The 11 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Dog owners all around the world understand the importance of feeding their pets a high-quality, well-balanced diet.
While dog food makes up the majority of a dog's diet, it's vital to note that treats are also offered on a regular basis, so make sure they meet those guidelines as well.
In recent years, freeze-dried dog treats have become more popular because they have fewer ingredients, are often lower in calories, and are very healthy because of the way freeze-drying keeps nutrients.
If you've done your research, you've undoubtedly discovered that there are a plethora of freeze-dried treat alternatives available. So, how do you pick the best one?
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) has done all of the legwork for you. We not only combed through customer feedback, but we also scrutinized the ingredients to bring you the best freeze-dried dog treats on the market today.
Reviews
Carnivore Crunch Dog Treats by Stella & Chewy – Best Overall
- Tocopherols, Turkey with Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Fenugreek Seed (Preservative)
- 3.25 oz. in size
- 3.0 kilocalories per nugget
Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch is our top overall choice for freeze-dried dog treats. We chose their Cage-Free Turkey recipe since it is suitable for most dogs, even those who are allergic to specific proteins such as beef and chicken.
Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch is also available in Grass-Fed Beef, Cage-Free Chicken, and Cage-Free Duck formulations.
All of which are manufactured in the United States. These snacks include no artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers.
These goodies are grain and gluten-free, packed with raw nourishment, and reasonably priced. They provide a good protein boost and, at less than 3 calories per treat, are an excellent addition to your dog’s treat arsenal.
Some pet owners complained that the morsels were too large for their bigger pets. There were also occasional instances of gastrointestinal distress, albeit these were uncommon.
Pros
- Protein-rich and nutritious
- Each goodie has just 3 calories
- Priced reasonably
- There are several taste options available
Cons
- Some people find the treats to be overly large
- GI upset is possible
Whole Life All-In-One Dog Treats – Best Value
- Beef Liver is a key ingredient
- Size: 4 oz.
- Calories per gram: 6kcal
Consider Whole Life Just One Ingredient Freeze-Dried Dog Snacks if you want the greatest freeze-dried treats for the money.
This version is composed entirely of beef liver, which is a fan favorite, but they also offer chicken, salmon, pumpkin, turkey, and peanut butter tastes.
These sweets are surprisingly inexpensive, especially given their high quality and single ingredient. There are no chemical additions or preservatives, and the freeze-drying technique ensures that the nutrients and flavor are retained.
Whole Life’s ingredients are completely traceable and are sourced, processed, and packaged in the United States.
According to customer evaluations, the most significant disadvantage of these treats is that they are far too hard, making them unsuitable for elders or anyone with tooth concerns.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Aside from beef, there are several recipe possibilities
- Only pure beef is used in this recipe
- Nutrient-dense and flavorful
Cons
- The texture is hard
ORIJEN Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Treats – Premium Selection
- Key Ingredients: Duck, Duck Liver, Mixed Tocopherols
- 3.25 ounces in size
- Calories: 6 kcal/cup
Orijen is one of the market’s top brands of high quality dog meals, so it’s no surprise that their freeze-dried treats made the cut.
Orijen Free-Run Duck Formula is our premium selection since they are of premium quality, so it only makes sense, right?
There are six additional taste options if you want a different protein source. These nibbles are high in protein and composed entirely of animal products, including duck and duck liver in this example.
This recipe has some natural preservatives to keep it fresh.
These treats are extremely light and come highly recommended by many dog owners. The disadvantage of these treats is that they are somewhat more expensive than rivals, and they crumble and leave a lot of dust in the bottom of the bag.
Pros
- There are a total of seven taste options
- Contains 99 percent animal protein
- It’s light and simple to chew
Cons
- Pricey
Pupford Chicken Flavor Training Treats – Puppies Only
- Chicken, Mixed Tocopherols are the main ingredients
- Sizes: 2 oz. and 4 oz
- Calories: Each treat has less than 1 kcal
Pupford’s little freeze-dried snacks are an excellent alternative for pups. There’s little question you’ll be busy training your child, so have plenty of sweets on hand to keep praising excellent behavior.
Aside from the chicken recipe, there are various taste options.
These snacks are created in the United States and include only one calorie per treat, so you don’t have to worry about overeating while training.
Pupford Chicken Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are available in 2-ounce and 4-ounce bag sizes and are made with only chicken and mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative.
The only complaint we heard about these snacks was that the texture wasn’t to their liking.
