Air Dried Vs. Fresh Frozen Dog Food Explained

Know the difference, choose with confidence

Have you ever felt overwhelmed visiting the dog food aisle lately? With many new food options available in new processing methods, flavor palettes and more, it’s hard to know which one is best for your dog.

Two options that are becoming increasingly popular are fresh frozen dog food and air-dried dog food. These two processing methods are appearing in stores and online more often than not and knowing which option is best for your dog prior to buying is important. To help you decide what’s best for your dog, we’re breaking down the cooking processes for both as well as the many benefits each food comes with to assist you in your decision.

Fresh Frozen Dog Food

Not to be mistaken for freeze-dried, frozen dog food, either raw or gently cooked, is “fresh frozen” to instantly lock in peak freshness, flavor and nutritional value. This is usually just meat or a combination of meat with fruits and vegetables including but not limited to:

Broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples

Once the meat is frozen, it is vacuum sealed to retain freshness, prevent harmful bacteria from growing and prevent freezer burn which often leads to loss of moisture, poor quality and lack of flavor.

If considering frozen dog food, you’ll have to keep it frozen or refrigerated until use.

Air Dried Dog Food

The process of creating air dried dog food is a bit different. Compared to traditional dog kibble that’s cooked at high temperatures and often loses its nutrients because of it, air dried food works slowly to remove moisture through evaporation, resulting in nutrient-dense food that is minimally processed.

Air dried dog food retains more vitamins and minerals than traditional kibble through its drying process and is an excellent option for pet parents who are looking to switch from traditional kibble, without the need of refrigeration.

This food can be stored at room temperature and does not need to be rehydrated before serving. If you have a dog that enjoys softer food or prefers a moister meal, like a senior dog for instance, warm water or other food toppers like bone broth can be added.

Full Moon Pure Protein Air Dried Dog Food is made in the USA in USDA-inspected facilities with 100% human grade ingredients. We believe our pet’s food should meet the same high standards as our own. Interested in switching from kibble to our minimally processed, nutrient dense food? Learn more here!

Benefits of Air Dried And Flash Frozen Dog Food

In addition to the many nutritional benefits of both foods shared, you and your dog can also benefit from these minimally processed foods in the following ways:

Air dried dog food tends to have a jerky-like consistency, which aids in dental health
Many flash frozen foods come in pre-portioned packages to ensure accurate feeding for your dog
While both foods are pricier, because air dried food is nutrient dense, portion sizes tend to not be as large as traditional kibble, resulting in more servings per bag.
Both foods encourage slower eating which aids in digestion
Both foods are free of artificial preservatives

If you’re unsure as to which option would work best for you, we always encourage you to consult with your veterinarian or canine nutritionist to pick the best option to fit your dog’s dietary needs, activity levels and more.

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