
What offers the convenience of kibble with the flavour and nutrition of raw? That's right, dehydrated dog food. Learn what makes the best dehydrated dog food so unique and how it can benefit your dog.
When shopping for dog food, you may find yourself getting overwhelmed with hundreds of choices. From kibble and canned to frozen raw diets, trying to balance the pros and cons can make your head spin.
This is where dehydrated dog food really shines by simplifying nutrition with real food ingredients, minimal processing, and popular flavours to nourish your pooch from the inside out.
Both dehydrated and air-dried dog foods aim for “raw-style” nutrition without the freeze-and-thaw routine that some foods have. They’re popular with pet owners who want dog food with higher meat content, simpler ingredients, and less processing, but still want something that stores and scoops easily.
At Homes Alive Pets, we carry many top dehydrated dog food brands, and this guide will walk you through the 10 best dehydrated dog foods in Canada and how to feed them.
What is Dehydrated Dog Food?
Dehydrated dog food starts as fresh, whole food ingredients that undergo a dehydration process using very low heat (typically between 60°C-82°C) to remove moisture and create a shelf-stable product. This slow and low process removes as much as 96% of the moisture.
Many dehydrated options are raw, so even though low heat is applied, it's not enough to cook or significantly denature the nutrients in the raw ingredients. Leading to a final product that offers nutrition similar to a fresh raw diet that is pantry-friendly and easy to feed.
Even those that aren't raw use cooking methods that limit damage to nutrients, like oven baking or blanching before moving on to the gentle dehydration step.
The format and processing of dehydrated dog food make it easier to work with whole food ingredients and minimize the use of synthetic or heavily processed ingredients that are typically used in foods that undergo high-heat cooking, like dog kibble.
Benefits of Dehydrated Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the best diet for your pup, you have to weigh the pros and cons. Whether it's strictly about the quality of ingredients, unique health benefits, ease of feeding, or even cost, the choice you make is going to need to check several boxes to work in both your and your dog's favour.
Dehydrated food for dogs has some core benefits over other types of dog food, so if any of these catch your eye, choosing a dehydrated formula might be just the thing to bring your dog's nutrition and feeding routine to the next level.
Below are some of the main benefits of dehydrated dog foods.
-
- Use simple, raw or fresh food ingredients
- Easy to store and serve
- Less processed and easier to digest than kibble
- Meat-first and meat-rich
- Promotes a healthy weight by offering nutrient-dense and filling meals
- Bold flavour and scent for picky eaters
- Shelf stable, no freezing or refrigeration required
- Versatile option that pairs well with any diet
- Minimally processed, leaving nutrients intact
- Travel-friendly option for raw feeders
Overall, dehydrated dog food offers a wide range of benefits that can provide superior nutrition and satiety for just about any pet, but before you make your choice, let's quickly go over some of the potential drawbacks or barriers to feeding dehydrated or air-dried dog food.
Downsides to Feeding Dehydrated Dog Food
No one food format is perfect for every pet and every pet owner, and to every pro, there are some cons. This means there are some things about dehydrated dog food that might not work for your pet or might not be as good as another type of dog food.
Here are a few downsides or limitations of dehydrated dog foods that might affect your decision.
-
- Often more costly than other food types, like kibble
- Raw options carry the same risks as frozen raw options
- Some types require rehydration, and those that don't require other sources of moisture in the diet
It's all about finding a balance. While one type of food may offer convenience or affordability, it may lack the type of nutrition or flavour that you and your pet prefer. It's important to know what you are giving up and whether it's worth the cost to get the benefit.
That being said, dehydrated and air-dried dog foods are versatile. You can feed them as the sole diet, but they can also be fed alongside other diet types to maximize benefits.
How to Choose the Right Dehydrated Dog Food
If you think dehydrated or air-dried dog food is the way to go, the next step is to research the different brands and recipes that are offered.
