Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog: Raw, Air Dried, Freeze Dried, or Lightly Cooked

Every dog is different. Age, activity level, digestion, and lifestyle all matter when choosing food. At Dog Tub, we offer three popular food styles so you can choose what works best for your dog’s needs.

Below is a simple breakdown of each option, the benefits, and how to decide.


Raw Dog Food

Best for: Dogs with strong digestion, active dogs, biologically appropriate diets

Raw dog food is made with uncooked meats, organs, and bones. It closely mirrors what dogs would eat in nature and is often chosen for its high nutrient availability.

Benefits of raw food:

  • High moisture content

  • Minimal processing

  • Supports lean muscle and energy

  • Often improves coat condition and stool quality

Things to consider:
Raw food must be kept frozen and handled properly. Because of this, frozen raw food is available for pickup only at our location.


Air Dried and Freeze Dried Dog Food

Best for: Convenience, travel, picky eaters, easy storage

Air dried and freeze dried foods remove moisture while preserving nutrients. They offer many benefits of raw food with less mess and no freezer required.

Benefits of air dried and freeze dried food:

  • Shelf stable and easy to store

  • Lightweight and travel friendly

  • Highly palatable for picky dogs

  • Can be fed dry or rehydrated with water

This option is great if you want a raw-style diet with added convenience.


Lightly Cooked Dog Food

Best for: Sensitive stomachs, seniors, dogs new to fresh food

Lightly cooked food is gently prepared to improve digestibility while still retaining nutrients. It is a popular choice for dogs who do not tolerate raw diets well.

Benefits of lightly cooked food:

  • Easier to digest than raw

  • Great for dogs with sensitivities

  • Fresh ingredients with gentle preparation

  • Balanced nutrition without heavy processing

This is often a good transition option for dogs moving away from traditional kibble.


How to Choose the Right Option

If your dog is young and active, raw or air dried foods may be a great fit.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is older, lightly cooked food may be easier to digest.
If you want convenience and flexibility, air dried or freeze dried options are hard to beat.

If you are unsure, start small and observe how your dog responds. Our team is always happy to help guide you.


Shipping, Pickup, and Local Delivery

We ship dog food throughout the United States directly from our website.

  • Shelf stable foods can be shipped anywhere

  • Frozen raw food is available for pickup only

  • We also offer local delivery in Laguna Beach

This allows you to choose the freshest option that fits your lifestyle.


Visit Dog Tub in Laguna Beach

Dog Tub is proud to offer thoughtfully selected dog food options alongside our self wash and care services. Whether you shop online or visit us in person, we make it easy to find food that supports your dog’s health.

Visit us in Laguna Beach or shop online here.


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