How To Freeze Dry Meat For Dogs (Complete Guide)

To freeze dry meat for dogs at home, cut lean meat into small, even pieces, spread them out on the trays of a home freeze dryer, run a full cycle (usually 24 to 48 hours) until the pieces are completely dry all the way through, and then seal them in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. You need a dedicated freeze dryer for this; a regular freezer or a food dehydrator won’t freeze dry meat.

Are you looking for a way to keep your dog’s food fresh for longer? Or are you interested in learning about alternative ways to feed your dog? In this blog post, we will be discussing how to freeze dry meat for dogs.

We’ll go over the benefits of freeze drying, what materials you need, and how to do it step-by-step. So whether you’re a first-time pet parent or just looking for new ways to make feeding your furry friend easier, keep reading!

What is freeze drying and what are the benefits?

Freeze drying is a food preservation method that involves freezing the food and then reducing the pressure and temperature around it. This causes the water in the food to sublimate, meaning it goes directly from a solid to a gas state. Properly dried and sealed, freeze dried food can last a very long time while keeping most of its nutritional value and taste, making it an ideal option for those who want to stock up on treats for their dogs.

There are many benefits to freeze drying meat for dogs, including:

• It is an easy, hands-off way to preserve meat without having to cook it first
• It preserves the nutrients in the meat better than other methods of preservation, such as canning or dehydrating
• Freeze dried meat is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for those who have limited space
• It prolongs the shelf life of meat, meaning you can buy in bulk and save money in the long run

This method is great for storing dog treats and toppers, as it will keep the food fresh and nutritious for a long time. You can even make your own freeze dried meat at home, which we will show you now!

One important safety note: freeze drying does not kill bacteria. Raw meat that has been freeze dried is still raw and can carry Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli. Handle it like raw meat, wash your hands and surfaces afterward, and be extra careful if anyone in your home is very young, elderly, pregnant, or has a weakened immune system. If that’s a concern, you can cook the meat before freeze drying it.

How to freeze dry meat for dogs

Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of freeze drying meat for dogs, let’s get into how to do it! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Meat of your choice (we suggest using lean cuts such as chicken, turkey, or fish)
• A home freeze dryer
• Mylar bags
• Oxygen absorbers

First, you’ll need to choose the meat you want to freeze dry. It’s important to select lean cuts of meat, as they will have a lower fat content and be easier to preserve. Chicken, turkey, and fish are all great options. If you're new to feeding raw meat, our raw dog food guide for beginners covers safe handling. Once you’ve selected your meat, it’s time to get started!

1Step 1: Cut the meat into small pieces

The first step is to cut the meat into small pieces of a similar size (thin strips or cubes no thicker than about half an inch work well). This will help it dry evenly, makes it easier to store later on, and gives you treat-sized pieces. Trim off as much visible fat as you can, since fat doesn’t freeze dry well and can turn rancid in storage.

2Step 2: Spread the meat out on a tray

Next, you’ll need to spread the meat out on a tray. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other, as this will prevent them from drying properly.

3Step 3: Place the tray in the freeze drier

Now it’s time to place the tray in the freeze dryer. Some owners pre-freeze the trays in their freezer first to shorten the cycle. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do this, as each model will be different.

4Step 4: Let the meat freeze dry

Once the meat is in the freeze dryer, let it run until the cycle is complete. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size and type of meat you’re using. Before you take it out, break open a few of the thickest pieces: they should be dry, light, and crisp all the way through, with no cold, soft, or darker spots in the center. If any feel moist, add extra dry time. Leftover moisture is what makes freeze dried food spoil.

5Step 5: Store the meat in mylar bags

The last step is to store the meat in an airtight container, such as a mylar bag, as soon as it comes out of the machine, before it can absorb moisture from the air. This will help to keep the food fresh and prevent it from going bad. Oxygen absorbers can also be used to help prolong the shelf life of the meat. Label the bags with the date, store them somewhere cool and dark, and once a bag is opened, use it within a few weeks.

Remember that freeze dried meat is a treat or topper, not a complete diet. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and you can rehydrate pieces with a little water if your dog prefers them softer. If you'd rather buy ready-made, see our picks for jerky treats for dogs and the best dog treats, which include freeze-dried options.

What is a good freeze dryer for dogs?

As we mentioned, to freeze dry dog food you need a freeze dryer. Home freeze dryers are a significant investment, though, so many owners start with a food dehydrator instead. A dehydrator isn’t a freeze dryer: it dries food with gentle warm air rather than freezing it under a vacuum, so the texture and shelf life are different, but it’s a far more affordable way to make shelf-stable meat treats. In our opinion, the Septree Pet Food Dehydrator is a great option.

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This dehydrator is designed with pet treats in mind and has an adjustable thermostat and timer. For food safety, the USDA recommends heating meat to an internal temperature of 160°F (165°F for poultry) before dehydrating it, since a dehydrator’s low heat alone may not kill bacteria. So if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a freeze dryer, we highly recommend the Septree Pet Food Dehydrator.

Pros

• Comes with quality equipment
• Has an adjustable thermostat and timer
• Air flow circulation technology
• Automatic shut off and overheat protection

Cons

• Can make some noise

Final thoughts – How to freeze dry meat for dogs

Freeze drying meat for dogs is a great way to preserve the nutrition and taste of the meat. It’s also a very convenient way to store meat, as it doesn’t take up much space and has a long shelf life. If you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your dog’s diet, or just want to have a healthy treat on hand, we highly recommend freeze drying meat for dogs! Just handle it as carefully as raw meat, and check with your vet before making big changes to your dog’s diet, especially if he has a sensitive stomach or health problems.