Are you in search of a shelf-stable, extremely nutritious various to kibble? Air-dried pet food is rising in recognition for a lot of pup dad and mom who need to give their furry mates a flavorful, not-bone-dry eating possibility. It’s usually cheaper than contemporary meals however nonetheless packs premium elements into minimally (however safely) processed canine chow. I’ve been an skilled on pet food developments for a few years, and air-dried chow is right here to remain. See which manufacturers I like to recommend should you’re making an attempt to determine on the most effective air-dried pet food to your canine companion.
Air-Dried vs Dehydrated Dog Food
Air-dried pet food entails combining uncooked elements, comparable to meat, greens, fruits, and generally grains, after which slowly drying them at low temperatures, gently eradicating some moisture from all of the elements. Dehydrated pet food removes a lot of the moisture. The result’s that almost all air-dried pet food is extra of a jerky-like texture versus a dry, crunchy texture with dehydrated pet food.
What Are The Benefits Of Air-Dried Dog Food?
Air-dried pet food has a number of well being advantages for our pups, whether or not you serve it as a complete meal or as a mixer.
- Preserves dietary content material and style of the pure elements
- Shelf-stable whole-food elements (some are even human-grade)
- Nutrient-dense so, in lots of circumstances, you don’t have to feed your pup as a lot as dehydrated pet food or kibble
- Has a jerky-like texture that many canines love
- Can be an awesome various for canines with allergy symptoms or delicate pores and skin as a consequence of restricted elements
- Easily digestible in comparison with many kibble choices
- Excellent various to kibble for choosy canines
Air-dried pet food is excessive in protein and fats making it an inappropriate weight-reduction plan for some canines with well being issues, together with kidney illness, liver illness, pancreatitis, diabetes, and weight problems. It’s at all times a good suggestion to seek the advice of your veterinarian concerning the weight-reduction plan you’re feeding your pup to make sure it’s secure for his or her medical considerations.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food Brands
After in depth analysis, I’ve chosen your prime choices primarily based on model repute, meals high quality and security, dietary content material, number of formulation, pricing, buyer suggestions, and extra. All of those manufacturers supply recipes that meet AAFCO pointers for an entire and balanced weight-reduction plan. All air-dried pet food is costly, so an awesome various to full meals is utilizing it as a topper.
Winner: Badlands Ranch Review
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete pet food lives as much as its identify by being full of nutritious superfoods to your furry buddy. Each of the 4 all-natural, grain-free recipes—beef, rooster, lamb & venison, and wildfish & turkey—contains a mix of organ meats, actual salmon, candy potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, blueberries, chia seeds, flaxseed, turmeric, and different healthful elements. All elements are slow-cooked in small batches at low temperatures and air-dried to protect vitamins and freshness.
Founded by actress and animal activist Katherine Heigl, the corporate selects solely high-quality, purposeful elements to help your canine’s digestion, immune well being, pores and skin and coat, and vitality. Every buy you make helps animals in want by way of a partnership with Heigl’s nonprofit, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Whole-food elements with no preservatives or fillers | Expensive |
| Free of wheat, soy, corn, and dairy | No grain-inclusive recipes |
| Humanely raised meats | |
| 90-day money-back assure | |
| Proceeds and meals donated to animal shelters and no-kill advocacy organizations | |
| Made within the USA | |
| Also presents 100% freeze-dried beef liver, rooster, and salmon treats |
Price
Badlands Ranch presents reductions if you are going to buy 3 or 6 baggage without delay. Shipping is free on orders over $49. Sign up for a free account with no subscription dedication for the worth under.
In-Depth Badlands Ranch Review
Learn extra about what Badlands Ranch presents plus my crew members’ private expertise in my full assessment of Badlands Ranch.
Runner-Up: The Pets Table Review
Launched by the meals crafters behind Hello Fresh, the favored human meal supply service, The Pets Table presents 4 premium air-dried meals recipes, beef, rooster, salmon & whitefish and lamb & beef. The lamb & beef recipe, that includes brown rice, is the one one which’s grain-inclusive. Recipes are crafted by their in-house board licensed veterinarian nutritionist and minimally processed with low warmth to protect vitamins and taste.
