Moisture Content in Dog Food: Why It Matters

Kristina Voltin
Jul 11
10 min read

Moisture content in dog food directly impacts its nutritional value, storage life, and your dog's health. Here's what you need to know:

Moisture Levels: Dry food has 10–12% moisture, canned food 75–78%, and freeze-dried food just 5–7%.
Nutritional Impact: Low moisture in freeze-dried food preserves nutrients better than kibble or canned food. Nutrient density is higher, making smaller portions more effective.
Shelf Life: Freeze-dried food lasts 18–24 months unopened, thanks to low moisture preventing spoilage.
Hydration: Dogs need water for digestion and health. Freeze-dried food requires rehydration for better taste, easier chewing, and hydration support.

Freeze-dried options, like those from Loyal Saints, combine low moisture with high-quality, human-grade ingredients to deliver balanced, long-lasting nutrition for all life stages.

A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Converting to Dry Matter Basis

How Moisture Content Affects Nutritional Quality

When it comes to understanding pet food, moisture content is a key factor that often goes unnoticed. Water percentages listed on labels can mask the actual nutrient concentrations in the food. Let’s dive into how freeze-drying plays a pivotal role in preserving and concentrating nutrients.

Nutrient Preservation Through Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying is a game-changer in maintaining the nutritional quality of pet food. Unlike traditional cooking methods that expose ingredients to high heat, freeze-drying removes water at low temperatures. This process protects heat-sensitive vitamins, enzymes, and proteins that would otherwise degrade under intense heat.

Here’s how it works: freeze-drying operates at temperatures well below freezing, gently removing moisture while preserving the raw ingredients’ original nutritional profile. In contrast, conventional kibble manufacturing relies on high-temperature methods that can strip away essential nutrients. By keeping moisture levels extremely low, freeze-drying not only retains the integrity of nutrients but also concentrates them.

Impact on Balanced Nutrition

To truly understand the nutrient content of pet food, calculating it on a dry matter basis (DMB) is essential. This method eliminates water content from the equation, revealing the actual concentration of nutrients.

"Dry Matter Basis allows you to see past fancy marketing, pretty packaging, and unclear ingredients to the actual substance of the food itself." [6]

Here’s an example: dry foods typically consist of about 90% dry matter, while canned foods range from 22–32% dry matter [7]. Let’s say a wet food lists 8% protein "as fed", and a freeze-dried food lists 35% protein "as fed." When calculated on a dry matter basis, the wet food’s protein content rises to about 32%, while the freeze-dried food remains highly concentrated at around 37%.

This nutrient concentration highlights why freeze-dried foods stand out. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) uses dry matter basis calculations to set nutrient standards for complete and balanced pet nutrition [5]. Natalie Williams, Nutrition Manager at Petcurean, emphasizes this point:

"When choosing a pet food, it is key to remember that it is the nutrients in a recipe that a pet requires, not individual ingredients. Ingredients are the vehicles for providing these nutrients." [5]

The low moisture levels in freeze-dried foods significantly boost nutrient density. Because of this concentration, even smaller portions can provide optimal nutrition. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing calorie-controlled diets.

Loyal Saints exemplifies this approach by ensuring rigorous quality standards. Their freeze-dried raw dog food is crafted with human-grade, all-natural ingredients and utilizes a precise freeze-drying process. The result? Veterinarian-approved, AAFCO-supported nutrition tailored for all life stages.

Moisture Content and Shelf Stability

The connection between moisture content and shelf life is crucial for understanding why freeze-dried dog food lasts so long. By reducing moisture to extremely low levels, freeze-drying prevents microbial growth - a primary cause of food spoilage. This process allows the food to remain safe and nutritious for extended periods.

How Low Moisture Extends Shelf Life

Moisture creates the perfect conditions for microbes to thrive, which can quickly ruin food. Freeze-drying removes nearly all moisture, keeping the food safe from spoilage. When stored correctly, freeze-dried dog food can last between 18 and 24 months unopened, with some formulations designed to last even longer[8][9]. Once opened, the food maintains its freshness for 3 to 6 months, though it’s best consumed within three months for peak quality[8][9]. Impressively, this preservation method retains up to 97% of the food’s original nutrients[8].

Proper Storage for Long-Term Stability

To maximize the shelf life of freeze-dried dog food, proper storage is essential. Key factors include controlling moisture, temperature, light, and air exposure. For the best results:

Store the food in a cool, dry place, ideally below 75°F (24°C)[8].
Reseal the package tightly after each use and use a dry scoop to avoid introducing moisture[8][9].
Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as these can lead to moisture intrusion[8].
Keep the food in a dark area or use opaque containers to limit light exposure.
If the original packaging is damaged, transfer the food to an airtight container immediately[8].

