved

Nowadays, a popular dog park discussion revolves around raw food diets. Many dog owners are seeking natural, healthy options to enhance their pets’ diet and overall well-being.

Freeze-dried dog food offers a convenient, nutritious alternative to raw diets by preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients without the need for cooking.

It provides high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion, boost energy, and improve health. According to the American Kennel Club, raw diets may contribute to shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.^[1]

Freeze-dried options offer these advantages with added convenience and safety. This article covers the key facts, top picks, and considerations to help you choose the best freeze dried food for dogs to support your furry friend’s health and vitality.

Best Freeze Dried Dog Food of 2025

Nutra Complete – Best Beef Dog Food

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Complete Beef Dog Food is a top-quality, nutrient-rich blend of beef, vegetables, and vitamins. The freeze-drying process preserves freshness and nutrition without artificial preservatives or fillers.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze Dried
• Brand: Nutra Complete
• Benefit: It’s freeze-dried, which locks in the maximum amount of nutrition, all while extending the shelf life of these fresh ingredients
• Active Ingredients: Meat and organs: Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef bone (ground) Seeds, fruits, and vegetables: Flax seed, dried kelp, blueberry, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, broccoli, chicory, salt, cranberry, yeast culture, pumpkin seed, ginger Minerals and vitamins: Minerals and vitamins
• Price: $29.95*

Pros & Cons of Nutra Complete

Pros

• Highly nutritious ingredients
• No artificial flavors
• Grain Free, easy to digest
• Full of antioxidants, probiotics, and amino acids

Cons

• A little expensive
• Breaks and crumbles easily.

Nutra Complete Customer Reviews

Great dog food!
We began our dog Amber on Ultimate Per Nutrition and within a few months she skimmed down and had a much healthier look. She gets so excited for each bowl and licks it clean. Thank you for making such a wonderful product! – Monica

Nutra Complete Beef is the Ultimate
I’ve been buying this for about a year and my dogs love it. Since the food is freeze dried raw, the nutrients are not cooked out of it, which is important. The first time I fed my dogs this food, they loved it right off the bat. My long-hair Doxie mix has always self-regulated her food and sometimes skips a meal, but with Nutra Complete she eats every last crumble! I like the fact that the bags are light weight and a joy to carry. We’ve tried all the varieties and the beef is their favorite. My nearly 16-year old Border Collie mix enjoys his food and seems to want to go for walks more often, although when he has had enough exercise, he stops where he is and I know it’s time to go back home. I’ve given some of my friends a bag of the Nutra Complete and their dogs love the food, too. The dogs all want more of the Nutra Bites Bison Liver Dog Treats. This food really spoils my dogs! – Julie

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Beef Formula is a premium dog food made with responsibly-raised beef, nutrient-dense organ meat, omega-rich salmon, and gut-healthy vegetables. These are free from fillers, grains, and artificial additives and helps to supports digestion, skin health, immune function, and energy.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze Dried
• Benefit: Supports your dog’s smooth digestion, Healthy energy level & Easy-moving joints.
• Brand: Badlands Ranch
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Salmon, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $59.95*

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Pros & Cons

Pros

• Contains specific superfoods
• Air-dried for maximum nutrition
• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Proceeds and food donated to animal shelters and no-kill advocacy organizations
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Expensive
• Only two formulas are available
• No grain-inclusive option
• Only available in small 24 oz bags (about 6 cups of food)

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Customer Reviews

Great Quality!
The first thing I noticed about this dog food is the amazing quality. It looks like it went through very little processing, meaning the nuggets actually look like meat…he demolished the bow!!! So happy to see him eating something healthy and enjoy it! – Jill0215

Picky Eater Hit!
We have a Great Dane who is such a picky eater it is hard to find anything she will eat. She is very “Posh” in her eating habits and normally only eats certain food for a couple days then she is done, if she will try it at all. When the bag of Badlands Ranch Superfood arrived, she immediately tried to get to the bag… it was a hit! – Themacpack

Nature’s Blend – Best Premium Freeze-Dried Dog Food

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is an organic, freeze-dried dog food packed with meats, fruits, and vegetables. It supports overall well-being, boosts energy, improves joint health, and enhances coat luster, all without harmful additives.

