The Health Benefits of Freeze-Dried Dog Treats for your Pet

There are several methods for manufacturing dog treats. A superior method of manufacturing these treats for your consumer’s canine companions is also gaining popularity in the industry for good reasons! Freeze dried dog treats are the topic of this article, mainly so that we can boast about its benefits for pets everywhere.

To begin, freeze dried dog treats have an extremely stable shelf life, allowing them to be stored for an extended period of time. Freeze dried food is also appealing to dogs and is sometimes prescribed for dogs with poor appetites (such as dogs with chronic diseases). The freeze-drying process aids in nutrient retention for pets since it keeps the food as close to its original nutrient profile as possible. 

Freeze drying is a natural method of preserving food that does not require any artificial preservatives, keeping the nutritional benefits as close to a raw diet as possible. The process removes all of the moisture from the food, resulting in lightweight food that is as close to the original food in as many ways as possible.

Freeze-dried cat treats are not a new addition to the pet treat market. However, these products are now becoming more popular among dog owners. Here are some of the reasons why freeze-dried treats are so popular:

  • Because the freeze-drying process is a well-known technology, no chemical preservatives or additives are found in the finished product.
  • Given the negative health effects of many mainstream ingredients, freeze-dried treats create a contrast since they contain the fewest possible ingredients.
  • While not all freeze-dried treats contain raw meat, those that do tend to be higher in nutrients.
  • Because the freeze-drying process significantly reduces the weight and size of treats, freeze-drying snacks offer a higher cost performance.
  • Freeze dried treats are also an excellent source of protein.
  • Because these treats do not need to be refrigerated, they are simple to store.
  • Freeze dried treats are simple to feed because they are highly portable and are not perishable under many conditions.

Is Raw Freeze Dried Food Safe for Dogs?

The raw diet of a dog or cat consists of feeding the dog or cat raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. It is an attempt to replicate its ancestors’ normal diet. A raw diet can provide benefits such as healthier skin and outer skin, cleaner teeth, smaller feces, and increased energy levels, though it does have its disadvantages. One of the prominent risks is that, if not managed properly, can become an unbalanced diet that can harm your pet’s health. This is especially true if consumed over a long period of time. Lastly, an undetected piece of the skeleton may pose a choking hazard or obstruct gastrointestinal tract passage.

The possibility of bacterial contamination in raw meat could endanger both humans and pets, making the preparation of a raw diet risky if not done correctly.

The freeze drying process includes freezing, sublimation (primary drying), and absorption (secondary drying). Most companies that produce freeze-dried pet food, like our professionals here at Shepherd Foods, also conduct stringent quality checks to ensure that there are no harmful bacteria. This can be difficult to detect in raw dog food products.

Is it safe to feed freeze-dried dog treats to your dog?

Freeze-dried dog training treats are not only appealing and nutritious, but they can also feed them to pets safely. The procedure is intended to ensure the removal of potentially harmful bacteria. 

For more information on the benefits of freeze-dried dog treats and how they score with their four-legged audience, and how our team can co-manufacture and co-pack products for your consumers, give Shepherd Foods a call at (800) 497-8321 for more information.

This post was originally published on 2/17/22 and updated on 5/10/2022 for accuracy and a larger scope of information.