Best Air-Dried Dog Food: Top Picks for Your Pup’s Health and Nutrition

Air-dried dog food is a relatively new product in the pet food market, but it has quickly gained popularity among pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and convenient diet. Air-drying is a process that removes moisture from the raw ingredients, preserving the nutrients and flavors while eliminating the need for preservatives.

Compared to traditional kibble or canned food, air-dried dog food is more natural and nutritious. It contains high-quality protein sources, such as grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild-caught fish, as well as fruits, vegetables, and herbs that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Air-dried dog food is also easy to store and serve, as it doesn’t require refrigeration or complicated preparation.

When choosing the best air-dried dog food for your furry friend, there are several factors to consider. The first one is the quality of the ingredients, as not all air-dried dog foods are created equal. Look for brands that use human-grade, whole-food ingredients without fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. Another important factor is the protein-to-fat ratio, which should be balanced to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and prevent obesity or malnourishment.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing ten of the best air-dried dog foods on the market to help you make an informed decision. We evaluated each product based on its ingredients, nutritional value, taste, texture, and overall value for money. Whether you have a picky eater, a sensitive stomach, or a high-energy dog, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best air-dried dog food.

Best Air-Dried Dog Food

We know that finding the best dog food for your furry friend can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best air-dried dog foods on the market. Air-dried dog food is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and nutritious diet without sacrificing convenience. These products are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your four-legged companion. Check out our top picks below.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef

We highly recommend the Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef for pet parents looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious alternative to highly-processed kibble.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Slowly oven-roasted at a low temperature, each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor.
• Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings.
• Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility, this healthy dog food is vet recommended, ensuring your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

Cons

• Expensive: This dog food is pricier than some other options on the market.
• Crumbles Easily: The food can crumble easily, which may be a problem for some pet parents.
• Not Suitable for All Dogs: Some dogs may not be able to digest this food well due to its high protein content.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is an excellent choice for pet parents looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious dog food. The slowly oven-roasted process provides maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor, while the real beef ingredient satisfies your pup’s carnivore cravings. It is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF certified facility, ensuring your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

While this dog food is pricier than some other options on the market, we believe the quality of the ingredients and the health benefits for your dog make it worth the investment. However, some pet parents may find that the food crumbles easily, which could be a problem for messy eaters. Additionally, some dogs may not be able to digest this food well due to its high protein content.

Overall, we highly recommend the Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef for pet parents looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious alternative to highly-processed kibble.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice. We highly recommend this product for its high protein content, limited ingredient list, and ethical sourcing.

Pros

• The authentic whole-prey ratios feature 96% free-range chicken, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels, providing peak nutrition and mouth-watering taste for even the pickiest dogs.
• The limited ingredient (LID) premium dog food is grain-free and low-carb, making it ideal for food-sensitive dogs. It contains no cheap fillers such as grain, potato, or peas, which are linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health concerns.
• The poultry heart, New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp provide a 10% superfood boost, with holistic ingredients to support digestion, healthy skin and coat, joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote heart and brain health.

Cons

• The price point might be higher than other dog foods on the market, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.
• Some dogs may take time to adjust to the new diet, so it’s important to transition slowly and follow the feeding instructions.
• The packaging might be a bit bulky for some pet owners, but the product’s quality and benefits make it a worthwhile purchase.

We’ve been using ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for our furry friend, and we’re impressed with the results. Our dog loves the taste, and we’re happy that the product is made with ethically sourced ingredients. The high protein content keeps our dog healthy and active, and the LID formula ensures that there are no unnecessary fillers or allergens in the food. We highly recommend this product to any dog owner who wants to provide their pet with the best possible nutrition.

Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals RawTernative Air Dried Dog Food 3 LB Lamb and Lamb Organs Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality air-dried dog food that contains real lamb and lamb organs, then Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals RawTernative Lamb and Lamb Organs Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• Contains 90% real grass-fed lamb and lamb organs raised ethically in New Zealand, with no added hormones or antibiotics.
• Gently air dried, which maintains the nutrients and natural taste of the raw ingredients.
• All-natural, complete diet, enhanced with prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
• Expensive compared to other dog food options.

We recently tried this air-dried dog food with our furry friend and were impressed by the quality of the ingredients. The lamb and lamb organs are sourced from New Zealand, which is known for its high-quality meat. We also appreciated that the food is gently air dried, which helps to maintain the nutrients and natural taste of the ingredients.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it contains 90% real lamb and lamb organs, making it a great source of protein for dogs. It’s also an all-natural, complete diet that is enhanced with prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great choice for dogs of all life stages.

However, it’s important to note that this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that this dog food is more expensive compared to other dog food options.