Key Specs

• Form: Dog food
• Type: Serum
• Benefit: Nutrition-packed formula, Easy digestion, Healthy teeth and skin, Improves Mobility & Healthy lifespan
• Brand: Dr. Marty
• Active Ingredients: Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver, turkey liver, turkey heart, Fruits and Vegetables
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $30.95*

Nature’s Blend Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Freeze-dried for maximum freshness and nutrient retention
• Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee
• The product has received positive reviews and good ratings

Cons

• The product is considered expensive by some customers
• There are some customer complaints about the pricing and changes in the food

Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites – Best Beef Liver Treats for Dogs

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*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

Our Rating

• Comfort 5/5
• Effectiveness 5/5
• Convenience 4.9/5
• Value 5/5

Superfood Bites is a revolutionary pet product from Badlands Ranch™, designed as a healthy and tasty treat option for dogs. These bite-sized morsels are exclusively made from 100% freeze-dried raw beef liver, offering a nutrient-rich supplement to promote your pet’s overall well-being.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze-dried dog treats
• Benefit: Support’s your dog’s muscles and body weight
• Brand: Badlands Ranch
• Active Ingredients: 100% beef liver, the chicken bites with premium chicken breast, and the salmon bites with premium freeze-dried wild caught salmon.
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $19.99*

Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made with a single, nutritious ingredient
• Supports your dog’s muscles and body weight
• Can be used as a daily snack, a reward while training, or a special treat when you’re on the go
• 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• The product is considered expensive
• Only available in small 2.5 oz bags

Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Customer Reviews

There’s no going back now!
My two pups are so excited to get treats, now that I’ve started giving them Superfood Bites! Wow! I had been giving them biscuits of questionable nutritional value, which evidently didn’t taste all that good, and they would frequently drop them out of their mouths and just look at me, leaving all three of us disappointed. So, since they love Superfood Complete (I could go on go on about that, too!), I thought I’d try the Bites. As expected, they’re way happy with their new treats, as am I. So far, I’ve gotten them the beef liver Bites and the wild salmon Bites (‘wild’ being key here). They love them both, beef liver being their favorite (I’d prefer the salmon, if it were me!) I’m so relieved to have peace of mind now that I’m giving them real, whole food, because I want them to live long, healthy lives. And what’s a treat if it doesn’t taste awesome? – Tom

Dogs are obsessed
All three of my dogs absolutely love the liver treats. We like to tease that it’s like crack for dogs. I love that these are healthy treats for them. – Savannah

Open Farm – Best Raw Freeze Dried Dog Food

Our Rating

• Comfort 4/5
• Effectiveness 4/5
• Convenience 4.1/5
• Value 4/5

Open farm Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is a nutritious blend made with 100% pasture-raised raw beef and Ocean Wise®-approved wild-caught salmon, along with organic veggies and superfoods to support your dog’s overall health.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: Nutrition-packed formula, Joint support & Overall health Benefit
• Brand: Open Farm
• Active Ingredients: 100% pasture-raised raw beef, Ocean Wise® approved wild-caught salmon, organic vegetables, and superfoods
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $12.99*
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Pros & Cons

Pros

• Antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free
• 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
• Contains organic vegetables and superfoods
• Supports your dog’s overall health
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• Not Suitable for Every Dog

Nulo Freestyle Dog Food – Best Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Recipes

Our Rating

• Comfort 3.9/5
• Effectiveness 4/5
• Convenience 4/5
• Value 3.9/5

Nulo FreeStyle has different types of dog food like dry, wet, freeze-dried raw, treats, and toppers. Most of the protein in their dog diets (about 80-87%) comes from animals, giving your dog the right amino acids. Their formulas don’t have grains; instead, they use things like sweet potatoes and chickpeas for carbs, which are good for your dog.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: It contains ultra-rich protein & balanced fat levels,  Support your pet’s digestive and immune health.
• Brand: Nulo
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidneys, Ground Beef Bone, Apples, Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Kale,
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $15.29*
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Nulo Freestyle Dog Food Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Contains ultra-rich protein and balanced fat levels inspired by prey
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• Some pets may experience digestive upset

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal – Best Freeze Dried Dog Food Topper

Our Rating

• Comfort 3.9/5
• Effectiveness 3.9/5
• Convenience 3.9/5
• Value 4/5

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixer is a premium dog food crafted with real, raw beef and nutrient-rich ingredients. Perfect for enhancing your canine companion’s meals, it adds a burst of flavor and wholesome goodness to their diet.

