Does your furry friend deserve the very best when it comes to their meals? You probably want to give your dog food that is healthy, tasty, and easy to digest. But when you walk down the pet food aisle, it can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and types of dog food, and figuring out which one is truly good for your pup can be a real puzzle.
Air-dried dog food is becoming a popular choice for many pet parents. It’s made using a special process that keeps nutrients in and makes it taste great to dogs. But with all the different air-dried options out there, how do you know which one is the right fit for your dog’s needs? This is where our guide comes in.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what makes air-dried dog food special and how to choose the perfect one for your canine companion. We’ll break down what to look for, what to avoid, and help you feel confident in your decision. Let’s dive in and discover the world of air-dried dog food together!
Top Air Dried Dog Food Recommendations
- Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: We slowly oven roast our food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
- Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, & minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
- Safely Made in the USA with only wholesome ingredients from around the globe, with added vitamins and minerals - entirely free from fillers. Get the digestibility of raw or freeze dried dog foods with the safety and convenience of dry dog food.
- Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.
- For Pet Parents, By Pet Parents: All dogs deserve the very best - that’s why as a small business Pawstruck only makes natural & healthy recipes that we proudly feed our own dogs, using the strictest of quality standards.
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
- Contains Premium Ingredients chosen for nutrition to help support your dogs smooth digestion, healthy vitality, and joint health.*
- Ingredients are hand-selected to support your dogs skin and coat, digestion and immune function.*
- Does not require refrigeration, heat, or water. Simply measure the suggested serving size based on your dogs weight and activity level, pour it into their bowl and watch them enjoy! When youre done, seal the bag up tight.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
- High in Meat & Liver: 90% real meat and liver
- Human-Grade Quality
- No Grains
- Sourced from US-Raised Beef
- No Brown Pellets (Feed-Grade)
- No Pea Protein
- No Grains, No Soy
- No Glycerin
- No Sugar
- NUTRIENT RICH: Air drying naturally retains more vitamins and minerals due to its minimal processing, helping your dog to digest.
- 90% CHICKEN RECIPE: Chicken makes up 90% of our recipe- no rendered meals or pea proteins ñ so your dogs get the essential amino acids they need from high quality pieces of meat you can see.
- THE FLAVOR DOGS LOVE: Our air-dried process locks delicious flavor into tender-jerky style bites without the use of fillers or artificial preservatives. Let your dog taste the difference.
- CONVENIENCE: As easy and convenient as kibble. Experience the benefits of fresh dog food with the convenience of dry. Easy to store, scoop, and serve without handling raw food. Our Air Dried is like kibble, but better!
- 100% HUMAN GRADE: Following quality standards made for people food.
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Featuring free-range Beef, Organs, Bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, this grain-free dog food delivers nutrition with a mouth-watering taste for all dogs. Gentle air dried processing retains the goodness of the raw ingredients. This food offers stimulating crunchy texture small enough for puppy food but soft enough for senior dog food.
- FRESH FOOD NUTRITION with SHELF STABILITY: This superfood blend of cold-washed Green Tripe, New Zealand Green Mussels, and Organic Kelp supports digestion, joint health, and healthy shiny coats. The air-dry process provides all the shelf stability of freeze dried dog treats and food with the nutritional benefits of fresh dog food.
- GRAIN FREE RAW ALTERNATIVE: Gently air-dries raw ingredients for a nutritious, raw alternative dry dog food with a delicious jerky-like texture that dogs love. This process preserves the nutrition and flavor and is perfect for all life stages, from puppy food to senior dog snacks, with added vitamins and minerals. This formula is free from fillers commonly found in kibble.
- MEALS, TREATS, and FOOD TOPPERS: Serve as a complete balanced meal. Useful as a treat reward, or dog food toppers to provide texture stimulation with a supplement boost.
- ETHICALLY SOURCED: ZIWI sources only 100% free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafoods, all from New Zealand farms and pristine oceans. Farmed without added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.
- Oat meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
- High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula
- Sunflower oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food is a fantastic option for pet parents seeking a healthy and natural diet for their furry friends. It offers many benefits, like a more natural texture and often higher nutrient retention compared to kibble. Let’s dive into what makes this type of food a great choice and how to pick the best one for your dog.
What is Air-Dried Dog Food?
