Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods of 2025: According to Vets

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Imagine feeding your dog a meal that looks nutritious but has been cooked at such high temperatures that most of its natural nutrients are destroyed. That’s the reality of traditional kibble. Enter freeze-dried dog food—a revolutionary option that preserves raw nutrition while offering the convenience of dry food. But here’s the catch: not all freeze-dried options are created equal. Some are packed with premium ingredients, while others hide fillers and artificial additives behind flashy packaging. So, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the overhyped? In this guide, we rank the best freeze-dried dog food brands, break down what makes them stand out, and help you make the smartest choice for your dog’s nutrition and health. Let’s dig in!

How to Pick the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food

• Prioritize high-quality ingredients – Choose meat-first formulas (80-90% meat, organs, bones) and avoid fillers.
• Check for complete & balanced nutrition – Look for AAFCO approval; some are toppers, not full meals.
• Ensure safety & quality – Pick brands with High-Pressure Processing (HPP) and third-party testing.
• Match to your dog’s needs – Select formulas tailored for puppies, seniors, or dogs with allergies.
• Consider cost & convenience – Some require rehydration; freeze-dried is pricier than kibble.

Understand The Difference: Freeze-Dried vs Raw

Raw food: Ideal for pet owners who want to feed their dogs fresh, minimally processed meals that closely mimic a natural ancestral dog diet. However, it requires careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination, proper storage in a refrigerator or freezer, and precise portioning to maintain balanced nutrition. Raw dog food can be time-consuming to prepare and serve, especially for beginners, as it often involves thawing and mixing different ingredients.

Freeze-dried food: Provides the same raw nutrition without the hassle of refrigeration or complex preparation. It is lightweight, shelf-stable, and can be served dry or rehydrated for a softer texture. The freeze-drying process removes moisture, significantly reducing bacterial risks while preserving nutrients 97% of the nutritional content of the raw ingredients. Though more expensive than raw food, it offers convenience, safety, and a long shelf life, making it an excellent option for busy pet owners or those traveling with their dogs.

Before Changing Your Dog’s Diet

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. 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 which nutrients their freeze-dried diet should contain. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can help identify which ingredients may not be suitable for your dog. This information lets you confidently choose the right freeze-dried diet and care plan to support optimal digestion and nutrition.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

Here are Canine Bible’s best freeze-dried dog foods of this year.

Best Overall Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, surf&turf

Protein: 37% to 41%

Fat: 28% to 32%

Fiber: 2% to 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Morsels prioritize whole-animal nutrition—95% meat, organs, and bone—mirroring a dog’s ancestral diet while avoiding synthetic additives. Each batch is made with human-grade meats and non-GMO produce, and Open Farm’s supply chain is certified by third parties like Global Animal Partnership (GAP) for humane practices. The inclusion of coconut oil and turmeric adds a boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, which owners praise for improving their dogs’ coat health and energy levels. It’s also rehydratable, making it versatile as a topper, mixer, or standalone meal.

What sets it apart from competitors: Unmatched commitment to sustainability and traceability— Open Farm provides detailed sourcing info, including ocean-friendly seafood certifications and partnerships with regenerative farms. The 30-day satisfaction guarantee is a standout feature, allowing risk-free trials for picky eaters or sensitive pups.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Puppies

Recipes: Beef, chicken,salmon

Protein: 46%

Fat: 34.5%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers for Puppies are designed for puppies needing a nutrient-dense diet to support rapid growth, strong bones, and a healthy immune system. This recipe provides high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and DHA, all of which contribute to cognitive development and overall health during this crucial stage. The brand uses responsibly sourced meats and includes probiotics for digestive support, which is particularly helpful for puppies with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, Stella & Chewy’s follows a strict safety process, using High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula focuses on puppy-specific nutrition. It includes an optimized calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to support proper bone growth. The “whole prey” approach includes meat, organs, and bone, mimicking a natural diet, and crates an irresistible natural taste that puppies love.

Most Affordable Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Recipes: Turkey, beef, chicken & duck

Protein: 43%

Fat: 28%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: ACANA Freeze-Dried Dog Food Patties is a premium freeze-dried recipe. While there are cheaper alternatives, we chose ACANA because it maintains a high-quality formula without compromise. Compared to our top picks in this review, it is slightly more affordable per ounce while still delivering excellent quality. Their recipes prioritize animal nutrition, with 90% ethically raised meats, organs, bone, and broth for natural protein and minerals. The remaining 10% includes fiber-rich veggies and fruits like pumpkin and cranberries. This minimally processed blend skips fillers and artificial additives, focusing on whole-food ingredients that mirror what dogs would seek in the wild.

What sets it apart from competitors: Infused with rich and flavorful bone broth, this recipe delivers a taste dogs adore.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Topper

Recipes: Beef & pumpkin

Protein: 30%

Fat: 23%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Solid Gold’s topper recipe is a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, featuring real beef, pumpkin, and a blend of superfoods. This topper enhances meals by providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients. It includes real beef and beef liver for muscle development, pumpkin for digestive health, and superfoods like dried cranberries, carrots, seaweed meal, and ginger to supply antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune support. Additionally, animal plasma and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) contribute proteins, amino acids, antibodies, and prebiotics to promote gut health and nutrient absorption.

What sets it apart from competitors: This topper can be served as a treat or mixed with wet or dry food to enhance taste and nutritional value. Incorporating this topper into your dog’s diet can boost natural nutrients and support overall well-being.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Recipes: 9

Protein: 43%

Fat: 28%

Fiber: 6%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Dog Food supports dogs with sensitive stomachs through a combination of easily digestible ingredients and gut-friendly nutrients. The inclusion of dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, a probiotic, helps balance gut bacteria, improving digestion and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort. Inulin, a natural prebiotic, supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. Pumpkin (butternut squash), green beans, carrots, and apples provide natural fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, salmon oil offers omega-3 fatty acids that help soothe inflammation in the digestive tract. Free from artificial additives and common allergens, this formula provides a gentle yet nutritious option for dogs with food sensitivities, ensuring better digestion and overall gut health.

