Freeze-Dried vs. Frozen Raw: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been exploring raw feeding for your dog, you’ve probably come across two popular options: freeze-dried raw and frozen raw. Both are rooted in the same philosophy: feeding dogs a metabolically appropriate diet made from real, whole ingredients. However, they differ in how they’re made, stored, and served.

At Bones & Co., we’re all about education, so here’s a breakdown of the differences and how to choose what’s best for your pup.

The Basics: How They’re Made

Frozen Raw

Frozen raw food is simply raw, fresh food that’s frozen to preserve nutrients. Nothing is cooked, and the freezing process locks in all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. At Bones & Co., our frozen raw meals are crafted from high-quality meats, organ blends, and healthy fats with no grains, fillers, or synthetic additives.

Freeze-Dried Raw

Freeze-dried raw starts as raw food too, but instead of freezing it solid, it’s placed in a special vacuum chamber that removes moisture through a low-temperature dehydration process. This preserves nutrients and flavor while making the food shelf-stable. It’s raw nutrition in a shelf-stable form.

Nutritional Differences

Both forms retain most of the raw diet’s nutritional benefits, including high-quality proteins, natural fats, and enzymes. Frozen raw tends to stay slightly closer to “fresh from the source.”
Because freeze-drying removes moisture, some delicate nutrients and beneficial bacteria may be reduced. However, both are far superior to traditional kibble or cooked foods when it comes to nutrient density and bioavailability.

✅ Frozen Raw: Closest to fresh, complete nutrition.
✅ Freeze-Dried Raw: Nearly identical nutrition with a longer shelf life.

Storage and Convenience

Frozen Raw:

  • Must be kept in the freezer until mealtime.

  • Requires thawing before serving (or skip overnight thawing with the scoop & serve frozen raw bites!)

  • Perfect for pet parents with freezer space and consistent routines.

Freeze-Dried Raw:

  • Shelf-stable and lightweight, no refrigeration needed.

  • Great for travel, training treats, or backup meals.

  • Simply add water, bone broth or goat milk to rehydrate before feeding.

If you love the convenience of dry food but want to keep the raw nutrition, freeze-dried might be the best of both worlds.

Taste and Texture

Dogs love both options. Frozen raw has the juicy, meaty texture closest to what dogs would eat in nature. Freeze-dried raw has a lighter, crumbly texture that becomes moist and flavorful once rehydrated. 

Many pet parents use freeze-dried pieces as toppers or training treats, even if they feed frozen raw as the main meal.

Cost and Feeding Approach

Because of the additional processing, freeze-dried raw tends to be more expensive per pound than frozen raw. However, it’s incredibly convenient and travel-friendly.

If you’re feeding large dogs or multiple pets, frozen raw is often the more economical, sustainable choice.

Many pet parents find success combining both by feeding Bones & Co. frozen raw meals at home and using freeze-dried options on the go.

The Bones & Co. Promise

No matter which form you choose, every Bones & Co. meal is crafted with the same care and commitment:

  • Responsibly sourced proteins

  • Balanced nutrition for optimal health

  • Zero grains, fillers, or synthetic additives

At Bones & Co., we believe dogs deserve real food made right, whether it’s frozen raw or freeze-dried.

Which One Is Right for Your Dog?

If you value maximum freshness and want the full raw experience, frozen raw is your best bet.
If you need portability, convenience, or a healthy way to supplement, freeze-dried raw is a fantastic option.

Either way, your pup benefits from the power of raw nutrition, the way Mother Nature intended.

Bones & Co.