Dehydrated dog food has become a popular alternative to traditional kibble and canned meals, offering a shelf-stable option with many of the benefits of fresh food. By gently removing moisture at low temperatures, this method preserves nutrients and flavor without the need for artificial preservatives. Whether you’re looking for a convenient topper, a budget-friendly base, or a complete raw diet solution, there’s a dehydrated option to match your dog’s needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dehydrated dog foods available, highlighting what makes each one stand out, so you can make an informed choice your pup will love.
How Dehydrated Food Benefits Dogs
According to the latest scientific research, dehydrated dog food offers benefits in terms of digestibility, immune function, and antioxidant status compared to standard dry food.
Key Benefit
Description
Improved Digestibility
Dehydrated feed boosts digestibility of fiber and minerals, aiding nutrient absorption and gut health. Dogs fed dehydrated food had softer, higher-moisture stools.
Enhanced Immune & Antioxidant Response
Dogs on dehydrated diets showed increased antioxidant activity (GST, CAT, SOD enzymes) and higher immune proteins (IgA, IgG), improving immune defense and oxidative stress protection.
Healthier Blood Markers
Dogs fed dehydrated food had lower blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose, indicating potential metabolic benefits.
Nutritional Quality
Dehydrated foods that use natural ingredients and minimal processing tend to retain more nutrients and bioactive compounds, supporting overall health.
Table source: [1]
Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere, to ensure dehydrated food is ideal for your pet. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. Similarly, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine whether a dehydrated diet will support better digestion. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can reveal specific sensitivities, helping you avoid potential triggers commonly found in some dehydrated meals. This information enables you to make informed choices about the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion and nutrition.
Best Dehydrated Food For Dogs
Here are the best dehydrated dog foods of this year.
Best Overall Dehydrated Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated
Who It’s For: The most well-rounded dehydrated formula for dog owners seeking the highest quality ingredients, taste, and most optimal nutrition.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food is made with human-grade, whole food components like free-range meats, organic barley, and a variety of fruits and vegetables; it avoids common fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. The gentle dehydration process preserves nutrients while ensuring safety through cooking. Additionally, it’s manufactured in a human food facility, adhering to stringent quality standards.
What sets it apart from competitors: Commitment to quality and sustainability. Its Certified B Corporation status reflects ethical sourcing and responsible production practices. The food rehydrates to four times its weight, making it both economical and space-saving. Furthermore, it offers versatility in feeding—serve it as a complete meal, a topper, or use it with enrichment toys.
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Best Dehydrated Dog Food For Puppies
4.7
★★★★★
Bully Max Puppy
Who It’s For: Tailored for puppies requiring a nutrient-dense diet to support rapid growth and muscle development. The soft, rehydrated texture is also beneficial for puppies transitioning from milk.
Why we recommended it:Bully Max 26/12 High Protein Dehydrated Puppy Food offers a balanced, nutrient-dense formulation that supports all aspects of puppy development. Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source critical for muscle and tissue growth. The recipe also includes wholesome grains like barley and oats, omega-3s from flaxseed and salmon oil, and a mix of vegetables and vitamins, ensuring a complete and varied nutrient profile. The formula is all-natural, with no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy, and is enhanced with a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
What sets it apart from competitors: It stores like a dry food but serves as a fresh, moist meal in minutes—no cans, no refrigeration, and no waste. The calorie density (592 calories per cup) is among the highest in the premium puppy food category, making it cost-effective for growing puppies or dogs with higher energy needs.
Best Dehydrated Kibble Dog Food
4.8
★★★★★
Spot & Tango Unkibble
Who It’s For: Crafted for owners who want the convenience of kibble with the ingredient quality and transparency of fresh food.
Why we recommended it:UnKibble uses named meats—like chicken, beef, turkey, or fish—as the primary protein source and avoids artificial preservatives, flavors, and by-products. The food is gently dehydrated at low temperatures, which helps retain more nutrients and flavors compared to traditional extrusion methods. Each recipe is complete and balanced, meeting AAFCO standards, and the company’s transparency about sourcing and nutrition is a frequent highlight in user reviews. Comes with a feeding guide and the ability to tailor meal plans to their dog’s needs. The food is made in USDA-certified kitchens, and each ingredient is clearly listed, helping owners avoid allergens or unwanted additives. The calorie density is also higher than many competitors, so you can feed less volume for the same energy, which some users find cost-effective despite the premium price
What sets it apart from competitors: Uses a unique Fresh Dry™ process, which delivers a crunchy, shelf-stable texture similar to kibble but with a noticeably higher ingredient quality. Unlike many store-bought kibbles, UnKibble is non-GMO and gluten-free (with the exception of the Beef + Barley recipe), and the Cod + Salmon option is both grain-free and hypoallergenic—ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Best Dehydrated Food For Small Dogs
4.5
★★★★★
GranCru
Who It’s For: Formulated for the dietary needs of small breed dogs.