What sets it apart from competitors: BC30 probiotics—a patented strain clinically shown to survive stomach acid—makes it a standout for pups prone to diarrhea, gas, or vomiting due to sensitive stomachs. BC30 is a clinically studied probiotic strain that enhances gut flora and aids digestion. Additionally, the formula is grain-free and avoids common irritants like artificial preservatives and fillers. For dogs experiencing more severe sensitivities and symptoms, Under the Weather Bland Diet for Dogs could be a great alternative.

Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for Small Breeds

Recipes: Beef & chicken

Protein: 37%

Fat: 37%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Stella & Chewy’s Itty Bitty Beef Lil’ Bites deliver the benefits of raw feeding in a convenient, freeze-dried format tailored for small dogs. It’s an excellent choice for small breeds due to its high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients that support their unique dietary needs. Its easily digestible formula, enriched with probiotics, pumpkin seed, organic carrots, and organic squash, promotes smooth digestion, which is crucial for the small digestive system of small breeds. The 95% beef, nutrient-rich organs, and bone deliver high-quality protein essential for maintaining lean muscle mass and energy.

What sets it apart from competitors: While many freeze-dried raw foods come in larger chunks that require breaking apart, Lil’ Bites are pre-sized for small dogs, eliminating extra prep. Furthermore, organic cranberries, blueberries, turmeric, and dried kelp supply antioxidants that support immune function, benefiting small dogs with longer lifespans.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Recipes: Turkey & salmon

Protein: 22%

Fat: 10%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Sojos senior freeze-dried formula combines high-quality, freeze-dried raw turkey and salmon with a blend of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin supports joint health, which is crucial for maintaining mobility in senior dogs. The grain-free formula minimizes potential allergens, promoting better digestion and skin health. Moreover, it’s simple to prepare—add water and let it soak—makes mealtime convenient while ensuring your dog receives a fresh, wholesome meal. It’s also grain-free without relying on heavy starches—chickpeas and sweet potatoes offer digestible carbs.

What sets it apart from competitors: The gentle freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients, offering a diet that closely mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. This approach ensures that essential enzymes and nutrients remain intact, supporting overall health and vitality in senior dogs.

Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food for Large Breeds

Recipes: Beef, chicken, turkey & surf&turk

Protein: 41%

Fat: 38%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Open Farm’s freeze-dried dinner raw patties are great for large breeds due to their high-quality protein content, joint-supporting ingredients, digestive-friendly nutrients, and overall balanced nutrition tailored to their needs. Large breeds require high-protein diets to maintain muscle mass and overall strength, and this formula delivers beef, beef heart, beef liver, and beef kidney (varies per recipe), providing essential amino acids and iron to support lean muscle development and sustained energy. The inclusion of ground beef bone ensures a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and joints, especially in larger breeds prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis. You also have ingredients like salmon oil, turmeric, and rosemary extract to help reduce inflammation and improve mobility, which is crucial for large dogs prone to joint issues.

What sets it apart from competitors: The larger patty format is also particularly convenient for big dogs, reducing meal prep time compared to smaller kibble-sized freeze-dried options. Plus, the patties are made with humanely raised meats, organic fruits, and vegetables and are chemicals-free.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Allergies

Recipes: Turkey & chicken

Protein: 53%

Fat: 17%

Fiber: 5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Vital Essentials Turkey Mini Nibs is an excellent choice for dogs with allergies due to its limited-ingredient, single-source-novel protein, and anti-inflammatory formulation. The single-source animal protein from turkey minimizes the risk of allergic reactions commonly triggered by chicken, beef, or dairy. —free of grains, legumes, and synthetic additives—is ideal for pups with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive flare-ups triggered by fillers. Turkey heart and liver provide high-quality, easily digestible nutrients without unnecessary fillers that could cause sensitivities. It’s also free of grains, legumes, and synthetic additives, making it ideal for pups with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive flare-ups triggered by fillers

What sets it apart from competitors: The inclusion of zinc, iron, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes supports a strong immune system and skin barrier function, essential for dogs prone to allergies.

Best Hybrid 2:1 Freeze-Dried & Dry Dog Food

Recipes: 5

Protein: 30%

Fat: 15%

Fiber: 4.5%

Diet: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Open Farm RawMix provides a well-rounded nutritional profile, blending the digestibility and flavor of freeze-dried raw with the structure of dry kibble. These recipes prioritize high-quality poultry formula crafted with a blend of 100% animal welfare-certified chicken and turkey, ensuring a nutrient-dense mix of meat, organs, and bone and non-GMO grains, fruits, and vegetables for balanced nutrition. The RawMix recipe delivers a whole-prey, meat-focused diet enriched with bone broth and freeze-dried raw elements to enhance taste and nutrition.

What sets it apart from competitors: Each bag has a traceable code to verify ingredient origins, and the brand meets rigorous certifications like Global Animal Partnership (GAP) welfare standards.

Other Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

The Bottom Line

Freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice for pet owners who want the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of refrigeration or extensive preparation. With its high palatability, easy digestion, and nutrient retention, it provides a convenient and healthy option for dogs of all breeds and life stages. Whether you’re looking for a complete meal or a nutritious topper, the best freeze-dried dog foods offer safety, quality ingredients, and a long shelf life. By choosing a trusted brand that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs, you can ensure they enjoy a balanced, flavorful, and wholesome diet. For an extra boost of nutrition and taste, consider adding freeze-dried dog treats—perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing your pup some love.

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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.