In our last blog we covered why raw feeding can be super beneficial to your pet. Your animals absolutely love it and go nuts but you haven’t been the most thrilled dealing with raw meat and the thawing process. Maybe you have a limited time schedule or maybe the sight of blood makes you pass out? What is there to do in this predicament? Fret not friend! We will let you know just what options you have in this situation! Freeze-drying has been a process that has been around for over a century! That is exactly what we’ll be going over in this week’s blog.

 

I suppose we have to start with the elephant in the room. What the heck is Freeze-drying?? Lyophilization; better known as freeze drying, is a preservation method that removes water from a substance by freezing it, then reducing the pressure and applying heat to allow the ice to sublimate directly into vapor, bypassing the liquid phase. This process results in a lightweight, shelf-stable product that retains much of its original shape, flavor, and nutritional value. In simple terms: you freeze it and then use a pressure chamber to evaporate the ice molecules, leaving an identical version with little to zero water. The process of a solid (ice) transforming into a gas (vapor) is called sublimation.

 

Okay, what is the hype about this Zuri? Cut to the chase already! If you have been following along, this makes handling raw meat A LOT more user friendly! It makes its shelf stable so it's not taking up freezer space and it's not going to go bad as soon! Freeze-drying preserves a greater amount of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes compared to traditional cooking methods that use high heat, which can degrade nutrients. It actually preserves about 97% of the original nutrients, while dehydration retains only 60-75%. This is because freeze-drying removes moisture without significantly impacting the food's nutritional integrity, including enzymes. The gentle freeze-drying process makes the food easier for pets to digest, potentially leading to smaller, less smelly stools. Easier digestion can lead to improved nutrient absorption, contributing to overall health. Improved nutrient absorption can help with weight management in your animal as well. It can be a good option for pets with allergies or sensitivities, as it often uses limited, single-protein or novel protein sources. Freeze-dried food retains the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients, making it more appealing to pets. Just like raw food, freeze dried can be used as toppers the same way! It's especially great to entice picky eaters. If you want more ideas on other toppers, visit our past blog: How to Take Your Kibble to the Next Level!

 

Freeze-dried pet food should be stored in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent moisture and spoilage. It can be served dry or rehydrated with water, depending on the product and your pet's preference. Always follow the specific instructions on the packaging for rehydration and feeding. Avoid refrigerating or freezing as it can introduce moisture. Some freeze-dried foods can be served dry, while others require rehydration with water. If rehydrating, follow the instructions on the packaging, typically using warm water.

 

Since we went over the benefits of raw in general last week, I won’t hold you up this week. If you haven’t read our blog about why raw food is so rad, check it out here:  Why Raw is Really Worthwhile. We hope this week’s blog opened your mind up to just another way to get the best diet for your pet! Stop by the shop and explore the freeze dried brands we have and which would work for your dog or cat!