Air-dried vs Freeze-dried

With there being so many new options on offer for pet owners to chose from nowadays it's hard to know what to feed your dogs. With both freeze-dried and air-dried food types being relatively new we thought we would explain a bit more into the difference between both of these processes. 

Freeze-dried pet food

Simply put, freeze drying is a dehydration process using low temperatures, and refers to removing the moisture from the ingredients by turning the water into ice, before turning it into liquid vapour through applied pressure. 

Freeze-dried dog foods are produced in 3 steps: 

1. A freezing phase whereby the temperature is lowered until any liquid in the ingredients turns to ice.
2. A primary drying, or sublimation phase, where pressure is let off to reduce any moisture in the ingredients. 
3. Lastly, a further secondary drying or, absorption phase. During the final stage the temperature is raised in order to break the bonds between the food and water. 

Benefits of freeze dried foods include having a long shelf life, usually up to a year from production and it's convenience;  all you have to do is scoop and serve. 

The Innocent Hound's air-dried food

Unlike freeze-dried dog food, air-dried food requires very little processing. We do not apply any heat or pressure to our fresh, raw ingredients, instead we use a gentle airflow under 40 degrees to gently remove moisture; a process that can take up to 7 days but retains all the natural nutrients flavour. 

Our air-dried food offers the health benefits of a raw diet, but with the convenience of a kibble. As air-dried dog food is highly digestible and more concentrated, the feeding requirements are less than other types of food. Due to its digestibility, more of the nutrients are absorbed resulting in smaller and firmer poos – which is always a bonus!

It can also be stored at room temperature, with no need to freeze, refrigerate, thaw or soak - simply pour from the pack and serve.