Each formula is going to support overall health and wellness, but the unique ingredients may be best suited for specific needs. Let’s take a look at how to choose the right dehydrated or air-dried foods for your furry friend:
-
- Life stage & size: Puppies and seniors may prefer softer textures or smaller bites. Some pet food lines offer “easy-chew” nuggets or rehydratable recipes, which are ideal for small breeds, puppies, and seniors.
- Protein and sensitivities: If your dog has a tender tummy or itchy skin, then you might want to try limited-ingredient and single-protein recipes that can help you narrow down triggers. However, always talk with your vet if you’re dealing with ongoing GI or allergy issues.
- Feeding style: Want an easy-feed, scoop-and-serve dog food? Go air-dried. Don’t mind adding water for a fresh, stew-like bowl? Try flaked dehydrated food. Either way, texture and convenience can help you decide.
- Budget: Though they might seem a lot more expensive, these are nutrient-dense foods. Check the feeding chart to figure out the cups per day, not just the bag price, to see your real monthly cost. (Brands often publish cups-per-day tables on their labels)
- Where it's made: Canadian shoppers have excellent local options (Hurraw, Smack, CaniSource, ZEAL, Carna4) that use locally sourced ingredients and are made in Canada. You'll also find imported options from reputable countries like New Zealand and the United States that have high-quality standards and practices that you can trust.
- Specific Health Needs: Whether you are managing your pet's weight, digestion, or skin and coat health, look for recipes that are designed to support their health needs. Fish-based diets can offer omega fatty acids to condition the skin, while grain-friendly options can provide fibre to leave your pet feeling full and support digestion.
Best Dehydrated Dog Food
Not all dehydrated dog foods are created equal. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which dehydrated dog foods are worth the hype. We’ve rounded up the top picks that combine quality ingredients, convenience, and nutrition to help you choose the best fit for your pup.
1. Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Foods
The Honest Kitchen is the poster child for dehydrated dog food. It's 100% human-grade dog food. The food comes in a pantry-friendly box.
Serving is simple. You simply mix it with warm water, wait three minutes and then you can serve your pup a wonderfully fresh meal. Honest Kitchen offers grain-free, whole-grain, and limited-ingredient choices. You can also purchase base-mix options if you like to add your own meat.
This food is best for dogs with sensitive stomachs (try Limited Ingredient), dogs who love a warm, stew-like bowl, and pet parents who care about the “human-grade” standard.
Features & benefits
-
- 100% human-grade recipes; gently dehydrated.
- Quickly blanched before dehydration to eliminate bacteria.
- Easy prep: just add warm water and wait ~3 minutes.
- Range of single and multi-protein recipes: Chicken, turkey, duck, fish, and beef.
- Highly palatable flavour and texture, ideal for picky pets and puppies.
- Multiple lines (Whole Grain, Grain Free, Limited Ingredient) to fit different needs.
- Base mixes are perfect for simple, customized diets - add meat and serve.
- Company guidance explicitly says rehydrate before serving.
Honest Kitchen proudly offers human-grade foods in all its dehydrated dog foods. They have specialized in human-grade dog foods for over 20 years. While not a true raw diet, The Honest Kitchen Dog Foods are only gently cooked before undergoing the dehydration process.
The unique cooking process results in minimal nutrient loss, leaving the food nutritious, highly digestible, and extremely flavourful. If you are looking for the best human-grade dehydrated dog food, then The Honest Kitchen offers a huge range of recipes to help your dog thrive.
2. Hurraw Dog Food
Hurraw is one of Canada’s leading dehydrated dog food brands, proudly crafted in Quebec using 100% human-grade ingredients. Every recipe is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and gently dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, flavour, and texture.
Hurraw’s scoop-and-serve format offers the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of raw feeding. It’s a great choice for pet parents who want to feed a minimally processed diet that’s easy to store, serve, and love. Skip the mess, but keep the benefits.
