Kibble or Freeze-Dried Dog Food? The Truth About What Your Pup Should Be Eating

If you’ve started to question whether your dog’s kibble is really doing them any good, you’re not alone. More Canadian pet parents are exploring freeze-dried dog food diets, hoping to unlock better digestion, shinier coats, and longer lives for their dogs. But switching from kibble can feel like a big leap - with a lot of unanswered questions.Pet Parents are also exploring freeze-dried raw and dried raw diets as convenient ways to improve their dog’s nutrition.

Some are switching fully, while others are mixing in a scoop with their regular meals and setting up recurring deliveries with convenient autoship programs like ours.

In this article, we’ll help you understand the key differences between kibble and freeze-dried food, who benefits most from each, and how to make the switch safely - if that’s the right move for you and your dog.

What Is Kibble? And, Why It’s Still Popular?

If you’ve been feeding kibble, you’re definitely not alone. It’s still the most common type of food for dogs out there - and for good reason. Kibble is easy, affordable, and widely available, which makes it a go-to for so many Canadian pet parents (ourselves included, at times!). Plus, there are some really great kibble brands out there that do a solid job of meeting dogs’ nutritional needs.

Kibble is made by mixing together ingredients like meat meals, grains, veggies, and added vitamins. That mixture gets cooked at high heat, shaped into those little pellets we all recognize, and then dried and packaged. A lot of kibble is also coated in flavor enhancers to make it more appealing to picky pups.

Now, is it perfect? Not quite - but it definitely has its place. The reality is that the high-heat cooking process can zap some of the natural nutrients from the ingredients, which is why synthetic vitamins are added back in. And while there are some super high-quality kibbles out there (we carry a few ourselves!), there are also a lot of lower-end options that rely on fillers or by-products we wouldn’t recommend.

That’s why it’s important to understand the pros and the trade-offs - so you can make the best decision for your dog and your lifestyle.

Why Pet Parents Love Kibble

• It’s Easy and Convenient: Scoop, pour, done. No prep, no mess. It’s especially helpful when life gets busy or you’re traveling with your pup.
• It’s Budget-Friendly: Kibble dog foods are generally the most affordable option, especially for large dogs or multi-dog households. You can usually feed a dog for just a couple bucks a day.
• It’s Balanced and Complete: Most kibbles meet AAFCO standards, meaning they’ve got all the nutrients dogs need in the right proportions.
• Tons of Variety: Whether your pup needs grain-free, sensitive stomach support, or a specific protein, chances are there’s a kibble that fits the bill.
  

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• It’s Highly Processed: Kibble is cooked at very high temperatures, which can reduce the natural nutrient content. That’s why many brands add synthetic vitamins and minerals.
• Ingredient Quality Can Vary: Not all kibble is created equal. Some use fillers or unnamed meat meals - so it’s worth reading the ingredient list and choosing quality brands.
• It’s Dry, So Hydration Matters: Because kibble has almost no moisture, it’s important to make sure your dog drinks plenty of water - especially if they’re prone to urinary issues.
• Not as Close to a Dog’s Natural Diet: While kibble gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the same fresh, whole-food nutrition that less-processed options like freeze-dried raw or dried raw do.

What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food?

If you’ve been hearing a lot about freeze-dried raw dog foods lately, you’re not imagining things - it’s definitely having a moment. And honestly? For good reason. Freeze-dried raw is kind of like the cool older cousin of kibble: it’s got all the convenience, but with way less processing and way more nutrition. Once you understand how it works, it’s easy to see why so many pet parents are making the switch.

So what exactly is freeze-dried raw dog food? It starts with real, whole ingredients - think raw meat, organs, veggies, and sometimes things like pumpkin or blueberries. That fresh mix is frozen and then put through a process that removes the moisture without using heat. The result? All the nutrients stay mostly intact, but the dog food becomes super lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to serve. It kind of looks like kibble, but it’s way closer to what dogs are meant to eat.

Because it's so shelf-stable, it's also a perfect fit for customers who prefer the ease of autoship and regular delivery.

And just like kibble, you’ve got options. Some people use freeze-dried raw as a full meal, while others add it as a topper or a special treat. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is honestly kind of awesome.

Here’s a breakdown of why freeze-dried food is gaining popularity - and a few things to consider if you’re thinking of trying it:

Why Pet Parents Love Freeze Dried

• It’s Packed with Nutrition: Because freeze-drying skips the high-heat cooking, the food keeps way more of its natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. That means your pup gets closer-to-fresh nutrition in every bite.
• It’s Super Digestible: Since it starts with real, raw ingredients, many dogs find freeze-dried raw food easier to digest than heavily processed kibble. It’s especially great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Dogs LOVE the Taste: If you’ve got a picky eater, this might be your golden ticket. Freeze-dried raw food tends to have a strong, meaty smell and rich flavor that dogs go wild for - no flavor sprays needed.
• Easy to Store and Serve: Like kibble, freeze-dried raw is shelf-stable and doesn’t need refrigeration. Just scoop it into the bowl and add water if you want to rehydrate - it takes a few minutes and makes it even easier on your dog’s digestion.
• Cleaner Ingredients: The best freeze-dried brands (like Dr. Marty, Badlands Ranch, and Smack - hi, fellow Canadians!) focus on whole, recognizable ingredients. You can actually read the label and know exactly what’s going into your dog’s bowl.

