If you’re searching for high-quality, nutritious dog food, Redbarn’s Air Dried Dog Food might be the perfect fit. This premium option offers all the benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry kibble. Below, we’ll explore all of the details, including its features, pros, cons, ingredients, and different ways to incorporate it into your dog’s diet.
Made with 85% or more fish, beef or chicken, Redbarn's Air Dried Dog Food is guaranteed to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings! Each recipe is complete and balanced with a blend of wholesome ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed, miscanthus grass, and vitamins and minerals. It's also Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO.
Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food: Pros, Cons, and Everything You Need to Know
Before we jump into my review, I just want to go over a few quick notes. First, this post includes affiliate links. If you buy anything through these links, TechnoBark earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Second, Redbarn sent me a variety pack to try out with Freya. I am EXTREMELY picky about what I feed her and only recommend foods that I would give her myself.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s start with a quick look at the standout features of this awesome air-dried dog food. Then we’ll go over pros, cons, ingredients, and everything else you need to know.
Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food boasts several standout features, including:
- Air-Dried Process (Obviously): Air-drying dog food is a sophisticated process that involves gently removing moisture from the ingredients without exposing them to high temperatures or artificial preservatives.
- High Protein Content: With 85% protein derived from animal sources, it supports your pup’s muscle development and overall health.
- Grain-Free: Perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities, this formula focuses on meat, organs, and bones, mirroring a natural, carnivorous diet.
- Versatile Feeding Options: You can use it as a main dish, treat, or food topper!
- No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Pros & Benefits of Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food
We’ll do a quick peek at the biggest pros, then get deeper into the details.
- Nutrient-Rich: The air-drying process preserves more nutrients compared to traditional kibble.
- Convenient: Provides the benefits of raw feeding without the hassle of thawing or refrigeration.
- Great Taste: Dogs often find this food irresistible thanks to its rich, meaty flavor.
- Health Support: The high protein and natural ingredients promote overall health, energy levels, and a shiny coat.
- Ideal for Picky Eaters: The high protein content, delicious formula, and variety of flavors can tempt even the fussiest eaters.
A Nutritious Alternative to Traditional Kibble
Redbarn’s air-drying process ensures that more of the original nutrients in the ingredients are preserved compared to traditional kibble, which often loses nutrients during high-temperature cooking.
This means that Fido gets more vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients in every bite, which in turn supports overall health, strong immune function, and vitality.
A taste dogs love
The technology used in the air-drying process maintains the natural, rich flavors of the ingredients, making it tastier even for the pickiest eaters. Freya loved every single one of the Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food recipes that she tried!
She can be picky, especially when it comes to anything that I use as training treats or food toppers (more on that below). She’s food-motivated, but only really responds to high-value treats during training games. Plus, she has a very different opinion of what counts as “high value” to her than I do. So, the fact that she really loved this food says a lot.
Convenient Shelf-Stable Bags
One of the main advantages of Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food is its convenience. Unlike raw diets, which require careful handling, refrigeration, and preparation, Redbarn’s air-dried food is shelf-stable and ready to serve straight from the bag. Essentially, it offers the same convenience as kibble.
A wide variety of recipes for picky eaters
If you have a picky eater, Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food can be a game-changer. It offers a variety of recipes with different protein sources. The “standard” version is available in Beef, Chicken, and Fish. Additionally, there are three gut-health and digestion recipes (Beef & Lamb, Chicken & Turkey, and Fish), as well as a brand-new Puppy recipe (which we didn’t try since Freya is no longer a puppy).
High in Protein
The high protein content and natural ingredients also contribute significantly to your dog’s overall health. Protein is essential for muscle development, repair, and energy. Meanwhile, the natural ingredients offer antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune health, a shiny coat, and optimal digestion.
