Freeze-dried treats are raw, single-ingredient meats with the moisture gently removed, keeping almost all the nutrition and intense flavour of raw food, without the mess or the fridge. They're among the healthiest and most rewarding treats you can give, they store easily in the pantry, and most are suitable for both dogs and cats. If you've only ever bought supermarket treats, this is the upgrade worth making.
- Freeze-drying keeps the nutrition of raw meat while making it shelf-stable and mess-free.
- The best options are a single named protein and nothing else.
- Their intense, meaty flavour makes them ideal high-value training rewards.
- Single-protein treats suit dogs (and cats) with sensitive tummies.
- They still count as treats: keep them to about 10% of daily calories.
What are freeze-dried treats?
Freeze-drying is a gentle preservation method that removes the water from raw meat while it's frozen, leaving the goodness locked in. Unlike cooking or high-heat processing, it keeps the protein, nutrients and natural flavour largely intact: you're essentially giving raw meat in a light, crunchy, shelf-stable form. There's no refrigeration needed, no greasy residue, and a little bag lasts a long time, which is why freeze-dried treats have become a favourite for training and everyday rewards.
Why are they so good for pets?
Because they're about as close to "just meat" as a treat gets. The best freeze-dried treats contain a single ingredient, one named protein, with no fillers, colours or preservatives. That means high-value nutrition, a flavour pets go wild for, and a short, honest ingredient list you can actually read. For a deeper look at reading treat labels, see our healthy dog treats guide.
Which freeze-dried treats should I choose?
It mostly comes down to the protein and the job you want it to do:
- Chicken hearts: a brilliant everyday all-rounder and training treat; small, soft and universally loved. Try Meaty Treaty chicken hearts.
- Chicken necks: a more substantial, natural chew that gives teeth a workout. See chicken necks.
- Lamb hearts: a tasty red-meat option and a good change-up. Try lamb hearts.
- Turkey: a novel protein that's ideal for dogs sensitive to chicken. See turkey treats.
- Beef tendon: a longer-lasting chew for downtime rather than a quick reward. Try beef tendon.
Are freeze-dried treats good for training?
They're one of the best training tools going. Soft freeze-dried meats break easily into tiny, pea-sized pieces, so you can reward again and again without overfeeding, and their strong, meaty smell makes them "high value" enough that your dog will genuinely work for them. That combination is exactly what you want for teaching a new cue or rewarding toilet training, as our puppy toilet training guide explains.
Can cats eat freeze-dried treats too?
Very often, yes. Many freeze-dried meats, including several in the Meaty Treaty range, are made for both cats and dogs: the label will tell you. As obligate carnivores, cats particularly love pure-meat treats, and they make an excellent reward for training, play and enrichment. They're a handy way to tempt a fussy cat, too.
What about bone broth and meal toppers?
If you'd like to add flavour, moisture and interest to meals, a natural bone broth is a lovely companion to freeze-dried treats. Pour a little over food to encourage a fussy eater, help with hydration, or spread it on a lick mat and freeze it for a cooling treat: see our slow feeders and lick mats guide for more ways to use it.
How do I store them, and how much should I give?
Keep freeze-dried treats in their sealed bag or an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard, away from direct sunlight, and they'll stay fresh for a long time. On quantity, treat them like any treat: aim for no more than about 10% of your pet's daily calories, and reduce meals slightly on big training days to keep the balance right.
Frequently asked questions
Are freeze-dried treats raw? Are they safe?
They're raw meat with the moisture removed, so they keep raw's nutrition in a shelf-stable form. Quality treats from a reputable brand are safe for everyday use, just choose single-ingredient products, follow the feeding guide, and store them properly.
What's the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated treats?
Both remove moisture, but freeze-drying does it at very low temperatures while the food is frozen, which preserves more nutrients and gives a lighter, crunchier texture. Dehydrating uses gentle heat and produces a chewier result. Both can be excellent: freeze-dried simply retains a little more of the raw goodness.
How long do freeze-dried treats last?
Unopened and stored correctly, they have a long shelf life: check the pack for the best-before date. Once opened, reseal the bag or decant into an airtight container and use within the timeframe on the packaging to keep them fresh.
Are they suitable for puppies?
Yes: soft freeze-dried meats broken into tiny pieces make ideal, gentle training treats for puppies. Introduce any new food gradually, keep pieces small, and count them toward your puppy's daily allowance. Our new puppy starter checklist has more on early training.
Shop next: Chicken Hearts · Turkey · Beef Tendon · Shop all Treats
Related reading: Healthy Dog Treats Guide · Dental Care for Dogs & Cats · Slow Feeders & Lick Mats