We all want our dogs to be healthy, and a big piece of that puzzle is what we put in their food bowl. Giving them healthy food with the proper nutrients helps ensure they have a long, happy, and energetic life.
But choosing a dog food can be confusing with so many choices available. How do you figure out what's best? One option that's becoming more common is dehydrated dog food, mainly because it offers some great benefits.
You might be wondering, what exactly is dehydrated food? And maybe more to the point, is it a safe choice for your pet?
This article covers the essential things to know about dehydrated dog food, explaining what it is and looking into whether it's a safe choice for your pooch.
What is Dehydrated Dog Food?
Dehydrated dog food is basically made by gently drying ingredients like blueberries, carrots, apples, and kale with warm air. This simple process removes most of the water.
This is quite different from how typical kibble is produced, which often involves quick cooking under intense heat and pressure. Using low-heat drying keeps the food less processed compared to traditional options.
When it's mealtime for your dog, you only need to mix the dried food with some warm water. Just let it stand for a few minutes to rehydrate and soften, then it's ready to eat.
Dehydrated vs. Kibble, Raw
Dehydrated food is known for supporting good digestion and delivering excellent nutrition. Drying food this way is actually a very old technique for making it last longer.
If we look at kibble, it's often made using high heat and pressure, and frequently contains extra preservatives and fillers. Sometimes, nutrients and coloring are even sprayed on after the cooking process.
In contrast, the dehydration process helps preserve the food's natural nutrients and proteins, doing so without needing artificial additives. Freeze-dried food is similar in this way – its special freezing and drying process also effectively keeps most of the original nutrients intact.
Raw diets can offer some similar nutritional advantages (like being less processed), but harmful bacteria can be present in raw meat, posing a high risk.
This means dehydrated dog food is safe and gives your dog a high-protein meal that's easy to digest. On top of that, you avoid the concerns of harsh processing methods, chemical additives, and the potential bacteria sometimes found in raw meat.
5 Top Benefits of Dehydrated Dog Food
There's a reason why dehydrated dog food is getting more attention from pet owners these days. It comes with some really worthwhile benefits.
Here are the five top benefits you often find with all-natural dehydrated dog food:
#1 Rich in Nutrients
A big plus for dehydrated dog food is how nutritious it is. Remember how we mentioned it's made using a low-heat process? That method helps the food keep many of its original nutrients.
This means your dog gets a good dose of the micronutrients, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other essential nutrients needed to keep them healthy and strong.
#2 Easy on the Stomach
Studies show that dehydrated food is often easier for dogs to digest compared to many highly processed options you find online or in stores.
Many of us know how challenging it can be finding the right healthy food for our pets – it often takes some trial and error. You might switch between different brands, hoping one works, and sometimes dog owners even end up preparing meals themselves.
Dehydrated food can be particularly helpful for dogs prone to allergies or digestive upset, like inflammation in their bowels or stomach. Dogs experiencing these kinds of digestive problems often find relief with this type of food.
An added benefit is that dehydrated food generally works well for almost all dog breeds, so it's likely a good fit no matter what kind of dog you have.
#3 Very Convenient to Use
Feeding your dog a healthy meal is important, and dehydrated food makes it surprisingly easy. There's no big fuss involved – it stores easily and doesn't need any complicated preparation.
All you do is add some water, wait a few minutes for it to rehydrate, and mealtime is ready. Because it's so quick and simple, it's a fantastic choice for pet owners who don't have a lot of extra time for meal prep.
#4 Free from Chemicals
A key benefit here is how dehydrated food is preserved. Since the drying process itself naturally keeps the food stable, there's no need to rely on artificial chemicals or preservatives during production.
This keeps unwanted additives out of your dog's bowl, making it a 100% healthier choice for your pet.
#5 Stores Easily
Another handy thing about dehydrated dog food is how easy it is to store. You'll find it doesn't require nearly as much storage space as large bags of kibble. That's because the food expands when you add water – typically, one pound of dry food makes about four pounds of fresh food.
This makes it a really practical choice if you're short on storage space, like in an apartment. Also, it keeps well for a long time at room temperature, no refrigeration needed, which is super convenient.
Is Dehydrated Dog Food a Good Choice for Your Dog?
Now that the basics of dehydrated dog food are clearer, you might be asking, “Is it the right choice for my dog?” There's no single answer, as it really depends on your dog's individual needs and even what they prefer.
If your dog is currently eating kibble, switching might take a little adjustment. Dehydrated food has a different texture and taste that they'll need to get used to.
Introducing the new food slowly helps prevent any potential stomach upset. Mix just a small amount into their regular food at first, slowly increasing the proportion over several days. Using a tasty natural food topper can also be a great way to help them transition.
Another thing to keep in mind is the cost…
Dehydrated dog food can sometimes be more expensive than traditional kibble. However, many pet parents feel the nutritional benefits and the convenience factor make the extra cost worthwhile.
Ultimately, you know your dog best, and the decision is yours. If you have any doubts or questions about making the switch, it's always a smart move to contact your veterinarian for their advice.
Best Budget-Friendly Dehydrated Dog Food
When picking food for your dog, you certainly have many choices. Just like with standard wet and dry foods, there's a variety of brands offering dehydrated options too.
While making your dog's meals yourself is possible, it definitely takes up a lot of time. For many owners, buying quality dehydrated food from the store is a great alternative.
The best option available is Homestyle PetMix by Healthy Dogma, which is made for the daily feeding of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. It comes in four flavors: Beef, Chicken, Fish, and Lamb. The focus is on natural, balanced nutrients and clean ingredients, resulting in a consistency more like porridge when you add water, while also being designed as a more budget-friendly choice.
Subscription options are available for convenience and savings, usually with the flexibility to pause or cancel when you need to.
Getting the Homestyle PetMix ready for your dog is incredibly easy!
- Add Water: Just mix the Homestyle PetMix with an equal amount of warm water. (Cold water is okay too, but most dogs prefer it warm – just avoid boiling)
- Mix & Wait: Stir everything together well. Let it sit for just a few minutes to absorb the water and soften up.
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Serve: That's it – it's ready for your dog to enjoy!
Discover Homestyle PetMix Dehydrated Dog Food
