Quick answer
- Pawstruck Air Dried Beef is the top pick with a 5-star rating, 95% beef and organs, and a slow-cooked process that locks in nutrition.
- Redbarn Air-Dried Fish Recipe also earns a 5-star rating and is a great choice for dogs that need omega fatty acids from ocean fish.
- Open Farm and ZIWI are premium options with ethically sourced ingredients and gentle air-drying methods, but they come at a higher cost.
- Air-dried dog food sits between kibble and raw: it preserves more nutrients than kibble but is shelf-stable and convenient like dry food.
I've been testing air-dried dog foods for a few years now, and I have opinions. Strong ones. If you're looking at air-dried dog food brands in 2025, you're probably trying to figure out which one is actually worth the money and which ones are just marketing hype. Let me save you some time.
Air-dried dog food is made by removing moisture from raw ingredients using a slow air-drying process. According to Dog Food Advisor, this method preserves nutrients and retains more vitamins and minerals compared to dry kibble. It's typically high in protein, often contains more meat than kibble, and has a soft, palatable texture that's easier to chew. Think of it as the middle ground between raw food and kibble. You get the nutritional density of raw without the freezer space and the convenience of kibble without the heavy processing. For a broader overview, check out our Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide to see how air-dried fits into the bigger picture of dog nutrition.
I've been feeding my own dogs air-dried food for about two years now. My picky eater actually finishes her bowl. That never happened with kibble.
The top brands, ranked by what actually matters
Dog Food Advisor's 2026 list is the most comprehensive I've found. They require a minimum 4-star rating to qualify, and every food is independently reviewed using their proprietary methodology. The leading brands in their selection include Open Farm and Pawstruck. If you want to see how these stack up against all the top-rated options, check out our list of the 10 Best Dog Foods in 2025. Here's how the big names stack up.
Pawstruck Air Dried Beef is the one to beat. It earned a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor, and for good reason. It's made with 95% beef and beef organs, packed with salmon oil, vitamins, and minerals to support hip and joint health. No artificial preservatives. The dry matter label analysis shows 39.8% protein, 28.4% fat, and 23.8% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%. That's a solid nutritional profile for active dogs. It's grain-free, non-GMO, and made in the USA. If you want a single-protein option that's hard to beat, this is it.
Redbarn Air-Dried Fish Recipe also earned a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor. Redbarn calls their line Powerfood, and it's gently air-dried to preserve natural nutrients and flavor. Made with real meat, added vitamins and minerals, and no grain, gluten, corn, wheat, or soy. It works as a meal, topper, or treat. The fish recipe is loaded with ocean-fish-based omega fatty acids, which is great for puppies and dogs with skin issues. I've used it as a topper for picky eaters and it works like a charm.
Open Farm is another brand that consistently shows up in the top lists. They use ethically sourced ingredients, including wild-caught fish and humanely raised meat. Their air-dried food is bone broth infused, which adds flavor and extra nutrients. Open Farm is a solid choice if you care about sourcing transparency. They publish where every ingredient comes from. That level of detail matters to some people more than others.
ZIWI is the brand that basically invented the category. They pioneered the world's first air-drying technology for dog food. Their Z-TWINTECH process gently circulates warm air to dry the food while protecting the nutritional integrity of their New Zealand ingredients. ZIWI uses only the best of nature's raw ingredients, crafted via gentle methods inspired by nature, with no harsh processing. Their air-dried range includes beef, chicken, lamb, mackerel and lamb, tripe and lamb, and venison. ZIWI's website indicates their air-dried food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards. It's nutrient-dense and works as a complete meal or a mixer. The venison recipe is particularly good for dogs with food sensitivities.
Sundays for Dogs is a vet-formulated, air-dried dog food that delivers fresh food made easy. It's a newer player but has gained traction fast. Sundays is designed to be a complete and balanced diet, and it's made with human-grade ingredients. The texture is more like a soft, airy biscuit than traditional air-dried food. Some dogs love it, some dogs look at it like you're trying to feed them cardboard. Your mileage may vary.
Badlands Ranch has a comprehensive guide on air-dried dog food that explains how it's made, how it compares to kibble and raw, and why it may be the healthier choice for your dog. They're a solid brand if you're looking for superfood-packed recipes.
How air-dried compares to kibble and raw
Air-dried food sits in a sweet spot. Kibble is extruded under high heat and pressure, which destroys some nutrients. Raw food is nutritionally dense but requires freezer storage and careful handling. Air-dried food uses low heat over a long period to remove moisture while keeping the nutritional profile intact. According to Badlands Ranch's guide, it's a healthier choice because it avoids the harsh processing of kibble while being more convenient than raw.
Dr. Angela Beale, DVM, told Dog Food Advisor that air-dried foods can be a convenient choice for pet parents looking for a whole-food, preservative-free diet. She also noted that since many air-dried foods contain a high percentage of meat, owners should consider the fat content, which may be higher than other dog foods. That's worth keeping in mind if your dog is overweight or has pancreatitis.
What to look for when buying air-dried dog food
First, check the protein content. Most air-dried foods are high in protein, but you want to see a specific percentage. Pawstruck hits 39.8% protein on a dry matter basis. That's excellent. Second, look at the ingredient list. You want real meat as the first ingredient, not meat meal or by-products. Third, check for AAFCO compliance. Dog Food Advisor requires a minimum 4-star rating to qualify for their list, and that rating depends on ingredient quality, fat-to-protein ratios, and AAFCO nutritional adequacy. If your dog has food sensitivities, also see our guide on the Best Dog Food for Allergies & Sensitive Stomach for tailored advice.
How to transition your dog to air-dried food
- Start by mixing 25% air-dried food with 75% of your dog's current food for 2-3 days.
- Increase to a 50/50 mix for another 2-3 days.
- Move to 75% air-dried and 25% old food for 2-3 days.
- Finally, switch to 100% air-dried food.
- Monitor your dog's stool and energy levels during the transition. If you see loose stool, slow down the process.
Frequently asked questions
What is air-dried dog food?
Air-dried dog food is made by removing moisture from raw ingredients using a slow air-drying process. This method preserves nutrients and retains more vitamins and minerals compared to dry kibble, according to Dog Food Advisor.
Is air-dried dog food better than kibble?
Yes, for most dogs. Air-dried food retains more natural nutrients because it avoids the high-heat extrusion process used to make kibble. It's typically higher in protein and contains more meat.
Which air-dried dog food brand is the best?
Pawstruck Air Dried Beef is the top-rated option with a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor. It's made with 95% beef and beef organs, and it's free of artificial preservatives.
Is air-dried dog food safe for puppies?
Yes, many air-dried foods are formulated for all life stages. Pawstruck Air Dried Beef meets AAFCO standards for all life stages. Always check the label to confirm.
How long does air-dried dog food last?
Air-dried dog food is shelf-stable and typically has a long shelf life, similar to kibble. Once opened, store it in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks for best freshness.
Can air-dried dog food be used as a topper?
Absolutely. Redbarn's Powerfood works as a meal, topper, or treat. Many owners use air-dried food to add variety to their dog's diet without switching completely.
My final take
If you're looking for the best air-dried dog food, start with Pawstruck Air Dried Beef. It's the highest-rated option, the ingredient list is clean, and the nutritional profile is hard to beat. If your dog needs more omega fatty acids, go with Redbarn's fish recipe. If you want the most ethical sourcing, Open Farm is your brand. And if you want the original, the brand that pioneered the category, ZIWI is still excellent. You really can't go wrong with any of these, but Pawstruck is the one I'd put my own money on.
