If you haven’t heard of freeze-dried pet food, you’re in for a treat. Freeze-dried pet food is gaining popularity as a convenient and nutritious option for pet owners who want to provide their furry companions with the best possible diet.
According to explodingtopics.com, freeze-dried pet food has grown by 268% in popularity from 2019 to 2023, and it’s not hard to see why. At the Global Pet Expo held in March 2023 in Orlando, Florida, USA, freeze-dried or air-dried raw pet foods, treats and toppers were among the top new products showcased, according to petfoodindustry.com
What is freeze-dried pet food?
Freeze-dried pet food is a type of pet food that has been preserved by removing all moisture from it. This is achieved by freezing the food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber where the pressure is lowered to cause the ice to sublimate, turning it from a solid to a gas, and removing the gas. This results in a dry, lightweight and shelf-stable product that can be stored for a long time without spoiling. This process retains the nutritional value of the food while eliminating the need for preservatives, making it a healthier option for pets.
The technique of freeze-drying was originally developed for the military to preserve food for soldiers in the field. Later, it was adapted for use in the food industry, including the pet food sector.
Freeze-drying is also used in a variety of other applications, such as the preservation of pharmaceuticals, restoration of historical artifacts and production of instant coffee.
Main reasons for popularity
One of the main reasons freeze-dried pet food is becoming so popular is because of its convenience. It’s easy to store, easy to transport, more cost effective to ship and easy to prepare.
All you need to do is add some water, wait a few minutes for it to rehydrate and then serve it to your pet. This makes it a great option for people who are always on the go or who don’t have a lot of time to spend preparing their pets’ food.
But convenience isn’t the only reason freeze-dried pet food is so popular. It’s also a very nutritious option for your pet. Because the food is preserved without any heat, the nutrients are preserved as well. This means that freeze-dried pet food often contains more nutrients than traditional dry or canned food. Additionally, the dry texture of the food helps to clean your pet’s teeth as they chew, leading to better dental health.
According to petfoodindustry.com, many manufacturers are adding probiotics to freeze-dried pet food to provide digestive benefits for pets.
How can you identify good-quality freeze-dried pet food?
There are a few things to look for. Firstly, check the ingredient list to make sure that the food contains high-quality ingredients. Look for whole foods like meat, fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods that contain a lot of fillers or artificial ingredients.
Secondly, choose freeze-dried pet food that has been produced by a reputable manufacturer. Look for companies that have a good track record of producing high-quality pet food. You can research companies online or ask for recommendations from your veterinarian or other pet owners.
Finally, check the packaging to ensure that the food has been stored properly. Look for bags that are well sealed and have airtight packaging to ensure that the food stays fresh. Proper storage is crucial in preserving the quality and nutritional value of the food.
Benefits of freeze-dried pet food
- Nutrition Freeze-drying preserves the nutrients in the food, making it a nutritious option for your pet.
- Digestibility Freeze-dried pet food is highly digestible, which means that your pet’s body can absorb more of the nutrients.
- Convenience Freeze-dried pet food is easy to store, easy to transport and easy to prepare.
- Shelf-life Freeze-dried pet food has a long shelf life, which means that you can keep it on hand for a long time without worrying about it spoiling.
- Dental health Because freeze-dried pet food is dry, it can help to clean your pets’ teeth as they chew.
- Allergies Freeze-dried pet food often contains fewer allergens than traditional dry or canned food, which can be beneficial for pets with food sensitivities.
- Palatability Many pets find freeze-dried pet food to be very palatable, which can be helpful for picky eaters.
Overall, freeze-dried pet food is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their pets with a convenient and nutritious diet.
In South Africa, the concept of freeze-dried pet food is still relatively new, but it’s a growing trend. As more pet owners learn about the benefits of this type of food, it’s likely that we’ll see even more options become available in the future. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious option for your pets, consider giving freeze-dried pet food a try.
