Freeze-dried dog treats are having a moment—and it’s easy to see why. Lightweight, shelf-stable, and bursting with raw nutrition, they let you reward your pup without the mess of fresh food or the guilt of heavily processed kibble. But once you’ve watched your dog’s eyes light up at the first crumb, the tiny 2-ounce pouches disappear faster than a tennis ball at the park. That’s why more owners, trainers, rescues, and even neighborhood “dog aunts” are shopping bulk in 2025. Buying freeze-dried dog treats by the pound (or multi-pound) slashes per-ounce prices, slashes packaging waste, and—most importantly—slashes the odds you’ll run out right before a high-value training session.
Below you’ll find everything you need to shop like a pro, spot genuine value, and keep those morsels fresher than the day they left the freeze-dryer—no marketing fluff, no brand favorites, just the hard-earned insights veterinarians, nutritionists, and seasoned handlers use when they click “add to cart.”
Top 10 Freeze Dried Dog Treats Bulk
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Stewart Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats, Beef Liver, 21 Ounce Value Size, Approx. 475 Pieces per Resealable Tub, Training Treats or Meal Topper, High Protein, Grain Free, Gluten Free
Overview: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver treats deliver 475 pieces of USA-made, single-ingredient nutrition in a 21-ounce resealable tub. Since 1973, the Dayton, Ohio facility has freeze-dried USDA-certified beef liver in small batches, creating a high-protein, grain-free snack that doubles as a training reward or meal topper for both dogs and cats.
What Makes It Stand Out: CNN Underscored crowned it a top treat in December 2024, and professional trainers have relied on the brand for over fifty years. The generous tub size provides an estimated three-month supply, while the gentle freeze-dry process locks in raw nutrition without refrigeration or mess.
Value for Money: At $33.24 for 21 ounces ($1.58/oz), you’re paying a mid-range price for a legacy brand with third-party validation. Cost per treat is roughly seven cents—reasonable for a single-ingredient, USA-sourced product that can replace both snacks and food toppers.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include heritage credibility, resealable bulk packaging, universal canine/feline appeal, and clean ingredient list. Cons: price is higher than newer competitors, some tubs arrive with powdery crumbs at the bottom, and the strong liver scent can be off-putting to humans.
Bottom Line: If you want trainer-endorsed reliability and don’t mind paying a small premium for heritage branding, Stewart’s tub is a smart, mess-free way to stock up on high-value rewards.
2. Paww Chew Beef Lung Dog Treats, 100% Natural, Single Ingredient, (2.5 Pound) Made in the USA, Dried & Dehydrated, High Protein, High Value Dog Training Treats, Grain Free, Low-Odor Free for All Breeds
Overview: Paww Chew offers 2.5 pounds of dehydrated beef lung sourced from grass-fed, USDA-inspected American cattle. The single-ingredient strips are low-odor, fully digestible, and free of chemicals, grains, and preservatives, making them suitable for allergy-prone dogs or those with sensitive stomachs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike liver-based treats, beef lung is naturally low-fat and low-odor yet still high in novel protein, vitamins A & B, iron, and zinc. The airy texture promotes dental health by gently scraping plaque without the grease that liver can leave on hands and pockets.
Value for Money: $39.99 for 40 ounces equals $1.00 per ounce—cheaper per ounce than most freeze-dried liver options. Given the bulk weight and dental benefits, it’s a cost-effective high-value reward for large breeds or multi-dog households.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include USA sourcing, novel protein for allergy management, virtually no smell, and a satisfaction guarantee. Cons: pieces vary widely in size, the dehydrated texture can crumble if stepped on, and the 2.5-lb bag isn’t resealable—plan to transfer into jars.
Bottom Line: For trainers or owners who want a grease-free, odor-free, high-volume reward that supports dental health, Paww Chew’s beef lung is a wallet-friendly powerhouse—just repackage for freshness.
