We know that cats go bonkers for a good treat, and pet owners just love seeing their cats doing silly things to try and get their paws on as many as they can. More and more pet owners are buying freeze-dried or air-dried treats, showing a clear trend that pet owners want highly nutritious and healthy options. Making these treats involves innovative methods to lessen the moisture content in the meat while retaining all the nutritional value and aromas. But what is the difference between freeze-dried and air-dried, and which is better?
What Are Air-Dried Cat Treats?
Air-dried treats are made through a process of circulating air around the treats to remove moisture while retaining the flavour, nutrients and aromas. This process is a lot like dehydrating but without the use of extreme heat.
Air-dried treats are usually made from fresh, natural ingredients and are free from additives and preservatives.
Why Are Air-Dried Treats Great?
Retains Nutrients: While this treat is not as raw as freeze-dried treats, the process does allow the treat to retain most of its nutrients, flavours and minerals.
Texture: They have an incredibly soft texture which might be more pleasing to older cats with sensitive teeth.
What Is The Catch With Air-Dried Treats?
Shelf Life: They don’t have an extremely long shelf life.
Additives: Some companies can sneak in bad fillers or additives.
Some Nutrient Loss: Since heat is used in the process, it can cause some nutrients and minerals to be lost. They are, however, still much better than traditional treats.
What Are Freeze-Dried Treats?
Freeze-dried treats go through a process of sublimation where the moisture is removed, but they retain their nutrients, flavours, and aromas. Thereafter, they are frozen and vacuum-packed.
Most freeze-dried treats, like those from Fuzzball, are made with single ingredient sources, such as chicken.
Why Are Freeze-Dried Treats Great?
Retained Nutrients: Freeze-drying treats ensures that the nutrients and minerals are locked in and not lost. This means your cat can get a treat as close to raw as possible.
No Bad Additives: Freeze-dried treats are usually made from single ingredients such as beef and don’t contain preservatives, fillers, or additives such as salt and sugar.
Shelf Life: The freeze-drying process gives the treats a long shelf life making them extra easy to store in the cupboard.
Texture: Since the texture is light and crunchy, these treats are great even for the pickiest feline overlords.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Freeze-Dried Treats?
In short, hydration. Since most of the moisture is removed, the treats don’t offer cats much hydration. It is therefore important to ensure that your cat is drinking enough water every day by making sure your cat has access to drinking bowls at all times.
Air-Dried vs. Freeze-Dried Treats Comparison
There are a few noticeable differences between air-dried and freeze-dried treats:
Shelf-Life
Freeze-dried treats have a longer shelf life than air-dried treats. So it is important not to stockpile air-dried treats.
Texture
Air-dried treats are soft and chewy, while freeze-dried treats are light and crunchy. The texture of freeze-dried treats is great for fussy felines, while the texture of air-dried treats is great for older cats.
Nutrient Retention
The freeze-drying process is much more effective in retaining nutrients, vitamins and minerals compared to the air-drying process. The air-drying process can cause some nutrients to be lost. Freeze-dried treats are also the closest form to raw feeding.
Suitability
Air-dried treats are great for everyday feeding. Freeze-dried treats are also great for everyday feeding, with the added bonus of being suitable for travel and for raw feeders.
Which Is Healthier Freeze-Dried Or Air-Dried Treats?
When comparing the two, due to the fact that freeze-dried is a rawer form and the process allows more nutrients, minerals and vitamins to be retained, it is the healthier option. Although the air-drying process does not cause the loss of that many nutrients, they are second to freeze dried treats when it comes to nutritional value and healthiness.
Which Should You Choose For Your Furry Feline?
This question can’t easily be answered because it depends on your cat’s needs and your budget. Both air-dried and freeze-dried treats are pawsitively perfect and much healthier than your average pet shop offerings, providing great ingredients with retained nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
Maybe your cat is a texture snob and might prefer something more crunchy—then freeze-dried is the better option. Choosing the best option for your cat will depend on their needs, preferences, and your cat’s dietary requirements.
