Is air-dried food and dehydrated dog food the same thing?
No, The essential difference between dehydrated and air-dried dog food lies in the methods used to remove moisture from
the food, impacting the end product's texture, usage, and, sometimes, its nutritional content.
Dehydration typically uses a process of low heat and air circulation over a more extended period, often many hours, to
gently remove moisture from the food. The prolonged drying time and low heat aim to preserve as much of the food's
nutritional content as possible while ensuring harmful bacteria are eliminated.
After dehydration, the food becomes compact and lightweight. Air-drying involves exposing the food to a steady stream of
warm air for a shorter period. The moisture evaporates, leaving behind a dry product.
The air-drying process tends to retain more moisture than dehydration, resulting in a softer texture that many dogs find
more palatable. However, like dehydrated food, it's also lightweight and easy to store.
Here are some of the myths about air-dried dog food for further reading.