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Raw dog food is becoming an increasingly popular diet option for dogs, but fresh raw food can be messy, and it can be complicated trying to ensure your dog is getting the right nutrients.
That’s why dehydrated dog food is becoming a new favorite dog food choice for people concerned with the quality of their dog’s diet.
Dehydrated raw dog food includes the benefits of raw dog food with the convenience of kibble.
There are a ton of different dehydrated foods on the market these days, so it can be tough to figure out which is the most appropriate recipe for your dog.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the diet that will work the best for you and your dog.
Here is a summary of our top 10 picks for the best-dehydrated dog food.
Top Rated Dehydrated Raw Dog Food: Quick View
Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Grain Free Air-Dried Dry Dog Food
- Jerky style
- Made from free-range lamb and wild-caught cod
- Can be used as a meal, topper, or treat
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food
- A holistic blend of 24 whole foods including 9 vegetables, 2 fruits, 2 seeds, bone meal, crushed eggshell, and more
- Add your own protein and oil
- Certified non-GMO
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Dinner
- Made in the USA
- Minimally processed
- 95% meat, organs, and bone
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Recipe
- Contains 98% fresh meat, organs, and bones plus green mussels
- Green mussels are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are great for joint health
- 95% digestible
TruDog: Feed Me: Freeze Dried Raw Superfood
- 99% meat, organs, and bones
- Made in the USA
- Safety and satisfaction guaranteed
Wellness Core Air Dried Grain Free Natural Dry Dog Food
- 70% raw protein ingredients
- 100% natural
- The taste of raw with the convenience of kibble
Grandma Lucy’s Grain Free Freeze Dried Pre-Mix Dog Food
- Non-GMO
- Made in the USA
- Add your own protein
Addiction Grain Free Dehydrated Dog Food Brushtail
- Made with brushtail, a unique protein source
- Eco-friendly
- Non-GMO
Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Natural Raw & Dehydrated Grain-Free Dog Food
- Complete and balanced diet
- Made in the USA
- No ingredients from China
Buckley Liberty Freeze Dried Dog Food
- Made in the USA with only USA-sourced ingredients
- 80% of meat, bones, and organs
- Contains salmon, fish oil, and flaxseed – natural sources of omega-3
What is Dehydrated Dog Food?
Cooking destroys many of the nutrients in meat, fruits, and vegetables, which means that most commercial dog foods need to have vitamins sprayed onto the kibble after it’s cooked to replace the nutrition that’s lost during the cooking process.
Dehydrated raw dog food is air dried, which eliminates the mess of handling raw meat while still retaining the nutrition of the original ingredients. Dehydrated meat may be jerky-style, pellets, soft bites, or flakes and can often be served either dry or rehydrated with water.
As a result, this type of food has the convenience of kibble while retaining the nutritional benefits of a raw diet.
READ MORE: Raw vs Kibble: Which Dog Food is Best?
Best Dehydrated Dog Food
#1 – Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Holistic Grain-Free Air Dried Dry Dog Food
While some dehydrated dog food needs to soak in water for 15 minutes before you feed it to your dog, this jerky style food can be fed straight to your dog like kibble. The ¼” pieces are also the perfect size to use as training treats.
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Jerky style
- Made from free-range lamb and wild-caught cod
- Can be used as a meal, topper, or treat
- No need to rehydrate
- Satisfaction guarantee
Ingredients: Lamb, Cod, Lamb Liver, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Parsley, Pumpkin, Rosemary, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Ground Lamb Bone, Vegetable Glycerin, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (source of Vitamin E), Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Sulfate, Nicotinic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,Manganous Oxide,Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ethylenediamine
User Reviews: The only complaints people have about this food is the variable size of the jerky pieces and occasionally too much meat “dust” in the package compared to edible pieces. Other than that, even the pickiest of dogs love it, and dogs with allergies thrive on it.
Bottom Line: Without a single complaint about dogs getting sick or having allergic reactions, this might be the best food you can buy for your dog. You can use it as a nutritionally complete diet, food topper, or training treat. It has the convenience of kibble with much healthier ingredients closer to what dogs would eat in the wild.
#2 – Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Holistic blend of 24 whole foods including 9 vegetables, 2 fruits, 2 seeds, bone meal, crushed eggshell, and more
- Add your own protein and oil
- Certified non-GMO
- Made in the USA
Ingredients: Broccoli, Green Beans, Squash, Carrots, Celery, Cabbage, Crushed Eggshell, Spinach, Pumpkin, Beets, Raw Goat’s Milk Powder, Apples, Blueberries, Bone Meal, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Lipped Mussel Powder, Milk Thistle, Ginger, Spirulina, Kelp, Parsley, Eggshell Membrane
User Reviews: One dog owner complained that it made their dogs sick and one owner said their picky dog was slow to warm up to it, but most people said their dogs loved it and were thriving, even dogs with multiple food sensitivities or complicated health problems.
