You may have not heard about dehydrated dog food, but your dog would likely prefer it if you had. While it may look rather similar, dehydrated dog food is distinct in some important ways from the kibble you'll find on the shelves at your local pet supplies store. And the process of creating it also gives it some serious advantages over preparing your dog fresh meals.
Dehydrated food isn't necessarily going to be the right choice for every canine, but your pet deserves to know what advantages it offers. Here's everything you need to know when weighing the pros and cons of dehydrated dog food brands.
What is Dehydrated Dog Food?
The process of dehydrating food is one of the most effective ways of improving dog food's shelf life while still retaining as many valuable nutrients, vitamins, and minerals as possible. And at its core, the process is simple. Food is slowly dried in a process that mimics being placed under direct sunlight.
Unlike kibble, dehydrated dog food is made from real food. That means natural ingredients like fresh meats and vegetables that don't necessarily include synthetics and chemicals. Fundamentally, the process is quite similar to how different types of meat jerky are made.
How Does it Compare to Raw Food?
The big advantage dehydrated food offers over raw food is convenience. While a diet of raw food is perhaps the most natural approach to feeding your dog, it's not always practical. It means doing the planning, shopping, and preparing of a whole new set of meals every day.
And if you're really taking your dog's raw diet seriously, that means expending a great deal of research into figuring out the right nutritional content. A dog's dietary demands and personal preferences are quite different from ours, and that can mean some exhaustive specialized shopping. And unlike raw food, dehydrated food can last for significantly longer and doesn't require refrigeration.
How Does it Compare to Dry Kibble?
Kibble is a ubiquitous presence in the dog food aisle thanks to its convenience, price, and accessibility. Kibble can be scooped right into the bowl, can be found at much cheaper prices than raw or dehydrated food, and comes with a significantly longer shelf life than raw food.
When compared to dehydrated food, the margins are much slimmer. The question is going to come down to whether the convenience of kibble is worth opting for it in lieu of a healthier option. The process of making kibble is simple, but it has a tendency to strip out nutrients, minerals, and flavor. Dehydrated options are generally available at comparable price points to kibble, and preparation is as simple as adding water.
Are There Any Downsides to Dehydrated Dog Food?
There is plenty of great dehydrated dog food on the market. But as with shopping for any food, it's important to do your research. Dehydrated doesn't necessarily mean all-natural, and there are plenty of dehydrated dog food brands that are rife with potentially dangerous chemicals. Be diligent and take the time to find a brand of dehydrated dog food that matches your pet's needs.
Can it Help With Weight Loss?
If you're trying to manage the nutritional intake of an overweight dog, dehydrated dog food may be one of the best ways to help. Dehydrated dog food tends to strip out the unnecessary starches and other fillers that are common in kibble. Just be sure to look for brands that don't prominently feature fillers like beans and potatoes.
All told, dehydrated dog food can be a great choice for a number of dietary reasons. But finding a brand that matches your dog's needs can require some patience. Take a little time to identify the best dehydrated dog food brands, and consider the unique needs of your furry friend.
