4 Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

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Finding the best dehydrated dog food for your pup can feel overwhelming. With so many options and conflicting advice, how do you know which one is right? Whether you’re dealing with a picky eater or simply want a nutrient-rich, minimally processed option, dehydrated dog food offers a healthy and convenient solution. Packed with whole meats, fruits, and veggies, these foods retain more nutrients than traditional kibble—keeping your pup happy and healthy. Before diving into our top picks, let’s explore what makes dehydrated dog food a great choice and how to select the perfect one for your furry friend.

Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dehydrated Dog Food

When choosing dehydrated dog food, keep these factors in mind:

1. 1. Ingredients: Always check the ingredients list. The first few items should be high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products with too many filler ingredients, such as corn, wheat, or soy, which can cause allergies in some dogs.
   2. Nutritional Balance: Look for foods that provide a balanced diet, including the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. The packaging should indicate whether the food meets the nutritional profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
   3. Additives and Preservatives: Ideally, the food should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Some dogs are sensitive to such substances, and they can lead to health problems over the long term.
   4. Brand Reputation: Do some research on the brand to ensure they have a good reputation and have not been subject to recalls.
   5. Age, Size, and Breed: Different breeds, life stages (puppy, adult, senior), and sizes of dogs have different nutritional requirements. Make sure to choose a food that’s appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and breed.
   6. Health Considerations: If your dog has any health issues, such as food allergies, digestive problems, or specific nutritional needs, this will impact your choice of food. In such cases, it’s always best to consult your vet.
   7. Palatability: Some dogs might not like the taste or texture of dehydrated food, so it might take some trial and error to find a product your dog enjoys.
   8. Ease of Preparation: Dehydrated dog food requires rehydration before feeding. Ensure the process is easy and convenient, as some brands might require different preparation steps.
   9. Price: While it’s crucial to feed your dog high-quality food, it’s also important to choose something you can afford. Dehydrated dog food is often more expensive than kibble but can be more cost-effective than canned food.

Now, let’s check out the best dehydrated dog foods on the market. Your pup will love them all!

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The Best Dehydrated Dog Foods

1. Only Natural Pet Maxmeat Beef With Pumpkin Recipe Air-dried Dog Food Topper

With only one primary meat source, this Only Natural Pet air-dried dog food is the perfect way to satisfy your dog’s natural cravings. And with only one meat source from beef, beef lung, and beef liver, this food is one of the best dehydrated foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This raw mix is the perfect solution for dog owners who struggle to find suitable food for tummy issues or even picky eaters. Formulated to help improve your pet’s digestion and metabolism, this raw food can be served as a topper for dry kibble and canned food or as a complete meal.

Made from grass-fed beef, the free-range animal source was raised in New Zealand with no hormones or antibiotics in its diet. The added taurine also provides your dog with excellent heart health support. Enhanced with additional vitamins and minerals, you’re giving your dog a healthy boost with every scoop! 

At a Glance:

• Added taurine for heart health
• Grass-fed, free-range beef
• Follows the whole-prey rule
• Raised without any additives or hormones
• Lean muscle support due to high-quality protein
• AAFCO Statement: Only Natural dog food recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards.

2. Stella & Chewy’s: Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Providing your pup with a plate of Stella and Chewy Patties for breakfast and then again for dinner is one sure way to keep them energized all day. With responsibly sourced, grass-fed beef, these dinner patties ensure your dog is eating as nature intended. Both grain and gluten-free, this freeze-dried raw dog food provides your dog with essential nutritional benefits like improved health and digestion, a healthy immune system, and greater vitality and stamina. 

Look at these top 16 ingredients, and you’ll see there’s a whole lot of meat and protein that’s complimented by organic fresh fruits and veggies: grass-fed beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, beef tripe, beef bone, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic blueberries, fenugreek seed.

All this goodness makes up 95% of the recipe, but rest assured that the last five percent never contains additives like grains, preservatives, or hormones. These tasty patties are one of the best organic freeze-dried dog foods on the market and offer your pup a nutritionally balanced formulation. And to incorporate variety into your pup’s meals, try any of Stella and Chewy’s other flavor options.

At a Glance:

• 95% raw grass-fed beef & wild-caught salmon, nutrient-rich organs, & bone
• Pea-free, lentil-free, & potato-free
• 100% organic fruits & vegetables
• Fortified with added vitamins & minerals, including taurine
• Enhanced with probiotics & antioxidants
• Never any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics
• Minimal processing and small-batch production
• Supports skin, coat, and digestive health
• Crafted in the USA with responsibly sourced ingredients
• AAFCO Statement: Stella & Chewy recipes are specifically formulated to meet AAFCO Nutrient Profiles to offer complete and balanced nutrition for your puppy, including appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.