This food is the best dehydrated dog food for multi-dog households, picky eaters, and anyone looking to support their dog’s health with Canadian-made, nutrient-dense meals. Here are some more benefits of Hurraw Dog Food:
-
- Scoop and serve formula - Raw nutrition that feeds like kibble
- 100% Human-grade quality ingredients
- Made from Canadian and locally sourced ingredients
- All life-stage formulas are suitable for feeding multi-dog households
- Low-temperature dehydration locks in nutrition and flavour
- Contains nutrient-packed superfoods like pumpkin, spinach, and flaxseeds
- Dense nutrition in each morsel means smaller feedings and more money in your pocket
- Available in three protein options: Fish, Turkey, and Pork.
Hurraw’s commitment to quality and simplicity makes it a standout choice for Canadian pet parents. Whether you're transitioning from raw or looking for a healthier alternative to traditional kibble, Hurraw delivers balanced nutrition in every bite.
3. Smack Dehydrated Dog Food
Smack Pet Food is a proudly Canadian company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, specializing in premium dehydrated raw dog food. Every Smack formula is crafted with your dog’s digestion, immune health, and overall vitality in mind.
Using fresh, locally sourced animal proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and certified organic ingredients, Smack delivers raw nutrition in a convenient, scoop-and-serve format. It’s one of the easiest and healthiest ways to feed your dog a raw-inspired diet, without the prep or cleanup.
Smack is ideal for dogs of all breeds and life stages, especially those with sensitive stomachs, picky appetites, or weight management needs. Learn more about the best Canadian dehydrated dog food:
-
- Canadian-made with Canadian-sourced ingredients. (We love that!)
- Easy-to-feed, scoop-and-serve formulas
- Includes certified organic ingredients
- Wholesome, natural, and fresh ingredients
- Exceptional taste and aroma that even the pickiest dogs will love
- Suitable for all breeds and life stages
- No synthetic ingredients
- High protein, low carb formulas, suitable for weight management and muscle
Smack’s commitment to clean, nutrient-dense recipes makes it a top choice for pet parents who want the benefits of raw feeding with the ease of dry food. With no fillers, no artificial ingredients, and no compromises, Smack delivers real food your dog will thrive on.
4. Canisource
CaniSource Grand Cru is a Canadian-made dehydrated dog food that delivers the benefits of raw nutrition with the convenience of kibble. Using a low-temperature dehydration process, Grand Cru preserves the integrity of fresh ingredients while creating a crunchy, scoopable texture dogs love.
This food is especially easy to transition to from traditional kibble, making it a smart choice for pet parents who want to feed raw-style without changing their routine. Learn below why our customers love Grand Cru:
Features & benefits
- Low-temperature dehydration retains nutrients and natural flavours.
- Crunchy, scoopable texture makes it easy to serve and store.
- Canadian-made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Grain-free options available, including Fish and Chicken recipes.
- Highly digestible formulas (check feeding guidelines to avoid overfeeding)
- No artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products.
- Suitable for all breeds and life stages.
CaniSource Grand Cru is one of the best crunchy raw-style dog foods because it bridges the gap between raw and kibble, offering a nutrient-rich, easy-to-feed option for dogs who thrive on minimally processed diets. The satisfying kibble-like crunch makes Canisource a popular option for dogs who are accustomed to dry foods.
What is Air-Dried Dog Food?
There is a new type of dehydrated dog food in town, and it's called air-dried dog food. Unlike many dehydrated formulas that lead to a dry, crunchy or flaky formula, air-dried dog food offers a chewy, jerky-like texture.
Though the process is similar, air-dried food for dogs is dried with circulated air for a shorter time, leaving them with a slightly higher moisture content than other dehydrated options.
This scoop-and-serve dog food has a texture, bold flavour, and nutrition that make air-dried a great option for dogs that are picky eaters or have sensitive tummies, and dog owners who are looking for a fast and convenient way to feed a high-quality formula.
Benefits of Air-Dried Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the best diet for your pup, you have to weigh the pros and cons. Whether it's strictly about the quality of ingredients, unique health benefits, ease of feeding, or even cost, the choice you make is going to need to check several boxes to work in both your and your dog's favour.
Dehydrated food for dogs has some core benefits over other types of dog food, so if any of these catch your eye, choosing a dehydrated formula might be just the thing to bring your dog's nutrition and feeding routine to the next level.
Below are some of the main benefits of dehydrated dog foods.
-
- Use simple, raw or fresh food ingredients
- Easy to store and serve
- Less processed and easier to digest than kibble
- Meat-first and meat-rich
- Promotes a healthy weight by offering nutrient-dense and filling meals
- Bold flavour and scent for picky eaters
- Shelf stable, no freezing or refrigeration required
- Versatile option that pairs well with any diet
- Minimally processed, leaving nutrients intact
- Travel-friendly option for raw feeders
Overall, dehydrated dog food offers a wide range of benefits that can provide superior nutrition and satiety for just about any pet, but before you make your choice, let's quickly go over some of the potential drawbacks or barriers to feeding dehydrated or air-dried dog food.
Downsides to Feeding Air-Dried Dog Food
No one food format is perfect for every pet and every pet owner, and to every pro, there are some cons. This means there are some things about dehydrated dog food that might not work for your pet or might not be as good as another type of dog food.
Here are a few downsides or limitations of dehydrated dog foods that might affect your decision.
-
- Often more costly than other food types, like kibble
- Raw options carry the same risks as frozen raw options
- Some types require rehydration, and those that don't require other sources of moisture in the diet
It's all about finding a balance. While one type of food may offer convenience or affordability, it may lack the type of nutrition or flavour that you and your pet prefer. It's important to know what you are giving up and whether it's worth the cost to get the benefit.
That being said, dehydrated and air-dried dog foods are versatile. You can feed them as the sole diet, but they can also be fed alongside other diet types to maximize benefits.
How to Choose the Right Air-Dried Dog Food
If you think dehydrated or air-dried dog food is the way to go, the next step is to research the different brands and recipes that are offered.
Each formula is going to support overall health and wellness, but the unique ingredients may be best suited for specific needs. Let’s take a look at how to choose the right dehydrated or air-dried foods for your furry friend:
-
- Life stage & size: Puppies and seniors may prefer softer textures or smaller bites. Some pet food lines offer “easy-chew” nuggets or rehydratable recipes, which are ideal for small breeds, puppies, and seniors.
- Protein and sensitivities: If your dog has a tender tummy or itchy skin, then you might want to try limited-ingredient and single-protein recipes that can help you narrow down triggers. However, always talk with your vet if you’re dealing with ongoing GI or allergy issues.
- Feeding style: Want an easy-feed, scoop-and-serve dog food? Go air-dried. Don’t mind adding water for a fresh, stew-like bowl? Try flaked dehydrated food. Either way, texture and convenience can help you decide.
- Budget: Though they might seem a lot more expensive, these are nutrient-dense foods. Check the feeding chart to figure out the cups per day, not just the bag price, to see your real monthly cost. (Brands often publish cups-per-day tables on their labels)
- Where it's made: Canadian shoppers have excellent local options (Hurraw, Smack, CaniSource, ZEAL, Carna4) that use locally sourced ingredients and are made in Canada. You'll also find imported options from reputable countries like New Zealand and the United States that have high-quality standards and practices that you can trust.
- Specific Health Needs: Whether you are managing your pet's weight, digestion, or skin and coat health, look for recipes that are designed to support their health needs. Fish-based diets can offer omega fatty acids to condition the skin, while grain-friendly options can provide fibre to leave your pet feeling full and support digestion.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food Picks
Air-dried dog food is gaining popularity for its raw-like nutrition and scoop-and-serve simplicity. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best air-dried dog food, including options for small breeds, food-sensitive dogs, and those who love novel proteins. These brands combine high meat content, minimal processing, and irresistible flavour to help your dog thrive.
1. Red Barn
Redbarn’s “Gently Air Dried Powerfood” line offers a chewy, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional kibble. Made in the USA with over 85% meat content in core recipes, Redbarn delivers high-protein nutrition in a scoop-and-serve format that dogs love.
The line includes both standard and Small Breed formulas, designed specifically for tiny mouths and picky eaters. These blends feature thoughtful additions like blueberries for antioxidant support and a softer texture that’s easy to chew.
Redbarn is the best air-dried dog food for small breeds who prefer a meaty texture, and pet parents looking for a minimally processed, high-protein diet.
Features & benefits
-
- Gently air-dried to retain nutrients and natural flavour.
- 85%+ meat content in core recipes for high-protein nutrition.
- Small Breed formulas with added blueberries and a softer texture.
- Grain-free recipes with added vitamins and minerals.
- Made in the USA with premium, responsibly sourced ingredients.
- Scoop-and-serve convenience.
- Chewy texture loved by picky eaters and small dogs.
Redbarn’s air-dried formulas offer a balanced blend of convenience and quality, making them a smart choice for pet parents who want to feed real meat without the mess of raw.
2. ZiwiPeak Air Dried Dog Food
ZiwiPeak is a New Zealand dog and cat food brand that focuses on crafting foods from ethical and sustainable meats. Each recipe has been handcrafted to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. They carry a full line of air-dried dog foods to meet all your canine companions' needs.
ZIWI Peak’s air-dried recipes are famous for very high meat inclusion and whole-prey ratios (meat, organs, bone) with green-lipped mussels. It serves as a complete meal, topper, or high-value training treat. There is no water needed for this meal.
This food is ideal for all breeds and life stages. It’s ideal for food-sensitive dogs who do well on single-protein recipes. Also, it’s great for anyone who wants big nutrition in small servings.
Features & benefits
-
- Safely air-dried; nutrient-dense and ready to serve.
- Whole-prey ratios with green mussels; limited-ingredient, grain-free.
- Convenient as a full meal, topper, or training reward.
- Ready-to-serve, raw-inspired nutrition
- Multi-protein formulas to maximize nutrient diversity
- Free-range and grass-fed meats
- Sourced and made in New Zealand
- Include green tripe, organic kelp, and New Zealand green mussels
ZIWI Peak stands out as the best air-dried dog food for digestion for pet parents seeking uncompromising quality, ethical sourcing, and nutrient-dense formulas. With its high meat inclusion, whole-prey ratios, and single-protein recipes, ZIWI delivers powerful nutrition in every bite.
3. The NZ Natural Pet Food Co. Woof
WOOF by The NZ Natural Pet Food Co. offers premium air-dried and freeze-dried dog food made with fresh, raw ingredients and gently processed to preserve nutrients and flavour.
Crafted in New Zealand, WOOF recipes feature straightforward proteins like beef, chicken, and venison, making them ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or those exploring novel proteins.
With no hydration required, WOOF is ready to serve straight from the bag—whether as a complete meal, a topper, or a high-value training treat. Its soft, chewy texture and rich aroma make it a hit with picky eaters and pet parents who value clean, simple nutrition.
Features & benefits
-
- Air-dried and freeze-dried options for flexible feeding.
- Made in New Zealand with ethically sourced, high-quality meats.
- No hydration needed – ready to serve as-is.
- Works as a meal, topper, or treat thanks to its versatile texture.
- Single-protein recipes are ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
- Available in novel proteins like venison for variety and taste.
WOOF delivers raw-inspired nutrition in a convenient format, combining New Zealand sourcing, minimal processing, and dog-approved flavour. It’s a great choice for pet parents looking for the best novel protein air-dried dog food to simplify raw feeding without sacrificing quality.
4. Sojos
Sojos makes raw feeding simple with their “raw made easy” meals. Each recipe combines freeze-dried meat with air-dried fruits and vegetables, preserving nutrients and texture while offering a convenient prep method for pet parents.
To serve, just add water and let it soak. Within minutes, you’ll have a fresh, raw-inspired meal ready for your dog. This food is ideal for pet parents who want the benefits of raw feeding without the hassle, and for dogs who enjoy a softer, stew-like texture.
Features & benefits
- “Just add water” prep for a complete meal.
- Mix of freeze-dried meat and air-dried produce for texture and nutrition.
- Wide availability online and in specialty pet stores.
- Grain-free and limited ingredient options for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Made in the USA with high-quality, whole food ingredients.
Sojos offers a gentle introduction to raw feeding with a focus on simplicity, quality, and whole-food nutrition. It’s a great choice for dogs transitioning from kibble or for pet parents looking to upgrade their dog’s diet without going full raw.
5. Zeal Air Dried Dog Food
ZEAL is a proudly Canadian brand offering premium air-dried dog food made with limited ingredients and 96% pure meat and organs. Each recipe is crafted with locally sourced, high-quality proteins and essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health, including skin and coat condition.
With no need for thawing or hydration, ZEAL’s air-dried formulas are truly ready to serve, making them a convenient choice for busy pet parents. Whether you’re feeding a full meal, topping off kibble, or rewarding with a treat, ZEAL delivers big nutrition in small portions.
This food is ideal for Canadian shoppers looking for a home-grown, high-protein dog food, and for pet parents who prefer limited-ingredient diets for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Features & benefits
-
- No need to hydrate; easy travel and storage.
- High-protein, filler-free recipes with straightforward ingredient lists.
- Locally source ingredients
- No fillers, preservatives, colours, or flavours
- 96% pure meat and organs
- Calorie-dense and low-carb formulas support weight maintenance and muscle development
- Easy to scoop-and-serve formula
- Can be fed as a full meal, a meal topper, or as a delicious treat
- Transparent ingredient sourcing
ZEAL is one of the best air-dried dog food options in Canada, offering clean, simple nutrition in a format that’s easy to feed and easy to love. With a variety of flavours and single-protein options, ZEAL makes it easy to find a formula that fits your dog’s unique dietary needs.
6. Carna4
Carna4 is a bit different. It’s quick-baked and air-dried to create whole-food nuggets with sprouted seeds. There are no synthetic vitamins. The brand’s Easy-Chew line has smaller, softer pieces perfect for puppies, small breeds, and seniors. If you’ve got a tiny mouth or an older dog who struggles with crunch, this is a gem when it comes to dog food.
The food is the perfect choice for small breeds, puppies, and seniors who need smaller, softer bites. It’s also ideal for fans of synthetic-free formulations.
Features & benefits
Quick-baked then air-dried; whole-food, synthetic-free approach.“Easy-Chew” nuggets are sized for little mouths and older teeth.
Canadian-made with real meat and sprouted seeds.
Check out our full selection of Air-Dried Dog Food to find the right formula for your pooch!
Dehydrated vs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food (Quick Compare)
Wondering how to compare freeze-dried dog food and dehydrated dog food? This quick comparison chart can help you spot the biggest difference to help you make the best choice for your dog's health and preferences.
Comparisons |
Dehydrated Dog Food |
Freeze Dried Dog Food |
How It’s Made |
Slow-heated on low to remove 95% of the moisture |
Frozen first and then vacuum dried to remove 98 to 99% of moisture. |
Texture |
A soft mash once it goes through rehydration. Some crunchy pieces may remain. |
Light, crisp pieces that rehydrate rapidly |
Prep |
Requires warm water and a short wait to rehydrate |
Creates light, crisp pieces following rehydration. |
Cost |
Usually cheaper than freeze-dried |
Typically pricier per serving |
Shelf Life |
Shelf stable. Always follow the label’s instructions. |
Shelf-stable. Always follow the label. |
Simply Crafted, Naturally Healthy
Picking the best dehydrated dog food (or the best air-dried dog food) isn’t about chasing one “perfect” brand. All of the brands listed in this guide are leaders. However, what works well for one dog might not work well for another. It’s all about finding the format and recipe to fit your dog’s unique needs.
If you want a warm, stew-like bowl and don’t mind a minute of prep, dehydrated formulas like The Honest Kitchen, Hurraw, Sojos, Smack, or CaniSource are great choices, especially if you’re shopping in Canada. If you’d rather scoop and serve with no prep, then air-dried lines like ZEAL, ZIWI, Redbarn, WOOF, and Carna4 are hard to beat for convenience, training rewards, and travel ease.
When picking the best dog food for your furry friend, match the protein to your dog’s tummy needs. Always check that the recipe is complete and balanced, and follow the feeding chart (remember that these foods are dense).
Best Dehydrated Dog Foods FAQs
What is in Dehydrated Dog Food?
Dehydrated dog food is raw food, such as meats, vegetables, and fruits that have undergone a slow, low-heat dehydration process, which removes the moisture from the food. After dehydration, the food still contains all the nutrients of the raw food but is preserved naturally with no need for preservatives or chemicals.
What is the Best Dehydrated Dog Food?
There are many options to choose from, each with its own perks and unique features. Some of the best sellers include The Honest Kitchen, ZIWI, and Smack.
Are Dehydrated Foods Healthy?
Yes, dehydrated dog foods are extremely healthy. They contain nutrients similar to raw dog food. The nutrients are left in a more natural state, so the foods are easier to digest and the nutrients are easier for your dog's body to absorb and use.
Is Dehydrated Dog Food Raw?
Many dehydrated dog foods are raw, but not all. The dehydration process doesn't cook the food, but there are some options, like The Honest Kitchen, that are cooked prior to dehydration. Brands like ZIWI, Hurraw, and many others offer dehydrated raw ingredients.
Is Dehydrated Dog Food Safe?
Dehydrated dog food is safe as long as you use common sense when it comes to preparation and handling. Bowls, scoops and surfaces should be sanitized, and appropriate hand washing is a must. Also consider proper storage of dry and rehydrated diets.
Is Dehydrated Dog Food Good for Senior Canines?
As your dog ages, it will experience changes in the animal’s body, health, and well-being. You want to ensure that your elderly dog obtains the correct nutrients. Dehydrated dog food is an excellent choice for most senior dogs because the nuggets are nutrient-rich.
Once the food has been rehydrated with water, a senior dog can easily chew the morsels (many aging dogs suffer from gum disease and missing teeth). The food is also easy to digest if your elderly pup has a sensitive stomach.
What’s the best Canadian dehydrated dog food brand?
If you prefer a Canadian-made product, stick to our best Canadian brands, like Smack, Hurraw, and Zeal. These brands use Canadian-sourced ingredients and are 100% made in Canada.
What's the Difference Between Dehydrated and Air-Dried Dog Food?
Air-dried is a type of dehydrated dog food, but the final product is slightly different. Standard dehydration removes about 96% of the moisture, leaving a dry, flaky, or crunchy product. Air-dried options retain more moisture, leaving a still shelf-stable, but chewier product that is designed to be served as is.
Your Dog's Next Favourite Meal
Whether you're exploring new formats or upgrading your dog’s diet, the best dehydrated and air-dried dog food brands offer something for every pup. From sensitive stomachs to small breeds and picky eaters, these options deliver nutrition, convenience, and quality you can trust.
Ready to find your dog’s new favourite? Shop our full selection of Dehydrated & Air Dried Dog Food in Canada and give your pup the wholesome meals they deserve.