Kibble? Freeze-dried? Dehyrated? Why are there so many different types of pet food?
As a pet nutritionist, one of the most common questions I get is: What’s the difference between dry kibble, freeze-dried, and dehydrated pet food?
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s best for your pet. Each type of food has its pros and cons, and understanding how they’re made—and how they impact your pet’s health—can help you make informed choices.
🥣 Dry Kibble: The Classic Convenience
How it's made:
Dry kibble is produced through a process called extrusion, where ingredients are cooked under high heat and pressure, then shaped and dried into small, shelf-stable pieces.
Pros:
Affordable and widely available
Long shelf life
Easy to store and serve
Often fortified with vitamins and minerals
Considerations:
High-heat processing destroys some nutrients
Often contains fillers or lower quality ingredients
Not as moisture-rich as fresh or raw diets
May not be suitable for pets with a sensitive tummy as not all ingredients may be listed clearly
Dry kibble can be a practical option for many busy pet parents, but ingredient quality varies dramatically. Look for options with named protein sources (not meat by-product or meat meal), protein should be listed as the first ingredient and contains minimal fillers.
❄️ Freeze-Dried Food: Raw Nutrition, Shelf Stable
How it's made:
Freeze-dried food starts with raw ingredients that are frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber. The moisture is removed through sublimation, preserving most of the original nutrients.
Pros:
Retains more nutrients than high-heat methods
Lightweight and shelf stable
Closer to a raw diet without refrigeration
Highly palatable and protein-rich
Less likely chance of containing grains and/or fillers
Considerations:
Typically more expensive than conventional kibble
Nuggets usually need to be crumbled up and rehydrated for optimal digestion
Not all brands offer a complete and balanced diet, unless stated that it is formulated so
Freeze-dried food is a great option for pet owners seeking the benefits of raw without the mess or fridge storage concerns.
🌞 Dehydrated Food: Gently Cooked, Nutrient Dense
How it's made:
Dehydrated food is slowly dried at low temperatures to remove moisture, but not frozen. This process helps retain nutrients while making the food shelf stable.
Pros:
Preserves more bioavailable nutrients than kibble
Typically made with whole-food ingredients
Convenient for travel or storage
May function as a topper on an existing diet for picky eaters
Considerations:
Needs rehydration before feeding
Some pets may not be keen on the texture
Price range is typically between kibble and freeze dried
Not all products offer a complete and balanced diet, unless stated that it is formulated so
Dehydrated food strikes a balance between convenience and quality nutrition, often appealing to pet parents looking for a less processed option.
🌬️ Air-Dried Food: Raw-Like Nutrition Without the Freeze
How it's made:
Air-dried dog food is made by slowly drying raw or gently cooked ingredients at low temperatures over a long period. This method removes moisture without high heat or freezing, preserving nutrients and flavour.
Pros:
Highly nutritious and minimally processed
Long shelf life with no need for refrigeration
No rehydration required—just scoop and serve
Great for on-the-go feeding
Feeding application is most similar to traditional kibble
Protein packed pieces mean less quantity is needed per day - as shown on the feeding guide on the packaging
Considerations:
Price range is higher than kibble
Less options as not many brands offer this method
Air-dried food is nutritionally similar to raw with the benefits of a convenient, ready-to-feed form.
🐾 Which One Is Right for Your Pet?
The best choice depends on your pet’s individual needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Some pets thrive on kibble, while others benefit from the added nutrition of freeze-dried, dehydrated or air-dried. You can also mix and match—for example, using freeze-dried or air-dried toppers on kibble to boost protein diversity and palatability.
When evaluating any pet food, remember to:
Read the ingredient list carefully; the first few ingredients make up the bulk of the food
Look for AAFCO, FEDIAF or NRC-compliant statements ensuring nutritional adequacy
Choose products from reputable companies with transparent sourcing
I believe to feed the pet in front of you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feeding our pets. Whether you choose kibble, freeze-dried, air-dried or dehydrated food, the goal is the same: nourishing your pet with high-quality ingredients that support their health and happiness.
Want help reviewing your pet's diet? Feel free to reach out—even if you’re unsure where to start, I’m available for a free 15min phone call!