Overall, we would recommend Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals RawTernative Lamb and Lamb Organs Recipe to any dog owner who is looking for a high-quality air-dried dog food that contains real lamb and lamb organs.

IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

We highly recommend purchasing IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken as it is a complete and balanced meal that supports whole-body health with essential nutrients.

Pros

• Made with real farm-raised chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics
• Supports nutrient absorption with fiber from beet pulp and prebiotics

Cons

• Trace amounts of wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing
• May not be suitable for dogs with severe digestive issues
• Some dogs may not like the taste

IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great everyday solution to support your dog’s whole-body health throughout life. The recipe supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics. It is made with real, farm-raised chicken, and formulated without wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.

We appreciate that the recipe contains essential nutrients that help provide the energy your pup needs for everyday activities and socialization. We also like that IAMS has a portfolio of wet and dry food for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, providing tailored nutrition for every pet’s unique needs at every stage of life.

In conclusion, IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option for pet owners looking for a complete and balanced meal that supports their dog’s overall well-being.

IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

If you’re looking for a high-quality air-dried dog food that meets the specific nutritional needs of small breed dogs, IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Real, farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for your dog’s muscles.
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
• Antioxidants support your dog’s immune system.

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• Contains some fillers and artificial preservatives.

We’ve been using IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our small breed dog for several months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog has a shiny coat, healthy skin, and plenty of energy. The kibble is small and easy for our dog to chew, and she seems to enjoy the taste.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food does contain some grains, so if your dog has a grain sensitivity, you may want to look for a grain-free option. Additionally, while most dogs seem to enjoy the taste and texture of the kibble, some picky eaters may not be as enthusiastic.

Overall, we would definitely recommend IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to other small breed dog owners. It’s a high-quality option that provides the nutrition your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.

IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Whole Grains, 15 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that’s packed with nutrition and flavor, the IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Includes 7 essential nutrients for a healthy heart
• Enriched with antioxidants to help support your dog’s immune health

Cons

• Contains corn and other grains which may be an issue for some dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• Some dogs may not like the smaller kibble size
• May be more expensive than other dog food brands

We recently tried this dog food with our furry friend and were impressed with the results. The smaller kibble size was perfect for our dog who tends to eat too fast, and the real chicken flavor had him wagging his tail in excitement.

The tailored blend of natural fiber and prebiotics supports healthy digestion, and the 7 essential nutrients help support a healthy heart and whole-body health. We also appreciated that the recipe is enriched with antioxidants to help maintain a strong immune system.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food contains corn and other grains, which may be an issue for some dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, some dogs may not like the smaller kibble size, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this food.

Overall, we would recommend the IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that’s packed with nutrition and flavor.

IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag Chicken 1.88 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a healthy weight control dog food that your furry friend will love, IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great choice.

Pros

• Contains premium nutrition with L-carnitine -amp; less fat to support healthy weight in adult dogs
• Wholesome grains provide essential nutrients -amp; carbohydrates for healthy energy
• Supports strong, firm muscles with protein sourced from chicken -amp; egg

Cons

• Some customers have reported that this product gave their dog a lot of gas
• A few customers have reported that the product arrived with other items in the box that caused the dog food to get smushed
• Some customers have reported that their dog did not like the taste of the food

We’ve been using this dog food for a few months now and have seen a noticeable difference in our dog’s weight. The premium nutrition with L-carnitine and less fat has helped our dog maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

The wholesome grains in the food provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy, which has helped our dog stay active and playful. The protein sourced from chicken and egg has also helped support our dog’s strong, firm muscles.

While some customers have reported that this product gave their dog a lot of gas or that their dog did not like the taste, we have not had any issues with either of these problems. Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Weight Control Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for any dog owner looking for a healthy weight control option.

IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag Lamb,Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable option for your furry friend, IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice is a great choice.

Pros

• Real, premium lamb as the first ingredient
• Promotes healthy digestion with a blend of fibers and prebiotics
• Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

Cons

• Contains corn and chicken by-product meal
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause digestive issues for some dogs with sensitive stomachs

We’ve been using IAMS Minichunks for our dog for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his coat and overall health. The real lamb as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein and the blend of fibers and prebiotics helps promote healthy digestion.

While some dogs may not like the taste, our dog seems to enjoy it and we haven’t had any issues with him refusing to eat it. However, we have noticed that it can cause digestive issues for some dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Overall, we would recommend IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for its affordable price, high-quality ingredients, and positive impact on our dog’s health.

