We get asked all the time: “Should I rehydrate Ernie’s freeze-dried treats?”

The answer? It’s totally up to you! Freeze-dried snacks are ready to serve straight out of the pack — crunchy, protein-packed, and mess-free. But sometimes, adding a splash of moisture can turn them into a next-level pet meal!

Let’s dive into how (and why) to rehydrate freeze-dried pet food for puppies, seniors, cats, and everyone in between.

Reasons to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Treats

Think of rehydration as your secret pet-hack:

• Gentler for Sensitive Teeth: Older pets or puppies/kittens might prefer softer textures.
• Hydration Boost: Perfect for pets who forget to drink enough water (we’re looking at you, cats!).
• Digestion Support: Moist snacks are easier on tummies, especially during weaning.
• Flavour Explosion: The aroma of rehydrated meat is irresistible to picky eaters!

How to Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Pet Food: Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need:

• Ernie’s Bites freeze-dried treats/toppers
• Warm (not hot) water, bone broth, or goat’s milk
• A small bowl

Steps:

1. Break it Up: Crumble larger pieces or treats into smaller bits.
2. Add Liquid: Pour twice the volume of warm liquid over the freeze-dried bits (e.g., 1 part treats to 2 parts liquid).
3. Let it Soak: Wait 2–5 minutes. Watch the magic happen as they plump up!
4. Mix & Serve: Stir well and check temp. Serve as a topper, standalone meal, or yummy licks for enrichment.

Pro Tip: Use bone broth (pet-safe, low-sodium) for extra nutrients and pizzazz!

Creative Ways to Serve Rehydrated Ernie’s Bites

1. Lick Mats: Spread rehydrated mush on a silicone mat and freeze for a cooling summer treat.
2. Kong Stuffers: Mix with kibble and seal inside a Kong for playtime snacks.
3. Gravy for Kibble: Pour rehydrated broth-meat mix over dry biscuits.
4. Cat Smoothie: Blend into a “meat milkshake” for fussy felines.

Safety First: Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t leave rehydrated food out for more than 2 hours (bacteria love moisture!).
• Never use boiling water — it can destroy nutrients.
• Stick to pet-safe liquids (no onion broth, salty stocks, or dairy unless tolerated).

Made for Tassie’s Best (Including Kittens!)

Kittens and puppies adore Ernie’s Bites rehydrated into soft, nibble-sized bites. Just ensure the pieces are small and the texture is mushy enough for teeny teeth!

Explore Our Single-Ingredient Freeze-Dried Range

Got a rehydration success story? Tag us @ErniesBites — we’d love to see your pet’s happy mealtime face!