Why Switching Your Dog to Freeze Dried Dog Food is Great

If you’re one of those pet lovers determined to find healthier alternatives to kibble and tinned foods, then you’ll be happy to know that you can now invest in freeze-dried food for dogs. In fact, freeze dry dog food forms a minuscule portion of the pet food industry where manufacturers convert raw pet food into nutrient-dense dehydrate food. So, if you haven’t yet, here’s why you need to switch your fur kid to dehydrated food.  

What is Freeze-Dried Food and How is It Manufactured?

Freeze dry food production is a pet food preservation technique. With this process, raw dog food is frozen, before all its moisture is removed via a vacuum chamber. It’s sealed in an impermeable container and can be stored for an extended time. This unique technique was first incorporated in World War II as a means to preserve blood plasma without refrigeration. Coffee was one of the first foods to be treated via this technique, and fruit and vegetable markets have also taken to freeze drying as well.

Pet food manufacturers investing in this type of dehydrated pet food need the approval of the Department of Agriculture for all manufacturing plants. By regulation, these plants need to be comprised of a pre-processing cooking area, raw food storage and receiving sections, a packaging area, and drying and freezing chambers.

The first phase in this pet food manufacturing process is preparation. Here raw pet food is checked for contamination and tested for bacteria. The following phase involves cooking the meat. Next is your freezing stage, where the pet food is spread out on metal trays, frozen in the cold room, and transferred for the final drying phase.

During this last phase, pet food is sent to the drying chamber, which resembles a gigantic horizontal cylinder. The procedure here involves sublimation. This means that solids are converted into gases without ever liquefying. With this type of food, bulky ice crystals in the frozen food are converted to vapour. This occurs in the drying chamber, via vacuum evacuation. The dried food is then removed from the chamber and checked for moisture. Pet food may be ground here, before sealing. Sealing containers are always airtight, as this prevents moisture absorption. Food here may also be vacuum packed.

Why a Raw Diet Is Better

Did you know that there is increasing evidence that your fur baby is healthier when fed a primal pet food diet, as this is what their ancestors thrived on? Your pooch is essentially a meat eater, and if he or she were left in the wilderness, their ideal meal would include fresh vegetables, uncooked bone, wild-caught fish, beef, or other raw meat. The fish found in a raw diet could also serve as a Vitamin E supplement, which is great for eradicating disease-inducing free radicals and boosting antioxidants. This may also lower your pooch’s cholesterol and reduce his risk of heart disease.  Raw food is preservative-free and nutrient-dense, which is a far cry from some of the commercial foods sold nowadays.

Owners who have switched to raw food noticed an improvement in their fur companion’s energy levels, stamina, and weight. Stools had become firmer and tinier, their pooch’s teeth looked a lot cleaner with fresher breathe, and coats appeared healthier and glossier. Your pup may also be less prone to contracting infections and diseases, including canine cancer. This will prevent unnecessary vet trips and fees.

The Advantages of Freeze-Dried Food Over Dry Kibble

One of the advantages of raw food is that it comprises real freeze-dried meat such as beef liver. This is an essential source of protein and iron.  It also comprises bone, which forms an imperative part of his diet. These contain calcium phosphate, which assists or boosts your pooch’s skeletal health. The raw calcium found here also digests faster than those found in calcium supplements. Raw beef bones may also serve as additional roughage and make digestion easier. Did you know what canned dog food and kibble is mass produced and processed? This means that kibble contains additives, which could hinder your dog’s life span and health. 

Processed dog food often comprises waste products from the poultry industry, which is often designated as unfit for human consumption. And as a devoted pet lover, you want to ensure that your fur kid is not eating anything that wouldn’t be unfit for any kind of consumption, right? Processed foods also go against the grain of nature, by feeding your fur kid ingredients that are not aligned with their physiology. Also, the poultry found in processed foods, is not necessarily real, but could be made to taste real with its synthetic ingredients, etc. 

