Air-Dried and Freeze-Dried Raw Diets for Dogs

These diets, characterized by a significant inclusion of raw meat, have not undergone processes that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and are therefore considered "raw." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a "zero tolerance" regulation for pathogens in raw dog food, aiming to address potential health risks associated with these bacteria. While some products have undergone a "kill step" to eliminate foodborne pathogens, others rely on ingredient testing, good manufacturing practices, or test-and-hold systems, none of which can guarantee completely pathogen-free foods. Consumers handling these products must adhere to raw food safety practices, such as washing hands and dog bowls and taking precautions for immunocompromised family members.

This category of dog foods emerged from the "raw diets for dogs" movement that began in 1993 with the publication of "Give Your Dog A Bone" by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst. Initially advocating for dog owners to prepare their dogs' food at home, the popularity of this diet led to the development of commercial raw pet food, often sold in frozen form. Some manufacturers started freeze-drying their raw, frozen products, creating shelf-stable alternatives that are light and cost-effective to ship.

Despite the diversity in manufacturing methods, these products share common attributes:

1. High Meat Inclusion: Many claim to consist of 80% or more of meat, organs, and (ground) bone, with some asserting up to 95%.
2. Low or Zero Carb Content: Most have low carbohydrate inclusions, with some exceptions.
3. High Protein and Fat Content: These diets often contain high levels of protein and fat, with some variations depending on the manufacturer.

These diets are generally highly palatable to dogs, attributed to factors such as high meat inclusion, fat content, quality ingredients, concentrated flavor in freeze-dried ingredients, or minimal processing.

Freeze-drying involves exposing foods to low temperatures and then reducing the pressure, causing frozen water to transform into vapor. This method preserves food with less damage to natural enzymes and vitamins compared to baking or extrusion. Dehydrated foods, described as "gently air-dried," undergo drying with temperatures of 140ºF to 180ºF, altering the cellular structure of ingredients. Both processes leave the foods raw by definition.

Raw food manufacturers face the challenge of eliminating pathogens without cooking the food. High pressure processing (HPP) is a popular "kill step," but some companies opt for ingredient testing, good manufacturing processes, and test-and-hold programs. While HPP is considered a safe technology, some companies choose not to disclose whether they use a kill step, leaving it to the informed choice of consumers.

The table provided includes approved freeze-dried and dehydrated dog foods meeting specific selection criteria. These criteria include whole, lightly processed, "real food" ingredients, and the absence of unnamed meats or fats, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The table also indicates the protein and fat levels, along with the prices for the largest available sizes of the products. These diets are generally high in protein and fat, and while expensive, they are often used intermittently or as treats due to their nutritional value.