Everything You Need to Know About Air Dried Dog Food

Every pet parent wants the best food for their pup, but with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Air Dried Dog Food is becoming a favorite because it’s rich in essential nutrients and easy to store, making it a great alternative to kibble, raw diets, and freeze-dried options. It delivers all the benefits of raw food but in a safer, more convenient form – no freezer space required.

But what exactly is Air Dried dog food, and why are so many pet parents making the switch? In this guide, we’ll break down what makes it special, how it compares to other options, and how to find the best Air Dried dog food for your four-legged friend. 

What is Air Dried Dog Food?

Air Dried Dog Food is a type of dog food that undergoes a slow, gentle drying process to remove moisture while preserving nutritional value. Unlike freeze-dried foods, which are quickly frozen and have their moisture extracted under vacuum pressure, Air Dried food is slowly roasted at low temperatures to retain the quality of the raw ingredients.

This gentle process locks in more nutrients, giving dogs the benefits of raw food – without the hassle, mess, or risk of turning your fridge into a science experiment. This makes it an excellent option for pet parents who want to feed their dog raw foods but need a more convenient and easy-to-store alternative.

Why Choose Air Dried Dog Food?

Switching to Air Dried dog food comes with several advantages over traditional cooked foods or raw diets. Here is a quick overview of the key benefits: 

• Retains more nutrients. The low temperature drying process keeps essential vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids intact, providing all the health benefits of raw ingredients without the risks associated with raw dog food.
• Minimally processed ingredients. Many Air Dried recipes use ingredients like beef, chicken, turkey, fish and lamb. This is the kind of real meat you'd recognize from human food, making it an excellent choice for all dogs, especially those dogs with health issues or food allergies.
• Convenient and lightweight. Unlike raw food, you won’t have to clear out half your freezer just to store your pup’s dinner. It’s easy to store, making it perfect for travel and everyday feeding.
• No artificial additives. High-quality Air Dried recipes are free from artificial colors, added preservatives, and unnecessary fillers, ensuring your dog’s diet remains natural and nutritious.
• Supports digestion. Because it's gently air-dried at lower temperatures, this food retains higher digestibility. Animal-based proteins contain more amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscles, skin, hair, and more. This process helps preserve essential nutrients, making it easier for dogs to digest. Many formulas also include functional ingredients to further promote gut health..
• Ideal for picky eaters. Dogs often prefer the rich taste of Air Dried recipes over kibble, thanks to the inclusion of raw meat and high-quality ingredients like beef and beef liver.

Is Air Dried Food Right for Your Pup?

Got a high-energy pup that thinks zoomies are a competitive sport? They need a protein-packed diet to keep up with their antics. Air dried food contains real meat, like beef and chicken liver, providing essential fatty acids and protein for muscle development, endurance, and healthy teeth. Because it’s easy to store, it’s also a great choice for pet parents who take their dogs on hikes or road trips.

Puppies and seniors can also benefit from Air Dried food. Puppies require nutrient-rich meals that support their growth and immune system, and Air Dried dog food delivers balanced nutrition with easy digestibility. Meanwhile, senior dogs often struggle with hard kibble due to dental issues, making gently Air Dried food a great alternative for their wellbeing.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies often do well with Air Dried dog food because it contains minimally processed ingredients and avoids high temperatures that can break down nutrients. Limited-ingredient Air Dried recipes packed with goodies like vegetables or beef liver are gentle on the tummy while still offering a complete meal.

How Does Air Dried Compare to Other Foods?

Now that we’ve looked at what Air Dried dog food is and its benefits, let’s compare it to other types of pet food to see how it stacks up.

Differences Between Air Dried, Freeze-Dried, and Kibble

Unlike freeze-dried food, Air Dried food is ready to go straight from the package. This makes it a more convenient option for pet parents looking for a ready-to-serve meal. While traditional kibble can also be convenient, it's often processed at high temperatures, which can reduce the nutrient levels found in raw ingredients. Air dried food, on the other hand, uses a gentle drying process to retain more natural nutrients, ensuring your dog gets the best possible nutrition.

Why It’s Safer and More Convenient Than Raw Diets

Raw dog food has its perks, but it also comes with risks like harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Air dried dog food undergoes a low temperature roasting process that eliminates these risks while still maintaining the nutritional value of a raw diet.

Retains More Nutrients Than Cooked Foods

Because cooked foods are prepared at high temperatures, they lose some of their essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Air dried recipes retain their nutrients, offering a nutrient-rich and wholesome alternative.