TRMC Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food w/Real USA Chicken – 2lb Bag of Grain-Free Real Meat Dog Food Sourced from Free-Range, Cage-Free Chicken – Digestible, All Natural, High Protein Chicken Chicken 2.00 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for high-quality air-dried dog food, TRMC’s Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food with Real USA Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Made with real, USA-sourced, human grade quality chicken
• Grain-free and free of pesky additives
• Gently air-dried to seal in flavor and nutrition

Cons

• May be too expensive for regular feeding
• Not suitable for dogs with severe allergies
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste

We love that this dog food is made with real, human-grade quality chicken sourced from free-range, cage-free chickens in the USA. It’s grain-free and free of artificial additives, making it a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The gentle air-drying process used to make this dog food seals in the flavor and nutrition, making it a delicious and nutritious option for dogs of all life stages and breeds.

While this dog food is a bit on the expensive side, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the care put into crafting this food make it worth the price. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with severe allergies, as it contains chicken and may be cross-contaminated with other allergens during production.

Overall, we highly recommend TRMC’s Real Meat Air Dried Dog Food with Real USA Chicken for dog owners looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious air-dried dog food option.

Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food | Chicken Recipe Premium Natural Dog Food | All Breeds -amp; Ages | Made in The USA | 2 Pound Bag Chicken 2 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a premium and healthy option for your furry friend, Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• The combination of antibiotic-free chicken organ and muscle meat, along with sustainably sourced sardines, make it a perfect food for sensitive stomachs and rotational feeding.
• The unique holistic formula enriched with organic sprouted seeds makes it highly digestible and helps nurture your dog’s gut health.
• The jerky-like texture created by gentle air-drying process retains the perfect amount of moisture to lock in the natural taste of chicken that dogs crave.

Cons

• The kibbles are fairly big, making it difficult for small breeds to chew.
• It is a bit expensive to feed multiple dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.

We have been using this product for a while now, and we have seen a noticeable improvement in our dog’s health. The premium protein and highly digestible formula have helped with his sensitive stomach issues. The taste and texture of the food are both great, and our dog seems to love it.

One downside we noticed is that the kibbles are fairly big, making it difficult for small breeds to chew. It is also a bit expensive to feed multiple dogs, but we believe the health benefits outweigh the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food for its superior nutritional variety and high-quality ingredients. It is a great alternative to processed kibble and is made with integrity by a trusted B Corp.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best air-dried dog food, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are providing your furry friend with a healthy and balanced diet.

Firstly, it’s important to look for a product that uses high-quality, whole food ingredients. This means avoiding products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Look for ingredients such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits.

Another important factor to consider is the protein content of the dog food. Dogs are carnivores and require a diet that is high in protein. Look for products that have a protein content of at least 25% to ensure that your dog is getting the nutrition they need.

In addition to protein, it’s important to consider the fat content of the dog food. Fat is a vital nutrient for dogs and helps to keep their skin and coat healthy. Look for products that contain healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

When choosing an air-dried dog food, it’s also important to consider the texture and size of the kibble. Some dogs may prefer smaller kibble, while others may prefer larger pieces. Additionally, some dogs may have dental issues and require a softer texture.

Finally, it’s important to consider any specific dietary needs or restrictions your dog may have. For example, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to look for a product that is formulated for easy digestion.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best air-dried dog food for your furry friend and ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated air-dried dog food brands for 2024?

As of 2024, some of the top-rated air-dried dog food brands include Ziwi Peak, Stella -amp; Chewy’s, and The Honest Kitchen. These brands offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to cater to different dog’s dietary needs.

How does air-dried dog food compare to traditional kibble in terms of nutrition?

Air-dried dog food is a more natural and nutrient-dense option than traditional kibble. The air-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients, while removing moisture and harmful bacteria. This makes it a healthier option for your dog.

Can air-dried dog food be a suitable option for large breed dogs?

Yes, air-dried dog food can be a suitable option for large breed dogs. In fact, many air-dried dog food brands offer formulas specifically designed for large breed dogs. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the food meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

What are the cost-effective alternatives to premium air-dried dog food?

If premium air-dried dog food is not within your budget, there are some cost-effective alternatives available. You can consider making homemade air-dried dog food or mixing air-dried food with traditional kibble to stretch your budget.

How do air-dried and freeze-dried dog foods differ?

Air-dried and freeze-dried dog foods are both nutrient-dense and convenient options for pet owners. The main difference between the two is that freeze-drying removes moisture by freezing the food and then evaporating the ice, while air-drying uses warm air to evaporate the moisture. Freeze-drying tends to be more expensive but can have a longer shelf life.

Are there any concerns about bacteria in air-dried dog food?

Air-dried dog food is processed in a way that removes harmful bacteria and other pathogens. However, it is important to handle the food properly and follow storage instructions to prevent contamination. It is also recommended to wash your hands and your dog’s food bowl before and after feeding.