Air-dried dog food is made by gently dehydrating raw ingredients at low temperatures. This process removes moisture while preserving nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a middle ground between raw and kibble, offering convenience with many of the benefits of raw food.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing air-dried dog food, keep these important features in mind:
- High-Quality Protein Source: Look for a named meat source like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as the first ingredient. This ensures your dog gets the protein they need for muscle health and energy.
- Whole Food Ingredients: The best air-dried foods use whole fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): If your dog has sensitivities, LID options can be very helpful. They contain fewer ingredients, making it easier to identify and avoid allergens.
- Grain-Free or Whole Grain Options: Some dogs do better on grain-free diets, while others benefit from the fiber and nutrients in whole grains like brown rice or oats. Choose based on your dog’s individual needs.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: These are beneficial for gut health. They help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The quality of ingredients is paramount. Here’s what you want to see:
- Meat or Fish: This should be the primary ingredient. Look for terms like “deboned chicken,” “lamb meal,” or “salmon.”
- Fruits and Vegetables: Think sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, spinach, and carrots. These provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Sources like flaxseed, fish oil, or sunflower oil offer omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These are often added to ensure the food is nutritionally complete.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain factors directly impact the quality of air-dried dog food:
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Low-Temperature Drying: This gentle process preserves more nutrients than high-heat cooking.
- Whole, Unprocessed Ingredients: Using ingredients in their natural state means more nutrients are available to your dog.
- Transparency in Sourcing: Knowing where the ingredients come from builds trust and often indicates higher quality.
- No Artificial Additives: These offer no nutritional value and can sometimes cause digestive upset.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- High-Heat Processing: This can destroy heat-sensitive vitamins and nutrients.
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy in large quantities are often used to bulk up food but offer less nutritional value.
- Artificial Preservatives, Colors, and Flavors: These are unnecessary and can be harmful.
- Vague Ingredient Lists: Terms like “meat by-products” without specifying the source can be a red flag.
User Experience and Use Cases
Pet parents often choose air-dried food for various reasons.
- Palatability: Many dogs find air-dried food very appealing due to its texture and smell, often eating it with more enthusiasm than kibble.
- Digestibility: Because it’s made with high-quality, often whole ingredients, many owners report improved digestion and smaller, firmer stools.
- Convenience: It’s easier to store and serve than raw food. You don’t need to worry about freezing or thawing.
- Transitioning: It’s a great option for dogs transitioning from kibble to a more natural diet. It’s also excellent for picky eaters.
- Travel: Its shelf-stable nature makes it ideal for trips and camping.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air-Dried Dog Food
Q: What is the main difference between air-dried and kibble dog food?
A: Air-dried food is gently dehydrated at low temperatures, preserving more nutrients. Kibble is cooked at high temperatures, which can destroy some nutrients.
Q: Is air-dried food suitable for all dogs?
A: Yes, air-dried food is generally suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. However, always check with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations for your dog.
Q: How long does air-dried dog food last once opened?
A: Once opened, air-dried dog food typically lasts for about 4-6 weeks when stored in a cool, dry place in its original packaging or an airtight container.
Q: Can I mix air-dried food with kibble?
A: Yes, you can mix air-dried food with kibble. Some owners do this to make the kibble more appealing to their dogs or to gradually transition to air-dried food.
Q: Does air-dried food smell strong?
A: Air-dried food often has a more natural, meaty smell than kibble, which many dogs find appealing. The smell is usually not overpowering for humans.
Q: Is air-dried food more expensive than kibble?
A: Generally, air-dried dog food is more expensive than traditional kibble due to the higher quality ingredients and the gentler processing methods.
Q: How much air-dried food should I feed my dog?
A: Feeding amounts vary based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and the specific food’s calorie content. Always refer to the feeding guidelines on the product packaging and consult your vet.
Q: What are the benefits of air-dried food for a dog’s coat?
A: The high-quality protein and healthy fats, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in good air-dried food contribute to a healthier, shinier coat.
Q: Can air-dried food help with a dog’s sensitive stomach?
A: Many dogs with sensitive stomachs do well on air-dried food because it often contains fewer artificial ingredients and is more digestible due to its raw-like composition.
Q: Where is air-dried dog food typically made?
A: Air-dried dog food is made by various brands. It’s important to check the packaging or the brand’s website to see where their specific product is manufactured.