Bottom Line: If you want to feed your dog raw meat but are concerned about making sure their diet is rounded out, this is exactly the mix you’ve been looking for. Just add the protein and oil of your choice, and you have a balanced raw diet.
#3 – Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Dinner
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Made in the USA
- Complete and balanced for all life stages
- Minimally processed
- 95% meat, organs, and bone
- 100% organic sustainably-sourced fruits and vegetables
- Easy to measure freeze-dried patties
Ingredients: 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, potassium chloride, dried kelp, sodium phosphate, tocopherols (preservative), choline chloride, dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, taurine, calcium carbonate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid
User Reviews: People who buy this product report some quality control issues and there are reports of dogs getting sick from this food. However, most people and dogs love this food and thrive on it.
Bottom Line: The patties are super convenient and can be used as treats or a food topper if you don’t want to feed them alone as a complete diet. This food doesn’t agree with all dogs, but most dogs do well on it.
#4 – Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food Recipe
Want the convenience of kibble with the benefits of raw? This jerky-style freeze-dried food is served as-is, with no need to break patties into smaller pieces or add water to rehydrate. The addition of New Zealand green mussels adds a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin for additional joint support.
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Contains 98% fresh meat, organs, and bones plus green mussels
- Green mussels are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are great for joint health
- 95% digestible
- Jerky style for the convenience of kibble
- Free-range and ethically-sourced meat from New Zealand
Ingredients: Lamb Meat, Liver, Lung, Tripe, Heart and Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lecithin, Chicory Inulin, Dried Kelp, Parsley, Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, Vitamins, Minerals
User Reviews: There are quite a few reports of people receiving bags of seemingly spoiled or moldy food when ordered online that made dogs sick, but most people say their dog loves the food and their quality of life has improved, especially for several dogs with food allergies.
Bottom Line: This jerky-style food works great as a training treat if you can’t afford to feed it to your dog full-time. It’s so energy-dense that you can feed less of it than you do kibble, making it easier to take with you when traveling or camping. Most dogs thrive on it, especially dogs with food allergies.
#5 – TruDog: Feed Me: Freeze Dried Raw Superfood
Notable Qualities and Features:
- 99% meat, organs, and bones
- Made in the USA
- Safety and satisfaction guaranteed
- No filler
Ingredients: Beef, beef tripe, beef lung, ground beef bone, beef liver, beef heart, beef kidney, beef blood, beef fat, herring oil (natural source of vitamin D), mixed tocopherols (natural antioxidant), d-alpha tocopherol (natural vitamin E)
User Reviews: Not all dogs enjoy or do well on this meat-heavy food, but many dogs love it and thrive on it. Most people use it for treats or as a food topper rather than as a standalone diet, while others use it in place of a fresh raw diet when they travel.
Bottom Line: They only offer small bag sizes, so for large dogs, this food might be better used as a treat or food topper. It’s also convenient for traveling if you normally feed a fresh raw diet when you’re at home.
#6 – Wellness Core Air Dried Grain Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Notable Qualities and Features:
- 70% raw protein ingredients
- 100% natural
- The taste of raw with the convenience of kibble
- Moist bites
- Includes nutrient-rich greens
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chickpeas, Peas, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Ground Flaxseed, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Chicory Root Extract, Zinc Propionate, Potassium Citrate, Apples, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Zinc Proteinate, Parsley, Zinc Sulfate, Dried Kale, Carrots, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
User Reviews: People reported problems getting stale or expired products delivered, and some dogs got sick from this food, but most dogs love it. The soft bites have a consistency in between wet food and kibble that dogs seem to enjoy.
Bottom Line: For dogs that can’t handle a diet that’s too rich in protein, this is a good option. It doesn’t need to be rehydrated or crumbled, which makes it convenient. Just keep an eye out of stale or expired bags.
#7 – Grandma Lucy’s Grain Free Freeze Dried Pre-Mix Dog Food
This food is designed to supplement a raw diet. If you prefer to select your dog’s meat, organs, and bones yourself, this is a great supplemental food to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrition they need from their raw diet.
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Non-GMO
- Made in the USA
- Add your own protein
- Great source of vitamins when added to a raw diet
Ingredients: Potatoes, flax sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, garlic, vitamin supplements
User Reviews: While a few dogs didn’t like this food, most dogs love it. Since you add your own meat, it’s easy to customize for dogs with special dietary requirements. That makes it great for dogs with allergies or who are just picky.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a product to round out the meat you give your dog, this is a great option. A little bit goes a long way, and most dogs love the flavor. With limited ingredients and no proteins, this food is easy to customize for just about any dog’s needs.
