Deciding on which treats to give your dog can be confusing — of course, you only want the tastiest, healthiest options for your pet! That’s where the best freeze-dried dog treats come in! The buzz around them is only getting louder — pet parents are falling in love with these treats for a reason.
What if you could satisfy your fur baby’s cravings without any of the guilt? These scrumptious bites are the answer, loaded with flavor and nutrients to keep dogs of all breeds happy and healthy.
Freeze-drying is a preservation powerhouse: it locks in the nutrients, flavor, and texture of the source ingredient, giving your dog a snack that’s both healthy and irresistible. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best freeze-dried dog treats? That’s where we come in! Let DogTime be your trusted companion on the journey to finding the right freeze-dried treats for your loyal companion.
Are Freeze-dried Dog Treats Okay for Dogs?
Freeze-dried dog treats are a good, healthy option for dogs, so yes, they are completely okay! Since they are essentially raw, their nutritional content remains intact, and they don’t contain any harmful or artificial additives. Plus, they are also high in protein and low in sugar.
To add on, they contain a limited number of ingredients, which makes them highly digestible while also being low in allergens. Their hard, crunchy texture is loved by dogs, and as a bonus, they clean your pet’s teeth, too.
Do Vets Recommend Freeze-dried Dog Treats?
If you are wondering, “Are freeze-dried dog treats healthy?” the short answer is yes. Many veterinarians recommend them as a healthy option for dogs, and here’s why:
Nutritional Benefits
Freeze-dried treats retain the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in the original ingredients because the freeze-drying process involves removing moisture without using heat. This makes them a more nutritious option than many baked or processed treats.
High-quality Ingredients
Vets appreciate that freeze-dried treats often contain whole food ingredients, such as meats, fruits, and vegetables, without the fillers, additives, and preservatives commonly found in other types of treats. They are a cleaner, healthier option for dogs.
Palatability
Dogs generally find freeze-dried treats to be extremely palatable. The process enhances the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients, making the treats more appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
Allergy-friendly Options
Some of the best freeze-dried treats for dogs are made with just one ingredient, like chicken breast or beef liver, making them a suitable choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Convenience and Shelf Life
These treats are lightweight, easy to store, and have a longer shelf life than other treats, making them a convenient option for stocking up on.
Digestive and Dental Health
Freeze-dried treats are easier on the stomach, and their crunchy texture can help scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting good oral hygiene.
The Best Freeze-dried Dog Treats to Buy in 2024
Below, we’ve curated a list of the top-selling freeze-dried dog treats — they are bound to make your pooch’s tail wag with joy!
BEST OVERALL
VITAL ESSENTIALS Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Liver
PHOTO CREDIT: VITAL ESSENTIALS
Why We Love
High protein content
Made from responsibly sourced liver
Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Free from fillers
Made from a single ingredient
Grain and gluten-free
But…
Some pet parents may not like the smell
The Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Liver is our top choice of treats because it’s the ultimate powerhouse of nutrients. These protein-packed treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher-cut beef liver that is freeze-dried in peak freshness to lock in flavor and the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals found in raw organs.
With every bite, your pup will enjoy the benefits of a high-protein diet, including increased energy, healthier skin and coat, stronger teeth, and improved gut health. These treats are also free of fillers, grains, artificial preservatives, and anything else your dog doesn’t need so that you can give them to your pet without an iota of guilt.
BEST SINGLE-INGREDIENT
Stewart Beef Liver
PHOTO CREDIT: Stewart
Why We Love
Made with 100% pure beef liver
Packed with protein
Gluten and grain-free
Resealable tub
Suitable for dogs of all ages
It can be used as a food topper
But…
There’s no uniformity in size
Are you aiming to up your dog’s nutrition intake? Consider giving them the irresistible taste and undeniable health benefits of Stewart Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats. Made with just one ingredient — 100% pure beef liver — these treats are a simple yet powerful way to support and maintain your furry friend’s health. Packed with protein, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, they support strong muscles, a lustrous coat, and overall well-being.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there. You can use Stewart freeze dried dog treats for training sessions, with interactive puzzle toys, or simply for sprinkling on top of their regular food. Plus, these treats are conveniently packaged in a resealable tub to maintain freshness and can be easily broken into small pieces for dogs of all sizes and ages.
BEST FOR TRAINING
Pupford Train Dog Training Treats
PHOTO CREDIT: Pupford
Why We Love
Made with just one all-natural ingredient
Available in eight flavors
Small-sized treats
Convenient to carry
No fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Effective for reinforcing desired behavior
But…
Due to their small size, it’s easy to overfeed
Pupford Train Dog Training Treats are the perfect bite-sized motivation for mastering new skills. If you’re looking for freeze-dried dog treats for training that are both tasty and healthy, these single-ingredient rewards are the way to go. Your dog will love the burst of flavor, and you’ll appreciate the lack of fillers.
Carrying treats with you while on the go has never been easier. You can easily slip these compactly designed treats into your pocket or treat bag, and they won’t leave any greasy residue on your hands or pockets. You can give your pooch their favorite from one of the eight delicious flavors. Only one treat (or even half a treat) is needed to reward correct behavior, and this is an efficient way to encourage your furry friend to be their best-behaved self.
BEST LIMITED-INGREDIENT
ACANA Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
PHOTO CREDIT: ACANA
Why We Love
Made from a single animal protein source
Available in three flavors
Grain-free
Nutrient-rich
High protein content
Low calorie
But…
Not a single-ingredient treat
Whether you’re reinforcing good behavior or simply showing your dog some love, the Acana Freeze-Dried Dog Treats provide a guilt-free option that dogs will keep wanting more of. Made with just three simple, quality ingredients, these grain-free treats are perfect for picky eaters and those with dietary sensitivities.
