Dog food types
Why is freeze dried dog food so expensive?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Freeze dried food costs more mainly because the freeze drying process itself is slow and energy intensive, often taking 24 to 48 hours per batch in specialized vacuum equipment, compared with the minutes needed for kibble extrusion, on top of using higher quality raw meat as the main ingredient.
The equipment and time cost
Freeze drying machines are expensive to buy and run, and a single batch can take one to two full days to complete, tying up equipment and energy for far longer than the near-instant extrusion process used for kibble.
The ingredient cost layered on top
Most freeze dried products use a high percentage of named meat, often 80 percent or more, rather than the cheaper grain or meal-heavy formulas common in budget kibble, adding meaningful raw ingredient cost before processing even begins.
Whether the price reflects value
For owners who want raw-like nutrition with shelf stability and easier handling than fresh raw, the price may be worth it, though it is genuinely one of the most expensive formats per calorie on the market.
Key takeaways
- The slow, energy-intensive freeze drying process itself adds significant manufacturing cost.
- High meat content ingredients add further cost before processing.
- It remains one of the priciest formats per calorie compared with kibble or wet food.