Choosing the perfect diet for your dog can be challenging with choices ranging from kibble and wet food to homemade and raw diets. But what if you could mix the convenience of kibble with the delicious taste and nutrition of a raw diet? Enter freeze-dried food and treats!
Now, let’s dive right into the process of freeze-drying and uncover all the tail-wagging benefits of freeze-dried dog food and treats.
What is Freeze-Drying?
In simplest terms, freeze-drying is a form of dehydration.
In more scientific terms, freeze-drying is a process in which water is sublimated (changes in form, but not essence) by the direct transition of water from solid (ice) to vapor – without going through the liquid state.
Freeze-drying is considered a high-quality dehydration method since it operates at low temperatures, which helps preserve the product’s nutritional value, taste, and appearance. It also extends the product’s shelf life by inhibiting chemical and microbiological processes. Therefore, freeze-drying leaves the food nearly unchanged compared with raw frozen diets and kills a percentage of bacteria.
How Does the Freeze-Drying Process Work?
The process of freeze-drying dog food and treats begins with meats like beef liver or chicken being frozen. Then the meat is tempered so it can be diced or shaped. After that, the meat dices are placed on trays, which are placed on carts, and then placed into a blast freezer for a deep freeze. Once the blast freezing is finished, the trays are rolled into a freeze-drying chamber where the freeze-drying process starts. The trays will then remain in the freeze-drying chamber for around 12 hours. After that, the trays are rolled out and packaged. Then the product is held for Salmonella testing before getting ready to ship out.
Are Freeze-Dried Foods and Treats Healthy?
Freeze-dried foods and treats are considered a healthy food choice since freeze-drying helps retain nutrients and phytochemicals in foods, while also prolonging the product’s shelf life. Some people believe that freeze-drying is the best method of drying.
5 Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Food and Treats
1. Top-Notch Nutrition: A major benefit of freeze-dried dog food and treats is nutrient retention. Unlike kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures that can destroy nutrients and flavor, freeze-drying preserves the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found in raw ingredients. This allows your good boy or girl to get more of the essential nutrients that they need for optimal health.
2. Enhanced Flavor: Freeze-dried foods tend to be more appealing to dogs due to the superior taste and smell compared to regular kibble. The freeze-drying process preserves the natural flavors, making the food more enticing for dogs. This is a big plus, especially for picky eaters or dogs with reduced appetites.
3. Improved Digestive Health: Dog owners often report improvements in their pup’s digestive health after switching to freeze-dried food and treats. That’s because the gentle freeze-drying process makes the food easier for your dog to digest. The high protein content in freeze-dried food and treats, as well as the absence of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy can also lead to better digestion, firmer stools, and less gas. Plus, the enzymes in raw foods can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
4. High-Quality Protein: Freeze-dried dog food and treats often contain high-quality meats that provide the protein your dog needs for muscle maintenance, energy, and overall health. The freeze-drying process ensures that the protein remains intact and biologically appropriate for your dog. Crumps’ Naturals Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Mini Trainers are a training essential that contain all natural ingredients starting with North American Beef Liver, making it the perfect high protein snack for dogs of all ages.
5. Convenience and Shelf Stability: Freeze-dried food and treats are aquick and convenient alternative to raw food since you don’t have to handle or prepare raw food. Plus, they’re lightweight and have a long shelf life. They are also a great travel or outdoor adventure option since they’re portable.
Key Takeaway
Freeze-dried dog food and treats offer the benefits of a raw diet, but without all the hassle. By preserving the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients while providing a shelf-stable, easy-to-handle product, freeze-dried dog food and treats can help ensure your pup enjoys a healthy, balanced diet.
So, if you're looking for a nutritious, convenient, and tasty option for your four-legged family member, freeze-dried dog food and treats might just be the way to go. Always remember to consult with your vet before making any dietary changes and choose high-quality products to give your dog the best possible nutrition.
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