12 Best Air-Dried Dog Foods 2025: Vet-Recommended Brands

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Meri Halvari, DVM.

Most dog owners assume kibble is the easiest, healthiest way to feed their pup—but what if it’s actually robbing them of vital nutrients? Highly processed kibble is exposed to extreme heat, destroying delicate proteins and essential fatty acids. The result? A diet that’s convenient but nutritionally lacking. That’s where air-dried dog food changes the game. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best air-dried dog foods, explain what makes them superior, and help you choose the best option for your dog. Let’s dive in.

What Is Air-Dried Dog Food?

Air-dried dog food is made by slowly removing moisture from raw ingredients using warm air circulation without applying heat. This method helps retain more of the natural nutrients in the ingredients —such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids —than traditional kibble manufacturing processes. The outcome is a shelf-stable, jerky-like food that doesn’t require refrigeration and offers the health benefits of raw feeding without the associated risks.

How Is Air-Dried Dog Different From Kibble, Dehydrated & Freeze-Dried?

Air-dried and freeze-dried methods better preserve nutrients compared to kibble and dehydrated options.

Unless you are buying ultra-premium dry dog food, most kibble is exposed to high temperatures and is often made with feed-grade ingredients (fillers, meat meals, etc). On the other hand, air-dried, freeze-dried dog food brands typically use wholesome, human-grade ingredients in their recipes. Read our guide on feed-grade vs human-grade dog food for more insight into this topic.

How The Best Air-Dried Food Helps Dogs

There are several potential benefits associated with air-dried dog food. These include:

Do Vets Recommend Air-Dried Dog Food?

Yes, veterinarians do recommend air-dried dog food for its nutritional benefits, ease of digestion, and safety compared to raw diets. Many air-dried dog foods are formulated with input from veterinarians or veterinary nutritionists. However, you should always consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Alternatively, you can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. In addition, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine which nutrients their diet should contain. Likewise, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can identify potential food sensitivities, allowing you to confidently choose the right air-dried diet and care plan for optimal digestion and nutrition.

Best Air Dried Dog Food Reviews

Here are the best air-dried dog foods of this year.

Best Overall Air Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Beef, chicken, turkey & pork

Protein: 30% (Dm)

Fat: 16% (Dm)

Fiber: 6% (Dm)

Diet: Human-grade

Why we recommended it: A Pup Above air-dried dog food recipes feature grass-fed meats as the primary protein source, paired with non-GMO vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots, cauliflower, celery, and cranberries. They also include whole grains like barley, oats, and rice bran, salmon and cod oils for omega fatty acids, pork plasma as a natural binder, a vitamin-mineral blend for balanced nutrition, and superherbs like thyme, turmeric, and parsley. The brand uses a Nutridry process, which combines air-drying with gentle heat to better preserve the natural flavor and nutrition of ingredients compared to traditional methods. Plus, it has a jerky-like texture that dogs love.

What sets it apart from competitors: The food is produced in a USDA human-grade facility with batch pathogen testing—useful quality-assurance details you don’t always see in this category. Transparency and sourcing are strong with a page that links to a lot-level transparency tool so you can see the ingredient origins.

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Best Personalized Air-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Chicken, beef, salmon and lamb

Protein: 25% to 26%

Fat: 16% to 22%

Fiber: 2% to 3.5%

Diet: Human-grade

Why we recommended it: The Pet’s Table Air-Dried Dog Food offers a personalized air-dried meal service customized to your dog’s health and nutritional needs and delivers it straight to your door. The Pet’s Table is a HelloFresh-backed company, meaning it benefits from the meal delivery giant’s expertise in sourcing quality ingredients and crafting balanced, nutritious recipes. All recipes are developed with vets and are AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages and all sizes. It’s made with 100% real, whole, human-grade ingredients—no artificial flavors or fillers. Additionally, the brand offers fresh dog food and a mixed plan that combines fresh and air-dried meals, providing variety and catering to different dietary preferences and budgets.

What sets it apart from competitors: Their recipes offer various flavors that support gut health, immunity, grain allergies, vision, shiny coat, food allergies, sensitive stomachs, and more. The food has a unique, soft jerky texture, making it appealing as both a meal and a training treat. This dual functionality is a notable advantage over standard dry foods.

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Best High-Protein Air Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Beef, turkey & pork

Protein: 63% (Dm)

Fat: 25% (Dm)

Fiber: 3% (Dm)

Diet: Human-grade

Why we recommended it: The Raised Right Air Dried Dog Food is made with human-grade quality and formulated by Dr. Karen Becker, a world-renowned veterinarian, and has a limited ingredient list with no synthetic additives. It contains 10 ingredients or fewer, focusing on whole food sources such as turkey, beef, pork, or chicken, ensuring a clean, high-protein, low-carb nutritional profile. This product meets AAFCO standards solely through whole foods, without synthetic vitamins or minerals added. We like how it balances high protein content with digestibility and palatability, and its safe, low-temperature cooking and air-drying processes that preserve nutrients while ensuring shelf stability.

