12 April 2024
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a method of food preservation. At its core, freeze-drying is a technique that involves removing moisture from ingredients while preserving their original structure, taste, and nutritional value. The process begins with flash freezing the food to solidify its water content. Once frozen, the food is placed in a vacuum chamber where the surrounding pressure is reduced to a fraction of normal atmospheric pressure. Next comes the critical step: sublimation. During sublimation, the frozen water in the food transitions directly from a solid to a gas state without passing through the liquid phase. This process effectively removes the moisture from the food, leaving behind a lightweight, shelf-stable product with minimal loss of flavour or nutrients.
One of the key advantages of freeze-drying is its ability to preserve the nutritional integrity of foods. Unlike traditional methods of dehydration or canning, which can lead to the loss of heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes, freeze-drying maintains the food’s original nutritional profile.
Moreover, freeze-dried foods have an extended shelf life compared to fresh or canned alternatives. By removing moisture, freeze-drying inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, thereby preventing spoilage and maintaining the food’s quality over time. This makes freeze-dried foods ideal for most pet owners.
The freeze-drying process offers several benefits that make it an excellent alternative to raw food diets. For one, freeze-dried foods retain their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a convenient and nutritious option for consumers.
Freeze-dried pet food has a longer shelf life compared to raw food, making it easier for pet owners to store and serve without the need for constant refrigeration.
In comparison to raw food diets, freeze-dried pet food offers a safer and more convenient alternative without compromising on nutritional integrity. While raw diets may pose risks such as bacterial contamination, the freeze-drying process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria while preserving essential nutrients. This ensures that pet owners can provide their furry companions with the benefits of a raw-inspired diet without the associated concerns.
Nutrience SubZero freeze-dried raw formulas are crafted in Canada with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. This minimally processed whole prey diet boasts an impressive 90% Canadian meat and organ content, complemented by locally sourced fruits and vegetables. All the Nutrience freeze-dried formulas are complete and balanced, making it a high-quality and convenient option for pet owners to serve as a meal, a topper or a treat. For dogs, there’s the savory Beef & Pumpkin Recipe, the delightful Pork & Apple Recipe, and the classic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe. Cats can indulge in the delicate flavours of the Whitefish & Cranberry Recipe or the delicious Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe. Each formula is fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, probiotics to promote gut health, and taurine to support heart and eye health. Whether served as a complete meal, a nutritious topper, or a rewarding treat, Nutrience’s SubZero Freeze-Dried Raw Formulas are an enriching option for your pets.