Also, the protein found in dry processed foods is usually plant based. Imagine your carnivorous four-legged friend grazing on plants. It doesn’t make much sense right? Processed foods also add to the development of allergies, chronic degenerative diseases, and auto-immune conditions in dogs. Organic dog food is also a grain-free dog food. This type may help eliminate canine food allergies and excessive shedding. The beef found in organic dog food is usually grass fed beef. Grass fed beef contains less total fats and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Your four-legged friend will also benefit from the conjugated linoleic acid, which is a variation of fat that helps reduce cancer and heart failure.  

Freeze-dried pet food gives your dog the benefit of raw foods, without the mess. You also won’t need to source these foods individually, as it’s conveniently sold in one nutritious package. It can also be used for long-term storage, due to its extended shelf life. It also preserves raw nutrition, without occupying space in your freezer, as it requires no refrigeration. Also, it can be easily re-hydrated in a few minutes.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Brands

Some of the best brands here include the Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried or fermentation product range, the Sojos grain free brand, and Primal Freeze dried pet food. When searching for commendable ingredients always strive for organic foods that contain ingredients or minerals such as zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, and copper proteinate. These nutrient-dense supplements are formulated to prevent zinc, iron, manganese and copper deficiencies.

Also look for calcium iodate, as this is an essential iodine supplement, which could promote your pooch’s thyroid health. This will in turn control your dog’s metabolism and promote a healthy weight. A good brand should also include choline chloride. This will assist your pup with muscle and memory control, metabolism, and its nervous system. Be on the lookout for brands containing potassium chloride, as this can help and prevent renal failure. 

Your dog’s diet should also include sodium selenite, which is actually a form of selenium. This trace mineral is vital for the prevention of dermatological problems, heart disease, and arthritis. It’s also rich in antioxidants and helps protect your pooch against IBD. Selenium may also help reduce dog seizures.  Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6, essential if your pooch is anaemic, needs to reduce cholesterol levels, or has heart disease. Crude protein is also another essential part of any dog’s diet. Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried dog food has an ideal percentage of this. This should promote your pet’s immune system. It also helps maintain strong muscles. 

Daily feeding should also include a healthy dose of ingredients such as phosphate monobasic. This is great for maintaining the ideal amount of calcium in your pooch’s urine and body.  Feeding should also comprise foods rich in mixed tocopherol. This includes a Vitamin E supplement, obtained via the distillation of vegetable oils. It plays an essential role in neutralizing the effects of free radicals in your pup’s bloodstream. It’s also great for combating cardiovascular disease.

Another ingredient to look for with a raw freeze dried diet is d-alpha tocopherol, a pure form of vitamin E. Also, brands containing a touch of chicory root, could also be beneficial. This food is nutritious and high in fiber. It’s beneficial for your dog’s overall health and could help manage canine osteoarthritis. It may also help prevent diabetes and spike your pup’s energy levels. This here is derived from an herbaceous plant and form a part of the dandelion clan. It contains tiny amounts of vitamin A, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5. It’s also rich in vitamin C, and vitamin B.

Freeze-died dog food serves as a healthier alternative to a canned or dry dog food diet. It’s derived from a range of raw ingredients that undergo a process of preparation and testing, cooking, freezing, drying, packaging, and storage. Dog food benefits are extensive here, including its lengthy shelf lifespan and high nutritional value. Always strive to buy brands that are nutrient-dense with an extensive range of fundamental vitamins and minerals. This could boost your dog’s longevity, assist with weight maintenance, and promote optimal health.

About The Author:

Melanie Fourie is a prolific writer, editor, content creator, photographer, and brand journalist. She’s appeared in Oprah magazine and has worked with Fortune 500 brands, as well as publications like MasterCard and the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, amongst others. An ardent animal lover, she’s also filled with wanderlust and has a penchant for travelling and exploring worldwide cultures. You can follow her on Twitter here!