Freeze-Dried Vs Air-Dried Vs Cold-Pressed - Which Dry Dog Food is Best?
January 29, 2025 | By David Jackson
If you've ever found yourself staring at the pet food aisle, utterly overwhelmed by the variety of dried dog food options, you're not alone!
With newer processing methods like freeze-drying, air-drying, and cold-pressing making their way into the market, it's easy to wonder which is best for your pup.
Fortunately, we're here to help! So, let's take a look at the differences between these new dry dog food processing methods and what they could mean for your pup...
Extruded Kibble
We can't talk about dried dog foods without addressing the giant in the room - extruded kibble.
This is the traditional dry dog food that dominates the market and is likely what you’re most familiar with.
Extruded kibble starts with ingredients that are already processed - often dried, cooked, and ground.
Some brands may include fresher elements, but overall, the process involves two rounds of high-temperature cooking.
While this method is efficient and keeps costs down, it also tends to degrade some of the natural nutrients found in the ingredients.
That's why many extruded kibbles have added vitamins and minerals to compensate
Cold-Pressed Dog Food
 Cold-pressed dog food starts in a similar way to extruded food, but the key difference is in the final stage.
Instead of being cooked at high temperatures, the ingredients are compressed at lower temperatures to form the final product.
This helps retain more of the natural nutrients and flavours, making it a step up from traditional kibble in terms of nutrition and digestibility for your dog.
Quite often, as cold-pressed foods are considered to be more nutritionally dense than regular extruded kibbles, you may find you need to feed your dog less of it on a daily basis. Which could be good for getting more value for money out of your dog food.
However always read the feeding guidelines on the back of the packed to make sure your pup is receiving exactly what they need.
Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food is an even more natural option.
Brands like The Innocent Hound, Rocketo, and Pure use a process where ingredients are gently dehydrated using a warm current of air.
This method preserves nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria, making it a much gentler way of processing compared to extrusion.
The final product is lighter and more nutrient-dense than kibble and cold-pressed, meaning you often feed your dog less volume while still meeting their dietary needs.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
 Last but not least, we have freeze-dried dog food.
This method is so gentle that many brands market their products as "raw freeze-dried," as it maintains almost all the original nutrients.
The process involves first freezing the raw ingredients and then slowly removing moisture through a vacuum process.
This means that when rehydrated, freeze-dried food closely resembles fresh raw food in both texture and nutrition.
It's an excellent option for pet owners who want the benefits of raw feeding without the hassle of refrigeration and spoilage.
Plus, because the moisture is removed without high heat, the flavours and aromas are believed to remain more intact, making it an appealing choice even for picky pups...
Considerations
As with most things in life, better quality dog food often comes at a higher price. Extruded kibble is typically the most affordable option due to its efficient and high-volume production.
On the other end of the spectrum, air-dried and freeze-dried foods tend to be the most expensive due to their meticulous processing and dedication to ingredient preservation.
Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the best option depends on your dog's needs, your budget, and your feeding preferences.
If cost is a primary concern, extruded or cold-pressed foods may be the best bet.
But, if you're looking for more natural, nutrient-rich choices, and have the budget for it, air-dried or freeze-dried could be worth the investment.
In Conclusion
No matter which type of food you choose, always ensure that it suits your dog's dietary needs and lifestyle.
A well-informed decision will go a long way in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
Got a favourite dried food for your pup? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different types of dried dog food together?
Yes! Mixing different types, such as air-dried with extruded kibble, can provide variety in texture and nutrition. Just make sure the combined calorie intake is appropriate for your dog's needs.
How should I transition my dog to a new type of dried food?
Gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with their current food over 7-10 days. Start with a small amount and increase it daily to prevent digestive upset.
Does freeze-dried dog food need to be rehydrated before feeding?
It depends on the brand and your dog's preference. Some freeze-dried foods can be fed dry, but rehydrating with water or broth can make it easier to chew and improve hydration.
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JackR •one month ago
I started feeding my dog on air-dried food, thinking I was providing him with a better food, but he started losing weight. I contacted the firm, and they advised the amount I should feed him based on his age, lifestyle etc. but he lost more weight, in the end after 4months he’d lost 2.5kg. Clearly didn’t suit him. I’ve gone back to kibble and some puppy food on vet’s instructions and he’s put on 1kg so far.