5 Best Dehydrated Dog Food for 2024 | Expert Reviews

Dehydrated dog food, also known as air-dried dog food. It is a distinct and healthy option for your dog. Dehydration involves slow cooking at low temperatures to eliminate moisture. This unique process ensures that the food retains its nutritional value while becoming shelf-stable.

My dog, Jeny, has some health problems. I am apprehensive about its health, so my friend advised me to give it Dehydrated dog food. It’s prepared differently from traditional dog food.

One of the remarkable aspects of dehydrated dog food is its convenience. It can be rehydrated efficiently by mixing it with warm water before serving.

People should not be confused with freeze-dried dog food, which is processed differently. Freeze-dried food is exposed to freezing temperatures and undergoes a multi-step drying process to remove moisture. Because it’s never subjected to cooking, freeze-dried dog food can be considered a type of raw diet.

The Ups and Downs of Dehydrated Dog Food

Dehydrated dog food has many advantages and disadvantages when I compare it to traditional dog kibble. Some pet food brands claim that dry food, due to its low-temperature cooking process, retains more nutrients and flavor compared to standard dog food. It offers practicality in storage and transportation, which makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go pet owners.

Dehydrated dog food has its advantages, including nutrient retention and convenience, but it also carries the risk of retaining harmful pathogens and can be a bit more costly.

Dehydrated Dog Food vs. Dry Dog Food: Which Is Better?

Yes, dehydrated dog food is considered superior to dry dog food for several reasons. Dehydrated dog food contains natural food ingredients that are gently cooked at low temperatures. This process preserves the maximum nutritional value and retains various enzymes naturally present in the elements.

But when I talk about dry dog food, it is often referred to as kibble. It is made by mixing wet and dry ingredients to create a dough, which is then cooked at high temperatures using steam or water.

Unfortunately, the intense cooking process involved in making kibble can result in the loss of many essential nutrients. Dehydrated dog food is favored over dry dog food for its ability to retain nutrients and enzymes due to its low-temperature cooking process. In contrast, dry dog food may lose some of its nutritional value during high-temperature cooking.

Best 5 Dehydrated Dog Food

1. Spot & Tango UnKibble Dog Food

Spot & Tango is a dog food that offers convenience and is available in both fresh and dehydrated options. The UnKibble by Spot & Tango catches the eye as a dehydrated dog food that uses a short list of minimally processed ingredients. Unlike some other dehydrated foods that require rehydration, UnKibble can be served as is.

You can select the Spot & Tango according to your dog’s age to determine the right serving size to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. This dog food is suitable for puppies and adult dogs and offers a balance between traditional kibble and fresh food. It’s more convenient and has a longer shelf life than fresh meals. It maintains higher-quality ingredients that retain their nutritional value, which makes it the best overall choice for dehydrated dog food.

 

 

2. The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Puppy Blend

The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters Chicken Recipe Puppy Blend is customized for young, growing dogs. It’s packed with chicken and egg-based proteins, providing an excellent foundation for your puppy’s development. It also includes flaxseed and salmon oil, rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The product goes a step further by incorporating fermentation products to aid in digestion.

This puppy blend aligns well with expert nutritional recommendations for protein and fat content. The fiber percentage is also just right to keep your dog feeling satisfied. It is straightforward to prepare; just add water. You can choose from either a 4-pound or 20-pound bag.

 

 

3. Homemade Poultry Feast Dehydrated Dog Food

 

Only Natural Pet’s Wholesome Homemade Poultry Feast Dehydrated Dog Food is a solid option if you’re seeking dog food that aligns with a species-appropriate diet. It’s crafted using high-quality ingredients that are rich in protein. It ensures your dog that gets the nutrition they need. The gentle dehydration process preserves essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains a protein that supports muscle development and energy. This enhances flavor while providing omega-fatty acids.

This dog food also provides low glycemic carbohydrates for a balanced diet and doesn’t contain any GMO fruits, grains, or vegetables. It is coated with the brand’s PowerBoost Blend, featuring freeze-dried superfood ingredients. This blend enhances your dog’s overall health, boosts immunity, and provides anti-inflammatory and digestive support.

4. Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health

Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health is a dog food that is best for many pet owners because it doesn’t contain traditional meat. I am also a dog owner, and I love to give this food to my dog. It is crafted from a blend of whole grains like brown rice and oats, protein, and fiber, although in lower amounts than you might expect.

It includes peppermint, known for its potential digestive benefits.

This product is available in a 20-ounce size, which makes it convenient if you want to give it a try and see if your furry friend likes it. There are also options for 5- and 10-pound bags. It’s important to note that while it’s labeled as “dog food,” you’ll need to add a protein source and other additives, which can be more involved in preparation and may not align with the convenience many pet owners seek in their dog’s diet.

 

5. Sojos Complete Adult

Sojos Complete Adult Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food is the best dog food for its simplicity. It boasts one of the shortest ingredient lists among these types of products. The foundation of this food is turkey and eggs. It contains whole eggs that provide a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for your pup’s well-being.

This food includes flaxseeds that offer omega-3 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and serve as a fat source. The calorie count is appropriate, and the feeding instructions even cover active dogs, which many find beneficial. It is important to note that this food takes around 15 minutes to rehydrate due to the turkey content fully. To ensure safety, especially related to salmonella risk, it’s advisable to pick up your dog’s bowl promptly after eating.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

The top 5 best-dehydrated dog foods offer a convenient and nutritious option for our four-legged companions. These foods are not just about filling their bowls; they are about providing wholesome and natural ingredients that promote good health. When selecting one, consider factors like your dog’s dietary needs, flavor preferences, and any specific health concerns.