What Is Air-Dried Dog Food?
Written by: Richard Rowland
Air-dried dog food has become increasingly popular in recent years as pet parents learn more about the benefits of this type of food. But what exactly is air-dried dog food, how is it different from other types of natural dog food, and why should you feed it to your dog?
In this article, we'll answer these questions and share some tips on how to incorporate air-dried food into your dog's diet. We'll also show you what to look for when choosing a high-quality air-dried dog food and highlight a few of our favorite products.
What Exactly is Air-Dried Dog Food?
As its name suggests, air-dried dog food is made by slowly drying out raw ingredients using only air (no heat is involved). This method of food production preserves a high level of nutrients.
Air-drying also minimizes the need for added preservatives, which are often used in kibble and canned food to extend shelf life. This makes air-dried dog food a healthier option for your dog, as well as a more natural and closer-to-raw diet.
How Is It Different From Dehydrated & Freeze-Dried?
You may be wondering how air-dried dog food differs from dehydrated or freeze-dried dog food, so let's take a closer look at each type of food.
Air-Dried Dog Food: As we mentioned earlier, air-dried dog food is made by slowly drying out raw ingredients using only air. This method of food production preserves a high level of nutrients and produces a healthy, shelf-stable product.
Dehydrated Dog Food: Natural dehydrated dog food is made by removing water from raw ingredients using a low-heat cooking process. The end result is a product that's very similar to air-dried dog food, although it may not be quite as nutrient-rich.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food: Freeze-dried dog food is made using a 3-step process that removes water from raw or cooked ingredients. Freeze drying preserves more nutrients than dehydrating or air-drying, but it's also a more expensive process. This means that freeze-dried dog foods tend to cost more than air-dried or dehydrated foods.
Why Should You Feed Air-Dried Dog Food?
Now that you know what air-dried dog food is and how it's made, let's talk about why you should feed it to your dog. Here are a few reasons to consider adding air-dried food to your dog's diet:
1) It's Easier to Digest Than Kibble
Kibble is typically made with highly processed ingredients that can be difficult for your dog's digestive system to break down. Air-dried food, on the other hand, is closer to a raw diet for dogs. This makes it easier for your dog to digest and can help reduce the risk of digestive issues.
2) It's Packed Full of Nutrients
Because air-dried food is made without using heat, it retains a high level of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This means that air-dried food is an excellent choice if you're looking for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog.
3) It's Free From Artificial Preservatives and Fillers
Air-dried dog food contains natural preservatives, since there's no need to extend the shelf life of the product with artificial preservatives. It's also free from fillers and other unhealthy ingredients that are often found in kibble.
4) It's Convenient and Easy to Store
Air-dried dog food is ready-to-serve, so there's no need to add water or cook before feeding. The food is also light and compact, which makes it easy to store. And since it's shelf stable at room temperature, you don't need to worry about refrigeration or freezing.
5) It's Great for Dogs of All Ages
Air-dried dog food is suitable for dogs of all ages, including puppies, adults, and seniors. And because it's so easy to digest, it's often recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs or other digestive issues.
How to Choose a High-Quality Air-Dried Dog Food
So far in this article, we've talked about the benefits of air-dried dog food. But how can you be sure you're choosing a high-quality product? Here are a few things to look for when shopping for air-dried dog food:
Check the Ingredients Label
Look for air-dried foods that are made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, or other additives. You'll also want to steer clear of air-dried foods that contain fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy.
Buy From a Trustworthy Brand
Choose air-dried foods that are sourced from ethical producers that use sustainable pet food practices. Look for companies that care about the environment and the welfare of animals. This information is usually readily available on the company's website.
Choose a Recipe That's Right for Your Dog's Needs
There are air-dried dog foods on the market to suit every need, so it's important to choose a recipe that meets your dog's specific dietary requirements. For example, if your dog has allergies or sensitivities, look for an air-dried food that's made with limited ingredients or is grain-free.
Give Air-Dried Dog Food a Try!
If you're looking for a healthy and nutritious diet for your dog, air-dried dog food is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to do your homework and choose a high-quality air-dried food from a reputable brand. It's also important to speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
Here at Only Natural Pet, we're proud to offer a wide selection of air-dried dog food from trusted brands like The Real Meat Company, Ziwi for dogs and Wellness for dogs. We've also created our own line of MaxMeat grain-free air-dried dog food in delicious beef and pumpkin, chicken and pumpkin, and lamb and whitefish flavors. All our recipes are made and sourced with the highest quality New Zealand ingredients, so you can be sure you're feeding your dog the very best.
