Sarah loved her furry bestie Max more than anything in the world. She wanted to give him the best life possible, including the best food. She had heard too many horror stories of commercial dog food recalls and harmful ingredients that made their way into pet food. Sarah knew she had to find a better option.
So, she started making Max the same food she was eating for dinner. It was working out fine, but sometimes Sarah didn’t want to cook. She wanted food that was convenient like packaged food, yet similar in nutrition to freshly prepared.
After a considerable amount of research, Sarah discovered freeze-dried raw dog food. It was the perfect solution for her and Max. She could now give her pup the nutrition he deserved without having to spend hours in the kitchen. And Max? Well, let’s just say he couldn’t get enough of the delicious and nutritious meals that kept him healthy and happy.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 reasons why freeze-dried raw dog food is a pawsome choice for your furry bestie. From improved digestion and stronger immune system to better coat and skin health, you’ll discover all the benefits that freeze-dried raw dog food can offer. So, join Sarah and Max on their journey to finding the perfect food for their furry bestie, and learn why freeze-dried raw dog food may be the right choice for your furry friend too.
Are you looking for a a more nutritious route to feed your dog?
If you are like most pet parents, you want what is best for your furry friend. What you choose to feed your dog is of utmost importance to determining his quality of life.
But does this type of food really offer any benefits over traditional kibble? Here is a look at some of the pros of feeding your pup freeze-dried raw dog food vs. kibble, and frequently asked questions about freeze-dried dog food.
Top 10 benefits of spending extra on your dog’s food by offering him freeze-dried real food
- Improved Digestion
Freeze-dried real food is easier for dogs to digest, which can lead to better nutrient absorption and less digestive upset.
- Stronger Immune System
Real food contains immune-boosting nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy and ward off illness.
- Better Coat and Skin Health
The high-quality proteins and healthy fats found in real food can result in a shinier coat and healthier skin for your furry friend.
- Increased Energy and Vitality
Real food provides essential nutrients that can lead to increased energy and overall vitality for your dog.
- Better Weight Management
Real food can help your dog maintain a healthy weight due to its balanced nutrition and lack of fillers and artificial ingredients.
- Improved Dental Health
Real food can help clean your dog’s teeth naturally due to its texture and chewing requirements.
- Reduced Allergies and Sensitivities
Many dogs have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients found in commercial dog food. Real food eliminates these potential allergens.
- Better Mental Stimulation
Eating real food requires more chewing and mental stimulation than processed dog food, which can improve cognitive function and prevent boredom.
- Longer Lifespan
A healthy diet is one of the keys to a longer lifespan for your dog, and real food is an excellent way to ensure your furry friend has the best possible nutrition.
- Lower Vet Bills
Providing your dog with a healthy diet can prevent many common health problems, leading to lower vet bills in the long run. It’s much better to spend more on food than eventually spending it on vet bills!
- Happy Dog, Happy Life
Ultimately, feeding your dog the best possible food will lead to a happier, healthier, and more active dog. And isn’t that what every dog owner wants?
Chick and Her Homestead shows you how to make freeze dried dog food and treats
Cost of Freeze-dried variety of dog foods
Freeze-dried dog food has gained popularity among pet owners in recent years due to its long shelf life, convenience and perceived benefits for pet health. However, one major drawback of this type of dog food is its cost. According to a study by Tufts University in 2022, freeze-dried dog food tends to be 2-3 times more expensive than regular commercial kibble of medium quality.
While the exact price difference will depend on the specific brands and types of dog food being compared, pet owners should consider the added cost before making the switch to freeze-dried dog food.
It’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of freeze-dried dog food may outweigh the added cost for some pet owners, such as those with dogs who have specific dietary needs or sensitivities.
Making food yourself and freezing it or freeze drying it.
An alternative is making big batches of real food when meat is on sale. Compare the cost of doing this to the cost of having to pay for someone else to buy the ingredients, prepare, market it, store and deliver it, and it is likely a better way if you want to save money.
If you want to freeze dry your own meat and buy a freeze dryer, that could be even better, so you do not need to use freezer space, and storage is much easier when the food is shelf stable.
What are the disadvantages and potential health dangers of feeding your dog highly processed conventional kibble?
5 disadvantages and potential dangers of feeding your dog processed conventional kibble:
- Low nutritional value
Highly processed conventional kibble may lack the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein that your dog needs to maintain good health.
- Risk of obesity
Kibble often contains high levels of carbohydrates and calories, which can contribute to obesity in dogs if not properly portioned.
