Freeze-dried dog treats are becoming a popular alternative to other dog treats and for good reason.
You can store these dog treats for a long time as they undergo a freeze-drying process. However, unlike other processing methods like dehydration and heating, this process preserves the entirety of the nutritional qualities of these freeze-dried ingredients.
This brings the best of both worlds for these dog treats, as they minimally process (and keep them healthy) and allow for a long shelf life.
That being said, is this type of dog treat ideal for dogs with special diets?
Turns out, it can be, but it’ll entirely depend on the diet management plan your dog is undergoing!
Let’s look into the different ways freeze-dried dog treats can supplement your dog’s special diet.
What are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats?
Freeze-dried dog treats are a type of dog treat that you can use to reward your pet and support their diet.
Manufacturers make these treats using a unique freeze-drying process, where they freeze raw ingredients at very low temperatures and remove the ice through sublimation before packaging.
In this process, the raw ingredient retains and preserves its nutrients, making it keep all its underlying minerals and nutrients, as well as its flavour profile.
Generally, dog owners can benefit from these dog treats because they provide a healthy, delicious, and high-quality snack solution for your dog.
Their inherent purity and longevity when sealed make it a standout option as a dog treat in terms of both its health properties and convenience.
Nutritional Benefits of Freeze-Dried Treats
Your pup can benefit greatly from switching to freeze-dried treats. To name a few, these benefits include the following:
- Reduced calorie intake
- 97% nutrient retention
- High shelf life
- Lightweight and easy storage
- Wide variety of food types and nutritional benefits
Given the high concentration of nutrients in freeze-dried treats, this makes it an excellent alternative to artificial dog treats. No other process can retain a high amount of nutrients such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid as this process.
Moreover, freeze-dried treats also come with the added benefit of aiding in digestion and reducing the risk of bacterial growth in the dog treat. They’re also delicious as they retain the flavour of their raw form. This makes it a great food item for your dog no matter what their food sensitivity may be.
Also Read: Dangerous Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Dogs With Allergies?
Dogs, like humans, can have allergies that prevent them from eating certain food types. These allergies can lead to an array of symptoms and worrisome behaviours, like excessive scratching, red skin, wheezing, hives, and hair loss.
In such cases, it’s important for dog owners to be watchful of what they feed their canine friends. Fortunately, one saving grace that’s available in the market is freeze-dried dog treats. Manufacturers make these dog treats from a single ingredient and don’t process them with allergy-prone additives or fillers.
This makes it easy for dog owners to pick a treat without having to worry about hidden allergens in the dog food, thus preventing any potential emergency vet visits.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Over-weight Dogs?
Absolutely! Manufacturers make freeze-dried dog treats from the real thing, whether it’s fish, beef, or vegetables. They don’t derive them from meat by-products or infuse them with fillers and additives that add bulk to the food. They use wholesome and natural ingredients, and the treats are filling on their own.
These properties make them excellent for over-weight dogs who may not be the best at portion management or know when to stop eating. The fact that they’re also free from additives, sugars, and a host of potentially unhealthy preservatives help decrease your dog’s caloric intake, making them less likely to gain weight from being fed these treats.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for High-Performance Dogs?
Freeze-dried dog treats are great for high-performance dogs, namely dogs that participate in dog shows or help around the farm.
This is because these treats contain a large chunk of protein derived from its meat source, whether it’s fish or beef. This allows them to undergo muscle repair and build stamina more quickly after intense physical activity.
You can easily carry these treats with you wherever you go. They package them and make a handy treat for rewarding your dog outside your home.
That said, be sure to pick freeze-dried dog treats that are specifically rich in protein. Using treats with vegetables or berries may not be ideal if your aim is to give your dog the benefits of protein.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Dogs With Raw Diet?
You can feed your dog a freeze-dried treat if you’re following a strict raw diet for your dog (which has its benefits).
There’s no additives or processed fillers added during the freeze-drying process. This makes this dog treat a perfectly acceptable snack to include in your dog’s raw diet.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Diabetic Dogs?
Yes, granted that the ingredient you’re choosing is one with a low glycemic index.
Freeze-dried dog treats, as previously mentioned, don’t contain preservatives and fillers. They don’t contain refined sugars and carbohydrates as well.
This makes them excellent food sources for diabetic dogs as they don’t run the risk of eating sugar-loaded treats, which may otherwise lead them to a veterinarian trip.
These treats are also good if you’re looking to decrease your pup’s sugar intake in general. With sugar being something dogs can’t process that well, these dog treats provide a good treat that’s sure to prevent them from overindulging in anything sugary.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Pups?
Yes, young and growing puppies can benefit greatly from eating freeze-dried dog treats. These treats provide a multitude of nutrients and minerals that can support its healthy growth. They’re also easy to digest and chew, making them good for puppies whose organs are still developing.
That said, be sure to portion the treats beforehand, especially if they’re big and hard to chew. This way, you’ll prevent any risk of them potentially choking on the doggy treat.
Are Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Good for Senior Dogs?
Senior dogs need a lot of care and accommodation to let them live a good life, from temperature control to the food they eat. Their diets are more limited than that of younger dogs in a sense that they’ll be more vulnerable to harmful ingredients in their diet.
Fortunately, a freeze-dried dog treat is one that can support the diet of most older dogs. This is because they’re easy to chew, easy to digest, and full of nutritional value. They’re also low in calories and high in protein, which can help in strengthening their joints and muscles.
That said, before feeding your senior dogs (and other sensitive dogs) these treats, be sure to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that what you’re feeding them won’t interfere with their health issues or medication.
All the best!
