Does your dog turn up their nose at the same old boring treats? You want to give your furry friend the very best, something healthy and packed with real flavor. But walking down the pet store aisle can feel like a maze! So many bags promise “natural” or “healthy,” leaving you wondering which freeze-dried treats truly deserve a spot in your pantry.
Choosing the right freeze-dried dog treats can be tricky. You worry about hidden fillers, artificial ingredients, and whether the treat is actually good for your pup. You want maximum nutrition without the junk. It’s a constant balance between what your dog loves and what you know is good for them.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes freeze-dried treats a fantastic option for your dog’s health and happiness. Keep reading to discover the top benefits, how to read labels like a pro, and find the perfect, delicious snacks your dog will beg for!
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.
- 100% NATURAL – Our freeze-dried dog and cat treats are all-natural and made with real ingredients. We provide a healthy treat you and your furry friend can trust that is grain-free with no artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers.
- 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
- 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.
- 【Pure Meat Formula, Low Allergen】Made with premium chicken breast as the sole ingredient, the ingredient list contains 100% chicken. Free from grains, preservatives, artificial colors, and other unnecessary additives. This single-source meat formula effectively reduces the likelihood of pet allergies, catering to the dietary needs of adult pets, puppies, and senior pets with sensitive stomachs.
- 【Freeze-Dried Technology, Natural High Protein】 Utilizing -38°C low-temperature freeze-drying technology, it fully preserves the premium protein, vitamins, and other natural nutrients in chicken. With a scientifically balanced high-protein, low-fat formulation, it provides pets with daily energy, promotes muscle development, and minimizes obesity risks. Long-term consumption improves coat condition.
- 【Crispy and Delicious, Teeth-Cleaning and Dental Care】 The freeze-dried process creates a crispy texture that gently scrubs pet teeth during chewing, helping reduce plaque buildup. Rich in natural chicken flavor, it significantly enhances palatability to tackle picky eaters. When rehydrated with warm water, it becomes soft and tender—perfect for seniors with weakened teeth—delivering dual benefits of hydration and nutrition.
- 【Versatile Scenario Adaptability】 180g of freeze-dried chicken provides 2-3 months of snacking for your pet. The uniformly sized pellets are easy to pick up and feed, serving as daily interactive rewards or meal companions. Ideal for training sessions and travel, they support efficient positive reinforcement of pet behavior. Caution: Do not feed to ruminants.
- 【Canned Sealing, Long-Lasting Freshness】 Packaged in food-grade cans with a convenient pull-tab seal, offering effortless opening and superior airtightness. Effectively blocks air and moisture to prevent freeze-dried products from spoiling. Unopened shelf life lasts up to 18 months, while maintaining extended freshness after opening. Compact design facilitates easy daily storage.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Fueling Fun with Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Freeze-dried dog treats are a fantastic way to spoil your furry friend. They lock in nutrients and flavor, making them super tasty and healthy. Deciding which ones to buy can be tricky, so we put together this guide to help you choose the best snacks for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
1. Ingredient Purity and Transparency
The best freeze-dried treats list simple, recognizable ingredients. Look for single-ingredient treats, like just chicken or just salmon. This is great if your dog has allergies. Always check the label to see exactly what you are feeding your pet.
2. Nutritional Value Retention
The freeze-drying process itself is a feature. It removes water while keeping most of the vitamins and minerals intact. Check if the packaging mentions preserving natural nutrition. High-quality treats will boast about this benefit.
3. Treat Size and Shape
Consider how you plan to use the treat. Are you using them for quick rewards during training, or as a meal topper? Smaller, crumbly pieces work well for quick rewards. Larger chunks are better for longer-lasting chews or mixing into food.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
Protein Source
The primary material is usually a lean protein. Common options include chicken breast, beef liver, salmon, or turkey. Choose a protein that your dog enjoys and tolerates well. Avoid treats loaded with fillers.
Additives and Preservatives
Good freeze-dried treats should have *zero* artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives. These additions reduce the overall quality. The drying process naturally preserves the food, so extra chemicals are unnecessary.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Improvement: Sourcing
Where the raw ingredients come from greatly affects quality. Treats made from human-grade meat sourced from reputable farms are generally superior. Better sourcing means better starting material, leading to a better final product.
Quality Reduction: Processing Methods
While freeze-drying is great, sometimes manufacturers add things back in after drying. For example, some treats get coated in oils or artificial flavor enhancers. These additions lower the natural quality of the freeze-dried product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Training and Rewards
Freeze-dried treats are excellent for training. Because they are lightweight and intensely flavorful, dogs pay close attention when you hold one. They are easily broken into tiny pieces, making many treats go a long way.
Meal Enhancement
Many owners crumble these treats over their dog’s regular kibble. This boosts the flavor and encourages picky eaters to finish their meals. The texture mixes easily with dry food.
Portability
Since the water is removed, these treats are very light and do not require refrigeration. This makes them perfect for tossing into a hiking bag or taking on road trips. You never have to worry about spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Q: Are freeze-dried treats safe for puppies?
A: Yes, generally they are very safe. However, always check the packaging for age recommendations. Very rich treats, like liver, should be given in moderation to young puppies whose stomachs are still developing.
Q: How long do freeze-dried treats last?
A: Because the moisture is removed, they have a very long shelf life—often a year or more if kept sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, try to use them within a few months for peak freshness.
Q: Is freeze-dried better than jerky?
A: Freeze-drying is often better than traditional dehydration (jerky). Freeze-drying preserves more nutrients and results in a lighter, more porous texture that dogs love. Jerky can sometimes be tougher and may contain more added salt or sugars.
Q: Can I feed these treats to my dog every day?
A: Yes, you can feed them daily, but remember treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Use them as rewards rather than main meals.
Q: What does “single-ingredient” mean?
A: It means the bag contains only one item—for example, 100% pure chicken breast. This is the simplest form of the treat.
Q: Do I need to rehydrate these treats?
A: No, you do not have to rehydrate them. They are ready to eat right out of the bag. Some owners soak them for very old dogs, but it is not required.
Q: How do I store opened bags?
A: Keep the bag tightly sealed. Squeeze the air out before closing the zipper or using a clip. Store them away from heat and sunlight.
Q: Are these treats expensive?
A: They can cost more upfront than standard biscuits. However, since they are lightweight and potent, you often use less per reward, which can make them cost-effective in the long run.
Q: Do freeze-dried treats have fillers?
A: The best ones do not. Always check the ingredient list. If you see corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients, the quality is reduced.
Q: How can I tell if the treat is high quality?
A: High-quality treats smell strongly of the raw meat they came from, crumble easily for training, and have a very short ingredient list.