Treat Time Chronicles Vol: 2

By: Stephanie Ross

Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN)

Wilderness Raw

The dog is thinking about treats

Something to think about: What are "good treats?" We would never shame or tell anyone not to feed something. However, it is important to know that, like dog food, not all treats are made equally. There are lots on the market that contain more nutritional value than others, and even the process to create treats can change the nutritional value.

The table below gives a quick snapshot of Freeze-Dried treats vs Dehydrated treats. The great thing about both is that neither requires added preservatives to be shelf-stable.

Feature	Freeze-Dried Treats	Dehydrated Treats
Process	Frozen first, then moisture removed by vacuum (sublimation)	Low heat and airflow remove moisture slowly
Moisture Removed	~98–99%	~80–90%
Texture	Light, crumbly, airy	Chewy, leathery, sometimes crunchy
Smell	Mild and natural	Stronger “cooked” aroma
Taste	Closest to raw, retains original flavour	Slightly cooked taste
Nutrient Retention	Excellent — preserves enzymes and vitamins	Good, but some nutrients are lost from the heat
Shelf Life	15–25 years sealed, potentially depending on bag thickness.	6 months–2 years sealed
Storage	Shelf stable; light and moisture sensitive	Shelf stable; less sensitive
Ideal Use	Training treats, raw diet toppers, sensitive stomachs	Everyday snacks, longer-lasting chews, better for keeping teeth clean.
Digestibility	Very easy to digest	Easy to digest but slightly denatured proteins
Cost	Higher (equipment and process)	More affordable

Looking for more Information regarding treats, check out our other blogs.

Please Note: This information is intended to provide information only. Each animal’s health situation is unique. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of specific health problems or diseases and should never be considered as a substitute for veterinary advice or care.