Introduction to Freeze‑Dried and Dehydrated Dog Food in Canada
Freeze‑dried dog food is exploding in popularity across Canada - and for good reason. It delivers raw‑style nutrition, packed with essential nutrients, in a shelf-stable format that’s easy to feed and free from artificial fillers. Unlike traditional kibble or canned dog food freeze‑dried dog food helps preserve natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals by using low-heat dehydration methods. If you're researching freeze‑dried dog food in Canada, Dr. Marty dog food and Badlands Ranch dog food are two of the most talked‑about brands - and both are available at brindlepets.ca.
In this post, we go deep. We’ll explore Dr. Marty vs. Badlands Ranch, compare their formulas, ingredients, benefits, and which might be best suited to your dog’s unique needs. Both score high on quality - but the right choice depends on your pup’s lifestyle, health profile, and personal preferences.
What Are Freeze Dried Dog Foods and Why They're Game Changers
If you're searching for the best way to feed your dog real, whole ingredients without sacrificing convenience, freeze‑dried dog food is hard to beat. It's one of the most popular alternatives to kibble - and it’s especially appealing to pet parents looking for a raw or minimally processed diet. But freeze-dried isn’t the only option on the market. Let’s explore the differences between freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated dog food so you can make an informed decision.
Freeze Dried Dog Food: Raw Nutrition with Convenience
Freeze-dried dog food starts with fresh, raw ingredients that are frozen and then put through a special low-pressure drying process. This removes moisture without applying heat, which helps preserve:
- Natural enzymes and amino acids
- Heat-sensitive vitamins and minerals
- Real meat texture and palatability
The result? Lightweight, shelf-stable pieces that can be fed dry or rehydrated with water. Freeze-dried dog food is the closest thing to raw feeding - without the mess or freezer space.
Why freeze-dried raw is a game changer:
- Preserves 90 - 98% of nutrients
- Kills pathogens while keeping food raw
- Highly digestible and flavorful
- Ideal for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs
- Popular for travel, training, and everyday feeding
Popular freeze-dried foods: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, Primal Pet Food and Stella and Chewy’s.
Air-Dried Dog Food: Gently Cooked, Intensely Nutritious
Air-dried dog food uses a slow, low-heat drying process (usually under 90°C) to gently remove moisture from raw ingredients. Unlike freeze-dried food, air-drying partially cooks the food - making it technically not raw, but still far less processed than kibble.
Pros of air-dried dog food:
- More shelf-stable than freeze-dried
- Slightly chewier texture (great for dental health)
- No need to rehydrate
- Retains much of the food’s natural flavor and nutrients
Best for: dogs who need a softer chew than kibble, but not full raw; pet parents who want nutrient-dense food with zero prep.
Popular air-dried foods: Ziwi Peak, Red Dog Blue Kat and Badlands Ranch.
Dehydrated Dog Food: Gently Cooked
Dehydrated dog food starts with cooked ingredients and then removes moisture using higher temperatures than air-drying or freeze-drying. This results in flakes or pieces that need to be rehydrated before feeding. Dehydrated food is not raw, but it's still considered more natural and digestible than heavily processed kibble.
Pros of dehydrated dog food:
- Easy to store and scoop
- Longer shelf life than raw or frozen
- Often more affordable than freeze-dried
- Good for dogs with digestive sensitivities
Popular gently cooked and dehydrated foods: Carna4 and Hurraw.
Freeze Dried vs. Air Dried vs. Dehydrated: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Freeze-Dried |
Air-Dried |
Dehydrated |
|
Processing Temp |
Very low (sub-zero) |
Low heat |
Medium heat |
|
Raw Status |
Raw |
Raw |
Gently Cooked |
|
Texture |
Light, crumbly |
Chewy, jerky-like |
Harder, softens with water |
|
Prep Needed |
Optional rehydration |
Feed as-is |
Optional rehydration |
|
Nutrient Retention |
90–98% |
80–90% |
70–90% |
|
Digestibility |
Excellent |
Very good |
Good |
|
Ideal For |
Raw feeders, picky eaters |
Busy pet parents, dental health |
Sensitive dogs, budget-conscious feeders |
Meet Dr. Marty Dog Food: Vet‑Formulated and Holistic
Dr. Marty Goldstein, a renowned holistic veterinarian, developed Dr. Marty dog food to support whole-body wellness through raw-inspired nutrition.
Origin and Philosophy
Dr. Marty’s formulas include real meats, organ meats, probiotic-rich ingredients, and fiber blends. With a foundation in veterinary science, the food supports healthy digestion, joint health, and immune function. The line includes Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness (all sizes), Small Breed, and treats including; Cod Crispies, Salmon Bites and Cod Cracklers.
Ingredients Overview
- High protein sources: turkey, beef, duck, salmon
- Organ meats: liver, heart for natural nutrient density
- Fruits and vegetables: apples, spinach, carrots
- Probiotics and digestive aids: chicory root, pumpkin
- Grain-free, no artificial preservatives, USA-made
Benefits
- Promotes digestive health with whole-food ingredients
- Ideal for sensitive stomachs and allergies
- Variety of formulas for life stages and sizes
- Backed by Dr. Marty’s veterinary expertise
Considerations
- Only one core recipe; fewer flavors than competitors
- Premium pricing reflects quality
Meet Badlands Ranch: Celebrity-Driven, Raw-Powered Nutrition
Badlands Ranch was founded by actress Katherine Heigl and a dedicated pet nutritionist, combining love for rescue dogs with high-standard nutrition.