3. Nutri Bites Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog & Cat Treats | Healthy Pet Training Treats or Food Topper | All Natural, Single Ingredient, High Protein | Premium Bulk Large Size Pack (27 OZ)
Overview: Nutri Bites’ 27-ounce “XLarge” pouch contains freeze-dried beef liver chunks that work as training treats or meal enhancers for both dogs and cats. The single-ingredient formula is grain-free, gluten-free, and naturally rich in zinc and vitamin A to support immunity.
What Makes It Stand Out: Pound-for-pound, this is one of the largest retail pouches available, delivering raw nutrition without artificial preservatives. The uniform cube shape provides consistent portion control, and the light texture allows quick crumbling over kibble if you need a topper.
Value for Money: At $22.95 for 27 ounces, the cost drops to $0.85 per ounce—among the lowest prices in the freeze-dried liver category. You receive roughly 765 cubes, translating to about three cents per treat, making heavy reinforcement training affordable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros are unbeatable price-per-ounce, large resealable bag, immune-boosting micronutrients, and dual-species suitability. Cons include occasional excess dust, inconsistent cube sizes between batches, and thinner packaging that can puncture in shipping.
Bottom Line: If your priority is maximum quantity at minimum cost without sacrificing single-ingredient integrity, Nutri Bites’ 27-oz pouch is the budget champion—handle the bag gently and scoop off the dust for toppers.
4. Nutri Bites Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog & Cat Treats | Healthy Pet Training Treats or Food Topper | All Natural, Single Ingredient, High Protein | Premium Bulk Value Pack, 17.6 oz
Overview: Nutri Bites packages 17.6 ounces (500 g) of freeze-dried beef liver cubes in a value-sized, resealable pouch marketed for both dogs and cats. The treats remain free of grains, additives, and fillers while providing high protein, essential vitamins, and minerals to support joints, digestion, and reproductive health.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand touts a “premium standard” freeze-dry technique that generates less dust and fewer crumbs, keeping more intact cubes for rewarding or meal topping. The mid-size pouch hits a sweet spot between portability and bulk savings.
Value for Money: $20.99 for 17.6 ounces equates to $1.19 per ounce—slightly higher than the company’s 27-oz variant but still below most competitors. You get approximately 500 cubes, so each reward costs about four cents, reasonable for a USA-packaged, single-ingredient product.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include reduced mess, resealable bulk pouch, multi-pet usability, and added health claims. Cons: price inching upward versus Nutri Bites’ own larger bag, cubes can still shatter if compressed, and marketing copy promises broad health benefits without third-party verification.
Bottom Line: Owners who want less powder than the 27-oz version yet still like Nutri Bites’ affordability will appreciate this cleaner, mid-volume option—ideal for households that finish treats within a month or two.
5. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials delivers 2.1 ounces of freeze-dried raw beef liver in a pocket-sized, resealable pouch. Sourced from responsibly harvested, USDA-inspected beef, the single-ingredient morsels are frozen within 45 minutes of slaughter and slow freeze-dried to preserve peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s “butcher cut” philosophy means only whole liver pieces—no trimmings or by-products—creating a protein density higher than industry average. The small-batch, American-crafted approach and 45-minute rapid freeze protocol set a boutique standard for minimal processing.
Value for Money: At $5.99 for 2.1 ounces, the unit cost skyrockets to $45.64 per pound, making this the priciest option reviewed. However, for trial, travel, or toy-stuffing, the pouch prevents waste and lets you test high-value rewards before investing in bulk.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include ultra-fresh processing, no additives or fillers, wide protein variety within the brand line for rotation, and compact portability. Cons: extremely expensive per ounce, pieces fracture easily into sharp shards, and the tiny package disappears quickly with large dogs.
Bottom Line: Vital Essentials is the gourmet sampler—perfect for picky eaters, allergy testing, or on-the-go reinforcement. Buy it for convenience and quality assurance, then graduate to larger, more economical sizes if your dog gives a paws-up.
6. hotspot pets Freeze Dried Chicken Treats for Cats & Dogs -1LB Big Bag- Made in USA – Single Ingredient – Resealable Bag, All Natural Grain-Free (Chicken Breast)- Perfect for Training, Topper or Snack
Overview: hotspot pets delivers a 1-pound mega-bag of freeze-dried chicken breast that works for both cats and dogs. The single-ingredient formula promises clean nutrition without fillers, preservatives, or grains, making it suitable for pets with allergies, diabetes, or weight issues.