#8 – Addiction Grain Free Dehydrated Dog Food Brushtail
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Made with brushtail, a unique protein source
- Eco-friendly
- Non-GMO
- Made in New Zealand
- Can be served dry or rehydrated
Ingredients: Brushtail, Potatoes, Papayas, Canola Oil, Sunflower Seeds, Carrots, Spinach, Tapioca, Choline Chloride, Taurine, with added vitamins and minerals
User Reviews: There are occasional complaints of poor quality control, but most dogs love the taste of this food and even dogs with multiple food allergies thrive on it.
Bottom Line: If you have a dog with multiple food allergies and are finding it difficult to get food that won’t bother your dog, this brushtail dehydrated food is a great option.
#9 – Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Natural Raw & Dehydrated Grain-Free Dog Food
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Complete and balanced diet
- Made in the USA
- No ingredients from China
- Just add water
Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Egg, Flax Seeds, Carrots, Apples, Coconut, Salmon, Cranberries, Tricalcium Phosphate, Celery, Bananas, Pumpkin, Spinach, Fenugreek Seeds, Kelp, Zinc Sulphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Fumerate, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid
User Reviews: As with most foods, some dogs don’t like this food, and some got sick after eating it. However, most dogs enjoyed this food and did well on it. You may need to add more or less water than what the package recommends to keep your pup happy with the consistency.
Bottom Line: This is a good choice for freeze-dried food and is somewhat more reasonably priced than other dehydrated raw dog foods.
#10 – Buckley Liberty Freeze Dried Dog Food
Notable Qualities and Features:
- Made in the USA with only USA-sourced ingredients
- 80% meat, bones, and organs
- Contains salmon, fish oil, and flaxseed – natural sources of omega-3
- Use as a food, topper, or treat
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chicken Gizzard, Squash, Apples, Carrots, Broccoli, Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Inulin, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Fish Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative)
User Reviews: While a few dogs didn’t like the food or got sick, most of the complaints were about the price, especially for large dogs. Price aside, most dogs love this food and do well on it. Most reviewers prefer to use it as a treat or food topper due to the price.
Bottom Line: This food comes in very small bags and is on the expensive side, but it’s a high-quality food that most dogs love and thrive one. It’s a great choice to use as a training treat if you can’t afford to feed it as your dog’s primary food source.
Things to Look For in Dehydrated Dog Food
If this is your first time buying dehydrated raw dog food, you probably have a lot of questions about what to look for in a good dehydrated raw food.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Protein Content
The protein content of dehydrated meat may range anywhere from 70-98%. Some dogs need plenty of protein in their diet, while other dogs benefit from having more fruits and veggies in the food to balance out all the meat.
Keep in mind what you like to treat your dog with on the side, too: if you often share your veggies with your pup but not your meat, choose a dehydrated dog food that has a higher protein content. If you feed your dog freeze-dried raw meat treats and don’t supplement with fruits and veggies, go for a food with lower protein content.
Meat Sources
These days, allergies to common meats like chicken and beef are becoming increasingly popular amongst pet dogs. If you have a dog with food allergies, you might want to look for dehydrated raw dog food with a unique protein. One food on our list is brushtail, a marsupial from New Zealand that is highly unlikely to cause allergic reactions in dogs.
You also want to make sure you read all the ingredients. A “lamb” dehydrated food for dogs may also contain ingredients like chicken or fish, so it’s crucial to check the ingredients if you have a dog with food allergies.
Where is it Made and Where are Ingredients Sourced?
Not all countries have the same safety standards. Look for food made in and sourced with ingredients from places like the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Europe for the best quality.
Complete Diet or Add Your Own Meat?
Some dehydrated dog foods are a complete diet and don’t need anything added (apart from water, in some cases). Other dehydrated raw dog foods are intended to be supplemented with your own choice of meat and oil.
If you enjoy giving your dog raw meat but are concerned that your dog isn’t getting a well-rounded diet, look for a premix that contains little to no meat. Otherwise, make sure you’re getting a food that’s considered a complete diet.
Wrapping Up
Only you can decide which dehydrated meat is best for your dog. Some dogs won’t eat jerky-style food, others may need lower protein content, and others may need unique proteins. Hopefully, we’ve given you enough information to find the best option for your pup.
Additional Dog Food Buying Guides:
The 5 Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services for 2019
10 Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Large Breed Dogs