Freeze Dried vs Raw vs Kibble: Which Diet Is Better for Your Dog?

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
9 min read

Freeze-Dried: Combines the nutrition of raw food with the convenience of kibble. Retains up to 97% of nutrients but is more expensive. Requires rehydration.
Raw: Closely mimics a dog's natural diet with high protein and moisture. Offers excellent nutrition but needs careful storage and handling to avoid contamination.
Kibble: The most convenient and affordable option. Long shelf life but contains more fillers and loses nutrients during processing.

Quick Comparison:

Criteria	Freeze-Dried	Raw	Kibble
Protein Content	Up to 71.3%	50–70%	~28%
Moisture	5–7% (rehydrate for ~75%)	~75%	6–10%
Convenience	Easy to store, prep time: 3–5 mins	Requires freezing, thawing	Scoop and serve
Cost (Daily)	~$5.28 (50lb dog, 85/15 mix)	~$4.04	~$1.66
Food Safety	Minimal risk if stored properly	Higher contamination risk	Safest due to cooking process
Shelf Life	18–24 months unopened	Must stay frozen	Long, if stored correctly

Key Takeaway: For high nutrition and convenience, freeze-dried is a great middle ground. Raw diets are ideal for natural nutrition but require extra care. Kibble is budget-friendly and convenient but less nutrient-dense. Choose based on your dog's needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Nutrition Breakdown: Freeze-Dried vs Raw vs Kibble

Main Nutrients

Raw and freeze-dried diets closely match a dog's natural eating habits, offering higher protein and lower carbohydrate content.

For example, premium freeze-dried options like Healthy Active Pet provide impressive protein percentages:

Chicken, lamb, and turkey blend: 71.3% protein
Turkey and sardine blend: 67.5% protein
Beef, salmon, and chicken blend: 50.7% protein

In comparison, "high protein" kibble averages just 28% protein, while wet food typically contains around 7% protein due to its high moisture content. Commercial raw diets generally aim for about 50% of calories from protein, though some formulations dip to 25%.

Fat content also varies widely. Some raw diets derive up to 75% of their calories from fat - far more than the ancestral diet's 44% - while kibble often includes more carbohydrate-heavy fillers like corn or wheat.

Beyond macronutrients, the preservation of natural vitamins and minerals is just as important.

Vitamins and Minerals

Micronutrients play a key role in maintaining overall health. Freeze-dried foods retain their natural vitamins and minerals because they undergo minimal processing. Well-sourced raw diets can also provide a complete nutrient profile, especially when they include organ meats and fish.

"Next time someone implies you can't balance your own pet's meal, ask them how much calcium their kids need each day, how they supplied it and how much their child absorbed...Such details are only really important if your nutrients come from a conical flask. Given enough of the good stuff, the body achieves balance over time. It has to. Nutrients do not present uniformly in nature." - Dr. Conor Brady

One specific nutrient to consider is vitamin E. Dogs require around 50 IU per kg (22.7 IU per lb) of food. Diets rich in meat, fat, organs, and eggs often naturally meet this requirement.

Water Content

Water content varies significantly across different types of dog food:

Kibble: 6–10% moisture
Semi-moist foods: 15–30% moisture
Wet/raw foods: roughly 75% moisture

Freeze-drying removes 98–99% of moisture, compared to 90–95% for dehydration. Most freeze-dried foods have a moisture level of 5–7% according to their guaranteed analysis.

"Freeze-drying allows the ingredients to remain unchanged. This means that their taste, smell, and overall structure is not affected by processing, which is beneficial for nutrient content and palatability." - Brittany Kleszynski, DVM

For freeze-dried or kibble diets, ensuring your dog drinks enough water is essential to avoid dehydration. Freeze-dried foods can be rehydrated in just 2–3 minutes, making them more satisfying and helpful for maintaining hydration. These factors - nutrients and moisture - play a major role in your dog's overall health and should guide your choice of diet.

Food Processing Methods and Nutrient Quality

How Freeze-Drying Works

Freeze-drying removes moisture through sublimation, preserving up to 97% of the food's nutrients. Unlike heat-based techniques, this method keeps natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals intact.

Raw Food Methods

Raw food preparation avoids heat exposure entirely, focusing on maintaining nutrients in their natural state. Enzymes, essential for digestion, begin to break down at temperatures above 118°F. Commercial raw food formulas often include a combination of fresh muscle meat, organ meats, raw bones, fruits, vegetables, and natural supplements. Some producers also use High-Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to kill harmful bacteria while keeping nutrients intact.