Key Specs

• Form: Freeze dried
• Benefit: Formulated to mimic a canine’s natural diet, Offers digestive support and Help maintain strong muscles and bones
• Brand: Stella & Chewy’s
• Active Ingredients: Beef, Essential fruits and Vegetables
• Best For: Adult and puppies (including large breeds)
• Price: $22.99*
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Meal Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients sourced from top-quality suppliers
• Contains ultra-rich protein and balanced fat levels inspired by prey
• Can be used as a complete meal or a tasty topper

Cons

• May not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with certain health conditions

What Is Freeze Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is a type of raw food that has undergone a preservation process where the moisture is removed without compromising the nutrients. This method retains essential vitamins, minerals, and flavors while extending the shelf life.

The result is a nutrient-dense food that provides your dog with wholesome ingredients like muscle meats, organs, and vegetables, helping to support digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Freeze-Dried vs Dehydrated Dog Food: What Sets Them Apart?

While both freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food are designed to preserve the nutritional content of ingredients, they differ significantly in their methods of moisture removal.

• Dehydrated Dog Food:

This type uses hot air to remove about 95% of the moisture, which can cause the loss of some essential vitamins and minerals. The rehydration process typically takes around 10 minutes, and the texture may remain leathery.

• Freeze-Dried Dog Food:

Freeze-drying uses cold temperatures to remove 99% of the moisture, preserving more of the food’s original nutrients. The process is gentler and retains most of the vitamins, minerals, and flavor. Rehydration time can vary between two and 15 minutes, offering more efficient nutrient retention.

Key Ingredients in Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

Turkey Liver

The University of Rochester Medical Center presented the nutritional facts of the Turkey liver which is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.^[2] It supports muscle growth, boosts energy levels, and improves immune health in dogs. It’s also a great source of iron for healthy blood circulation.

Salmon

Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), promoting a shiny coat, healthy skin, and reduced inflammation. It supports cognitive function, heart health, and immunity, making it an excellent choice for dog food. Research published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinol Metabolism states that eating salmon can improve cardiovascular health.^[3]

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast provides lean, high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and recovery.^[4] It’s easy to digest and provides essential amino acids necessary for energy, healthy muscle function, and immune system support in dogs.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar, and boosting overall immune health. A study in Molecules highlights that sweet potato provides health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.^[5] Their high fiber content helps dogs feel fuller for longer and supports gut health.

Beef Liver

Beef liver is rich in protein, Vitamin A, and B-vitamins, making it an excellent ingredient for promoting healthy skin, coat, and immune function in dogs. It also supports overall vitality, muscle growth, and digestive health.^[6]

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which contribute to reducing inflammation, promoting heart health, and supporting a shiny coat.^[7] It also aids digestion and improves overall health by balancing the immune system.

Essential Fruits and Vegetables

Ingredients like spinach, carrots, and blueberries offer antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that enhance your dog’s immune system, support digestion, and improve coat health. These wholesome ingredients are crucial for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Key Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-dried dog food offers multiple benefits:

Improved Nutrient Retention: Freeze-drying preserves the nutrients of the ingredients, ensuring your dog receives the full benefits of proteins, vitamins, and minerals in every meal.

Enhanced Digestibility: Freeze-dried food is easier for dogs to digest, with ingredients retaining their natural texture and nutrient profile, supporting healthy digestion and absorption.

Convenient and Long Shelf Life: Freeze-dried dog food is lightweight and convenient for storage, with a long shelf life, making it ideal for emergencies or travel.

Better Taste and Appeal: Many dogs find freeze-dried food more appetizing, making it a good option for picky eaters who may not be interested in traditional kibble.

Supports Overall Health: The high-quality, whole-food ingredients in freeze-dried dog food support immune function, skin health, and energy levels, contributing to your dog’s overall well-being.

How we Researched and Selected the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

We researched the best freeze-dried dog foods by evaluating factors like ingredient quality, nutritional value, and ingredient transparency.

We focused on brands with high-quality, natural proteins, no artificial additives, and a strong reputation for safety and effectiveness.

Customer feedback and expert recommendations also played a key role in our selection process to ensure we recommend only the best options for your pet’s health and well-being.

How to Choose the Best Freeze-Dried Food For Dogs?

