How Freeze-Dried Food Reduces Additive Exposure

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
5 min read

Here’s why it’s a better option:

No Artificial Additives: Avoid preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers like BHA, Red 40, and MSG.
Health Benefits: Better digestion, fewer allergies, and long-term health improvements.
Natural Preservation: Freeze-drying locks in nutrients and flavor without chemicals.
Smaller Portions, More Nutrition: Nutrient-dense food means your dog eats less but stays healthy.

Quick Comparison:

Feature	Freeze-Dried Food	Standard Kibble/Canned Food
Ingredients	Whole, natural, no fillers	Includes fillers/additives
Nutrient Density	High	Lower
Preservation Method	Freeze-drying	Chemical preservatives
Serving Size	Smaller portions	Larger portions

Switching to freeze-dried food can improve your dog’s digestion, coat health, and overall well-being. Keep reading to learn more about how it works and what to look for in quality freeze-dried options.

Understanding Freeze-Dried Dog Food

The Freeze-Drying Process

Freeze-drying preserves dog food by removing moisture while keeping nutrients, flavors, and ingredients intact - without needing artificial preservatives. This method ensures the food stays shelf-stable and packed with nutrition.

Here’s how the freeze-drying process works:

Stage	Process	Benefit
Deep Freeze	Food is frozen at extremely low temperatures	Keeps the food's cellular structure intact
Primary Drying	Ice turns directly into vapor (sublimation)	Retains nutrients effectively
Final Drying	Remaining moisture is removed under vacuum	Ensures long-term stability

The result? A lightweight, shelf-stable product that holds onto its nutritional value.

Freeze-Dried vs. Standard Dog Food

When you compare freeze-dried food to traditional options like kibble or canned food, the differences are clear:

Characteristic	Freeze-Dried Food	Standard Kibble/Canned Food
Ingredients	Whole, natural ingredients without fillers	Often includes fillers and additives
Nutrient Density	Highly concentrated nutrition	Lower nutrient levels
Serving Size	Requires smaller portions	Larger portions needed
Preservation	Uses freeze-drying	Relies on chemical preservatives

"Pure nutrition, nothing unnecessary added" - Loyal Saints Pets

Because freeze-dried food is nutrient-dense, dogs often need smaller portions to meet their dietary needs. This is backed by a perfect 5.0/5 star rating from 42 reviews [2]. Plus, these products are veterinarian-approved and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, making them a great option for dogs of all ages. They deliver nutrients effectively without relying on artificial additives.

Is Freeze Dried Dog Food The Answer? | Ask A Vet

Reducing Additives Through Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying offers a natural way to preserve dog food and cut out artificial additives by effectively removing moisture.

Preserving Food Naturally

Freeze-drying keeps dog food fresh by taking out moisture, which eliminates the need for artificial preservatives. Through a process called sublimation, water is removed, creating an environment where bacteria and mold can’t thrive. This method helps maintain freshness without relying on chemicals.

Here’s how freeze-drying works:

Method	Process	Benefit
Moisture Removal	Sublimation	Stops spoilage naturally
Temperature Control	Freezing and drying	Protects food quality
Oxygen Reduction	Vacuum sealing	Keeps food fresh

"Nutrients and flavor locked in naturally" - Loyal Saints Pets

This approach ensures the food stays true to its original appearance and taste.

Retaining Natural Colors and Flavors

Freeze-drying doesn’t just preserve food - it also keeps its natural colors and flavors intact. By protecting the natural pigments of ingredients, there’s no need for artificial coloring. Similarly, the process locks in fresh flavors, avoiding the use of artificial flavor enhancers.

Key benefits include:

Preserves the natural color, flavor, and texture of ingredients
Maintains nutritional quality with gentle processing
Ensures great taste without chemical additives

Freeze-drying helps dog food keep its natural qualities, ensuring it stays nutritious and flavorful without relying on synthetic additives.

Health Benefits of Additive-Free Dog Food

Better Digestion

Switching to additive-free dog food can make a big difference in digestion. By steering clear of artificial irritants, natural ingredients help keep your dog's gut functioning smoothly. These foods often provide complete nutrition in smaller portions, while natural fiber supports regular bowel movements. Plus, cutting out additives can help reduce allergic reactions.

"Pure nutrition, nothing unnecessary added" - Loyal Saints Pets

Fewer Allergic Reactions

Many dogs experience fewer food sensitivities when artificial additives are removed from their diets. These synthetic ingredients in commercial pet food are often the culprits behind allergic responses. Symptoms that commonly improve with additive-free food include:

Symptom	Impact of Additive-Free Food
Skin irritation	Less itching and fewer hot spots
Digestive issues	Reduced stomach upset and gas
Food sensitivities	Fewer allergic reactions overall

Long-Term Health Benefits

The immediate perks of additive-free food, like better digestion and fewer allergies, can lead to lasting health improvements. This type of diet promotes lean muscle growth and a shinier coat, contributing to your dog's overall well-being.

"At Loyal Saints, we believe that healthy ingredients lead to happy, vibrant lives for our beloved pets." - Loyal Saints Pets [3]

A veterinarian has reviewed this food to ensure it meets AAFCO standards, confirming its nutritional adequacy for dogs at all life stages [2]. This professional endorsement highlights the value of choosing additive-free options made with natural ingredients.

Selecting Quality Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Reading Dog Food Labels

When choosing freeze-dried dog food, start by carefully reading the labels. Look for:

Whole protein sources listed as the main ingredient
Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols
Short and simple ingredient lists
An AAFCO statement confirming the food meets nutritional standards

Labels with clear, easy-to-recognize ingredients suggest a focus on natural preservation, as mentioned earlier. For an example that aligns with these criteria, check out the product below.

Loyal Saints: Premium Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Loyal Saints provides freeze-dried dog food made without artificial additives or fillers. Their recipes use human-grade ingredients, are rich in protein, and meet the nutritional standards set by AAFCO. This method ensures your dog gets high-quality, pure nutrition, following the natural preservation principles discussed earlier.

"Meets AAFCO standards for optimal health" - Loyal Saints Pets

Customer reviews and veterinary recommendations highlight the advantages of switching to freeze-dried dog food, making it a trusted choice for pet owners.

Conclusion: Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Switching to freeze-dried dog food eliminates artificial additives while preserving the natural nutrients your pet needs. This preservation method keeps the food's nutritional value intact, without relying on synthetic preservatives, colors, or flavors often found in other types of dog food.

Pet owners have shared noticeable improvements:

Better Digestion: Reduced sensitivities and improved gut health
Healthier Coat: Shinier fur and increased vitality
Nutrient-Packed Portions: Smaller servings still provide complete nutrition
Convenient Storage: Compact packaging that stays fresh longer

These advantages make freeze-dried food a solid option for improving your dog's overall well-being.

"We started transitioning Nef over to Loyal Saints a few weeks ago and he is loving it! We have already noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues we were noticing on his previous food. Excited to see how else this new food benefits Nefarian." - NefariansMom

Experts also back these claims:

"As a vet myself, this is what sold me and I can attest!" - Janet R

When choosing a freeze-dried option, prioritize products made with human-grade ingredients and strict quality controls. Look for labels that meet AAFCO nutritional standards and avoid artificial additives or fillers. This ensures your dog gets clean, balanced nutrition to support their long-term health.