Kibble Production

Kibble production involves high-temperature cooking, which leads to nutrient loss. This process significantly reduces the levels of key nutrients in protein sources. Here's a breakdown of typical nutrient losses during cooking:

Nutrient Loss	Beef	Chicken
Magnesium	-35%	-25%
Potassium	-45%	-20%
Thiamine	-55%	-30%
Vitamin B6	-65%	-20%
Folate	-35%	-40%

To compensate for these losses, manufacturers add synthetic vitamins and minerals. The extrusion process, used to shape kibble into pellets, can further degrade nutrients, making supplementation necessary.

Storage and Daily Use

Storage Requirements

Proper storage is key to preserving the quality and nutritional value of your dog's food. Freeze-dried options are known for their long shelf life and compact storage needs. Unopened packages can stay fresh for 18–24 months, while opened ones should be used within 30–60 days if stored correctly.

To keep freeze-dried food in top condition:

Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Use the original packaging or transfer it to an airtight container.
Always use a dry scoop to avoid introducing moisture.
Avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures.

Raw food demands stricter storage measures. It must remain frozen until needed, and thawed portions should be used within 4–5 days when kept in the refrigerator. To minimize contamination risks:

Store raw food separately from human food.
Keep thawed portions sealed in containers.
Ensure the refrigerator stays below 40°F.
Regularly clean storage areas with hot, soapy water.

Kibble is easier to store but still requires care to maintain freshness and prevent pests. Transferring kibble into airtight containers from large bags can help protect it from staleness and infestation.

Daily Feeding Steps

The amount of preparation needed depends on the type of diet. Here's a quick breakdown of daily feeding routines:

Diet Type	Preparation Steps	Prep Time	Special Considerations
Freeze-Dried	Add water to rehydrate; wait 2–3 minutes	3–5 minutes	Use clean, room-temperature water
Raw	Thaw overnight and portion carefully	15–20 minutes	Sanitize all surfaces after handling
Kibble	Scoop and serve	1–2 minutes	Measure portions accurately

For raw food, safety is critical:

Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds after handling.
Disinfect all surfaces used during preparation.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Avoid thawing raw food with hot water or a microwave.

Brands like Loyal Saints offer freeze-dried options that combine the simplicity of kibble with the nutritional benefits of raw food. These products are easy to prepare and store, making them a practical choice for many pet owners. Proper storage and feeding habits not only simplify your routine but also help ensure your dog's health and safety.

Health Effects and Safety

Digestion and Nutrient Use

How your dog's food is processed plays a big role in how well nutrients are absorbed. Freeze-dried food keeps enzymes intact and retains probiotics and prebiotics, which aid digestion. Raw diets also preserve natural enzyme activity, supporting nutrient breakdown. On the other hand, kibble, often cooked at high temperatures, loses many important nutrients during processing. Additionally, the porous texture of freeze-dried food can make nutrients easier for dogs to absorb.

Each diet's impact on digestion also ties into your dog's oral health.

Teeth and Gum Health

Diet isn't just about digestion - it also affects your dog's dental health. Did you know over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of 3?. Here's a quick breakdown of how different diets influence oral health:

Diet Type	Dental Benefits	Potential Concerns
Freeze-dried	Crunchy texture helps reduce plaque and tartar; natural enzymes support gum health.	May need rehydration for senior dogs.
Raw	Natural enzymes protect teeth and gums.	Minimal risk.
Kibble	-	High carbs can encourage plaque buildup.

Food Safety Concerns

Food safety is another key factor to consider, as different processing methods come with varying risks. A large FDA study revealed that 15 out of 196 raw pet food samples contained Salmonella, and 32 samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

"The study identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product." - Dr. Renate Reimschuessel, Veterinarian at CVM's Office of Research

To minimize risks when handling raw food, follow these safety tips:

Use separate utensils and prep areas for pet food.
Clean all surfaces with disinfectant after food prep.
Dispose of uneaten portions right away.

Kibble, thanks to its cooking process, is the safest option for avoiding bacterial contamination. However, this safety comes with a trade-off - reduced nutrient content.