What Makes It Stand Out: The generous 16-ounce size offers exceptional volume for multi-pet households or heavy trainers. The USA-sourced chicken breast is freeze-dried into light, crisp cubes that crumble easily over kibble, instantly boosting palatability for picky eaters.
Value for Money: At $2.62 per ounce, this is one of the most economical single-ingredient freeze-dried treats on the market. The resealable pouch maintains freshness for months, so you’re not paying for air like many half-empty premium tubs.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the neutral aroma that won’t stink up your pockets, uniform cube size ideal for training, and suitability for both species. Weaknesses: cubes can powder during shipping, the plain pouch lacks portion guidance, and chicken breast is lower-value for extremely food-motivated dogs compared to organ meats.
Bottom Line: If you want maximum quantity of clean, lean protein treats without sticker shock, hotspot pets’ pound bag is the smartest buy for households with multiple pets or rigorous training schedules.
7. Stewart Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats, Wild Salmon, 9.5 Ounce, Approx. 190 Pieces per Resealable Tub, Training Treats or Meal Topper, High Protein, Grain Free, Gluten Free
Overview: Stewart’s 9.5-ounce tub packs roughly 190 wild salmon morsels that deliver omega-rich nutrition in a no-mess, freeze-dried format. The single-ingredient wild salmon is sourced from USDA-certified U.S. suppliers and freeze-dried in small Dayton, Ohio batches.
What Makes It Stand Out: Salmon’s natural fishy scent acts like a magnet for distracted dogs, making these treats rocket fuel for recall training. The tubular container keeps pieces intact and odor-contained in your bait bag, while the decades-old Stewart brand earns ongoing trust from professional trainers nationwide.
Value for Money: At $47.14 per pound, you’re paying premium, but each salmon chunk is dense; one pea-sized piece goes further than a biscuit, stretching the tub to a claimed five-week supply for average use.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include irresistible aroma, high omega-3 content for skin & coat, and uniform size perfect for rapid-fire rewarding. Drawbacks: the smell can transfer to hands, price may deter casual owners, and cats sometimes find the texture too hard unless crumbled.
Bottom Line: For trainers who need a high-value, healthy jackpot treat that cuts through environmental distractions, Stewart Wild Salmon is worth the splurge.
8. Stewart Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats, 3 in 1 Multi Flavor Variety Pack, 9 Ounce Resealable Tub, Training Treats or Meal Topper Dogs, High Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free
Overview: Stewart’s 3-in-1 variety tub gives 9 total ounces of separately wrapped beef liver, chicken breast, and chicken liver—three protein profiles in one purchase. Each flavor is single-ingredient, freeze-dried in Ohio, and positioned for rotation feeding or progressive training rewards.
What Makes It Stand Out: Variety prevents treat fatigue; you can start a training session with lower-value chicken breast and escalate to ultra-motivating beef liver as distractions increase. Individually sealed pouches inside the tub keep flavors pure and let you open one protein at a time, preserving freshness.
Value for Money: Costing $46.20 per pound overall, you pay slightly more than single-flavor tubs, yet gain flexibility that often replaces buying three separate containers, ultimately saving money and storage space.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include built-in rotation for allergic pets, portion-controlled pouches, and professional-trainer endorsement. Weaknesses: total weight is lower than single-flavor tubs, crumb dust accumulates at pouch bottoms, and beef liver aroma is potent enough to linger on fingers.
Bottom Line: This variety pack is the Swiss-army knife of treats—perfect for cautious intro diets, picky eaters, or anyone wanting a universal high-value reward arsenal without committing to a pound of any one protein.
9. Stewart Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats, Chicken Liver, 11.5 Ounce, Approx. 215 Pieces per Resealable Tub, Training Treats or Meal Topper, High Protein, Grain Free, Gluten Free
Overview: Stewart’s 11.5-ounce chicken liver tub provides approximately 215 bite-sized pieces of nutrient-dense organ meat. The single-ingredient formula is grain, gluten, soy, and corn free, suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or cats sharing the stash.