How to Choose the Best Air Dried Dog Food

Not all Air Dried dog food is created equal, so it’s important to consider these key factors when choosing the best option for your dog:

• High-quality ingredients. Choose carefully selected proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb to ensure your dog gets the best nutrition. Look for options that use natural, non-GMO ingredients to provide better nutrient absorption and support overall health.
• Balanced nutrition. The best Air Dried formulas prioritize delivering essential nutrients through high-quality, protein rich recipes and limited-ingredient diets. The formulas should ensure balanced nutrition by using carefully selected ingredients that support your pet’s overall well-being.
• Tailored for your dog’s needs. Consider your dog’s life stage, weight, and activity level when selecting a food. Active dogs need higher protein, while puppies benefit from nutrient-rich ingredients that support healthy growth and development.
• No artificial additives. Avoid artificial colors, added preservatives, and unnecessary fillers that don’t contribute to your dog’s well-being. A clean ingredient list ensures your pup gets only the best Air Dried dog food.
• Inclusion of postbiotics. Postbiotics, which are beneficial compounds produced by gut bacteria, can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet. They support digestive health, boost the immune system, and help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Look for Air Dried dog food that includes postbiotics to provide these additional health benefits to your pet.

Why Redbarn Air Dried Recipes Stand Out

If you're looking for a simple, nutritious, and wholesome way to feed your dog, our Gently Air Dried Powerfood Recipes are the perfect choice.

We add postbiotics to our Gut, Puppy, and Small Breed recipes, which help reduce pathogens and cultivate "good" bacteria in the gut, improving the digestive process and helping your dog absorb more nutrients.

We perfected a gentle air-drying process that removes moisture without high heat, preserving the natural nutrients and rich flavors in every bite. This creates an easy-to-store, protein-packed meal that gives your pup the goodness of raw food – without the mess or risks. Additionally, our air-dried recipes have a crunchy texture that sets them apart from others in the marketplace, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Made in the USA in small batches, our recipes feature high-quality ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, they're made without grain, gluten, GMOs, corn, wheat, or soy, so you can feel good about what you're feeding your dog.

Redbarn facilities are certified by the Safe Quality Food Initiative, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards. SQF certification isn’t required for pet food, but we choose to have it because we believe in doing things the right way – no shortcuts, no compromises.

FAQs About Air Dried Dog Food

Why does it cost more?

Air dried dog food costs more than traditional kibble because it’s made with a higher meat content and a meticulous drying process, ensuring your pet gets real nutrition. While high-quality kibble can also be nutritious, the unique formulation and process of air dried food provide a concentrated source of essential nutrients. So you're getting real nutrition, not just fillers.

However, it’s nutrient-dense, so you typically need to feed less. We know your dog is more than a pet. They're your furry four-legged family member, and they deserve the very best.

How do I store it?

Air dried dog food is easy to store and doesn’t require refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dry place in its original packaging or an airtight container.

Can I use it as a treat or meal topper?

Yes! Whether as a full meal, a tasty topper, or a next-level training treat, Air Dried food is as versatile as it is delicious.

Key Takeaways

• Air dried dog food is a nutrient-packed, easy-to-store alternative to kibble, raw, and freeze-dried food. Get the simplicity and digestibility of raw food without the mess or bacteria risks.
• The air drying process removes moisture without high heat, preserving nutrients and flavor. This method keeps essential proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins intact.
• Air dried food is minimally processed and made with high-quality ingredients. Many recipes include real meat like beef, chicken, and organ meats.
• It’s a great option for active dogs, puppies, and seniors. High-protein formulas support energy levels, while gentle drying makes it easy to digest.
• Air dried dog food is safer and more convenient than raw diets. It eliminates harmful bacteria while maintaining the nutritional value of raw ingredients.
• Choosing the right Air Dried food means looking for quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. Avoid artificial additives, fillers, and low-quality proteins.
• Redbarn’s Gently Air Dried Powerfood recipes stand out for their high protein content and clean ingredients. They're made in the USA, free from grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives.

Ready to Give Air Dried a Try?

If you want a high-quality, nutrient-rich, and easy-to-store option to support your dog's health, Air Dried Powerfood for dogs might just be the perfect fit. Whether used as a complete meal or a meal topper, it offers the health benefits of raw ingredients without the hassle of raw diets.

Ready to upgrade your dog's food? Try Redbarn's Gently Air Dried Powerfood Recipes, available in delicious flavors like Beef, Chicken, Healthy Digestion, Puppy, Small Breed, Skin & Coat. High in protein and free from grains, gluten, and artificial additives, our Air Dried food is a nutritious and convenient choice for any dog.