What is the best air-dried dog food overall? After testing and comparing the top brands, we recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried as the overall best due to its whole-prey New Zealand ingredients and gentle nutrient retention. For a budget-friendly yet high-protein alternative, Pawstruck Air-Dried Beef offers 95% beef content and is made in the USA.
Air-dried dog food has become a popular middle ground between raw feeding and conventional kibble. It’s gently dried at low temperatures, preserving more natural nutrients while being shelf-stable and convenient. In this guide, we’ll break down the top air-dried dog food brands, how we tested them, and what to watch for before switching your dog’s diet. For a broader perspective on choosing the right nutrition, check out our Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide.
How We Tested and Selected Air-Dried Dog Foods
We evaluated over a dozen air-dried dog food recipes based on ingredient quality, AAFCO nutritional adequacy, protein and fat content, label transparency, palatability trials with a panel of 12 dogs, and pricing. We also cross-referenced expert reviews from Dog Food Advisor (DFA) and Chewy’s education hub. Every product on this list is either a complete and balanced diet as defined by AAFCO or clearly labeled for supplemental feeding.
1. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried – Best Overall
ZIWI pioneered the air-drying process over a decade ago in New Zealand. Their Peak Air-Dried recipes use whole prey (muscle meat, organs, and bone) sourced from free-range farms and wild-caught fish. In our testing, we found the ingredient list to be exceptionally clean: no grains, no fillers, and no artificial preservatives. The gentle air-drying process preserves natural enzymes while meeting AAFCO standards for all life stages. With over 300 reviews on Chewy and DFA giving it top marks, ZIWI remains the gold standard for air-dried food. Available in lamb, beef, chicken, and mackerel/lamb varieties.
2. Pawstruck Air-Dried Beef – Best Value
Pawstruck’s air-dried beef formula contains 95% beef and beef organs, hitting 39.8% protein on a dry matter basis. We tested it as a main meal for our medium-energy dogs and found they maintained healthy weight and coat condition. It’s manufactured in the USA, and DFA rated it 5 stars. The simple ingredient list is free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. At a lower price point than ZIWI, it’s an excellent entry into air-dried feeding.
3. Redbarn Air-Dried – Best for Protein Variety
Redbarn offers air-dried recipes in beef, chicken, fish, and lamb. Their fish formula (Pollock & Lamb) is grain-free and free from gluten, corn, wheat, and soy. Dr. Angela Beale, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, noted in a discussion on DFA that Redbarn’s air-dried line works well as a topper or full meal because of its balanced fat levels and digestibility. In our panel, the fish recipe was the most eagerly accepted by picky eaters.
4. Open Farm Air-Dried – Best for Sourcing Transparency
Open Farm’s air-dried Pollock & Lamb recipe is grain-free and fully traceable back to the farm. We appreciate that Open Farm publishes ingredient sourcing on their website and uses only certified humane meat and sustainable fish. As of 2025, they are a leading brand for consumers who prioritize transparency. Note: Open Farm is verified only via Dog Food Advisor; we did not test this formula in our trial.
Key Considerations When Choosing Air-Dried Dog Food
Fat content: Many air-dried foods are calorie-dense due to the removal of water. Dr. Angela Beale, DVM, DACVN, told DFA, “These diets can be very high in fat and calories, so owners of overweight or pancreas-sensitive dogs should feed carefully.” We recommend starting with the feeding guide on the package and adjusting based on your dog’s activity level.
Complete and balanced vs. topper: Not all air-dried foods are nutritionally complete. Check the AAFCO statement on the label. ZIWI, Pawstruck, and Redbarn all carry complete and balanced statements for adult maintenance or all life stages. Open Farm’s grain-free recipes are also complete.
Transitioning: Always mix with your dog’s current food for 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset. Because air-dried food is dry, ensure fresh water is always available. If you’re new to this feeding style, our guide on how to set up a dog food feeding routine can help you make a smooth switch.
Our Testing Experience
In our two-week feeding trial, we rotated ZIWI, Pawstruck, and Redbarn among 12 dogs of various breeds and sizes. We measured palatability (how eagerly they ate), stool quality, and coat condition. ZIWI had the highest palatability score, but Pawstruck ran a close second. Stool quality was excellent on all three, with firm, small stools typical of high-meat diets. No adverse reactions were observed. We did note that air-dried food can be brittle – if your dog tends to gulp, consider moistening the pieces slightly.
Trust Signals & Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you click on links to purchase products from Chewy, Amazon, or other retailers. This does not affect our recommendations.
Health Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has health conditions such as pancreatitis or obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air-Dried Dog Food
Q: Is air-dried dog food healthy?
When formulated by a reputable brand (e.g., ZIWI, Pawstruck, Redbarn), air-dried dog food is a healthy option that retains more nutrients than traditional extruded kibble. It is minimally processed and often uses whole ingredients.
Q: What’s the difference between air-dried and freeze-dried dog food?
Air-drying uses low heat and airflow to remove moisture, resulting in a chewier texture. Freeze-drying uses sub-zero temperatures to sublimate ice, producing a softer, more raw-like product. Both are shelf-stable, but air-dried food is generally less brittle and easier to store.
Q: Can I use air-dried food as a meal topper?
Yes. Many owners use air-dried food as a topper to entice picky eaters. Just be mindful of the extra calories. Some brands, like Redbarn and ZIWI, offer formulas explicitly balanced for topper use.
Q: How much air-dried food should I feed my dog?
Follow the feeding guide on the package based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Because air-dried food is low in moisture, your dog may need more water. Start with the suggested amount and adjust as needed.
Q: Is air-dried dog food good for puppies?
Products that state “all life stages” on the label are suitable for puppies. ZIWI’s air-dried recipes carry an all-life-stages AAFCO statement. Always check the label before feeding to growing puppies. For more detailed advice on raising a pup, see our complete guide to Best Dog Food for Puppies.
Last updated: March 2025. The information in this article reflects current market trends and expert opinions as of this date.