Why we recommended it:Canisource Grand Cru Grain-Free Chicken & Duck Dehydrated Dog Food combines the nutritional benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry food. The low-temperature dehydration process preserves essential nutrients, ensuring your dog receives maximum health benefits. Additionally, the food is made with human-grade ingredients and contains no by-products, artificial preservatives, or common allergens like wheat, corn, or soy. The diet is complete and balanced for all life stages, and the jerky-like texture appeals to even picky eaters. The balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat, which is particularly beneficial for small breeds prone to skin issues.
What sets it apart from competitors: The food is produced in a HACCP-certified facility, ensuring high safety and quality standards. Furthermore, the inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and cranberries, provides natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants.
Best Dehydrated Food For Senior Dogs
4.6
★★★★★
Sojos Complete
Who It’s For: An excellent choice for senior dogs (7+ years). Its formulation addresses the unique nutritional needs of aging canines, such as joint health, digestive support, and cognitive function.
Why we recommended it:Sojos Complete Turkey & Salmon Recipe Senior Dog Food combines high-quality animal proteins—turkey and salmon—with a thoughtful blend of fruits, vegetables, and superfoods like flaxseed, pumpkin, and cranberries. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin supports joint health, which is crucial for aging dogs, while DHA and EPA contribute to cognitive function and skin health. The preparation is simple: just add water, soak, and serve, making it a practical choice for owners who want the benefits of raw, minimally processed food without the hassle.
What sets it apart from competitors: The food is made in small batches in Minnesota kitchens, using a short, transparent ingredient list with no genetically engineered components. Its targeted senior formula includes added taurine, omega fatty acids, and a precise balance of minerals to support aging bodies, making it a comprehensive choice for senior wellness.
Best Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food
4.7
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free uses human-grade ingredients, including real meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. The food is produced in a human food facility and is third-party tested for safety, which provides extra peace of mind for owners concerned about food quality and transparency. The gentle dehydration process helps preserve nutrients, and the variety of grain-free recipes allows owners to tailor meals to their dog’s preferences or dietary needs.
What sets it apart from competitors: The brand’s reputation for quality and its FDA approval for human-grade labeling further distinguish it in the premium pet food market. Moreover, the company is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
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Best Dehydrated Dog Food Base Mix
4.7
★★★★★
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a customizable diet. The base mix is designed to be combined with your choice of protein and oil, making it adaptable to various dietary requirements.
Why we recommended it:Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health features a holistic blend of organic grains, nine dehydrated vegetables, and a variety of herbs, fruits, and seeds—all free from artificial additives, preservatives, dyes, and GMOs. The preparation is straightforward: add hot water, let it sit for about eight minutes, then add your preferred protein (raw or cooked) and oil. This flexibility allows you to control both the quality and quantity of protein, which is particularly beneficial for dogs with kidney concerns or those needing controlled protein intake. The inclusion of ingredients like dried ground ginger, fennel, and peppermint also supports digestion and overall wellness
What sets it apart from competitors: The mix contains six certified organic grains, nine vegetables, two antioxidant-rich fruits, and a range of superfoods and herbs, including flaxseed, kelp, and eggshell for natural calcium. The food is made in the USA, is free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, and allows for complete customization—owners can adjust the protein and fat content to precisely fit their dog’s health profile.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food For Allergies
4.5
★★★★★
Chippin
Who It’s For: Crafted for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, especially those who react to common proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, or legumes.
Why we recommended it:Chippin’s Cricket Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food uses cricket as its primary protein source—a novel, highly digestible ingredient that is naturally hypoallergenic and packed with all 10 essential amino acids dogs need to thrive. The recipe is also rich in prebiotic fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants from gently dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and ancient grains, supporting healthy digestion and immune function. Owners appreciate that the formula is complete and balanced, meets AAFCO standards for adult dogs, and is free from meat meals, byproducts, and common allergens.
What sets it apart from competitors: Its use of sustainable, novel protein—crickets—which are not only gentle on the digestive system but also have a much lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock. The food is made in the USA, certified Plastic Neutral, and packaged with a focus on reducing plastic waste. The formula is also shelf-stable and convenient, with a 3.5-pound bag yielding about 10 pounds of fresh food.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
4.6
★★★★★
Bark & Whiskers
Who It’s For: Formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and those who benefit from a simple, species-appropriate, and highly digestible diet.
