Freeze-Dried Food Nutrition & Raw Pet Food

Freeze-drying is a process that has gained popularity in the pet food industry for its ability to retain essential nutrients in meat, fruits, and vegetables. When it comes to dogs and cats, ensuring their meals are both nutritious and palatable is a primary concern. Fresh is Best® have adopted freeze-drying as a cornerstone of their raw pet food process. Our freeze-dried raw dog food, raw cat food, and freeze-dried raw pet treats use this process to help to maintain the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that pets need for a balanced diet.

The Science Behind Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, involves freezing food at very low temperatures and then reducing the surrounding pressure. This process causes water within the food to sublimate directly from ice to vapor without passing through the liquid phase.

Unlike traditional drying techniques that use heat, freeze-drying limits nutrient degradation by minimizing exposure to high temperatures. Studies have shown that this method helps preserve the bioavailability of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes (Mir et al., 2018). In turn, animals receive a product that’s closer to its original nutritional composition.

Research-Backed Benefits

Scientific evidence supports the idea that freeze-dried ingredients often match or exceed the nutritional quality of their fresh counterparts (Mir et al., 2018). This is because freeze-drying results in minimal alterations to the food’s original composition. Dogs and cats that eat these nutritionally dense diets may display improvements in energy levels, skin and coat health, and digestive regularity (Case et al., 2011). For pet owners who are conscious about the long-term health of their animals, freeze-dried foods offer a balanced blend of convenience and nutrition.

Why Nutrients Matter

Vitamins such as A, B-complex, C, D, and E are vital for supporting immune function, metabolism, and overall health in dogs and cats. And minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium contribute to bone strength and regulate metabolic processes. By carefully removing moisture from raw ingredients without cooking them, freeze-drying can lock in essential enzymes.

These enzymes aid digestion and help pets break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates more efficiently (Case et al., 2011). A diet rich in these nutrients can lead to benefits like improved coat shine, stronger teeth, and better digestion.

Freeze Dried Pet Food Nutrition Advantages Over Traditional Kibble

Conventional kibble often undergoes high-temperature processing methods, such as extrusion, which can break down vitamins and enzymes, making them less bioavailable. While kibble has its conveniences, many pet owners are drawn to freeze-dried options as a means of providing fresher, minimally processed meals; raw, freeze-dried treats and meal toppers can be an easy way to introduce variety into a pet’s diet without resorting to heavily processed products.

Transitioning Your Dog or Cat to Raw Pet Food

When integrating freeze-dried meals into a pet’s routine, it’s important to transition gradually. Some pets with specific dietary needs may require a slow introduction to any new food, even if it is minimally processed. Always work to ensure the nutritional profile meets your pet’s unique requirements. Proper handling and storage are crucial for maintaining quality. Once a bag is opened, resealing it tightly or storing it in an airtight container helps keep the food fresh.

By choosing brands like Fresh is Best, pet owners can feel confident they are providing high-quality, nutrient-rich meals to their four-legged family members.

References

Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition – E-Book: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals (3rd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Mir, S. A., Verma, A. K., Rahman, F., & Kumar, P. (2018). Influence of freeze drying on the functional properties of the product. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 42(10), e13778.