Other Beneficial Ingredients
Ingredients vary depending on which protein recipe you choose, but they all share one common trait: Redbarn uses the highest quality ingredients possible and tests each one to ensure it’s safe for your dog. They have not one, but two state-of-the-art labs where they conduct all their own testing. You can read more about their rigorous testing process here.
They also have a really neat Ingredients Dictionary covering all of their core ingredients, plus other nutrients that they use in their dog food.
Drawbacks
- Price: It is pricier than regular old kibble
- Availability: May not be available in all pet stores, so you’ll have to buy online. I buy almost everything online anyway, so this doesn’t really bother me.
- Transition Period: Some dogs may need a gradual transition, especially if you’re transitioning off a lower-quality kibble.
Honestly, the only major drawback, especially for those on a budget, is the price. I won’t sugar-coat it, if you use Redbarn Air-Dried Dog Food as your dog’s whole meal, it’s not cheap, especially for larger breeds.
You can still incorporate Air-Dried food into your dog’s diet without busting your budget.
How to Use Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food
First, the obvious- as a main food. Again, though, unless you have a toy breed, that can get expensive. I went a different route with Freya because I wanted to stretch out our sampler bag as much as possible since she loved everything so much.
As High Value Training Treats
Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food make amazing high-value training treats. The pieces are already small enough for larger dogs, but you can easily break them up a bit for teensy pups.
It’s also lower in calories than a lot of training treats on the market. While one cup has about 360 calories (give or take depending on the recipe), I only use about a teaspoon’s worth during our games. It comes out to about 10 calories or fewer per training session.
As a Food Topper:
Redbarn Air-Dried recipes make the perfect dog food toppers! Just sprinkle a handful over your dog’s regular kibble to add variety and excitement to their meals. This is a great way to get your picky dog excited about their food again. Especially if they get bored with their regular kibble like Freya does. It makes a great topper for Redbarn Grain-Free dog food.
In Snuffle Mats:
Freya has “snuffle time” every night at 8PM. I’m always looking for new ideas that she’ll actually like, because otherwise she snuffles for about two seconds and then flips the whole thing over and just eats the treats off the ground.
Redbarn Air Dried food is one of the few lower calorie treats that keep her attention long enough for her to snuffle out every last piece.
FAQs About Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food
Let’s finish up with a few frequently asked questions, shall we?
What is the difference between air-dried dog food and traditional kibble?
Air-dried dog food is processed by gently removing moisture without high heat, preserving more nutrients and flavor. Traditional kibble is cooked at high temperatures, which can destroy some nutrients and affect the taste.
Can I mix Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food with my dog’s current food?
Yes, you can mix it with your dog’s current food. In fact, it’s recommended to gradually transition your dog to Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food by mixing it with their existing food over a week or two to avoid digestive upset.
Is Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food suitable for dogs with grain allergies?
Yes, Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food is grain-free, making it suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
How should I store Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food?
While it’s shelf-stable, ideally you should store it in a cool, dry place in its original packaging or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and nutritional value.
How much Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food should I feed my dog?
Feeding guidelines vary based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Refer to the feeding chart on the packaging for specific recommendations, and adjust as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
Is Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food suitable for puppies?
Yes, it can be suitable for puppies (and they even have a recipe made specifically for pups), but it’s essential to follow the feeding guidelines for puppies and consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets your puppy’s specific nutritional needs.
Does Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food contain any artificial preservatives or additives?
No, Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. It uses natural preservatives like salt and vinegar.
Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food offers a convenient and nutritious alternative to both traditional kibble and raw diets. Its high protein content, palatability, and versatility make it an excellent choice for dog owners looking to provide the best for their furry friends.
Whether used as a main food, a topper, or a training treat, it’s a versatile addition to your dog’s diet that you and your dog are likely to love.
Made with 85% or more fish, beef or chicken, Redbarn's Air Dried Dog Food is guaranteed to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings! Each recipe is complete and balanced with a blend of wholesome ingredients like salmon oil, flaxseed, miscanthus grass, and vitamins and minerals. It's also Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO.
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