Dehydrated Dog Food:
Is It a Good Option for Your Pet?

Dehydrated dog food is gaining popularity—and for good reason. As more pet owners look for safer, healthier alternatives to raw or overly processed foods, dehydrated options are proving to be a nutritious and convenient choice.

✅ Quick Answer: Is dehydrated dog food good for dogs?
Yes. Dehydrated dog food is safe, nutrient-dense, and convenient. The process preserves natural vitamins and minerals while preventing bacteria growth. It’s easier to store, lasts longer than raw food, and can be customized at home to suit your dog’s health needs.

In this guest post, Jackie Edwards explores why dehydrated dog food may be one of the best feeding options for your furry friend.

Bulldog chewing on a bone outdoors, symbolizing the appeal of dehydrated dog food

Guest Post by JACKIE EDWARDS

According to the CDC, raw food diets can make your dog sick, as germs like salmonella and listeria bacteria are often found in them.

Dry and dehydrated food represents a much safer option for your dog; to give your dog the best possible nutrition, you could even consider making your own dehydrated dog food as opposed to buying it from the store. 

What Exactly Is Dehydrated Dog Food—and How’s It Made?

Dehydrated dog food is food that has gone through the process of dehydration. Dehydration removes moisture from food but, at the same time, preserves all the nutrients.

It is the cheapest but also the healthiest way to preserve food, as it mimics the action of the sun. Dehydrating your dog's food at home is the best way to preserve all the nutritional value as gentle dehydration produces a nutrient-dense and high-quality food.

Dehydration, as well as preserving nutritional value, stops microorganisms from growing; in fact, bacteria and yeast need water to grow, so by removing water and moisture, foods will not spoil. 

Picky Pup? Here’s What to Do If Your Dog Refuses Dehydrated Food

There are a number of reasons why your dog may not be eating dehydrated food, so it's important to consider all the possibilities. Lack of appetite is not uncommon, and the causes could be health-related as well as behavior-related.

Food quality is an important aspect to consider, as dogs will refuse foods that they perceive as rancid or unpalatable. For this reason, making your own dehydrated dog food is definitely a better and yummier option than buying it at the store.

Furthermore, it is important to give your dog time to adjust to a different diet. Your dog may have a sensitive stomach or have difficulty adjusting to changes in diet, so it's best to take a gradual and slow approach, extending the transition over a few days. 

SUSAN'S NOTE: If your dog doesn't want to eat dehydrated dog food because he's been used to eating wet canned dog food, try rehydrating some of your dehydrated dog food.


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dehydrated dog food (chicken chow) that looks like nuggetsDehydrated dog food, made from our Chicken Chow!

Why Dehydrated Dog Food May Be the Healthiest Choice for Dogs

Dehydrated dog food, especially if made at home, is minimally processed but still packed full of nutrients, thanks to the dehydration process. This means that it also doesn't contain any of the harmful chemicals that could potentially cause issues for your dog. 

It's a great choice for those who frequently take their dogs everywhere, as it can be made in batches and easily stored since it doesn't require refrigeration and lasts for a long time.

Traveling With Your Dog? Why Dehydrated Food Is the Perfect Pack-along

It's also easy to pack and doesn't add much weight to your luggage; all you need to do before feeding it to your dog is add some water and you're good to go! 

Dehydrated dog food is also a healthy choice for humans; while we're not recommending you share your dog's dinner, coming into contact with it is not going to transmit harmful bacteria such as salmonella. It's also cheaper than raw food but also more nutritious.

Nutrient-dense, cheap, and incredibly healthy, dehydrated dog food really represents the healthiest option to keep your pet well-fed and happy. 

"If we measured our affection toward others
by how many nicknames we bestow upon them,
our pets would be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein

"If we measured our affection
toward others by how many
nicknames we bestow upon
them, our pets would
be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein

Surprising Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Dehydrated Meals

Here are some of the potential benefits of feeding dogs a dehydrated homemade dog food like Susan's Chicken Chow:

  • Ingredient control and quality. Since you are making the food yourself, you can control exactly what ingredients go into it and source high-quality meats, vegetables, etc. This allows you to avoid questionable ingredients found in some commercial dog foods.
  • Customization for your dog's needs. Homemade food allows you to tweak recipes to best match your individual dog's dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, etc.
  • Better digestibility. The dehydration process may preserve nutrients better than extrusion or canning used in commercial dog foods. Some dogs may find a gently home-cooked food more easy to digest as well.
  • Variety and rotation. Cooking different homemade recipes allows you to rotate through different protein sources, fruits/veg, etc. This adds variety to the diet.
  • Potential health benefits. Some evidence suggests homemade foods may provide benefits for dogs prone to certain conditions like skin allergies, ear infections, dental issues, or kidney/bladder stones. More research is still needed though.

Dehydrated Dog Food FAQs You’ll Be Glad You Asked

Is dehydrated dog food safe for senior dogs?

Yes. Senior dogs often benefit because it’s easier to digest, gentler on the stomach, and nutrient-rich. Just be sure to adjust protein levels to your vet’s advice.

How long does homemade dehydrated dog food last?

When stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, dehydrated dog food can last 6–12 months. Always make smaller, fresh batches for the best nutrition.

Is dehydrated dog food cheaper than commercial kibble?

It depends on ingredients. Homemade batches often cost less in the long run, especially if you dehydrate in bulk. You also gain control over quality, which is priceless.

Can I mix dehydrated dog food with kibble or wet food?

Absolutely. Many owners combine dehydrated meals with kibble or canned food for a gradual transition or to add variety.

How do I rehydrate dehydrated dog food?

Add cool water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This improves aroma, texture, and palatability—especially helpful for picky eaters.

Final Takeaways: Why Dehydrated Dog Food Is Worth Considering

Thanks again to Jackie for sharing these insights on the benefits of dehydrated dog food. If you're inspired to try a homemade version, you might like my Chicken Chow recipe—it’s a dehydrator-friendly option that my own pup loves.

→ A happy pet starts with a safe home — see these smart decor tips for pet-friendly kitchens Check out these pet-hazard tips.

Dehydrated dog food gives you peace of mind—safe storage, healthy ingredients, and meals your pup will love.

If you’re excited to try your hand at homemade dehydrated recipes, don’t miss my free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). Inside, you’ll find human-friendly favorites like carrot soup, minestrone, split pea, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls. It’s the perfect way to put your dehydrating skills to good use—for both you and your furry friend.

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