Available in three flavors — Duck and Pear, Beef, and Pumpkin, and Lamb and Apple — these freeze-dried treats are a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein from a single animal source. They are also low in calories — just five calories per treat, making them ideal training rewards or anytime snacks for your precious pooch.
BEST HIGH-PROTEIN TREATS
ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
PHOTO CREDIT: ORIJEN
Why We Love
Made from 99% animal ingredients
Simple recipe
Sourced from free-run poultry and wild-caught fish
Includes WholePrey ingredients
High protein content
It can be used as a food topper
But…
May not be suitable for all dogs
Unleash your dog’s inner wolf with the Orijen Freeze-Dried Original Dog Treats. These protein-rich morsels are crafted with 99% animal ingredients, mirroring your dog’s ancestral diet and satisfying their natural cravings. Gently freeze-dried to retain all the benefits of raw nutrition in a convenient dry form, these treats are not only delicious but also nutritious.
This freeze-dried dog treat recipe includes WholePrey ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and bone, which deliver nutrition in a convenient, portable form. With a single treat containing only five calories, these healthy treats are perfect for any outing. Made with the finest free-run poultry and wild-caught fish, your dog will devour these delicious morsels, their tail wagging with pure delight.
BEST FOR ALL AGES
wag Freeze-Dried Lamb Liver
PHOTO CREDIT: Wag
Why We Love
Made with 100% real lamb liver
Available in two other flavors
Free from corn, wheat, and soy
Suitable for all ages
It comes in a resealable pouch
Semi-soft and chewy texture
But…
The packet may contain a lot of crumbs
Treat your dog to the wholesome goodness of Wag’s Freeze-Dried Lamb Liver Dog Treats, and watch them ‘wag’ for more. These single-ingredient wonders are crafted with 100% real lamb liver, a natural source of protein and nutrients, and each bite-size piece has a semi-soft texture with a light, chewy crunch that dogs love.
Sourced from the pristine pastures of New Zealand and Australia, these treats are freeze-dried in the U.S.A. without any added grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, or egg. You won’t find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives either — just pure, nourishing goodness that’s perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes.
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
PHOTO CREDIT: PureBites
Why We Love
Made with 100% pure chicken breast
High-protein and low-calorie content
Human-grade ingredients
Easily digestible
Grain and gluten-free
Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
But…
Con1
High protein and low-calorie content sounds like something nutritionists would advise humans, but that is exactly what you get for your dog with PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast treats. Made with just one ingredient — 100% pure, human-grade chicken breast sourced and made in the U.S.A. — these three-calorie snacks are free from artificial colors, fillers, and sweeteners.
Freeze-dried to lock in the fresh, raw flavor and nutrients, these bite-sized treats are a taste of the wild for your domesticated companion. They’re not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly healthy, making them a perfect choice for dogs with diabetes, allergies, or other dietary restrictions. They are also easy to digest and suitable for all life stages.
How We Chose the Best Freeze-dried Dog Treats?
Copy in the text At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best freeze-dried dog treats by assessing factors such as single or multiple ingredients, nutrient value, delicious flavors, versatile use, minimal or no preservatives, and overall price. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market..
FAQ
Is freeze-dried okay for dogs?
Yes, freeze-dried dog treats are generally safe and nutritious. They not only retain the nutrients of their original source ingredient but also their natural flavors as well, making them a healthy option for dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.
Why are freeze-dried dog treats so expensive?
Freeze-dried dog treats are more expensive due to the specialized process of removing moisture while preserving nutrients and flavor. This requires expensive equipment and is more time-consuming than traditional methods, making the final product pricier.
Do freeze-dried dog treats go bad?
Yes, but they have a much longer shelf life than traditional treats. Unopened freeze-dried treats can last for months or even years, but once opened, it’s best to use them within a few weeks to ensure optimal flavor and quality.
Do you rehydrate freeze-dried dog treats?
No, freeze-dried dog treats are intended to be fed as-is, directly from the package. Rehydrating them is not necessary and may alter their intended texture and flavor.
What are the disadvantages of freeze-dried food?
The main disadvantages of freeze-dried dog food include higher costs due to the specialized processing and the potential for brittle texture, which some dogs may find less appealing, and the need for careful storage to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption that could affect quality over time.
What is the alternative to freeze-dried dog food?
A suitable alternative to freeze-dried dog food is air-dried dog food. Similar to freeze-dried, it retains nutrients but uses air instead of freezing. It has a different texture that some dogs seem to like.
Can bacteria survive freeze-drying?
While freeze-drying significantly reduces bacterial growth, some bacteria can survive the process. However, reputable brands adhere to strict safety standards to minimize this risk. To be safe, always handle freeze-dried treats properly and wash your hands after handling.
Are freeze-dried bones good for dogs?
Freeze-dried bones can be a good source of calcium and other nutrients for dogs but should only be given under supervision. Choose bones appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits, and avoid overly processed or brittle bones that can splinter.
Is freeze-dried dog food better than fresh dog food?
Both freeze-dried and fresh dog food offer unique benefits. Freeze-dried food boasts a longer shelf life and convenient storage, while fresh food may provide slightly higher moisture content and minimal processing. You can choose one over the other based on your pooch’s preference and your own lifestyle.
Is dehydrated dog food the same as freeze-dried?
No, they’re not the same. While both remove moisture, dehydration uses low heat, potentially compromising nutrients, while freeze-drying uses a cold vacuum process, preserving more nutrients and flavor.