What sets it apart from competitors: Packed with very high protein (almost double that of other brands), extremely low carbohydrates, and the “air-dried and human-grade ingredients” angle—all three together are uncommon in more mainstream dry/air-dried formulas.

Best Organic Air-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Surf&Turf, chicken, and lamb

Protein: 29% to 40%

Fat: 15% to 24%

Fiber: 4.5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Open Farm Air-Dried Dog Food offers a unique blend of humanely raised meats and wild-caught fish, ensuring a rich source of protein and essential nutrients that are also sourced responsibly. Additionally, the inclusion of non-GMO fruits and vegetables, along with bone broth, enhances the food’s nutritional profile and palatability. It’s also an excellent choice for pet owners with dogs that need a high-protein diet, such as working or active dogs, as most of its recipes are 90% protein meat. Its focus on certified USDA organic proteins and non-GMO produce makes it a standout for pups needing clean, easily digestible meals without synthetic additives. 

What sets it apart from competitors: The brand’s commitment to transparency enables customers to trace the origin of their pet’s food, a significant advantage for those concerned about food safety and sustainability.

Best Air-Dried Food For Small Dogs

Recipes: Chicken & blueberry

Protein: 34%

Fat: 28%

Fiber: 4%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Redbarn Air-Dried Small Breed Chicken & Blueberry Recipe Dog Food contains 91% high-quality animal protein from chicken, chicken hearts, and chicken livers, helping maintain muscle mass and sustain energy for active small dogs. The inclusion of superfoods such as blueberries, salmon oil, and flaxseed provides antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support immune health and a shiny coat. The air-drying process preserves essential nutrients while creating a crunchy texture that appeals to picky eaters. If you and your pet are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a full refund or try a new product at no cost.

What sets it apart from competitors: Focuses on small-breed-specific needs, including portion sizes and nutrient balance tailored for smaller stomachs. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO, making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities. Its use of prebiotics and postbiotics further supports digestive health.

Best Air-Dried Food for Senior Dogs

Recipes: Chicken

Protein: 36%

Fat: 18%

Fiber: 2%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Sundays For Dogs All-Natural Chicken Dog Food uses high-quality, human-grade ingredients like chicken, chicken liver, and eggs, which help maintain lean muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Millet and oats offer digestible, slow-burning carbohydrates that help sustain energy without spiking blood sugar—important for older dogs prone to metabolic issues. Sundays also add ground bone, which provides natural calcium and phosphorus for bone strength, while kale, broccoli, and spinach deliver antioxidants and vitamins to support immune function and cellular health. The inclusion of fruits (blueberries, cranberries, cherries, apples, and strawberries) and vegetables (Pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, and chicory) provides antioxidants and fiber, supporting overall health and digestive well-being.

What sets it apart from competitors: Its air-dried, tender texture is easy on worn teeth. At the same time, balanced protein and fat levels help maintain muscle mass without overtaxing kidneys—ideal for seniors prone to weight gain or renal concerns. The food is made in a USDA-monitored, human-grade facility that adheres to high safety and quality standards. The recipe also skips common irritants like grains or artificial additives, making it a safe bet for dogs with mild allergies or delicate digestion. They also offer beef and turkey recipes for young pups and dogs with allergies.

Best Air-Dried Food for Puppies

Recipes: Chicken, beef, lamb, and venison

Protein: 38% to 44%

Fat: 24% to 30%

Fiber: 3%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food recipes feature high meat content —over 96% —including meat, organs, seafood, and bone, which provide natural calcium and iron critical for bone development and blood health in growing puppies. Additionally, its recipes are boosted with 10% superfoods for added nutrition, New Zealand green mussels for healthy skin, coat health, and brain development, poultry hearts for a natural source of fatty acids, and organic kelp for vitamins and minerals your pet’s body can’t produce naturally, such as iodine, which regulates the thyroid hormone. Their formulas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium, taurine, and more, for puppy development.

What sets it apart from competitors: It delivers the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, air-dried form. The small, chewy chunks are easy on developing teeth, while the calorie-rich content fuels energy needs without overloading tiny stomachs—ideal for pups who burn through meals quickly. It’s also perfect for puppies, because it can be used as a complete and balanced meal, a nutritious topper, or a delicious treat. Additionally, the recipes are free from grains, potatoes, and glycerin, making them suitable for puppies with sensitivities.