Pros
- Low caloric intake
- Size is small
- Excellent for puppy training
- There are two distinct bag sizes available
Cons
- Texture is not for everyone
Wild Alaskan Salmon Dog Treats by Life Essentials
- Key Ingredients: Wild Alaskan Salmon, Freeze-Dried
- 5 oz. size
- Calories per ounce: 135.2 kcal ME
Life Essentials Wild Alaskan Salmon Freeze-Dried Treats are suitable for both dogs and cats. Salmon is a wonderful protein source for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, so these treats are suitable for almost everyone.
These treats include no preservatives or chemicals, only wild Alaskan salmon, which is high in omega fatty acids and has several advantages, including healthy skin and coat.
They are packed in protein and highly flavorful, so even the pickiest eater should like these goodies.
The downside to these goodies is the fishy scent, which isn’t overpowering because to the freeze-drying process but is clearly noticeable.
Pros
- Excellent for people who have allergies or sensitivities
- Protein and omega-fatty acid-rich
- Designed for cats and dogs
- Excellent for finicky eaters
Cons
- Fishy odor
Beef Nibs Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats by Vital Essentials
- Beef, Beef Lung, Beef Liver, Beef Stomach, Beef Heart, Beef Fat, Beef Kidney, Beef Blood, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols are the main ingredients
- Approximately 2.5 oz.
- 128 calories per ounce
The Critical Elements Beef Nibs are another another excellent option for freeze-dried sweets. These snacks are produced from raw, freeze-dried beef that has never been subjected to hormones or antibiotics.
They take a more comprehensive approach to prey, including nutrient-dense organs like as the lungs, liver, stomach, heart, fat, kidney, and blood.
Dog owners like the fact that there are no additional fillers, artificial flavors, or rendered by-product meals.
The additional herring oil is high in omega fatty acids, which are beneficial to the skin and coat. Dogs respond incredibly favorably to the dish and devour it with gusto.
Some owners were dissatisfied by the price relative to the amount, so they believed they’d be better off with treats that gave them more bang for their buck.
Pros
- Made with antibiotic- and hormone-free beef
- Protein and omega-fatty acid-rich
- Organ meats are high in nutrients
- There are no additional fillers, artificial flavors, or by-product meals
Cons
- Pricey
Simply Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Treats by Sojos
- Turkey is the main ingredient
- Contains 4 oz
- 2 kilocalories per treat
Sojos Simply Turkey Freeze Dried Dog Treats include only one ingredient: turkey. This recipe has no preservatives or artificial flavors. The freeze-drying procedure is used to help maintain nutrients while using no chemicals.
Turkey is a lean meat that is high in protein, so it makes for a nutritious snack, especially in those enticing delights. These morsels are fewer in calories than some of their competitors, making them an excellent choice for regular workouts.
They’re infamous for being crumbly and leaving a lot of dust in the bag, which isn’t ideal.
Some owners reported that their bags had additional components such as mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract, and green tea extract, so you may want to double-check your batch in case your dog is allergic to any of them.
Pros
- Low caloric intake
- Full of protein
- The only ingredient specified is turkey
Cons
- Some batches contain several ingredients
- Easily crumbles
Freeze-Dried ACANA Lamb & Apple Formula Dog Treats
- Lamb, Lamb Liver, Apples, and Mixed Tocopherols are the main ingredients
- 1.25 oz. in size
- Calories: 5 kcal per treat
Acana is a well-known pet food brand that is noted for using high-quality ingredients. They also have a range of freeze-dried dog treats that are well worth a look. Our fave are their Acana Singles Lamb & Apple Grain-Free Freeze Dried Dog Treats.
They’re produced using raw, grass-fed lamb and dried in smaller amounts to keep the nutrients in. Lamb is a lean protein that is also suitable for dogs that have allergies or sensitivities.
These snacks are a little pricey, but they are fantastic for finicky eaters and are well accepted.
The recipe contains only lamb, lamb liver, apples, and mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative.
A balanced blend of protein and critical nutrients in your treat bag can’t go wrong. Another advantage is that they are low in calories and may be used as training rewards.
Pros
- Made with lamb, liver, and apples
- Excellent for people who have allergies or sensitivities
- Protein and nutrient-rich source
- Fewer calories
Cons
- Expensive
Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats by PureBites
- Beef Liver is a key ingredient
- Weight: 16.6 oz.
- Calories: 5 kcal per treat
PureBites Beef Liver Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats are another single-ingredient choice. According to the firm, the beef liver utilized in the recipe is human grade and manufactured in the United States.
They make a terrific training treat and also work well if you are watching your dog’s weight because they are reasonably low in calories at only 5 calories per treat.
Many dog owners rave about how much they like these treats, and their dogs do as well.
Picky eaters often respond positively to PureBites, which saves time and effort.