These air-dried recipes comprise useful elements comparable to antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, fish oil, flaxseed, chicory root, a prebiotic that aids in digestion, and bovine plasma, a extremely digestible and nutritious protein supply. They’re additionally a bit decrease in protein content material than many different air-dried choices available on the market.
The Pets Table additionally presents contemporary, human-grade meals (beef, rooster, and turkey) which might be all grain-free. You can go for 4 completely different subscriptions — full air-dried, half air-dried and half contemporary, or, full or half contemporary meals. This manufacturers get total wonderful buyer critiques for the standard of meals and buyer help.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Whole-food elements with no preservatives or fillers | Can’t change your supply frequency |
| All recipes are freed from wheat, soy, and corn | No info on their website about ingredient sourcing |
| Customized parts primarily based in your pup’s age, weight, ideally suited weight, and exercise stage | |
| Can pause, skip, or cancel subscription anytime | |
| 30-day money-back assure off your trial field | |
| Made within the USA | |
| Boxes and liners are recyclable | |
| 3 air-dried deal with choices you possibly can add to your subscription |
Price
Prices are decided primarily based in your canine’s day by day calorie wants. According to their website, plans begin as little as $1.38 per day. Each plan has a unique worth, however the recipes inside every plan all price the identical. I like to recommend you get a quote so that you’ll know the precise pricing to your distinctive pup. Their profile quiz solely takes a couple of minutes to finish, and also you’re not required to make any dedication to see your quote.
- Full Fresh begins at $2.84/day (5-lb canine)
- Full Air-Dried begins at $1.78/day (5-lb canine)
- Mixed Fresh & Air-Dried begins at $3.10/day (9-lb canine)
- Half Fresh begins at round $2.30/day (9-lb canine)
In-Depth Review of The Pets Table
See my full assessment of The Pets Table for extra details about this premium model’s recipes, subscription plans, and our private expertise.
Third Place: ZIWI Peak Review
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A premium model out of New Zealand, ZIWI Peak has soared in recognition in recent times. Its restricted ingredient recipes are wonderful for canines with allergy symptoms or delicate stomachs. It has six air-dried recipes to select from — beef, rooster, lamb, venison, mackeral & lamb, and tripe & lamb. All formulation are full of contemporary meat, organs, bones, and cartilage.
Each recipe is fortified with “Z-BOOST Superfoods,” together with inexperienced mussels, a pure supply of chondroitin and glucosamine to help joint well being, taurine for coronary heart well being, cold-washed inexperienced tripe, a pure supply of probiotics and fatty acids, natural kelp, and important nutritional vitamins and minerals. Using a delicate twin-stage air-drying course of, ZIWI Peak naturally preserves all of the elements and eliminates pathogenic micro organism. Note: ZIWI Peak’s air-dried meals has a more durable consistency than the everyday jerky-like consistency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 6 formulation to select from | Expensive |
| All-natural, limited-ingredient, non-GMO recipes | No grain-inclusive recipes |
| All recipes are freed from corn, wheat, soy, and peas | A couple of complaints concerning the odor of the meals |
| Ethically sourced elements from New Zealand | |
| All elements bear rigorous testing for contaminants |
Price
What About Open Farm, Sundays, Redbarn & More?
Although these air-dried pet food manufacturers didn’t make it into my prime picks, you could discover a higher match to your pup with the next manufacturers.
Open Farm Air-Dried Dog Food Review
Open Farm is considered one of my favourite pet food manufacturers as a consequence of its moral and sustainable practices. This model not too long ago launched a line of air-dried pet food so as to add to its plethora of pet food choices — kibble, contemporary, moist, vegan, and so on. Their air-dried, jerky-like recipes are available harvest rooster, pollock & lamb, and surf & turf (beef, whitefish, and salmon). All three are grain- and legume-free, infused with bone broth and organ meats for a flavorful and nutritious increase, and have non-GMO vegetables and fruit comparable to pumpkin, candy potato, carrots, and blueberries. They’re enhanced with flaxseed, taurine, nutritional vitamins, and minerals.
