[The full science with 3 studies linked]
🔬 Dehydrated food boosts immune & antioxidant markers vs. kibble
Source: Souza et al. (2025). Comparative Clinical Pathology Journal.
A controlled 45-day crossover trial with 10 dogs found that dehydrated natural food significantly improved antioxidant status and immune system response vs. standard extruded kibble. Researchers concluded: 'natural dehydrated feed stimulated the antioxidant and immune system compared to extruded dry feed.'
"A 2025 study found dogs fed dehydrated food showed measurably better antioxidant and immune markers than kibble-fed dogs. We dehydrate. Not extrude."
🔬 High-heat extrusion destroys Vitamins A, E and the entire B-group
Source: Tran et al. (2008). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Wageningen University.
Commercial kibble is extruded at 125-150°C. This landmark study found it significantly degrades Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and B-group vitamins, and reduces heat-sensitive amino acids via the Maillard reaction.
"Research from Wageningen University confirmed high-heat extrusion destroys Vitamins A, E, and B-group. We dehydrate at 55-70°C. Nutrients stay where they belong — in the treat."
🔬 The Maillard Reaction: what happens above 140°C
Source: Geary et al. (2024). Translational Animal Science, Vol. 8.
Above 140°C, proteins and carbohydrates form Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) that reduce nutrient bioavailability. Dehydration below 70°C does not trigger this reaction.
"Commercial treats are heated above 140°C, triggering the Maillard reaction — a process that reduces nutritional value. Dehydration at 55-70°C doesn't trigger it. This isn't marketing. It's food chemistry."
The 'Why Dehydrated?' Module — Copy Ready to Paste
Why Dehydrated? The Short Answer.
Commercial treats are made at 125-200°C. Research confirms this destroys essential vitamins (A, E, B-group), amino acids like lysine, and Omega-3/6 fatty acids — and triggers the Maillard reaction, forming compounds that reduce nutritional value.
Dehydration runs at 55-70°C. Gentle enough to remove moisture and eliminate bacteria — without the heat damage. A 2025 peer-reviewed study found dogs fed dehydrated natural food showed measurably better immune and antioxidant markers than kibble-fed dogs.
We're not saying dehydration is magic. We're saying: if you're giving your dog a treat, why start by cooking the good stuff out of it?