The most common complaints about these treats are that they have a strong liver odor and that some dogs reported some GI discomfort, which isn’t uncommon if the dog isn’t used to eating cow liver and is given bigger amounts.
Pros
- Made entirely of beef liver
- Low caloric intake
- Excellent for finicky eaters
Cons
- Strong liver odor
- Minor GI distress is possible
Stewart Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Liver Dog Treats
- Chicken Liver is a key ingredient
- 1.5 oz., 3 oz., and 11.5 oz.
- 5 kilocalories per gram
Stewart sells freeze-dried raw dog treats made entirely of chicken liver. They are not only high in protein and tasty, but they are also free of undesirable substances such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
It may aid persons with allergies, food sensitivities, and sensitive stomachs because it is a single ingredient treat. However, if your dog is allergic to chicken, you should avoid it.
These goodies are available in a range of sizes and are packaged in a resealable tub rather than a bag.
Some customers were disappointed by how crumbly and dry these snacks were, while others thought they didn’t receive their money’s worth because the container wasn’t full when they opened it.
Pros
- The only ingredient is chicken liver
- There are many tub sizes available
- There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this product
Cons
- The container may not be completely filled
- It might be crumbly and dry
How to Identify the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
The Value of Keeping Dog Treats on Hand
Dog snacks are something you should always have on hand. Here are some of the key reasons why keeping a cache of goodies on hand is essential if you have dogs:
Training
Training is essential for any dog owner, and one of the greatest ways to keep your dog engaged in your training session and to reward them when they obey your directions is to give them a nice treat.
Positive reinforcement is most commonly utilized with treats and toys. Whether it’s toilet training, obedience, socializing, or any other sort of training, keep in mind that dogs, like most people, are food motivated, so never come up empty-handed.
Good Behavior Reward
Treats can be given to your dog to praise him for excellent behavior. This applies not just to training but also to everyday events.
If you find your dog engaging in excellent behavior that you have encouraged, it is a good idea to praise them so that they create a positive link with that action.
Stimulation of the Mind
You’re certainly aware with the plethora of puzzles and reward distributing toys available for dogs. Maintaining your dog’s mental stimulation is critical for their general health and avoids boredom, which can lead to harmful actions.
It’s also a suggested method for treating separation anxiety in dogs. Having goodies on hand to place in these interactive toys is a terrific way to keep your dog busy.
Advantages of Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Freeze drying is a low-temperature dehydration technique. The absence of heat permits the dish to retain its nutritious content and powerful flavor.
Freeze-dried dog treats have risen in popularity over the years since they are low in calories and many of these goodies are free of all the extraneous substances found in other treats.
Considerations When Purchasing Dog Treats
Age and size of your dog
The forms, sizes, and textures of treats vary. This is something to bear in mind when looking for the right treat. Senior dogs or those with dental difficulties may have difficulty chewing, so examine the texture to ensure they can easily chew the treat.
Because you will be spending a lot of time teaching a puppy, it is essential to keep little training treats on hand because you will be giving out more than normal.
Extra big dogs, such as English Mastiffs or Great Danes, will have different demands than a toy breed, so keep these considerations in mind while buying.
Dietary Special Considerations
If your dog has any unique nutritional needs due to a medical condition, look for treats that are suitable for that condition.
Chicken and beef are two of the most prevalent protein allergies, but they are also two of the most common key components in many foods. Fortunately, there are several alternatives for people who have allergies or sensitivities.
If you need to keep an eye on your dog’s weight, choose healthy yet low-calorie snacks with few ingredients. If you have any questions about what is best for your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
Ingredients
Ingredients are an essential consideration when purchasing dog food and treats. Avoiding chemical preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and superfluous fillers is a good idea.
Treats will be a frequent addition to your dog’s diet, and while they are only suggested on occasion, you want to be sure they are made with high-quality ingredients.
That’s why freeze-dried foods are an excellent option, as they have few additives and are mostly comprised of meat.
Cost
When purchasing dog treats, consider the price. Prices vary, so it’s a good idea to compare the cost of the sweets to the quantity you’re getting.
Certain brands will give you a lot more bang for your buck, and even if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be able to locate some decent quality treats that work.
Conclusion
Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch comes in a variety of flavors and is popular among dog owners worldwide. Whole Life Just One Ingredients are high-quality freeze-dried treats that provide good value. Orijen is well-known for making both high-quality dog food and tasty freeze-dried treats.
There are a lot of good freeze-dried snacks on the market that get good reviews from pet owners all over the world.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our customers for visiting our website so I could learn about and recommend the best freeze-dried dog treats.
Hopefully, this list will assist you in determining which type will work best for you and your beloved partner.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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