What I additionally love about this model is its dedication to clear ingredient sourcing, third-party testing of its pet food, and its fastidiously chosen partnerships with Certified Humane farms, Ocean Wise, and different organizations dedicated to animal welfare and the well being of our planet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural, whole-food elements | No grain-inclusive choices |
| Ethically sourced fish and meats raised with out hormones or antibiotics | Air-dried recipes are so new there’s not a lot buyer suggestions |
| Produce is contemporary, sustainably sourced, and non-GMO | |
| Free of gluten, wheat, legumes, soy, corn, and dairy | |
| Company is totally clear about all elements on its web site | |
| Made within the USA |
Price
In-Depth Open Farm Review
Check out my full assessment of Open Farm to be taught extra about this premium model and different formulation you could need to think about.
Pawstruck Air Dried Review
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Pawstruck Gently Air-Dried Premium Dog Food isn’t fairly as dear as many different manufacturers I assessment right here, so it’s value consideration if price is a matter for you. They supply vet-approved grain-free beef, rooster, and fish formulation appropriate for all life levels. All are full of actual meat or fish, organ meats, salmon oil, flaxseed, nutritional vitamins, and minerals to help hip and joint well being. Pawstruck additionally carries air-dried meal toppers, chews, and treats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive pricing | No grain-inclusive recipes |
| All-natural and limited-ingredients | Formulas don’t comprise any veggies or fruits |
| Free of gluten, wheat, legumes, soy, corn, and dairy | Some complaints that the nuggets are very exhausting and damaged up an excessive amount of into powder |
| Tests and inspects each batch of meals for security and high quality | No info on their website about ingredient sourcing |
| 100% satisfaction assure | |
| Made within the USA | |
| Eco-friendly packaging |
Price
Redbarn Air Dried Review
Redbarn might be a improbable answer in case your pup has a delicate abdomen as a result of it carries a line of Digestive Health air-dried pet food. Availaible in fish, beef & lamb, and rooster & turkey formulation, all are fortified with flaxseed, dried yeast, miscanthus grass, fructooligosaccharide (pure prebiotics), and a pure postbiotic to advertise a wholesome intestine and assist digestion.
Redbarn additionally presents its fundamental air-dried pet food in beef, rooster, and fish recipes, a small-breed rooster & blueberry method and a pet rooster method. These are enhanced with flaxseed and salmon oil for omega fatty acids, and a mix of important nutritional vitamins and minerals.
A household owned enterprise for over 25 years, Redbarn runs rigorous testing on each batch of meals and have become SQF-certified by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative in 2021, an indication of their dedication to the security and high quality of their merchandise.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 8 recipes, together with small breed, pet, and digestive well being formulation | No grain-inclusive recipes |
| All-natural, limited-ingredient recipes free from synthetic flavors, colours, and preservatives | Most formulation don’t comprise any veggies or fruits |
| Tests all batches of meals for security and high quality | |
| 100% satisfaction assure | |
| Made within the USA | |
| Also presents kibble, stews, and treats | |
| Regularly donates meals merchandise to shelters and rescue teams |
Price
You can save 10% by subscribing to auto-shipping. Shipping is free over $79.
Sundays For Dogs Review
Sundays For Dogs combines human-grade proteins, grains, greens, and fruits and dries these whole-food elements at low temperatures to protect vitamins and taste. You can select from beef, rooster, or turkey recipes. Protein contains contemporary USDA meat, organs, and floor bone. All recipes characteristic simply digestible grains, comparable to quinoa, millet, and oats, flaxseed and fish oil for omega fatty acids, chicory root (prebiotic), and turmeric. Veggies and fruits fluctuate considerably by recipe however embrace pumpkin, kale, carrots, kelp, blueberries, cranberries, and comparable superfoods. No nutritional vitamins or minerals are artificial.
