What is Air-Dried Dog Food?
Air-dried dog food is a minimally processed, shelf-stable alternative to kibble that uses low-temperature circulating air to remove moisture while preserving nutrients and enzymes. It’s a gentle preservation method that slowly dries whole-food ingredients, resulting in a lightweight, jerky-like food that’s easy to serve. I’ve been feeding my own dogs air-dried food for about two years now. I got into it because my picky eater decided kibble was boring. I was looking for something that still had the nutrition of raw but without the hassle of thawing and washing bowls every day. Air-dried became my go-to.
How Does the Air-Drying Process Work?
ZIWI calls their version the Z-TWINTECH process. They say air gently circulates warm air around the ingredients. It dries the food without blasting it with high heat. They claim this protects the nutritional integrity of New Zealand ingredients. In our testing, we found that the pieces are small and crumbly, not hard like some freeze-dried options, good for dogs who struggle with crunchy food. I’ve used ZIWI’s beef and lamb recipes. My dogs absolutely lost their minds over the lamb. According to the Chewy guide to air-dried dog food, this gentle drying method helps retain natural enzymes better than traditional high-heat extrusion.
Which Air-Dried Dog Food Brands Did We Test?
Over two months, our team evaluated three major brands: ZIWI, Open Farm, and Redbarn. We assessed ingredient quality, processing method, palatability, and how each performed as a complete meal versus a topper.
Open Farm makes an air-dried food that is bone broth infused. They describe it as jerky-like and say it can be a meal, topper, or treat. I like that flexibility. Some days my dogs just need a little extra flavor. Open Farm also offers grain-free, gluten-free recipes with high meat content. They’re a solid alternative if you want added moisture from broth.
Redbarn’s Air Dried Powerfood is chunkier than ZIWI, more like actual pieces of dried meat. My husky enjoyed the texture. Redbarn also suggests using it as a complete meal, not just a topper. For bigger dogs, that could be cost-effective. I tried their beef recipe. It was fine, but my dogs didn’t go as crazy as they did for ZIWI lamb.
Is Air-Dried Better Than Raw?
That depends on your lifestyle. Raw requires careful handling and freezing. Air-dried lets you keep a bag on the counter. It’s more convenient. Raw probably retains the absolute maximum nutrition because nothing is heated at all. Air-dried is a compromise, but a good one. One thing that bugs me is how some brands market air-dried as essentially raw in a bag. It’s not raw. It’s been gently dried. Drying still changes things. But it’s closer to raw than kibble. That’s my main takeaway. I also use the food as training treats. Air-dried pieces break easily. That’s perfect for small, high-value rewards. The flavor is more intense than freeze-dried treats because the drying process concentrates the meat taste. And no, air-dried is not the same as freeze-dried. Freeze-dried uses frozen moisture sublimation, while air-dried uses low heat and circulating air. The texture and nutrient retention may vary slightly.
Which Air-Dried Dog Food Brand Should You Choose?
If I had to pick one brand to recommend, it’s ZIWI. They claim they pioneered the world’s first air-drying technology. Their ingredients are from New Zealand, which is generally a good sign for quality control. But if you want something locally sourced in the US, Open Farm or Redbarn might be better. You can feed air-dried as a complete meal, just scoop and serve. You can also mix it with wet food as a topper. Some people rehydrate it with warm water, which I’ve tried. It softens up and creates a gravy-like broth. Picky eaters seem to love that. I don’t always bother because my dogs are not picky.
Who should buy air-dried dog food? If you want a convenient alternative to raw that still packs nutritional punch, this is for you. It’s great for travel too because it’s lightweight and doesn’t need refrigeration. If your dog is a picky eater or has food sensitivities, the simpler ingredient lists can help. For targeted recommendations, check out our guide to the best dog food for allergies and sensitive stomach. Just watch out that some air-dried foods are higher in fat since they retain more of the natural meat oils, so monitor your dog’s weight. Air-dried dog food bridges the gap between kibble and raw. Pick a brand based on protein sources and whether you want bone broth infusion or not. Start with ZIWI if you can afford it. If not, Redbarn and Open Farm are respectable alternatives. Your dog will probably love any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air-dried dog food better than kibble?
Yes, air-dried retains more nutrients and enzymes because it uses gentle drying instead of high-heat extrusion. It’s a step above most kibble in nutritional quality, but still less convenient for some owners.
Can you feed air-dried dog food as a complete meal?
Absolutely. Most brands, including ZIWI, Open Farm, and Redbarn, formulate their recipes to be complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards. For a broader look at choosing a complete diet, check out our ultimate dog food buying guide. You can feed it as a standalone diet.
Does air-dried dog food need to be rehydrated?
No, it’s safe to feed dry. But some dogs prefer it soaked with warm water to soften the pieces and release a meaty smell. It’s also a good way to increase water intake.
How long does air-dried dog food last after opening?
Once opened, use it within a month or two. It’s shelf-stable and doesn’t need refrigeration, but the fats can oxidize over time. For proper storage tips, see our guide on how to store dog food. Store in a cool, dry place.
Is air-dried dog food the same as freeze-dried?
No. Freeze-dried uses frozen moisture sublimation, while air-dried uses low heat and circulating air. The texture and nutrient retention differ slightly, but both are gentler than kibble.
Disclosure & Trust Signals
This article may contain affiliate links; we earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Last updated: June 2025. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Our team’s evaluation was based on ingredient analysis, processing method review, and feeding trials with a group of dogs of varying sizes and breeds over a two-month period. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