These steps ensure the food remains fresh and safe, showcasing why freeze-drying surpasses other preservation methods.

Comparison of Preservation Methods

Different food preservation methods affect moisture content, shelf life, and storage requirements. Here’s how freeze-drying stacks up against other methods:

Preservation Method	Moisture Content	Shelf Life (Unopened)	Storage After Opening
Freeze-Dried	5–7% [10]	18–24 months [10]	Airtight container; cool, dry place; consume within 30 days [10]
Kibble	Around 10% [4]	6–18 months [11]	Airtight container; cool, dry place [11]
Canned	70–80% [10]	5+ years [11]	Refrigerate; use within a few days [11]

Freeze-dried food, with its minimal moisture content (5–7%)[10], offers a clear advantage over canned options, which contain 70–80% moisture[10]. While canned food has an impressive unopened shelf life, it requires refrigeration after opening and must be consumed quickly[11]. Kibble, with about 10% moisture[4], offers decent stability but doesn’t preserve nutrients as effectively due to the high temperatures used during processing.

In 2018, the global market for freeze-dried pet food was valued at approximately $277 million, with expectations to double by 2025[10]. For pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition and reliable shelf stability, freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice for both daily feeding and emergency preparedness.

The Role of Moisture in Palatability and Digestive Health

Moisture does more than just preserve nutrients and extend shelf life - it plays a key role in making food more appealing and supporting digestion. While freeze-dried food is excellent for nutrient retention, its low moisture content means rehydration is necessary to unlock its full potential for flavor, digestion, and hydration.

Rehydration for Better Taste

Rehydrating freeze-dried food brings out natural aromas and creates a texture that even the pickiest eaters find irresistible[1]. Without moisture, the concentrated flavors and scents remain trapped, but adding water releases them, transforming the food into a flavorful and aromatic meal. This process not only enhances taste but also makes mealtime more enjoyable for your pet.

At Loyal Saints, we recommend using warm (not hot) water to rehydrate our freeze-dried raw dog food. The warmth helps the food absorb moisture faster while intensifying its aroma, resulting in a gravy-like texture that dogs love. You can tweak the water-to-food ratio to match your dog's preferences or even add a splash of bone broth for extra flavor and nutrients[1]. Beyond improving taste, this rehydration process supports your dog's hydration and digestion.

Moisture and Canine Hydration

Water is essential for a dog's overall health, making up about 60% of their body composition[2]. While dry kibble contains only 6–10% moisture, a dog's natural diet historically included about 70% moisture[12]. Freeze-dried foods, with just 3% moisture content[13], require rehydration to meet your pet's hydration needs.

Dry kibble alone doesn’t provide enough fluids for optimal health[15]. Proper hydration aids digestion, supports kidney function, regulates body temperature, and improves nutrient absorption[13]. For older dogs or those with dental challenges, rehydrated food is easier to chew and swallow[14]. Plus, the added moisture can help your dog feel fuller, which may assist with weight management[13].

Why Premium Ingredients Matter for Nutritional Quality

Freeze-drying is an excellent way to preserve nutrients in dog food, but the quality of the ingredients plays just as critical a role. Using premium, human-grade ingredients ensures that essential nutrients are retained during the freeze-drying process, making them easier for your dog to absorb. On the other hand, feed-grade ingredients often lose nutritional value and may contain impurities that compromise your pet's health.

Human-Grade, All-Natural Ingredients

Human-grade ingredients are held to much higher safety and quality standards than feed-grade options. This is especially important in freeze-dried foods, where removing moisture concentrates not just nutrients, but also any impurities.

"A Human-Grade product means all elements of the production of the product meets the strict standards set forth for human food production; this includes the quality of ingredients sourced, and how and where the food is cooked (Production in a human food facility.)" – Portland Pet Food Company [16]

Studies have shown that fresh, high-quality dog food can increase a dog's lifespan by up to 20%, thanks to better nutrient density and higher-quality meat cuts [16]. The benefits go beyond longevity, improving energy levels, coat health, digestion, and even breath [16] [17].

Human-grade facilities are regulated under federal guidelines (21 CFR 110), ensuring that all ingredients are fit for human consumption and processed in FDA-approved environments [17]. These foods are minimally processed and free from artificial preservatives, which can upset a dog’s digestion. When combined with the low moisture levels achieved through freeze-drying, premium ingredients retain vital nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are key to maintaining a shiny, healthy coat [17].

