Freeze-Dried Food for Coat Health

Kristina Voltin
Apr 1
4 min read

Better Nutrient Retention: Freeze-drying preserves key nutrients like fatty acids and proteins.
Improved Coat Shine & Strength: High-quality proteins and natural oils promote luster and texture.
Fewer Allergens: No artificial additives or fillers, reducing skin irritation risks.
Hydration Benefits: Rehydrating freeze-dried food adds moisture for skin and coat health.

Quick Comparison:

Feature	Freeze-Dried Raw Food	Kibble
Nutrient Retention	Retains more nutrients	High-heat processing reduces nutrients.
Ingredient Quality	Whole, human-grade ingredients	Often includes fillers and additives.
Portion Size	Smaller, nutrient-dense servings	Larger portions needed.
Moisture Content	Rehydrated for added hydration	Dry, low moisture.

For a shiny, strong coat, freeze-dried raw food offers better nutrition and hydration than kibble. Transition gradually and always rehydrate for best results.

Freeze Dried Dog Food - Is It Safe, Healthy & Good For Dogs?

1. Freeze-Dried Raw Food Benefits

Freeze-dried raw food can play a big role in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. The freeze-drying process helps retain important nutrients, making it a great choice for supporting your dog's overall coat health.

Key Benefits

Better Nutrient RetentionFreeze-drying helps lock in proteins and nutrients that are crucial for keeping your dog's coat healthy.

Improved Nutrient AbsorptionWith minimal processing, your dog can absorb key nutrients more effectively, ensuring their coat gets the support it needs.

Whole Food IngredientsThis type of food often includes high-quality proteins and nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables. These natural ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals that directly benefit coat health:

Coat Health Factor	Role of Natural Ingredients
Shine and Luster	Fatty acids and natural oils promote a shiny coat
Strength and Texture	Quality proteins help build a strong, healthy coat
Skin Health	Nutrients from whole foods support the skin's protective barrier

These elements work together to improve coat appearance and skin strength.

Lower Risk of AllergiesFreeze-dried raw food typically avoids artificial additives and fillers, which can reduce the chances of allergic reactions that might harm your dog's skin or coat.

2. Kibble Food Analysis

The way kibble is processed and the ingredients used can have a direct impact on your dog's coat and skin health. Let’s break down some key factors that play a role.

Nutritional Challenges

Kibble is often produced using high-heat methods, which reduce the availability of important nutrients. To make up for this, manufacturers add synthetic vitamins and minerals. However, these synthetic nutrients may not be absorbed as effectively by your dog.

Additives and Fillers to Watch For

Some common ingredients in kibble can negatively affect coat health, including:

Artificial preservatives, which have been linked to skin irritation and dull coats
Synthetic colors, known to cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Grain fillers, which lower the overall nutrient density
Chemical stabilizers, which can disrupt natural oil production essential for a healthy coat

Storage and Nutrient Loss

While kibble is designed to last on the shelf, long-term storage can break down essential fats and oils. These are critical for maintaining a shiny, healthy coat.

Low Moisture Content

With an average moisture content of just 10%, kibble can limit nutrient absorption and skin hydration. This lack of hydration can dull your dog’s coat over time and may require adjustments to portion sizes to meet nutritional needs.

Larger Portions Needed

Because of the fillers in kibble, dogs often need to eat larger portions to get a balanced diet.

In contrast, Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw dog food, made in the USA with human-grade ingredients, retains nutrients that are essential for healthy skin and a vibrant coat. This highlights the importance of preserving nutrients during food production.

Key Differences Between Food Types

Knowing the differences between freeze-dried raw food and kibble can help pet owners choose the best option for their dog's diet and coat care. Here's a closer look at how they compare:

Feature	Freeze-Dried Raw Food	Kibble
Nutrient Retention	Maintains more nutrients due to low-temperature processing.	High-temperature processing may reduce nutrient levels.
Ingredient Quality	Uses human-grade, whole ingredients without additives or fillers.	Quality varies and may include fillers.
Portion Size	Nutrient-rich, so smaller servings meet nutritional needs.	Requires larger portions for balanced nutrition.
Moisture & Hydration	Designed to be rehydrated, adding moisture that benefits skin and coat health.	Low moisture content, less effective for hydration.
Processing Method	Lightly processed to preserve natural flavors and nutrients.	Uses high-heat methods, which can affect nutrient quality.

These factors highlight why freeze-dried raw food is often better for coat health.

Impact on Coat Health

Freeze-dried raw food retains nutrients in a form the body can easily absorb. This directly supports healthier skin and a shinier coat.

Nutritional Density

Since freeze-dried raw food doesn’t contain fillers, dogs get a concentrated dose of nutrients in smaller portions. This helps promote strong hair growth and overall coat quality.

Hydration Benefits

Unlike kibble, which is dry, freeze-dried raw food is meant to be rehydrated before serving. This added moisture not only makes it more appealing to dogs but also helps keep their skin hydrated and their coat looking its best.

Summary and Recommendations

Freeze-dried raw food has been shown to support coat health, thanks to its nutrient-dense makeup. This is consistent with earlier research highlighting how low-temperature processing helps preserve nutrients.

Here are some practical tips to maximize the benefits:

Transition GraduallySwitching foods too quickly can upset your dog's stomach. A gradual change allows for better digestion and nutrient absorption. As one pet owner shared:
"We gradually made the transition from raw food to this freeze dried and our dog goes crazy, spins in circles, as we are grabbing for the bag. He's always had a picky stomach but the gradual transition had no problems".
Watch Portion SizesFreeze-dried food is more nutrient-packed than traditional options, so your dog may need smaller portions to meet their nutritional needs.
Ensure Proper HydrationAlways rehydrate freeze-dried food thoroughly. This provides the moisture necessary to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

For the best results, choose products made with human-grade ingredients, free of artificial additives, and packed with high-quality proteins. Look for options that are veterinarian-approved and meet AAFO standards.