Frozen & Raw Dog Food | PetSmart

Frozen dog food: raw, gently cooked, and minimally processed options

Frozen dog food includes raw frozen, gently cooked, and minimally processed formulas that are sealed and stored at freezing temperatures to preserve ingredient quality without relying heavily on preservatives. The category spans frozen dog food patties, raw frozen dog food, and cooked options that thaw quickly for easy meal prep. Whether you're new to the format or moving over from fresh dog food, the full dog food assortment at PetSmart has options across protein types, life stages, and feeding formats.

Why Feed Your Dog Frozen Food

Freezing is one of the most effective ways to preserve the nutritional integrity and safety of minimally processed ingredients without added chemicals. Frozen food for dogs locks in protein quality and moisture at the point of production, which means what's on the label reflects what's in the package when it reaches your dog's bowl. Many frozen formats, including frozen raw dog food, are AAFCO complete and balanced for specific life stages, making them a viable primary diet when handled and served correctly. For a well-rounded feeding routine, many owners pair frozen food with dry dog food or use it as a high-value topper alongside their regular dog treats.

Ingredient integrity preserved: Freezing stops microbial growth and slows oxidation, keeping proteins, fats, and micronutrients stable from production through your dog's meal.
Variety of formats: Frozen dog food comes in patties, nuggets, rolls, and chubs, giving you flexibility in portioning based on your dog's size and daily caloric needs.
Raw and gently cooked options: Raw frozen dog food delivers an uncooked diet in a convenient format; gently cooked frozen options offer a middle ground for owners who want minimal processing without feeding fully raw.
Long shelf life in-freezer: Unlike refrigerated fresh food, frozen formulas can be stored for weeks or months in the freezer, reducing how often you need to restock.
AAFCO-compliant formulas available: Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the label to confirm the formula meets established nutrient standards for your dog's life stage and supports overall dog health and wellness.

How to Choose Frozen Dog Food

Life stage is the first filter. Confirm the AAFCO statement on the label specifies adult maintenance, all life stages, or growth before adding a formula to your cart. For younger dogs, cross-reference with puppy food formulas to ensure you're meeting the elevated protein and mineral requirements of a growing dog. From there, choose a format that fits your meal prep routine: patties are easy to portion by weight, nuggets work well for small dogs, and rolls or chubs suit larger dogs on a consistent feeding schedule. If you're new to raw frozen dog food specifically, talk to your veterinarian before starting, and follow safe thawing and handling practices to protect both your dog and your household.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is frozen dog food?

Frozen dog food is a category that includes raw frozen, lightly cooked, and minimally processed formulas that are preserved by freezing rather than by high-heat processing or chemical preservatives. It comes in formats like patties, nuggets, rolls, and chubs, and covers everything from raw frozen dog food to gently cooked frozen dog food designed for owners who want less processing without going fully raw. When AAFCO-labeled as complete and balanced, frozen formulas can serve as a dog's primary diet.

Is frozen food better for dogs than kibble?

It depends on the dog and the household. Frozen food for dogs preserves more of the ingredient's original form and moisture, which some dogs find more palatable and digestible. Kibble is shelf-stable, convenient, and comes in a wide range of formulas for every life stage and health profile. Neither format is automatically superior. Many owners use both, serving frozen food as the main meal or rotating it with dry kibble depending on the week's schedule and their dog's appetite.

How do I thaw frozen dog food safely?

The safest method is overnight thawing in the refrigerator. Place the sealed portion in a covered bowl or container and let it thaw slowly at refrigerator temperature, typically 8 to 12 hours depending on the size of the portion. Do not thaw frozen dog food at room temperature or in warm water, as both methods can allow bacterial growth in the outer layers before the center is fully thawed. Once thawed, serve within the window specified on the packaging, usually 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I mix frozen dog food with dry food?

Yes, and this is a common feeding approach. Adding thawed frozen food as a topper to dry kibble increases palatability and moisture content, which can be helpful for dogs that don't drink enough water or are transitioning from a dry-only diet. Make sure the combined calorie total aligns with your dog's daily requirements to avoid overfeeding. If you're feeding frozen as a topper rather than a complete primary diet, check whether the frozen formula is labeled as a complement or a complete and balanced food, since the two have different nutritional roles.

Is raw frozen dog food safe?

Raw frozen dog food can be safe when sourced from reputable manufacturers, stored properly, thawed correctly, and fed to otherwise healthy dogs. Look for products that follow high-pressure processing or an equivalent safety protocol to reduce pathogen risk. Raw diets are not appropriate for every dog: puppies, senior dogs, immunocompromised dogs, and dogs on certain medications may face elevated risk. Households with young children, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised members should also factor in cross-contamination considerations. Consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on a raw frozen diet.

How do I store frozen dog food?

Keep unopened frozen dog food in your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below until you're ready to use it. Most frozen formulas stay fresh in the freezer for several months, but check the packaging for the manufacturer's recommended use-by window. Once you open a bag or remove individual patties or nuggets, store any extras in a sealed freezer-safe bag or airtight container and return them to the freezer promptly. Thawed portions that have not been served should be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container and used within the time window on the label, usually 2 to 4 days.