- Digestive issues
The fillers and additives used in many types of kibble can be tough on a dog’s digestive system, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Increased risk of dental problems
Dry kibble can stick to a dog’s teeth, leading to plaque buildup and dental issues such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
Some types of conventional kibble may contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. Additionally, the manufacturing process used to produce kibble can lead to the formation of carcinogens and other harmful substances.
For these reasons, raw dog food is often a better option for pet owners who are looking to improve their dog’s diet.
Not only does freeze-dried raw food provide all the nutrients dogs need, but it’s also minimally processed, which helps keep all those vital enzymes intact. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and coat, oral health, and clears the eyes while stool volume is reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is freeze-dried raw dog food as good as raw?
It depends on the ingredients. Freeze-dried raw dog food is made from fresh, raw ingredients that have been freeze-dried. This means all the nutrients and enzymes are preserved, making it a more natural and healthier diet for your pet. It also has a longer shelf life than fresh raw food.
Some commercially prepared raw diets are not freeze dried, so they may not be as nutritionally dense or as healthy as freeze- dried raw dog food. Also, always make sure to read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that the diet contains only high quality, human-grade ingredients.
What is the difference between freeze-dried and raw dog food?
There are several key differences between freeze-dried and raw dog food. Freeze-drying preserves more of the nutrients and flavors in food, while raw foods can lose some of their nutritional value during the cooking process.
Freeze-dried foods are also much lighter and easier to store than raw foods, making them a good option for travel or for dog owners who don’t have a lot of space in their home.
However, some raw foods can be less expensive than freeze-dried options, so it’s important to compare prices before making a decision. Some people just buy more of whatever meat is on sale, and without freeze-drying it, feed it raw to their beloved pets.
The process of freeze-drying is more costly, but having this option comes in handy during travel and when it is important to store food to have it on hand.
Ultimately, the best option for your dog is whichever type of food he or she enjoys and does well on.
Do you have to add water to freeze-dried raw dog food?
A majority of the raw, freeze-dried dog foods available instruct you on the labelling to rehydrate with water before feeding. Some come in smaller cubes that are great to use as treats and do not rehydrate when used for motivation.
Adding water to freeze-dried raw dog food rehydrates the food and brings it back to its original texture, making it more palatable and easier to digest for dogs. This process also helps to release the nutrients and flavors that may have been locked in during the freeze-drying process, making the food more nutritious and flavorful for your furry friend.
Can freeze-dried raw food make dogs sick?
At face value, no. Freeze dried raw dog food contains a higher quality, more nutrient-dense food for your dog.
That being said, food is food. It is possible for freeze-dried raw food to make dogs sick if it is not handled and stored properly, just like any regular food. All raw foods, including those that are freeze dried, have the potential to contain harmful bacteria that can cause sickness in dogs.
Dogs are able to tolerate bacteria much better than their human counterparts because their digestive tracts are more acidic. Bacteria that would normally make humans sick do not affect dogs much at all, as they are eliminated in the acids of their digestive process.
Concluding remarks on freeze dried dog food
Freeze-dried raw dog food has become increasingly popular as pet owners realize the many benefits it provides for their furry best friends. From improved digestion and nutrient absorption to a shinier coat and healthier weight, the benefits of freeze-dried raw dog food are clear.
Additionally, the convenience and versatility of this type of food make it an excellent choice for busy pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy, balanced diet without sacrificing their own time and convenience.
Whether you’re looking to switch your pup’s diet entirely or just add some variety to their meals, freeze-dried raw dog food is definitely worth considering as a nutritious and delicious addition to your dog’s diet.
Sources and additional reading
https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/natural-dog-food/freeze-dried-raw-dog-food/: This page from Wellness Pet Food provides information on their freeze-dried raw dog food products, including ingredients and nutritional information.- https://www.stellaandchewys.com/education/about-freeze-dried/: This page from Stella and Chewy’s discusses the benefits of freeze-dried dog food and how it is made.
- https://primalpetfoods.com/blogs/news/what-is-freeze-dried-dog-food: Primal Pet Foods provides information on what freeze-dried dog food is and why it is a healthy option for pets.
- https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/collections/freeze-dried-raw-dog-food: Only Natural Pet offers a variety of freeze-dried raw dog food options, along with information on the benefits of this type of food.
- https://www.houndgatos.com/benefits-of-freeze-dried-dog-foods/: Hound & Gatos provides information on the benefits of freeze-dried dog food and how it can improve your dog’s health and quality of life.
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