Origin and Philosophy
The brand emphasizes ethics - humanely sourced proteins with scrap-free processing. Recipes are slow-cooked then air-dried for maximum nutrient retention. Recipes include Beef, Chicken, Lamb and Venison, Salmon Treats and Chicken Bites.
Ingredients Overview
- Premium proteins: beef, chicken, salmon
- Superfoods: quinoa, chia seeds, turmeric, flaxseed, blueberries
- Balanced vitamins and minerals to avoid synthetic additives
- Grain-free, clean-label, freeze-dried nutrition
Benefits
- Strong support for coat, skin, joints, and inflammation
- Multiple flavor options to please picky eaters
- Celebrity trust and transparency in sourcing
Considerations
- Newer on the market; less history than Dr. Marty
- No small-breed or puppy-specific formula (yet)
Freeze‑Dried Dog Food Canada: Product Line Comparison
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Original
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Small Breed
Dr. Marty Cod Crispies Dog Treats
- Size: 4 oz
- Price Starting at: $19.49
Dr. Marty Cod Cracklers Dog Treats
- Size: 4 oz
- Price Starting at: $19.49
Dr. Marty Joy’s Favourite Salmon Dog Treats
- Size: 4 oz
- Price Starting at: $28.49
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Beef Dog Food
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Chicken Dog Food
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Lamb and Venison Dog Food
Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Treats
- Size: 4 oz
- Price Starting at: $27.35
Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Freeze-Dried Salmon Dog Treats
- Size: 4 oz
- Price Starting at: $27.35
Pros and Cons Side-by-Side
|
Feature |
Dr. Marty |
Badlands Ranch |
|
Formulated by |
Veterinarian |
Nutritionist and celebrity advocate |
|
Life stage options |
All dogs, small breeds, puppies |
All sizes, single-size packaging |
|
Protein variety |
Turkey, beef, duck, salmon |
Beef, chicken, salmon |
|
Superfood ingredients |
Functional fiber & probiotics |
Anti-inflammatory superfoods |
|
Flavor variety |
One base recipe + treats |
Beef, chicken, salmon options |
|
Price |
Premium-tier |
Slightly more accessible |
|
Ideal for |
Sensitive digestion, various life stages |
Pickiness, skin/coat health |
|
Availability in Canada |
Ready for autoship |
Fast shipping nationwide |
How to Choose: Which Brand Fits Your Dog?
For Sensitive Digestion or Allergies
-
Go with Dr. Marty - vet-tested, simple recipe, ideal for reactive tummies.
For Puppies or Small Breeds
-
Dr. Marty nails it with targeted puppy/small-breed formulas.
For Skin, Coat and Joint Health
-
Badlands Ranch features superfoods like turmeric, flax, chia for inflammation and shiny coats.
For Picky Eaters
-
Badlands Ranch offers a variety of flavors - great for temperament-sensitive dogs.
For Budget-Conscious Buyers
-
Badlands Ranch has more bag sizes available which allows each customer to tailor the cost to their needs.
What Canadian Pet Parents Are Saying
"My pup was bloated and itchy - switched to Dr. Marty Small Breed, and the results were almost immediate."
"Badlands Ranch Chicken made my rescue start eating again, and her coat is so shiny now!"
"We rotate: Dr. Marty for digestion, Badlands Ranch for variety - we’ve never been happier."
Freeze‑Dried Feeding Tips: Make the Switch Smooth
- Introduce gradually over 7 days - mix old food 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, then full transition
- Rehydrate with water or stock for added palatability
- Measure based on vet-calculated portions for size and energy
- Use toppers for added flavor (remnants of freeze-dried as crumbles)
- Store in a cool, dry place once opened - freeze-dried preserves shelf life
Why Both Brands Are Great - and Why It’s a Win for Canadian Dogs
Both Dr. Marty dog food and Badlands Ranch dog food offer premium nutrition with whole-food ingredients, vet/nutritionist backing, and no artificial fillers. Whether you go for clinical-grade formulas or superfood-rich blends, your dog gets uncompromised nutritional value backed by transparent sourcing.
Where to Buy in Canada: Fast, Free Delivery via Brindle Pet Supplies
Choose your preferred brand, add to cart, and opt for autoship for convenience. Plus save 5% on every order when you sign up for autoship. Brindle Pet Supplies offers fast and free, coast-to-coast shipping, excellent customer service, and authentic packaged goods.
Final Thoughts
Freeze‑dried dog food is one of the best raw-alternative diets available today. Dr. Marty provides science-based formulations suited for sensitive pups, while Badlands Ranch appeals to dogs needing variety and coat/joint support. In Canada, combining both - rotational feeding or life-stage pairing - often offers the best nutritional coverage.
No matter which you choose, Brindle Pets Canada is your local source. Choose smart, feed fresh, and watch your dog thrive!