Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. To make a confident choice for your pooch, it’s helpful to understand what each type of food offers, both the good and the bad.

One of the most popular options you’ll find today is freeze-dried dog treats. Many owners have the same questions: What are they, exactly? And are freeze-dried dog treats healthy? Let's take a closer look at what makes these treats different so you can decide if they're right for your dog.

What are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats?

Freeze-dried dog treats are made using a special preservation method. They usually start with fresh, raw ingredients like meat, fruits, and vegetables.

The process involves freezing the ingredients and then gently removing almost all the water using a low-pressure vacuum. Because the freeze-dried dog food isn't cooked with high heat, this technique does a fantastic job of locking in the original nutrients and flavor.

This makes it a convenient alternative to a raw diet. You get many of the benefits of raw food without needing to worry about refrigeration or complicated prep.

How is Freeze-Dried Dog Food Made?

Making freeze-dried food is a careful, multi-step process. It starts by rapidly freezing the fresh ingredients at extremely low temperatures, which is key to locking in their flavor and nutrients. 

Next, the frozen food is placed inside a vacuum chamber. The pressure is lowered, which cleverly turns the ice in the food directly into vapor, softly removing the moisture without ever having to cook it. 

Once the food is dry, it's immediately sealed in airtight packaging to protect it. This special method is what allows the food to stay fresh for a long time without needing to be refrigerated or any added preservatives, all while keeping the texture, smell, and nutritional value of the original ingredients.

What Makes Freeze-Dried Food Different?

What sets freeze-dried dog treats and food apart is that they are made from raw ingredients and are only minimally processed. Inside, you’ll typically find a simple list of ingredients starting with meat, often balanced with fruits and vegetables.

The protein source is often a single, high-quality ingredient like chicken, duck, or fish, and even whole egg for an extra nutrient boost. These main ingredients are frequently enhanced with beneficial extras like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, fish oil, and even probiotics to support your dog’s health. 

It's also important to look at what's not in the ingredients, which is where they really differ from many foods on the market. Freeze-dried options typically don't contain grains or starches, as the high-protein formula is already easy to digest and provides a lot of energy. 

With all of these benefits, you can expect these foods to be a little more expensive. Since the freeze-drying process itself is expensive, these specialty foods are usually more costly than kibble.

Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Healthy?

This brings us to the most popular question on most dog owners' minds: Are these treats actually safe? 

The short answer is yes, freeze-dried dog treats and food are generally very safe, as long as you buy them from a trusted company. The freeze-drying process itself is great at eliminating harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which is a common worry for those who feed fresh raw diets. 

That said, as a smart shopper, it's a good habit to always check for product recalls and read customer reviews before you buy. You should also take a close look at the ingredient list for potential allergens and make sure the food is a good fit for your dog's unique age, size, and health needs.

A Difference Your Dog Can Taste and Smell

If you're still looking for a reason to try freeze-dried dog treats, their incredible flavor and smell might be the most convincing one. Since the ingredients are never cooked with high heat, this special process locks in the authentic taste and aroma. 

This is a big advantage, as the high heat used for traditionally dried snacks can diminish their natural taste and smell. Freeze-dried treats keep the true, savory flavor of the meat or the natural sweetness of the fruit. This powerful scent and rich taste can be a game-changer, especially for picky eaters who might not be interested in other treats. That irresistible smell also makes them an excellent high-value reward to use during training.

Freeze-Dried vs. Kibble 

Freeze-dried and kibble are very different, and it all comes down to how they are processed. Kibble is a highly processed food. Its ingredients are cooked at very high temperatures, much like how baked goods are made.

On the other hand, freeze-dried dog treats are minimally processed. Instead of being cooked, the raw ingredients go through a special freeze-drying method that smoothly removes moisture without high heat, preserving the food's natural nutritional value.

Is Freeze-Dried a Better Choice Than Dry Food?

Currently, there isn't a simple yes or no answer, as there’s no clear scientific proof that one is healthier than the other.

In fact, because of food safety concerns with uncooked ingredients, many major veterinary groups advise caution when it comes to feeding raw diets.

This is why the best person to ask is always your veterinarian. They can walk you through the pros and cons of any diet you're considering. Because they know your dog's specific health needs, they can help you make the best possible choice for your pet.

Keeping Your Freeze-Dried Treats Fresh

Another common question is how long these treats stay fresh after the bag has been opened. To protect their quality, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container, either the original resealable bag or another one you have at home.

Just be sure to store the container in a cool and dry place, like your pantry. When stored correctly, an opened bag of freeze-dried treats will typically last for about 60 to 90 days, though the exact time can depend on the specific ingredients.