What is air-dried dog food?

Air-dried dog food is food made by evaporating the water out of raw ingredients. This low-heat or no-heat process results in nutritious food that is shelf-stable just like regular kibble. Air-dried foods for dogs are usually high in real meat ingredients, for lots of healthy protein and rich, meaty flavor. However, recipes vary widely, so check the label to ensure you’re getting the right type of food for your dog’s needs.

What are the benefits of air-dried dog food?

The benefits of air-dried food include high digestibility, great taste and nutrition, and no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Air-dried dog food retains many of the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of freezing and thawing. The low-heat air-drying process also kills many of the pathogens that may be present in fresh or frozen raw food.

Do vets recommend air-dried dog food?

Some vets recommend air-dried dog food for its high palatability and digestibility. Many vets also like the meat-centric, protein-rich recipes of many air-dried food brands. However, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that air-dried food is better than a quality wet or dry dog food diet. Talk to your vet for expert, tailored guidance on the best foods to feed your best friend.

What is the difference between freeze-dried dog food and air-dried dog food?

The difference between freeze-dried dog food and air-dried dog food is that freeze-drying uses a multistep flash-freezing and low-heat/high-pressure process to remove the water from raw ingredients. Conversely, air-drying uses evaporation—with or without heat—to remove the moisture from food.

How long does air-dried dog food last?

Air-dried dog food lasts, unopened, until the expiration date on the package. Most air-dried dog foods are good for up to 6 months when properly stored. Once opened, most manufacturers recommend using within 6 weeks for optimal taste and nutrition.