Freeze-Dried vs. Kibble: Carbon Footprint Comparison

Kristina Voltin
May 10
7 min read

Updated: May 10

Looking for a greener pet food option? Freeze-dried food has a smaller shipping and storage footprint than kibble, but its production uses more energy. On the other hand, kibble is energy-efficient to produce but heavier to transport and comes in less recyclable packaging. Here's a quick breakdown:

Freeze-Dried Food: Lightweight, long shelf life (up to 5 years), compact recyclable packaging, but energy-intensive production.
Kibble: Lower production energy, shorter shelf life (12–18 months), heavier for shipping, and less eco-friendly packaging.

Quick Comparison Table

Aspect	Freeze-Dried	Kibble
Energy Use	High (4–10× more than kibble)	Lower
Shipping Emissions	Lower (lightweight)	Higher (heavier)
Shelf Life	Up to 5 years	12–18 months
Packaging	Recyclable, compact	Multi-layer, rarely recyclable
Storage Needs	Compact, low spoilage risk	Bulky, higher spoilage risk

Freeze-dried food excels in reducing waste and transportation emissions, while kibble balances production energy but struggles with packaging and shipping. Dive into the article for a deeper look at each method's environmental impact.

How to reduce pet food drying energy usage and carbon emissions

Manufacturing Energy and Emissions

Freeze-dried and kibble pet foods take very different paths when it comes to energy use and emissions. Here's a closer look at how these two production methods stack up.

Freeze-Drying: Energy Demands and Nutrient Preservation

Freeze-drying requires significantly more energy - up to four to ten times as much as traditional hot air dehydration methods. This is because the process involves both deep-freezing and vacuum dehydration, which are energy-intensive steps [1]. However, this method shines when it comes to preserving the natural nutrients and flavors of the ingredients. To address the environmental impact, many modern facilities are turning to eco-friendlier refrigerants like ammonia and carbon dioxide, helping to reduce their overall carbon footprint [1].

Kibble: High-Temperature Processing and Emission Concerns

Kibble production, on the other hand, relies on high-temperature extrusion, which consumes less energy compared to freeze-drying. Still, it’s far from perfect in terms of resource use. Studies show that a medium-sized dog’s kibble diet can be responsible for about 828.37 kg of CO₂ emissions annually. Additionally, meat-based dry pet foods alone may account for up to 2.9% of total agricultural CO₂ emissions [2].

Manufacturing Aspect	Freeze-Dried	Kibble
Energy Consumption	4–10× higher	Lower
Nutrient Retention	High	Moderate
Processing Temperature	Low	High
Production Efficiency	Lower throughput	Higher throughput

Both methods come with their own pros and cons. Freeze-drying may use more energy, but it excels at retaining nutrients and flavors. Meanwhile, kibble production, though more energy-efficient, often sacrifices some nutrient quality due to its high-temperature process. To balance these trade-offs, ongoing advancements in processing techniques and energy efficiency are helping to minimize the environmental impact of both methods.

Shipping and Distribution Impact

Transportation plays a significant role in the carbon footprint of pet food, and the weight of the product is a key factor in determining shipping emissions.

Freeze-Dried Food: A Lighter Load

Freeze-dried food stands out for its lightweight nature, courtesy of the freeze-drying process. This reduced weight translates to lower fuel usage and allows more servings to be transported in a single trip. Its compact, nutrient-packed form also makes better use of storage and distribution space, cutting down overall emissions. Compared to heavier alternatives, freeze-dried food offers a clear advantage in shipping efficiency.

Kibble: Heavier Challenges

Kibble, on the other hand, contains more moisture, making it significantly heavier. This added weight means higher fuel consumption, more trips, and increased storage demands throughout the supply chain. Consequently, kibble's distribution typically results in a larger carbon footprint when compared to the lightweight and efficiently transported freeze-dried options.

Packaging Materials and Waste

Pet food packaging plays a significant role in the industry's carbon footprint. Beyond production and distribution, the type of packaging chosen can either amplify or reduce the environmental impact.

Freeze-Dried Storage Solutions

Freeze-dried pet food often comes in lightweight, resealable pouches designed to preserve freshness and minimize spoilage. These pouches use specialized barriers to block moisture and oxygen, enabling compact designs that help cut down on waste. Companies like Loyal Saints are taking strides in this area with resealable, recyclable packaging that not only keeps products fresh but also aligns with eco-conscious goals.

Kibble Packaging Limitations

On the other hand, traditional kibble packaging faces more environmental hurdles. These products are typically sold in large, multi-layered bags made from a mix of paper, plastic, and foil - materials that are notoriously hard to recycle.

Packaging Aspect	Freeze-Dried	Kibble
Material Type	Lightweight resealable pouches	Multi-layered paper/plastic bags
Recyclability	Often recyclable or compostable	Rarely recyclable
Storage Efficiency	High (compact size)	Low (bulky format)
Waste Volume	Lower per serving	Higher per serving

The issue of packaging waste in pet food is a pressing one. Industry data reveals that pet food packaging contributes significantly to the 64 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions generated annually by the sector in the United States [4]. Kibble's bulkier, less recyclable packaging compounds the problem, requiring more materials and offering fewer sustainable disposal options. While recyclable solutions are emerging, achieving the right balance between product protection and environmental responsibility remains a challenge.