Why we recommended it: Bark & Whiskers® Dehydrated Beef & Veggie Entrées’ primary ingredient is 100% grass-fed beef—including organ meats and bone—paired with organic, low-glycemic vegetables and fruits like butternut squash, spinach, beets, and blueberries. The formula is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, E, zinc, and manganese, ensuring balanced nutrition without the need for synthetic fillers. The gentle dehydration process preserves nutrients and flavor, while the absence of antibiotics, added hormones, grains, gluten, sugar, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives makes it especially suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues.
What sets it apart from competitors: Each 3-pound bag yields 12 pounds of fresh food when rehydrated, making it practical for storage and travel.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food For Skin & Coat Health
4.5
★★★★★
Addiction Homestyle
Who It’s For: Dogs needing support for skin and coat health and allergies, as venison is a less common protein source and is gentle on sensitive digestive systems.
Why we recommended it:Addiction Homestyle Venison & Cranberry Dinner features free-range, New Zealand venison—an easily digestible, high-quality protein—paired with coconut oil, which is known to support skin and coat health. The inclusion of antioxidant-rich cranberries, blueberries, and mango, along with flaxseed, helps fight free radicals and supplies essential fatty acids for coat shine. The formula also contains B-vitamins for growth and development, conjugated linoleic acid for muscle mass, and pectin from apples to aid digestion. Made in New Zealand, this food is crafted with transparency and quality in mind.
What sets it apart from competitors: Premium, sustainably sourced venison and a blend of superfoods, all gently air-dried to preserve nutrients. The recipe avoids GMOs, by-products, fillers, and artificial additives, and is enriched with taurine for heart health. The addition of coconut oil and flaxseed specifically targets skin and coat wellness, while the presence of wholesome grains and prebiotics supports digestive health.
Best Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
4.8
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a high-protein, raw-inspired diet without the complexities of traditional raw feeding.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm RawMix delivers a nutrient-dense, species-appropriate meal featuring 95% meat, organs, and bone, closely mimicking a wild canine diet. The freeze-drying process preserves raw nutrition and flavor, while making the food safe and convenient to store and serve. The addition of organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables, along with a bone broth coating, boosts palatability and nutrition. Owners appreciate the versatility—RawMix can be fed as a complete meal or used as a topper to enhance kibble.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s all coated in a flavorful bone broth. The inclusion of superfoods like pumpkin and sweet potato supports digestive health, while the high protein content aids in muscle development and maintenance. Additionally, the product is free from grains, legumes, and artificial additives, making it suitable for dogs with specific dietary sensitivities.
Other Dehydrated Dog Food
Cheapest dehydrated dog food: I and Love and You Stir and Boom Dehydrated Dog Food offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Priced at just $12.62 for a 1 lb bag, it’s an affordable entry into the world of raw, freeze-dried dog foods. The formula features real chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring a protein-rich meal for your dog. Additionally, it’s grain-free and contains no fillers, making it suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs. The convenience of a freeze-dried format means you can easily rehydrate it, providing a nutritious meal with minimal preparation.
Best dehydrated dog food base mix for raw diet: Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food is a standout base mix designed to simplify the preparation of a balanced raw diet. It combines 24 whole foods, including raw goat’s milk, green-lipped mussels, shiitake mushrooms, and eggshell membranes, providing a comprehensive nutritional profile. The inclusion of bone meal and crushed eggshells ensures adequate calcium intake, eliminating the need for additional supplements. This grain-free mix is easy to prepare—just add hot water, your choice of protein, and oil—to create a wholesome meal tailored to your dog’s needs.
Best dehydrated dog food topper:Olewo Original Red Beets for Dogs – Natural Anti Itch for Dogs serves as an excellent topper to enhance your dog’s regular meals. These dehydrated red beets are rich in essential nutrients, supporting skin and coat health, and aiding in detoxification. They are particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing itching or skin irritations, as the natural compounds in beets can help alleviate these issues. Easy to prepare, simply rehydrate and mix into your dog’s food to provide an added nutritional boost.
Best Vegan Dehydrated Dog Food Base:Dr. Harvey’s Veg-To-Bowl Fine Ground Dog Food is a top choice for those seeking a vegan base for homemade dog meals. This grain-free pre-mix consists of finely ground dehydrated vegetables, making it ideal for small dogs, seniors, or those with dental sensitivities. By allowing you to add your preferred protein and oil sources, it offers flexibility to meet your dog’s specific dietary requirements. The absence of preservatives and artificial additives ensures a clean, wholesome foundation for your dog’s meals.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right dehydrated dog food can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s health, digestion, and overall mealtime enjoyment. From affordable options to specialized base mixes and nutrient-rich toppers, the best picks offer both convenience and quality without sacrificing nutritional value. Whether you’re supplementing a raw diet or seeking a wholesome, shelf-stable alternative to traditional dog food, there’s a solution to suit every dog and budget. By selecting one of the top-rated options in this guide, you’re taking a step toward a healthier, happier life for your canine companion.
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Sources
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