As pet parents, we always strive to provide our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. With the abundance of dog food options available today, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest trends. Freeze-dried dog food and dehydrated dog food are two such options that have gained popularity. But what sets them apart? And are they better than traditional wet or dry dog food? Let’s delve into the world of freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food to make a well-informed decision for our beloved pets.
Understanding Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food undergoes a unique process that involves dehydration at a low temperature to preserve its quality and extend shelf life. By freezing the product and then lowering the pressure, the ice is removed through sublimation. This means that the ice goes from a solid state directly to a gas, skipping the liquid state entirely. The result is a product that retains its nutritional value while maintaining its appearance. It’s important to note that freeze-dried dog food is part of a line of raw, meat-based foods that are not cooked. The only difference is that freeze-dried dog food has most of its moisture removed through the process, while raw dog food contains more moisture. However, freeze-drying ensures that the nutrients are preserved and some bacteria may be eliminated. When it comes to cost, freeze-dried dog food may be slightly more expensive than raw dog food due to the additional processing involved.
Safety Considerations for Freeze-Dried Dog Food
While freeze-drying can reduce certain bacteria, it’s essential to check the website of the dog food brand you’re considering to understand their specific freeze-drying processes. This can help you determine the safety of their freeze-dried dog food. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware that dogs with weakened immune systems or severe illnesses should not be given raw food. If your household includes young children, elders, immune-compromised individuals, or individuals planning on pregnancy or who are pregnant, freeze-dried dog food may raise health safety concerns. Proper hand washing and prevention of cross-contamination are vital for those who choose a raw diet for their pets.
Unveiling Dehydrated Dog Food
Dehydrated dog food is another option that involves removing moisture from the product to extend its shelf life. The process of dehydration uses evaporation to achieve this. Both dehydration and freeze-drying increase the shelf life of dog food; however, freeze-drying occurs at a lower temperature. It’s worth noting that dehydrated dog food is also referred to as air-dried dog food. Air-drying is a gradual process that uses low heat to remove moisture from the food. The impact of the dehydration process on nutrient quality is still uncertain. Similar to freeze-drying, dehydration can reduce some bacteria, but not all of them.
Do You Need to Add Water to Dehydrated Dog Food?
To determine if water should be added to dehydrated dog food, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided on the packaging. These instructions will guide you in preparing the food correctly.
Which Option is Best for Your Dog?
Many pet parents and veterinarians have reported positive changes such as improved coat, skin, behavior, and reduced medical conditions and odor in dogs that consume raw meat diets. However, it’s important to note that no scientific assessment has been conducted to validate these claims. Ultimately, the choice between freeze-dried, dehydrated, canned, or dry dog food depends on several factors, including pet safety, family safety, the diet’s balance and completeness, the practicality of consistent feeding, and the cost. Every animal, household, and pet parent is unique, so it’s best to consult with your primary veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to determine the most suitable option for you and your furry companion.
Featured image: iStock.com/MonikaBatich
References:
- Freeze-drying. (2020, November 27). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeze-drying
- Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A., & Weeth, L. P. (2013). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243(11), 1549-1558. doi:10.2460/javma.243.11.1549
- Stogdale L. (2019). One veterinarian’s experience with owners who are feeding raw meat to their pets. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 60(6), 655-658.
- Food drying. (2020, September 02). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_drying