What Makes It Stand Out: Chicken liver offers a middle-ground value: stronger scent than muscle meat but less greasy than beef liver, making it enticing yet pocket-friendly. The Dayton-made freeze-dry process locks in copper, iron, and B-vitamins often lacking in muscle-meat treats.
Value for Money: At $34.77 per pound, this falls in Stewart’s mid-price tier, edging toward affordability while still delivering professional-grade quality. The six-week supply claim holds for moderate daily training.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include high micronutrient density, consistent cube size for measuring daily calories, and resealable tub that minimizes breakage. Downsides: liver can soften in humid climates, aroma may offend sensitive humans, and over-feeding risks loose stools due to rich vitamin A content.
Bottom Line: If you want a nutrient-packed, medium-aroma reward that bridges everyday and jackpot value, Stewart Chicken Liver strikes the best balance of nutrition, motivation, and manageable smell.
10. Stewart Single Ingredient Freeze Dried Raw Dog Treats, Chicken Breast, 14.8 Ounce Value Size, up to 280 Pieces per Resealable Tub, Training Treats or Meal Topper, High Protein, Grain Free, Gluten Free
Overview: Stewart’s value-size 14.8-ounce tub cranks out roughly 280 pieces of lean chicken breast, positioning itself as the economical bulk option within the Stewart line-up. Like its siblings, it’s single-ingredient, USA-sourced, and freeze-dried in small Ohio batches.
What Makes It Stand Out: The larger tub drops the per-ounce cost closer to big-box brands while maintaining Stewart’s professional-trainer credibility. Lean breast protein suits weight-control plans, and the mild scent won’t overwhelm indoor training classes or small apartments.
Value for Money: At $43.23 per pound, you save about 10% versus buying two smaller chicken breast tubs, and the eight-week supply estimate makes budgeting predictable for multi-dog homes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include clean hands during sessions, uniform low-fat cubes ideal for agility or obedience reps, and CNN-recognized brand heritage. Weaknesses: chicken breast is lower drive for difficult distractions, pieces at the top can be dust-heavy, and the tall tub can tip in shallow cabinets.
Bottom Line: For high-volume trainers or households seeking the lowest per-treat cost without sacrificing USA quality, Stewart’s Chicken Breast Value Tub is the brand’s smartest bulk play.
Why Bulk Freeze-Dried Treats Make Sense in 2025
Supply-chain hiccups, inflation, and a national spike in dog ownership have tightened treat budgets everywhere. Buying in volume locks in today’s prices, cushions you against shortages, and—because freeze-drying removes 98% of the moisture—lets you stockpile six months to a year without refrigeration. Translation: your wallet stays plump while your pup stays motivated.
Understanding the Freeze-Drying Process
Freeze drying flash-freezes raw or cooked ingredients at –40°F, then uses vacuum pressure to vaporize ice (a process called sublimation). What remains is a honeycomb of protein, fat, and micronutrients that weighs 70–80% less but retains 97% of its original nutrition and natural aroma. The lower the water activity, the harder it is for mold or bacteria to gain a foothold—critical when you’re storing a 5-pound tub on a pantry shelf.
Nutritional Integrity: How Freeze-Drying Preserves Nutrients
Unlike extrusion or dehydrating, freeze-drying never exposes food to heat above 120°F. That means fragile amino acids like taurine, skin-nourishing omega-3s, and antioxidant enzymes survive intact. When you buy in bulk, you’re investing in a nutrient density that conventional biscuits simply can’t match—provided the sourcing and storage are on point.
Decoding Labels: What “Single-Ingredient,” “Human-Grade,” and “Complete & Balanced” Really Mean
- Single-ingredient: only one foodstuff in the bag—ideal for elimination diets.
- Human-grade: every component (including supplements) meets USDA standards for human consumption; processing must happen in a USDA-inspected facility.
- Complete & balanced: formulated to AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. Treats rarely qualify, so don’t swap full meals for handfuls of treats no matter how healthy they seem.
