Ever wonder what your dog *really* thinks about their snacks? Do you want to give your furry best friend the absolute best, but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of dog treats on the shelves? You’re not alone! Finding healthy, delicious, and safe treats can feel like a full-time job.
The world of dog treats is packed with ingredients you might not recognize, and sometimes those yummy-looking snacks just don’t deliver on nutrition. We all want to reward our dogs without worrying about hidden fillers or artificial junk. That’s where freeze-dried treats step in, promising pure, powerful nutrition in every bite.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what freeze-drying is, why it keeps nutrients locked in, and how to spot the highest quality options for your pup. Get ready to become a freeze-dried treat pro! Let’s dive into how these amazing snacks can upgrade your dog’s happy hour.
Top Freeze Dried Dog Treats Recommendations
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN BREAST DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken breast.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- New Xlarge Size Bag
- Gluten free - Grain free
- High protein
- No artificial preservatives or additives
- Zinc and vitamin A to help improve the immune system
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced premium minnows.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- 100% NATURAL – Our freeze-dried dog and cat treats are all-natural and made with only 1 single animal protein, real wild caught salmon. We provide a healthy treat you and your furry friend can trust that is grain free with no additives, preservatives, or fillers.
- DELICIOUS TASTE FOR TRAINING OR MEAL TOPPING – Elevate your pet's training sessions or meals with our irresistible Freeze-Dried Treats. Bursting with delicious flavor, these treats, made from premium salmon, are a perfect topping to enhance any meal. Their savory taste ensures your puppy or cat will be motivated and eager to learn with every rewarding bite.
- SUPPORT FOR YOUR PET’S HEALTH – Our high-protein, freeze-dried salmon snacks are not just tasty – they're also packed with vital benefits. Nutri Bites are packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D, Calcium, and Omega-3 to support your pet’s digestion, immune system, and reproductive organs along with their skin, bone, and joint health!
- LESS DUST & CRUMBS – Our premium standard freeze-drying process ensures more meat and less unnecessary dust and crumbs. Give your pet the pure joy of wholesome, meat-packed goodness with every treat.
- 14 OZ BULK VALUE POUCH – Offering the best bulk value, each large resealable pouch is packed with 400 grams of premium treats that ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy without breaking the bank. Treat your pet to quality nutrition at an affordable price with every pouch. Try all pet treats including; freeze-dried beef liver, salmon, and chicken
- Includes One 4 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 90 treats per tub
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
- 100% BEEF LIVER ONLY – Single-ingredient treats with no fillers or artificial additives.
- SUPPORTS STRONG MUSCLES – High in protein to promote strength and active play.
- WHY FREEZE-DRIED? – Gently preserves flavour, texture, and raw nutrition.
- BOOSTS IMMUNE & CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS – Rich in iron and zinc to support vital body functions.
- PERFECT FOR TRAINING & REWARDS – Bite-sized and light in texture makes them ideal for training or treating on the go.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Freeze-dried dog treats are a fantastic, healthy option for spoiling your furry friend. They keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. But with so many options, how do you pick the best ones? This guide helps you shop smart.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a bag of freeze-dried treats, check these things first. They tell you a lot about the product’s value.
1. Ingredient Simplicity
- Single Ingredient Focus: The best treats often list only one thing, like “Chicken Breast” or “Salmon.” This is great for dogs with allergies.
- No Fillers: Avoid treats with corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and flavors. These add no real nutrition.
2. Nutritional Integrity
- High Protein Content: Since these treats are mostly meat, they should have a very high protein percentage. This fuels your dog’s energy.
- Low Carbohydrate Count: Good freeze-dried treats naturally have very few carbs.
3. Texture and Form
- Crumble Factor: Treats should be easily broken into smaller pieces for training. Some are very hard; others crumble nicely.
- Portion Size: Check if the pieces are bite-sized or need breaking up.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The quality of the raw material directly impacts the final treat. You want the highest quality meat possible.
Sourcing Transparency
Where did the meat come from? Look for treats made from human-grade ingredients. This means the meat is safe for people to eat before it is freeze-dried. Treats made in countries with strict food safety rules are usually better.
The Freeze-Drying Process
This process removes water but keeps the nutrients. High-quality manufacturers use gentle, low-heat methods. This preserves vitamins and minerals better than baking or extruding treats.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all freeze-dried treats are created equal. A few things can boost or hurt the quality significantly.
Quality Boosters:
- Organs Included: Treats that include small amounts of liver or kidney offer extra vitamins (like Vitamin A).
- Ethically Raised Meat: Grass-fed or free-range sources usually mean healthier animals and better meat.
Quality Reducers:
- Added Fats or Oils: If the label lists extra oils (unless it is something healthy like fish oil), it might be added to improve flavor artificially.
- Long Ingredient Lists: A long list usually means unnecessary additives or preservatives, which defeats the purpose of choosing freeze-dried.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use these treats. This affects which form factor works best for you.
Training Powerhouse
Because they smell strongly and taste great, freeze-dried meats are excellent for high-value training. A dog will focus much better when a tiny piece of real chicken is the reward.
Meal Toppers and Supplements
Many owners crush these treats into a powder. They sprinkle this powder over regular kibble. This adds flavor and extra nutrition, especially for picky eaters. You can also rehydrate them with water to sneak extra hydration into your dog’s diet.
The convenience of freeze-dried treats is huge. They do not need refrigeration, and they last a long time, making them perfect for travel or keeping in your car.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Q: What exactly is freeze-drying?
A: Freeze-drying removes almost all the water from the food using cold temperatures and a vacuum. This keeps the food light and preserves most of the nutrients.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats healthier than regular baked treats?
A: Yes, generally they are. They contain fewer processed ingredients and retain more of the original food’s vitamins and natural flavor.
Q: How long do freeze-dried treats last?
A: If you keep them sealed in a cool, dry place, they can last for one to two years. Once opened, use them within a few months for best freshness.
Q: Can I feed freeze-dried treats to puppies?
A: Many are safe for puppies, but always check the label. Make sure the pieces are small enough for safe chewing, or break them up first.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate them after opening the bag?
A: No. The drying process removes the moisture that causes spoilage. Just seal the bag tightly.
Q: What are the most common ingredients used?
A: The most popular ingredients are single proteins like chicken, beef liver, salmon, and duck.
Q: How do I know if my dog is allergic to a freeze-dried treat?
A: Watch for itching, paw licking, or stomach upset. If you use a single-ingredient treat, you can easily figure out the culprit.
Q: Are freeze-dried treats a complete meal?
A: No, they are treats or food toppers. They do not have the balanced vitamins and minerals required for a dog’s full daily diet.
Q: Why are freeze-dried treats usually more expensive?
A: The process of freeze-drying requires special equipment and takes a long time. This makes the production cost higher than simple baking.
Q: Can I give freeze-dried treats to senior dogs?
A: Absolutely. They are soft and easy to chew, making them perfect for older dogs who might have dental issues.