When selecting the optimal freeze-dried dog food for your furry companion, several factors warrant consideration to ensure the best choice. Here are essential features to prioritize:

Ingredients: Choose freeze-dried food with high-quality proteins like beef, chicken, along with fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding artificial preservatives and fillers for optimal nutrition.

Nutritional Value: Ensure the food meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and provides a balanced profile of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s health and energy levels.^[8]

Protein Content: Select a product with a high protein content (at least 30%), using premium meat or fish to support muscle maintenance, growth, and immune function.

No Additives: While seeking freeze-dried foods, it’s essential to steer clear of those containing artificial colors, flavors, or additives. While not inherently harmful, such ingredients are deemed unnecessary.

Price: Though more expensive, freeze-dried food offers superior nutritional value and long shelf life, making it a worthwhile investment for your dog’s health.

Brand Reputation: Opt for well-known brands that are transparent about their sourcing, have positive reviews, and follow strict quality control measures for safe, high-quality products.

By carefully considering these key features, you can confidently choose the best freeze-dried dog food for your beloved furry friend.

The Science Behind Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-dried dog food works by preserving the nutrients, flavor, and texture of raw ingredients through a gentle process that removes up to 99% of moisture.

The process involves freezing the food and then using a vacuum chamber to extract the water without using heat, which helps retain vital nutrients. When rehydrated with water, the food reverts to its original texture, providing your dog with high-quality, nutrient-dense meals.

This method of preservation ensures that the food retains its essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are important for your dog’s health.

Freeze-dried food is an excellent option for providing a raw, nutritious diet without the risks associated with raw meat, offering a convenient and safe way to boost your dog’s nutrition.

Who Should Consider Using Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is ideal for:

Pet owners seeking high-quality, nutrient-dense food: Freeze-dried dog food is rich in essential nutrients and raw ingredients, ensuring that your pet gets a balanced diet.

Dogs with allergies: This food is often free from artificial additives, preservatives, and common allergens, making it a safe choice for sensitive pets.

Owners who travel frequently: Freeze-dried food is convenient and portable, with a long shelf life, making it perfect for pets on the go.

Dogs with digestive issues: The raw, minimally processed nature of freeze-dried food can support digestive health by being gentle on the stomach.

Who Should Stay Away from Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food is generally safe but may not be ideal for all pets. Dogs with specific health conditions like kidney disease may require specialized diets.

Puppies or senior dogs with sensitive digestion might need softer, easily digestible foods. Additionally, pet owners on a strict budget may find freeze-dried options more costly compared to other standard dog food types.

When and How to Give Your Dog Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

Freeze-dried dog food can be given at any time of day, but it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended serving size.

For optimal results, feed it alongside your dog’s regular meals or use it as a topper. You can serve it dry or rehydrate it by adding water, which helps with digestion.

Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water to stay hydrated.

Is It Safe to Use?

Freeze-dried dog food is generally safe when fed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, ensure it comes from reputable brands that follow strict manufacturing guidelines.

Always check the ingredients to ensure they meet quality standards and are free of harmful additives. It’s important to store the food correctly and avoid over-feeding, as excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues.

Possible Side Effects of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-dried dog food is generally safe for most dogs. Some dogs may experience mild digestive adjustments, like bloating or gas, especially during the transition from another diet.

Overconsumption may also lead to dehydration due to lower moisture content. These effects are usually temporary, and with proper hydration and monitoring, freeze-dried food can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet. Always consult your vet if needed.

Why Trust Us?

Our team of experts, including veterinarians and pet nutritionists, have carefully researched and analyzed the best freeze-dried dog foods available in 2025.

We prioritize safety, nutritional value, and ingredient quality in our recommendations, ensuring you provide your pet with only the best.

Our review process involves comprehensive research, customer feedback, and expert consultations to offer unbiased, well-rounded guidance for pet owners.

Final Verdict

Overall, selecting the best freeze-dried dog food is a crucial decision that directly impacts your pet’s overall health and well-being. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of prioritizing high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and adherence to stringent safety standards.

The top freeze-dried options often boast superior nutrient retention, convenience, and longer shelf life. Always consult with your veterinarian to tailor your choice based on your dog’s needs, age, and health considerations.

With a careful evaluation of ingredients, nutritional value, and brand reputation, you can decide to provide your canine companion with the optimal freeze-dried diet endorsed by veterinary professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions