When it comes to dog treats, pet owners are often faced with a choice: freeze-dried or air-dried? Both methods preserve food without artificial preservatives, but they have key differences that affect nutrition, texture, and how beneficial they are for your dog’s health. So which one is better? Let’s break it down.
What Is Freeze-Drying?
Freeze-drying is a process that removes nearly all moisture from food using low temperatures and vacuum pressure. This preservation method keeps treats shelf-stable for long periods while locking in nutrients. Freeze-dried treats are incredibly light and dry and they can be rehydrated when mixed with water (yes, just like they do in space travel).
Pros of Freeze-Dried Treats:
✔️ Retains most nutrients due to minimal heat exposure
✔️ Long shelf life without artificial preservatives
✔️ Lightweight and convenient for storage or travel
Cons of Freeze-Dried Treats:
✖️ Highly processed – involves more steps and equipment than traditional drying methods
✖️ Not great for dental health – the texture is soft and crumbly, offering little chewing resistance
✖️ Can be less palatable – some dogs may find them less enjoyable unless rehydrated
What Is Air-Drying?
Air-drying is a slow, natural process that removes moisture through controlled air circulation. Unlike freeze-drying, air-dried treats retain more of their natural texture and provide a satisfying chew for dogs.
Pros of Air-Dried Treats:
✔️ More natural – a simpler preservation method with fewer processing steps
✔️ Better for dental health – retains a firmer texture that encourages chewing
✔️ Rich in flavour – the slow drying process intensifies natural tastes
✔️ No artificial additives – retains essential nutrients without the need for preservatives
Cons of Air-Dried Treats:
✖️ Shorter shelf life than freeze-dried products (but still lasts a long time when stored properly)
✖️ Can take longer to chew – some dogs may take longer to eat them, which isn’t always ideal for quick snacks.
Should You Just Feed Raw Instead?
Some pet owners wonder if feeding raw meat is a better alternative to freeze-dried or air-dried treats. While raw feeding has its benefits, it also comes with risks, such as bacterial contamination and improper nutrient balance. Air-dried treats offer a safer way to provide natural, high-quality proteins without the risks associated with raw feeding, it's also not so fun to walk around with raw meat in your pockets while out walking your pet.
Our Approach at The Dog Days
At The Dog Days, we believe in simplicity and quality. That’s why we air-dry our treats slowly and carefully to lock in nutrients while preserving the natural flavours and textures that dogs love. Our treats offer the best of both worlds—nutrient-rich, minimally processed, and satisfying to chew.
Whether you choose air-dried or freeze-dried treats, the most important thing is to find what works best for your pup. Want to try treats made with real, high-quality ingredients—without unnecessary processing? Check out our handcrafted range and let your pup be the judge!