Daily Use and Storage

When it comes to a product's total carbon footprint, storage plays a surprisingly important role. How food is stored and handled can significantly affect waste, energy use, and overall environmental impact. Let’s compare how storage requirements influence the environmental footprint of freeze-dried food versus traditional kibble.

Freeze-Dried Storage Benefits

Freeze-dried food offers several advantages in terms of storage, starting with its impressive shelf life - lasting up to 5 years. This extended lifespan means fewer replacements, which helps cut down on food waste and the emissions tied to production and transport [3]. Its lightweight, compact packaging takes up less space, requiring less energy for storage. Plus, freeze-drying preserves nutrients effectively, allowing for smaller, more efficient portions that further reduce waste.

Storage Aspect	Environmental Impact
Shelf Life	Lasts up to 5 years, reducing the need for replacements
Storage Space	Takes up significantly less space compared to kibble
Temperature Needs	Stores well in cool, dry environments
Food Waste	Lower risk of spoilage thanks to long preservation

Kibble Storage Factors

On the other hand, kibble comes with its own set of storage challenges. Its shelf life typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, meaning more frequent monitoring and replacement [2]. The higher moisture content and shorter lifespan make it prone to spoilage, leading to additional waste and energy use.

Kibble also demands more storage space and, in many cases, climate-controlled environments to maintain freshness. These conditions require extra energy and contribute to higher emissions. Moisture and heat can quickly degrade the product, making proper storage even more critical.

When it comes to buying in bulk, freeze-dried food’s longer shelf life shines. It reduces the chances of spoilage, even in larger quantities, and avoids the need for sudden, unplanned purchases - further lessening its environmental impact.

Loyal Saints: Eco-Friendly Freeze-Dried Options

High-Quality Ingredients with a Focus on Sustainability

Loyal Saints crafts freeze-dried dog food using whole, natural, and human-grade proteins to ensure your pet gets the best possible nutrition. Their recipes are free from additives and fillers, keeping the focus on pure, wholesome ingredients. By sticking to minimally processed foods, they also reduce their overall carbon footprint, making their products a more environmentally friendly choice.

Nutrition Backed by Veterinarians

Each recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO standards and has been reviewed and approved by veterinarians. Packed with top-quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables, these meals provide balanced and complete nutrition for your furry companion.

Conclusion

Freeze-dried dog food stands out as a more eco-conscious choice compared to traditional kibble, thanks to its lightweight and concentrated form. Here are a few reasons why it’s a greener option:

Transportation: Its lighter weight means less fuel is needed for shipping, which helps cut down on emissions.
Storage: With a long shelf life and compact size, it reduces both waste and energy consumption.
Packaging: The concentrated format uses fewer materials, resulting in less waste heading to landfills.
Nutrition: Packed with nutrients, it allows for precise portioning, which helps minimize food waste.

For those looking to make a positive environmental impact without compromising their pet’s nutrition, consider brands like Loyal Saints. By choosing freeze-dried food made with sustainable, high-quality ingredients, you’re not just feeding your pet - you’re also contributing to a healthier planet [5].

FAQs

How does producing freeze-dried dog food compare to kibble in terms of energy use and carbon footprint?

Freeze-dried dog food takes more energy to produce because of the freeze-drying process. This involves freezing the food and then removing moisture under low pressure. Despite the energy-intensive method, it retains nutrients well and doesn’t require refrigeration for storage or transport, which might help balance out the initial energy costs.

Kibble, by contrast, is made using high-heat extrusion, another energy-heavy process. Its large-scale production and bulkier packaging often result in higher transportation emissions. While both options impact the environment, freeze-dried food’s lighter weight and reduced packaging could mean a smaller carbon footprint in some cases.

How does using recyclable packaging for freeze-dried pet food benefit the environment compared to traditional kibble packaging?

Recyclable packaging for freeze-dried pet food is a smarter choice when it comes to reducing environmental impact compared to traditional kibble packaging. Freeze-dried pet food is often packed in lightweight and compact materials, which not only cut down on waste but also help lower the carbon emissions tied to production and disposal. Using recyclable materials takes it a step further by reducing landfill waste and conserving resources through material reuse.

Another bonus? Freeze-dried food usually requires less bulky packaging than kibble. This means more efficient shipping, as more products can fit into a single shipment, ultimately cutting down on transportation-related emissions. Opting for eco-friendly packaging might seem like a small change, but it’s a meaningful way to lessen the environmental footprint of pet food.

How does the shelf life of freeze-dried dog food compare to traditional kibble in terms of reducing food waste and storage energy?

Freeze-dried dog food stands out for its impressive shelf life, often lasting up to 25 years when stored correctly. This extended durability means less food waste, as pet owners can stock up without the fear of spoilage. Plus, it doesn’t need refrigeration, which not only saves energy but also makes it a practical option for long-term storage.

On the other hand, traditional kibble - while more widely used - has a shorter shelf life, typically lasting 12 to 18 months. Over time, the oils in kibble can break down, leading to rancidity if not used before its expiration date. Freeze-dried food, thanks to its preservation process, retains nutrients and stays fresh for significantly longer, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for pet owners who prioritize sustainability.