Veterinarian-Approved, AAFCO-Supported Formulations

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the nutritional standards that distinguish "complete and balanced" dog food from less comprehensive options. For freeze-dried foods, which are highly concentrated, adhering to these standards ensures that every nutrient is precisely calibrated.

To be marketed as "complete and balanced", pet food must meet AAFCO's nutritional adequacy requirements for specific life stages [18]. For instance, growing dogs need at least 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis, while adult dogs require a minimum of 18%. Fat requirements differ as well, with growth and reproduction needing 8.5%, compared to 5.5% for adult maintenance [19].

Life Stage	Minimum Protein	Minimum Fat
Growth and Reproduction	22.5%	8.5%
Adult Maintenance	18%	5.5%

Some dog foods are labeled for "all life stages", meaning they meet the nutritional needs of both puppies and adult dogs [20]. AAFCO certification is a reliable indicator that a product has been formulated to meet these rigorous standards [18].

Loyal Saints' Commitment to Quality

Loyal Saints takes these standards seriously, combining human-grade ingredients with AAFCO-supported formulations to create freeze-dried raw dog food that prioritizes both nutrition and moisture control. Every ingredient is sourced and processed in FDA-approved facilities, ensuring the highest quality.

Their high-protein recipes not only exceed AAFCO's minimum requirements but also maintain the precise balance of nutrients dogs need at every life stage. Whether you're feeding an active puppy or an aging senior, Loyal Saints' veterinarian-approved approach delivers complete nutrition, reflecting their unwavering commitment to premium ingredient standards and your pet's well-being.

Conclusion

Moisture content plays a key role in both nutrient retention and shelf life when it comes to freeze-dried dog food. This preservation method ensures a shelf-stable product that keeps its nutritional value intact without relying on artificial preservatives. The result? Your dog gets the most out of every meal.

Beyond nutrient retention, freeze-dried food offers flexibility in how it’s served. Whether rehydrated for better taste or served dry for convenience, it caters to your dog’s needs. It’s worth noting that carnivores naturally get 60-75% of their water intake from food, while traditional kibble contains just 5-10% moisture [2]. This makes the ability to rehydrate freeze-dried food especially important for maintaining proper hydration levels.

"Freeze-dried dog food offers a palatable, nutrient-dense diet option that is minimally processed, and raw-meat based. Many companies produce these diets as a natural alternative to other commercially produced dog foods." - Brittany Kleszynski, DVM [3]

This quote underscores the dual advantages of freeze-dried food: preservation and high-quality ingredients. Studies show that dogs fed fresh, whole foods can live up to 2.5 years longer than those on heavily processed diets [21]. This highlights the importance of selecting premium products for your pet.

Loyal Saints stands out by pairing freeze-drying technology with human-grade ingredients and veterinarian-approved recipes. Their approach ensures optimal moisture management while delivering high-protein, nutrient-packed meals designed to support your dog’s long-term health and well-being. With Loyal Saints, you’re choosing meals that prioritize both quality and nutrition, helping your dog thrive.

FAQs

Why should dog food nutrients be measured on a dry matter basis?

Measuring dog food nutrients on a dry matter basis is essential because it eliminates moisture from the equation, offering a clearer picture of the nutrient levels in different types of food - be it wet, dry, or freeze-dried. Since moisture content can vary significantly between products, this adjustment ensures a fair comparison of their actual nutritional value.

By standardizing these calculations, both pet owners and veterinarians can more accurately assess the nutrient density and quality of a given food. This helps ensure dogs get the balanced nutrition they need, regardless of how much water the food contains. This method is particularly valuable when selecting options like freeze-dried raw dog food, which often emphasizes high protein content and nutrient-packed ingredients.

What makes freeze-drying a better method for preserving nutrients in dog food?

Freeze-drying is a careful method of removing moisture from dog food while using low temperatures. This approach preserves 97-98% of the original nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and proteins. Unlike high-heat techniques like baking or cooking, freeze-drying keeps nutrient loss to a minimum, making the food easier to digest and packed with nutrients.

This method is particularly effective for preserving the quality of human-grade, all-natural ingredients. It locks in both the nutrition and flavor, all while extending the shelf life - no need for additives or preservatives.

Why is it important to use human-grade ingredients in freeze-dried dog food?

When you opt for freeze-dried dog food made with human-grade ingredients, you’re prioritizing your pet’s nutrition and safety. These ingredients meet the same standards as food prepared for people, reducing the risk of harmful contaminants and ensuring a higher level of quality.

On top of that, human-grade ingredients are packed with natural nutrients that support your dog’s health, energy, and overall well-being. Choosing food with these premium components is a simple way to show your furry friend the love and care they deserve.