Choosing the right food for your dog has never been more complicated, or more important. With so many options on the market, how do you know what's the healthiest dog food? Kibble is convenient. Raw is natural. Fresh is trendy. And freeze-dried? Somewhere in between. At Eva, we believe you're never wrong to do the right thing, and when it comes to feeding your dog, that means knowing what's in the bowl and why it matters.
In this guide we break down the pros, cons and considerations of the top dog food forms so you can make an informed, confident choice.
The dog food comparison
Whether you're wondering about the best dog food, comparing raw vs kibble dog food or curious about freeze-dried vs fresh dog food, we've got you covered.
Kibble
What it is: Kibble is dry, processed dog food made by cooking and shaping ingredients under high heat and pressure.
Pros:
- Shelf-stable and convenient.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Easy to measure and store.
Cons:
- Heavily processed, with nutrients that may degrade during production.
- Often contains fillers and artificial preservatives.
- Can lack moisture, which impacts hydration and digestion.
Best for: Budget-conscious dog parents or dogs without complex dietary needs.
Raw food
What it is: Raw food is uncooked meat, bones, organs and sometimes vegetables, all designed to mimic a dog's ancestral diet.
Pros:
- High protein, unprocessed and biologically appropriate.
- Excellent for skin, coat and dental health.
- No artificial additives or preservatives.
Cons:
- Can carry harmful bacteria if not handled properly.
- Requires time to make, freezer space and strict food safety.
- Not ideal for all dogs, such as puppies, seniors or dogs with weakened immune systems.
Best for: Experienced dog parents who can manage safe prep and handling and want full control over ingredients.
Fresh or frozen food
What it is: Fresh dog food is gently cooked meals made with whole, human-grade ingredients, usually delivered frozen or refrigerated.
Pros:
- Balanced, real-food nutrition.
- Easier to digest than kibble.
- Often customized to your dog's health needs.
Cons:
- More expensive than kibble or raw food.
- Requires refrigeration or freezing.
- Can spoil if not eaten promptly.
Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or picky eaters, as well as families who value convenience and clean ingredients.
Freeze-dried food
What it is: Put simply, freeze-dried food is raw food that has been freeze-dried to remove moisture while preserving nutrients, flavor and shelf life.
Pros:
- Retains the nutrition of raw without the mess.
- Shelf-stable, lightweight and travel-friendly.
- Often made with limited, high-quality ingredients.
- Rehydrates easily with water or bone broth.
Cons:
- More expensive than kibble.
- Some products vary in quality, so it's important to read ingredient labels carefully.
Best for: Dog parents who want raw-quality food without raw prep, as well as a better balance of convenience, safety and nutrition.
Cost per day is an estimate at average prices for the size chosen.
| Type | Cost per day | Preparation | Shelf life | What Eva's standard requires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble | about $2.00 | Scoop and serve. Measure by weight, not by cup. | 12 to 18 months sealed. Use an opened bag within 6 weeks. | Complete dry food
|
| Wet | about $5.50 | Open and serve, alone or as a topper. | 2 to 5 years sealed. Refrigerate an opened can for 3 days. | Complete wet, fresh, and frozen food
|
| Fresh | about $7.00 | Thaw in the fridge, portion by the plan, serve cold or warmed. | Frozen 6 months. In the fridge 4 to 7 days once opened. | Complete wet, fresh, and frozen food
|
| Freeze-dried | about $9.00 | Rehydrate with warm water and wait a few minutes. | 18 to 24 months sealed. Keep the bag closed and dry. | Raw and lightly cooked diets
Single-ingredient dehydrated chews and jerky
|
| Air-dried | about $8.00 | Serve as is, or with water for a softer meal. | 12 to 18 months sealed. Use an opened bag within 8 weeks. | Raw and lightly cooked diets
Single-ingredient dehydrated chews and jerky
|
| Raw | about $9.50 | Thaw in the fridge, serve cold, wash bowls and hands after every meal. | Frozen 6 to 12 months. Thawed, 2 to 3 days in the fridge. | Raw and lightly cooked diets
|
Foods that fit this dog
Curated complete foods for a medium (25 to 50 lb) puppy.
Lamb Liver Freeze-DriedBocce's Bakery · Freeze-dried
From $10.40
Chicken Breast Freeze-DriedBocce's Bakery · Freeze-dried
From $13.00
Popcorn Chicken Freeze-DriedBocce's Bakery · Freeze-dried
From $13.00
Liberty® Dry Food for Dogs – Original Recipe PuppyBixbi · Kibble
From $19.99
Liberty® Dry Food for Dogs – Rancher’s RedBixbi · Kibble
From $19.99
Eva's point of view
Freeze-dried strikes a happy medium between raw nutrition, fresh food quality and kibble-level convenience. For many families, it's the smartest, most practical upgrade to their dog's diet.
Complete your dog's bowl with Eva
Choosing the right food isn't just about nutrition, it's about doing right by your dog. At Eva, we curate only the finest freeze-dried, raw and fresh dog foods that balance quality, safety and convenience.
Whether you're upgrading from kibble or managing sensitivities, we'll help you find the right fit. Freeze-dried options offer the happy medium: raw-inspired nutrition that is travel-friendly and easy to serve.
Explore Eva's dog food collection, where nourishment meets care and quality is never compromised.
FAQs about the different types of dog food
Is fresh dog food better than kibble?
Fresh dog food is typically less processed and made with whole, lightly cooked ingredients, making it easier for most dogs to digest. It supports healthier skin, coat and digestion compared to most kibble.
That said, freeze-dried food offers a happy medium, providing the nutritional integrity of fresh food with the convenience of kibble.
Is raw dog food safe?
Raw food can be safe if it's handled correctly and sourced from reputable brands. It provides excellent nutrients but poses risks such as bacterial contamination if not properly prepared or stored.
Freeze-dried raw food keeps raw nutrition in a form that is easier to store and serve, but freeze-drying alone does not remove harmful bacteria. Choose raw and freeze-dried raw foods made with high pressure processing or another validated pathogen control step. Eva carries raw food only when that step is documented.
What's the best dog food for allergies?
The ideal food for dogs with allergies is one with few ingredients and no common allergens like chicken, dairy, wheat or soy. Fresh and freeze-dried versions are frequently preferred since they include fewer and clearer ingredients. Freeze-dried foods containing new proteins such as lamb, rabbit or venison are particularly beneficial for sensitive dogs.
Can I mix freeze-dried with kibble?
Yes. Adding freeze-dried to kibble is a simple way to improve your dog's diet without making drastic changes. When rehydrated, it improves protein quality, tastes better and adds moisture. It's one of the simplest methods to improve nutrition while minimizing disruption.
How do I transition my dog to a new food?
This should be done carefully and slowly, with a gradual shift over 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% of your dog's current food, then gradually increase the new amount. If you're transitioning to fresh, raw or freeze-dried foods, take it carefully and keep an eye out for digestive issues.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
Avoid artificial preservatives such as BHA and BHT, unidentified meat meals, byproducts, added sweeteners, artificial colors and vague ingredients such as "animal fat." Whether it's kibble, fresh or freeze-dried, choose transparency over mystery.
Is fresh dog food worth the cost?
Overall, yes it is, since fresh food promotes long-term health. However, if cost or storage is an issue, freeze-dried food provides similar benefits, including a longer shelf life and easier preparation. It strikes the right balance between quality and practicality.