3. Only Natural Pet Wholesome Homemade Stew Dehydrated Dog Food

Only Natural Pet’s Homemade Stew is the perfect way to incorporate nutritious stew into your dog’s diet. Full of deboned turkey, chicken meal, and delicious non-GMO vegetables and fruits, this dog-food mix produces a stew that looks, tastes, and smells homemade. Packed with sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, green beans, carrots, yellow peas, cranberries, pumpkin, spinach, and pineapple stems, you can rest assured your dog gets only the most high-quality ingredients. With various flavor options ranging from fish, red meat, and poultry, your dog can choose their favorite flavor or switch it up for a wider variety.

An excellent option for senior dogs, this dehydrated dog food mix is rich in protein and contains New Zealand green mussels, making it great for maintaining pain-free joints and healthy bones. Only Natural Pet is always one of our top choices in dehydrated dog food recipes, as they always support your dog’s health with high-quality ingredients that are carefully chosen. 

At a Glance:

• Deboned whole turkey is the first ingredient
• Added taurine for heart health
• No additives, preservatives, or color
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Allows for lean muscle development due to protein-rich ingredients
• AAFCO Statement: Only Natural dog food recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards.

4. Sojos Complete Turkey Recipe Adult Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Containing extremely nutritious and beneficial raw materials, this Sojos dehydrated dog food has no unnecessary preservatives, additives, or artificial colors, ensuring the raw food your dog consumes is high-quality and made from only the best ingredients. With its main ingredient as freeze-dried turkey, this mixture contains nutrient-rich superfoods, such as celery, kelp, papaya, and more.

This raw mix is easy to prepare, and within minutes, your dog will have a delicious meal that is grain-free, gluten-free, and made from premium ingredients, with turkey meat always at the top of the ingredients list. Adding whole egg also provides another healthy protein source, while added vitamins and minerals deliver an extra dose of goodness to your pup’s immune system. And every pound of Sojos makes up to 5 lbs. of fresh, raw food, making this an affordable raw food for dogs. 

At a Glance:

• USDA-approved and free from artificial ingredients 
• Easy prep: Add water, soak and serve nutritious, delicious raw meals in just minutes.
• Gentle, proprietary freeze-drying process makes raw meat safe without heat or chemicals.
• Contains air-dried superfoods
• Made in the USA in Minnesota kitchens
• AAFCO Statement: Sojos Complete is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Does Dehydrated Dog Food Differ from Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

While both processes remove moisture to extend shelf life, dehydrated dog food retains slightly more moisture and requires longer rehydration time (5-10 minutes), while freeze-dried food removes nearly all moisture and rehydrates faster (2-3 minutes). Freeze-drying also better preserves the food’s original taste and texture.

2. Can Dehydrated Dog Food Spoil?

Yes, dehydrated dog food can spoil if not stored properly. However, it has a significantly longer shelf life than fresh, wet, or raw dog food. Keeping it in a cool, dry place and sealing the packaging tightly will help prevent spoilage.

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3. How Long Does Dehydrated Dog Food Stay Fresh?

Unopened, dehydrated dog food typically lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on the brand and storage conditions. Once opened, it’s best to use it within 4 to 6 weeks to ensure freshness and optimal nutrition.

4. What’s the Difference Between Dehydrated and Air-Dried Dog Food?

Both dehydrated and air-dried dog foods remove moisture without high heat, preserving nutrients better than traditional kibble. However, dehydrated food requires rehydration before serving, while air-dried food is ready to eat right out of the bag, making it more convenient for some pet parents.

5. Is Dehydrated Dog Food Healthier Than Kibble?

Yes! Dehydrated dog food typically contains higher-quality, whole-food ingredients with fewer preservatives than kibble. The gentle dehydration process helps retain more nutrients, making it a more natural and digestible option for dogs.

6. Does Dehydrated Dog Food Contain Raw Ingredients?

Some dehydrated dog foods are made with raw ingredients, while others are lightly cooked before dehydration. If you’re looking for a raw diet in a shelf-stable form, check for brands that specifically state they use raw, dehydrated ingredients.

7. How Do I Introduce My Dog to Dehydrated Dog Food?

To avoid digestive upset, switching to dehydrated dog food should be done gradually over 7-10 days. Start with 25% dehydrated food mixed with their current food, then increase the ratio every few days until they are eating 100% dehydrated food. Monitor for any signs of stomach sensitivity during the transition.

8. Can Dehydrated Dog Food Help with Sensitive Stomachs?

Yes! Many dehydrated dog food formulas use limited, high-quality ingredients that are easier to digest than heavily processed kibble. If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, look for grain-free or single-protein options to minimize irritation.

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Choosing the Best Dehydrated Dog Food for Your Pup

Selecting the right dehydrated dog food comes down to quality ingredients, your dog’s preferences, and their unique dietary needs. Whether you need a high-protein formula, a grain-free option, or something gentle for sensitive stomachs, the best choice is one that supports your pup’s overall health. By choosing minimally processed, nutrient-dense food, you’re giving your dog the best chance at a long, happy life. Check out our top recommendations to find a tasty, wholesome option your furry friend will love!

Not Sure About Dehydrated Food? See Our List of Overall Best Dog Foods or Best Freeze Dried Dog Foods.

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