The Slow and Steady Secret: Why We Love Air-Dried Dog Food

Good things come to those who wait

There's a reason the best things in life take their time. Slow-cooked stews, a proper Sunday roast, the dog finally deciding which exact spot on the sofa is the right one. Air-dried dog food is very much in that camp.

Since launching our new air-dried venison and goat recipes, we've had loads of questions about what air-drying actually is and why we're SO excited about it. So here's everything you need to know about this slow and steady way of making proper dog food.

What is air-drying?

Air-drying is one of the oldest ways of preserving food there is. Fresh meat, fruit and veg are dried with gentle, circulating warm air over a long period, which slowly draws the moisture out until the food is naturally shelf-stable.

There's no high-heat extrusion involved, which is how most kibble is made. The ingredients are simply given the time to dry out gently, so they keep more of the character of the real food they started as.

Why we love air-dried food

Goodness stays in. Because everything is dried slowly and gently, the meat, fruit and veg hold on to their natural nutrients and flavour. It's a much kinder process for the ingredients, and you can really tell when you open the bag.

Proper meat, front and centre. Air-drying works beautifully with recipes that are mostly meat, so there's no need for bulking agents or binders to hold things together. What you see on the ingredients list is what's in the bowl.

Dogs go mad for it. The smell is VERY convincing to a dog. It's a lovely option for fussier eaters who turn their nose up at another bowl of beige.

Nutrient-dense, so a little goes a long way. With most of the water removed, every piece is packed with goodness, which means smaller portions than you might expect. Always check the feeding guide on the pack for your dog's size.

Easy as anything. No defrosting, no freezer space needed. Just scoop and serve, which makes it brilliant for busy mornings, weekends away and dog sitters who need simple instructions.

Naturally shelf-stable. Air-drying is what keeps the food fresh, so it stores happily in the cupboard without a list of artificial preservatives doing the job instead.

What goes into our recipes

Our Venison and Goat Complete Foods are made with 80% meat and 20% fruit and veg, and that's it. Each one has just nine ingredients: the meat, plus apple, carrot, beetroot, courgette, pumpkin, banana, rosehip and blackcurrant.

Every one of those is there for a reason. Rosehip and blackcurrant bring natural vitamin C, pumpkin and courgette add fibre, and carrot and beetroot help support digestion. Both recipes are single protein and grain free, and both are made in small batches so each one gets the time and attention it deserves.

We chose venison and goat on purpose too. They're less common proteins, which makes them a great option for dogs who've had enough of chicken and beef or who do better on something a little different. If you'd like to know more about that, have a read of our post on why we love novel proteins.

How to serve it

Serving air-dried food couldn't be simpler. Weigh out your dog's portion using the feeding guide, pop it in the bowl, add a little wam water and stand well back. It's a complete food, so it has everything they need for their main meal, and a bowl of fresh water alongside is all it needs.

For dogs who have successfully negotiated their way into getting a topper (we see you), a spoonful of our Venison Terrineon top of the air-dried venison makes dinner feel like a proper occasion and keeps everything single protein. It's gently steamed in glass jars with venison, venison broth, sweet potato, cucumber, spinach and pear, and the extra moisture is a lovely bonus too.

Making the switch

If you're moving your dog onto air-dried food, take it slowly. Mix a little of the new food in with their current one and gradually increase it over a week or so, keeping an eye on how their tummy is getting on. Some dogs dive straight in and some like to inspect every single piece first, and both are completely normal!

If your dog is prone to the odd digestive plot twist, our Digestion Supplement can be a handy sidekick while they settle in. And as always, if your dog has a medical condition or special dietary needs, have a quick chat with your vet before changing their food.

Ready to give it a go? Pick your protein, fill the bowl and let the dogs do the final quality control. They're demanding, but fortunately very honest :)