A crew of consultants, together with world-leading animal nutritionist Ph.D.s, meals scientists, and board-certified veterinary nutritionists, helped founder Dr. Tory Waxman (a vet herself) develop Sundays For Dogs’ meals. The result’s a mixture of elements that assist promote immune, intestine, joint, and coat well being that meets AAFCO pointers for all life levels, together with the expansion of enormous canines (70 lb. or extra as an grownup).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Human-grade and whole-food elements with no preservatives or fillers | Several adverse buyer critiques about billing points and delayed deliveries |
| Free of gluten, wheat, legumes, soy, corn, potatoes, and dairy | Many customers say that customer support is extraordinarily poor |
| Every batch of meals is examined for foodborne illnesses and high quality | No grain-free recipes |
| You can strive a free 2.5-oz pattern of every recipe (simply pay for delivery) | |
| Free auto-shipping that you could pause, alter, or cancel anytime | |
| Full refund on first-time orders inside 14 days and 50% refund for subscription reorders | |
| Made within the USA |
Price
Sundays For Dogs bases its pricing in your canine’s age, present weight, physique situation, breed, and exercise stage. They supply three protein choices: beef, rooster, and turkey. Here’s how the completely different recipes examine in beginning costs for a five-pound grownup canine at an excellent weight who’s reasonably energetic.
In-Depth Review of Sundays For Dogs
My full assessment of Sundays for Dogs air-dried meals provides you extra details about this model’s recipes, meals security practices, and my private expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions pup homeowners usually ask about air-dried pet food. Don’t see yours right here? Hit us up in our feedback or ask in our boards, and we’ll do our greatest to reply your questions.
Is Air-Dried Dog Food Better Than Kibble?
Air-dried pet food and kibble every have their advantages and downsides. Determining which is healthier depends upon your canine’s particular wants and your preferences. While air-dried meals is nutrient-dense, some high-quality, all-natural kibble will be equally as nutritious.
Is There An Organic Air-Dried Dog Food Available?
I’ve been unable to search out 100% natural air-dried pet food available on the market. However, a couple of manufacturers incorporate some natural elements into their recipes. For instance, ZIWI Peak makes use of natural kelp in all of its recipes.
Not Sure About Air-Dried Dog Food?
While many pups and homeowners love air-dried pet food, it’s not for everybody. It is dear, and you probably have freezer and fridge room, contemporary pet food is value contemplating for positive should you’re prepared to spend a bit extra. If you’re on a tighter funds however need the healthiest weight-reduction plan to your pup, learn my critiques of the finest all-natural pet food.
Our Methodology
We analyze a whole lot of pet food manufacturers and particular person formulation to supply our suggestions for the most effective vitamin. Each of the next components helps us decide the most effective pet food for any dietary want. Our in-depth analysis contains:
- Scrutinizing all elements included in each method
- Having firsthand expertise with our canines for lots of the meals we suggest
- Assessing the assured evaluation for each method, together with protein, fats, fiber, and caloric content material
- Investigating the newest scientific research on canines’ dietary wants and advantages of elements
- Researching the precise dietary wants for breed sizes and well being situations
- Reading a whole lot of buyer critiques
- Staying knowledgeable on each pet food recall
- Diving into each pet meals model’s historical past and repute
- Keeping on prime of pet meals developments
Unlike many different assessment websites, we give unbiased critiques primarily based on numerous hours of analysis. Our objective is to supply our readers with the healthiest choices for his or her pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed a whole lot of various pet food manufacturers and particular formulation. She’s an skilled at analyzing pet food elements primarily based on present dietary pointers and scientific research for the healthiest meals for our pups. She’s a part of a crew of canine specialists at Canine Journal who’ve over a decade of expertise in researching, testing, and writing about all the things you must know to maintain your pup wholesome and completely satisfied.