Price Comparison

Daily Feeding Costs

Feeding a 50-pound dog can vary widely depending on the diet you choose. A grain-free kibble diet costs about $1.66 per day. Mixing 75% kibble with 25% canned food bumps that up to $2.37 daily, while an 85/15 mix of kibble and freeze-dried food comes in at $5.28 per day.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Diet Type	Daily Cost (50lb dog)	Monthly Cost	Key Points
Basic Kibble	$1.66	$49.80	Lowest upfront cost
Kibble + Canned (75/25)	$2.37	$71.10	Popular mixed option
Kibble + Freeze-dried (85/15)	$5.28	$158.40	Most expensive choice
100% Raw (Steve's Real Food)	$4.04	$121.20	Includes complete nutrition

Freeze-dried food is priced between $30 and $50 for a 1-pound bag. While these daily costs are important, they don’t tell the full story. Long-term health expenses also play a major role in overall affordability.

Vet Bills and Diet Quality

The quality of your dog's diet can have a big impact on veterinary costs. Health issues like arthritis, cancer, and kidney disease can lead to yearly vet bills running into the thousands.

Studies show that while raw feeding doesn’t guarantee disease prevention, it may help lower certain risks. For example, gum disease - common in dogs fed kibble - is rare in those on raw diets.

Over a dog’s lifetime, the total cost can vary significantly:

Specialty kibble: $31,522
100% raw diet: $24,336This means a raw diet could save over $7,000 in the long run.

Other factors to consider include:

Raw diet setup: Chest freezer ($100–$200 used, $200+ new) and storage containers ($125)
Supplements: For example, canned sardines at $32/month for two dogs
Food safety tools: Kitchen scales ($10–$20)

While premium diets come with higher upfront costs, they often lead to fewer vet visits and reduced medication needs, making them a smart long-term investment.

Selecting Your Dog's Diet

Key Decision Points

Choosing the right diet - freeze-dried, raw, or kibble - depends on factors like your dog's age, breed, and overall health.

Age-Specific Needs: Puppies require higher levels of protein (22–32%) and fat (8–20%) to support growth, while adult dogs need less (18–25% protein, 10–15% fat). Senior dogs' dietary needs vary depending on their health.

Breed and Size: Large-breed puppies benefit from diets that manage growth to avoid joint issues. Smaller breeds, on the other hand, need more calories per pound due to their faster metabolism.

Health and Activity Levels: Active dogs burn more calories and may need a diet to match their energy, while health conditions like skin problems or digestive issues might call for specific adjustments.

Once you've considered these factors, a gradual transition to the new diet is essential.

Diet Change Steps

Switching your dog’s diet should be done over several days to avoid digestive issues. Follow this schedule:

Days	Old Food	New Food	Notes
1–2	75%	25%	Start introducing the new food
3–4	50%	50%	Monitor stool consistency
5–6	25%	75%	Watch for any digestive upset
7–10	0%	100%	Complete the transition

If your dog experiences digestive upset, slow the transition. Adding a small amount of plain canned pumpkin can help ease the process.

Vet Guidance

Your veterinarian can offer personalized advice to ensure your dog's diet is meeting all their needs. Here’s how they can help:

Health ConditionsVets can design feeding plans tailored to your dog's specific health issues while maintaining balanced nutrition.
Diet EvaluationThey can confirm the chosen diet aligns with AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
Ongoing MonitoringRegular vet visits allow for tracking how well the diet supports your dog’s health. Key areas to assess include:
- Weight and body condition
- Muscle tone
- Coat quality
- Energy levels

Best Dog Food Comparison: Kibble, Raw, Wet, Freeze-Dried, Air-Dried, or Homemade?

Conclusion

Different types of dog food cater to various needs and lifestyles. Freeze-dried options offer the nutritional perks of raw diets with the ease of long-term storage. Raw diets, while requiring careful handling, boast up to 94% digestibility compared to the AAFCO standard of 80%. Meanwhile, kibble remains the go-to choice for convenience, with prices ranging from $8 to $125 for a 40-pound bag.

"Freeze-dried means a food has been frozen and then placed in a chamber where barometric pressure can be reduced, creating a partial vacuum... It is a very gentle means of preservation, and flavors are invariably identical to fresh food" - Dr. Richard Patton

This preservation method keeps nutrients intact better than traditional processing, which is one reason why freeze-dried options are gaining popularity. The growing interest highlights how more pet owners are recognizing the link between quality nutrition and their dog's overall health.