Tried and Tested: Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Meal Mixers for Dogs

© Text & Photos by Yoo Yun

Louie is still our energetic, lovable 16-month-old Yorkshire Terrier. Though he no longer eats Stella & Chewy’s puppy patties, he consistently enjoys their freeze-dried meal mixers. Today, I’m sharing our experience and thoughts on these toppers—why we use them, how to serve them, and what to expect.

1. What Are Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers?

These freeze-dried toppers are designed to mix into your dog’s regular meals.

They’re made from raw ingredients using freeze-drying to preserve nutrition and flavor.
Available in targeted formulations like Healthy Heart or Hip & Joint, and in classic proteins like Chicken, Turkey, Pork, and Salmon.
Except for Healthy Heart and Salmon, most variants can be fed as a complete meal.

2. Healthy Heart vs Hip & Joint

Both are meal mixers, but there's a key difference:

Healthy Heart is labeled “Meal Topper Only” because it doesn’t meet complete daily nutrition.
Hip & Joint is labeled “Meal or Topper” and can be fed as a primary food.

💡 Healthy Heart contains 250mg of taurine per 11g to support heart and immune health.
💡 Hip & Joint includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

⚠ I give both in small amounts—just 2 to 4 pieces a day—as Louie eats a mix of other food too.

3. What Do They Look Like?

They’re visually identical, so you’ll need to check the labels.
Don’t worry—below are clear product shots to help.

4. How Do I Store Meal Mixers?

Unlike some dog parents, I don’t refrigerate freeze-dried food. It’s moisture-sensitive.
I divide it into aluminum zipper bags, press out the air, and seal the tops using a heat sealer.
Simple, dry, and safe.

5. Closer Look at Healthy Heart, Hip & Joint, and Pork

Here are all three side by side:

Visually identical
Typically served crumbled on top of other food
High palatability, especially when powdered and mixed with kibble or rehydrated

6. Alternative Feeding Method

Crush or chop into pieces and add water for rehydration.
Works well with any base—dry, freeze-dried, or wet food.

7. Ingredient and Nutrition Labels

Check the label:

Healthy Heart doesn’t contain enough nutrients to be a complete meal.
Hip & Joint is nutritionally complete and can be used as standalone food.

Louie’s Final Thoughts

Our Yorkie, Louie, has healthy joints and a strong heart. While genetics play a role, I believe good nutrition is a key part of keeping him well. Products like these ease my mind.

And let’s be honest—his happy, well-fed wiggles are the cutest reward. 🐶💕

Original Post (Korean):
https://blog.naver.com/heartkeepers/223701467218