DIY Freeze-Dried Dog Food Recipe (That Your Pup Will Actually Eat)

If you’ve already mastered freeze-drying meals for yourself, it makes perfect sense to start prepping for your four-legged family member too. Homemade freeze-dried dog food saves money, cuts out fillers, and gives you complete control over ingredients—especially if your pup has allergies, food sensitivities, or you just want better quality nutrition on hand in case of an emergency.

Let’s get right into how to make it.

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🍽️ Step-by-Step: How to Make Freeze-Dried Dog Food at Home

This basic recipe uses whole, dog-safe ingredients and stores beautifully after freeze-drying.

Ingredients (makes ~5–6 tray servings):

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1.5 cups cooked lentils or peas
• 1 lb cooked ground turkey, chicken, or beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli or spinach
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• Optional: 1 egg, cooked and crumbled
• Optional: canine-safe fish oil or flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Fully cook all meat and grains—don’t leave anything raw.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly combined.
3. Spread mixture evenly across freeze dryer trays. Keep it under 1/2″ thick for best results.
4. Pre-freeze trays if possible to shorten cycle time.
5. Freeze dry on standard settings for cooked meals.
6. Once dry, test for residual moisture using the weight or jar method. Then portion and store.

✅ Pro Tip: If your dog prefers kibble texture, pulse the mixture in a food processor before freeze-drying.

Here is a downloadable/printable recipe card for your convenience:

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🏰 Storage & Rehydration

Once dry, store in 7–10 mil Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers or vacuum-seal into meal-sized portions. Label each one with the date, weight, and approximate rehydration ratio.

Rehydrate with warm water—start with 1/2 cup water per cup of dried food and adjust as needed. Some dogs prefer it soupy, others like it firmer. Let it sit for 10 minutes to fully rehydrate before serving.

Need a labeling system that works long term? See How to Label and Organize Freeze-Dried Food.

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📊 Why It’s Better Than Store-Bought

Commercial freeze-dried dog food can run $30–$60 for just a few pounds, and the ingredients aren’t always ideal (poultry by-product meal, “natural flavor,” mystery starches). When you make your own, you get:

• Real meat, real veggies, real nutrition
• No artificial preservatives or questionable fillers
• Fully customizable for allergies or diet needs
• Long shelf life with no fridge or freezer space needed

It also packs light, which is great for go-bags or camping. For more ideas, check out How to Store a Year of Freeze-Dried Food in a Small Space.

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🛠️ Keep It Safe: Tips Before You Start

• Avoid garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and any foods with xylitol.
• Always fully cook meat, grains, and legumes—dogs can’t digest raw beans.
• Talk to your vet before switching your dog to homemade food full-time.
• Add a canine multivitamin if this is your dog’s primary food source.

For ongoing machine care, don’t forget to sanitize trays and wipe down the chamber—especially after processing oily or meaty foods. See How to Maintain Your Freeze Dryer.

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📅 Final Thoughts

Homemade freeze-dried dog food takes a little prep but pays off in shelf life, quality, and peace of mind. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies or just tired of overpriced kibble with mystery meat, this is a smart (and pup-approved) addition to your pantry.

Thanks for stoppin’ by!

Jelly Grandma

✅ If you’re brand new to freeze-drying, read Everything You Need to Know About Freeze-Drying at Home for a full beginner walkthrough.