Plus, we offer autoship discount (5% off), on all freeze dried dog food which make sticking to a premium diet more affordable and effortless.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• It Costs More Upfront: Freeze-dried food does come with a higher price tag per bag - but because it’s so nutrient-dense, you may end up feeding less. Some pet parents find that the cost balances out over time, especially with fewer vet visits for digestion or skin issues.
• You Might Need to Rehydrate: It’s not required, but adding warm water makes it easier to chew and digest - especially for older dogs or those new to raw-style diets. It only takes a minute or two!
• Handling with Care: Since freeze-dried food starts as raw, it’s important to treat it with the same dog food safety standards. Wash your hands, clean your dog’s bowl, and store it properly (cool, dry place).

Kibble vs Dehydrated Dog Food: Head-to-Head Comparison

Why Freeze-Dried Food Wins

While kibble has its place, freeze-dried food offers a clear step up when it comes to your dog’s overall health and well-being. It’s not just trendy - it’s grounded in real nutritional science and built for how dogs are actually designed to eat. If you’re looking to give your pup a diet that’s easier to digest, richer in nutrients, and more aligned with their natural biology, dried raw is hard to beat.

Here’s what makes it worth the upgrade:

• Minimal Processing, Maximum Nutrition: It’s minimally processed, meaning more nutrients and better bioavailability in every serving.
• Better Hydration Support
• Easier on Sensitive Stomachs
• Visible Improvements in Coat, Energy, and Overall Health
• Supports Cognitive and Joint Health
• Natural Chewing Satisfaction
  

In short, freeze-dried food checks a lot of boxes: it’s clean, nutrient-rich, gentle on digestion, and easy to feed - without sacrificing convenience. Whether you feed it exclusively or use it to boost your current routine, it’s a smart investment in your dog’s long-term health.

And with autoship, it's easy to keep your freezer or pantry stocked with your dog's favourite dried raw meals.

Our Favourite Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Dog Food Brands

If you’re ready to explore freeze-dried or dehydrated dog foods, the good news is: there are some amazing options out there - brands that actually care about what goes into your dog’s bowl (and body). These are the ones we personally recommend, trust, and carry because they deliver on both nutrition and quality.

Here’s a closer look at our top picks:

Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Dr. Marty’s formulas are developed by a renowned integrative veterinarian and focus on real, whole-food ingredients - no grains, artificial preservatives, or meat meals. Each recipe is freeze-dried to preserve maximum nutrition and includes a thoughtful mix of meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Why we love it:

• Super clean ingredient list
• Dogs love the taste (even picky eaters)
• Great for all breeds and life stages
• Easy to break into smaller pieces or use as a topper

📍 Popular with pet parents looking to transition off kibble or support older dogs with joint and digestive needs.

Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete

Formulated with high-quality proteins like grass-fed beef and wild boar, Badlands Ranch offers a freeze-dried food that’s packed with superfoods like sweet potatoes, turmeric, chia seeds, and blueberries. It’s designed to support immunity, digestion, and skin health - all while being super tasty.

Why we love it:

• Nutrient-dense blend of protein and functional ingredients
• Created with long-term wellness in mind
• No fillers, artificial anything, or low-quality meats
• One of the most balanced and digestible options

📍 Great for active dogs, allergy-prone pups, and parents who want premium nutrition without DIYing raw dog food.

Smack Pet Food (Made in Canada!)

Smack is a small-batch, Canadian-made dehydrated raw dog food brand using wild-caught fish, free-range meat, and organic produce. Their air-drying process gently preserves nutrients without needing additives or synthetic vitamins. It’s a fan favorite among holistic pet parents.

Why we love it:

• Fully transparent, Canadian-sourced ingredients
• Minimal processing with zero synthetic supplements
• Hypoallergenic formulas great for sensitive dogs
• Long shelf life with whole-food integrity

📍 Perfect for Canadian pet parents who want to support local while feeding a raw-inspired diet.

Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets

Primal makes raw feeding approachable with freeze dried nuggets you simply crumble and rehydrate. Their recipes include ethically sourced meats, ground bone, and organic fruits and veggies. Primal also offers a great variety of proteins, making it easy to rotate and prevent boredom or intolerances.

Why we love it:

• Ethically sourced meats and high transparency
• Easy to serve and portion (especially for small dogs)
• Excellent variety of proteins (including less common ones like duck and rabbit)
• Strong commitment to dog food safety
• We especially love Primal’s lineup of Primal Freeze-Dried nuggets for their convenience and quality - perfect for first-time freeze dried feeders and rotational diets.

📍 Ideal for rotational feeders and pet parents just starting to explore freeze dried options.

Tip: You don’t have to go all-in from day one. Many pet parents start by mixing a scoop of freeze dried food into their dog’s kibble or using it as a meal topper. It’s a small change that can make a big difference over time.

Conclusion: The Right Choice for Your Pup Starts with Real Nutrition

Choosing what to feed your dog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. And while kibble can absolutely be a convenient and affordable option, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods offer something more: whole-food nutrition, easier digestion, and ingredients you can actually recognize.

If your goal is to help your dog thrive - not just survive - freeze dried food is one of the simplest ways to level up their diet without the mess or hassle of raw feeding. It fits easily into your daily routine, supports better health from the inside out, and let’s be honest - your dog is probably going to love it.

Whether you’re ready to fully switch or just want to start with a scoop here and there, we’re here to help you find the right fit. At Brindle Pet Supplies, we’ve carefully selected freeze dried and dehydrated foods that are trusted by pet nutritionists and loved by dogs across Canada.