Best Air-Dried Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Recipes: Chicken and beef

Protein: 31% to 34%

Fat: 16% to 18%

Fiber: 4%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Air-Dried Dog Food offers a limited-ingredient, nutrient-dense diet that minimizes potential triggers for digestive upset. It features 80% high-quality meat and organs, combined with pumpkin, which provides natural fiber to support gut health. At the same time, the grain-free and legume-free recipes cater to dogs with dietary sensitivities.

What sets it apart from competitors: Uses 80% real meat and organs and 20% natural ingredients, providing a nutrient-dense meal that aligns with a dog’s natural dietary needs.

Best Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Chicken, beef, lamb, venison, turkey and fish

Protein: 28%

Fat: 27%

Fiber: 2%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Real Meat Air-Dried Dog Food offers a range of grain-free recipes with high-quality, named meats and organs, ensuring a rich source of essential nutrients. The air-drying process preserves these nutrients while maintaining a low moisture content, making it shelf-stable and convenient for owners. Additionally, the inclusion of chelated minerals and taurine supports heart health and nutrient absorption, which is particularly beneficial for dogs on grain-free diets. Gentle on the stomach, making it perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. It contains no fillers, coloring, or artificial additives.

What sets it apart from competitors: Their recipes are ethically crafted in small, artisanal batches. Real Meat only uses grass-fed beef and free-range poultry, avoiding antibiotics and hormones.

Best Budget-Friendly Air-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Chicken and beef

Protein: 33%

Fat: 25%

Fiber: 6%

Diet: Natural ingredients

Why we recommended it: Pawstruck Air-Dried Dog Food is vet-approved and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, ensuring safety and quality. The inclusion of functional ingredients like salmon oil and flaxseed supports joint health and energy levels. The brand uses 96% muscle meat from beef or chicken, organ meats for muscle development, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy most dogs. It’s boosted with functional ingredients, such as flaxseed and salmon oil, which provide DHA and EPA —crucial for cognitive function, joint health, heart health, and skin hydration.

What sets it apart from competitors: Premium dog food processed and packed in USDA-certified facilities. The food is also free from by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives, making it a healthier choice for dogs.

Best Air-Dried Dog Food For Large Dogs

Recipes: Chicken and beef

Protein: 26%

Fat: 9%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: PetPlate FreshBaked offers a crunchy texture and nutrient-dense air-dried dog food. It uses only premium ingredients without fillers or artificial preservatives. The brand’s focus on customization allows owners to tailor meals to their large dog’s specific needs, including dietary restrictions or preferences. The inclusion of prebiotics and postbiotics supports digestive health, which is crucial for large breeds that can be prone to gastrointestinal issues. Dicalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate supply vital calcium and phosphorus, crucial for supporting bone density and reducing the risk of joint issues like hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds. Salmon oil and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lubricate joints and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for large breeds prone to arthritis.

What sets it apart from competitors: Developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, each recipe uses human-grade, USDA-certified meats as the first ingredient and is slow-cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. At 370–413 calories per cup, it’s calorie-dense enough to meet the high caloric needs of large breeds without overfeeding.

Best Air-Dried Dog Food For Allergies

Recipes: Chicken & coconut

Protein: 28%

Fat: 28%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Yumwoof Perfect Kibble Air-Dried Dog Food offers a nutrient-rich, hypoallergenic diet free of common allergens such as grains, peas, legumes, oils, and chemicals. It’s formulated with human-grade, non-GMO ingredients, including fresh USDA meat and whole eggs, ensuring a rich source of essential nutrients. It’s boosted with Cocomega™ superfats, Cocomega, a dietary supplement that combines coconut oil and omega-3 fatty acids, helps alleviate skin allergies and digestive issues. The formula focuses on gut health and reducing inflammation and allergies. The use of organic flaxseed, chia seeds, and pumpkin supports digestive health, which is crucial for dogs with sensitivities. The absence of high-carb fillers makes it suitable for dogs with diabetes or insulin sensitivity.

What sets it apart from competitors: The recipe is formulated based on 250 clinical studies supporting the health benefits for dogs with skin allergies, joint pain, seizures, diabetes, obesity, constipation, and gut issues. Each batch is tested for contaminants like mycotoxins. 

Other Air-Dried Dog Foods

The Bottom Line

​Choosing the best air-dried dog food can significantly enhance your dog’s health by offering a nutrient-dense, minimally processed diet. Brands like ZIWI Peak and Open Farm provide high-quality options that combine the nutritional benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of dry food. However, it’s essential to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs and consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to their diet. You can support your canine companion’s overall well-being and vitality by selecting a reputable air-dried dog food.​

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.