Protein Sources: Muscle Meat vs. Organ Meat vs. Blend
Muscle meat (breast, thigh, sirloin) offers lean, high-value rewards with universal appeal. Organ meat (liver, heart, kidney) delivers copper, iron, and B-vitamins in turbo concentrations but can tip the nutrient scales if overfed. Blends keep costs down and palatability high; just watch for vague terms like “meat mix” that can obscure the protein percentage.
Calorie Density: How to Avoid Over-Feeding
Removing water concentrates calories—sometimes to 5–7 kcal per 2-gram cube. Measure by gram scale, not by “handful.” A simple rule: treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of daily calories. If your dog needs 500 kcal a day, budget 50 kcal for training and break bulk slabs into pencil-eraser-sized pieces.
Allergen Management & Limited-Ingredient Options
Chicken and beef top the canine allergy hit list. Bulk buying lets you stick to novel proteins—think rabbit, goat, or wild boar—without paying boutique mark-ups every week. Look for facilities that run dedicated allergen-free production days if cross-contact is a concern.
Country of Origin & Ingredient Sourcing Ethics
In 2025, transparency laws tighten, but loopholes remain. “Made in USA” only requires domestic packaging; the raw meat could hail from anywhere. Seek brands that list country of origin for every primary ingredient and publish third-party audit scores for animal welfare.
Certifications That Matter: USDA, GFSI, AAFCO, MSC
- USDA-inspected plant: baseline for sanitation.
- GFSI-benchmarked (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000): global gold standard for food-safety management.
- AAFCO feeding trial or formulation statement: verifies nutritional adequacy if the label claims “complete diet.”
- MSC (Marine Stewardship Council): ensures fishy treats come from sustainable fisheries, not over-taxed oceans.
Storage Best Practices for Bulk Freeze-Dried Inventory
- Keep in original high-barrier foil bags or food-grade buckets with gamma-seal lids.
- Add oxygen absorbers (300 cc per gallon) to hedge against residual air.
- Store below 70°F and <15% humidity; every 10°F rise in temperature can halve shelf life.
- Rotate FIFO (first-in, first-out); mark purchase date in Sharpie.
- Once opened, use within 30–45 days or break down into weekly vacuum-sealed pouches.
Shelf-Life Myths & How to Test for Rancidity
Freeze-dried doesn’t mean immortal. Fats oxidize invisibly, producing rancid odors only your dog might notice. Perform a sniff test: any paint-like or fishy smell signals advanced lipid oxidation. For the lab-curious, peroxide values <10 meq O2/kg indicate freshness; above 20, toss the lot—no amount of freezer space can reverse rancidity.
Cost Analysis: Price per Ounce vs. Price per Calorie
A $120, 48-ounce tub sounds steep until you realize it rehydrates to 4.5 lb of meat, translating to 2,700 kcal. Compare that to $8, 8-ounce biscuits at 3,200 kcal total. Freeze-dried clocks in at 4.4¢ per kcal; biscuits 2.5¢. Factor in palatability (fewer wasted crumbs) and the gap narrows. Build a simple spreadsheet: list package weight, kcal/kg, and sticker price to reveal the true cost.
Packaging Types: Foil Bags, Tubs, and Bucket Kits
- Foil bags: lightest, cheapest to ship; require careful handling to avoid pinholes.
- Tubs: reusable, stackable, but often use thinner oxygen barriers—transfer contents to Mylar if you’ll dip in slowly.
- Bucket kits: best for multi-dog households; usually arrive with 5–7 individual 1-lb Mylar pouches inside, letting you open one at a time.
Shipping & Handling Considerations for Large Orders
Freeze-dried treats are fragile; a 30-lb case dropped from waist height can turn liver slabs into liver powder. Request UPS/FedEx “fragile” stickers and double-wall boxes. Summer shipping? Choose 2-day air or insulated haul if your region tops 90°F; heat accelerates fat oxidation before you even break the seal.
Sustainability: Evaluating Carbon Pawprint & Upcycling
Look for brands that upcycle human-grade trim—such as chicken breast edges too small for restaurants—into dog treats, diverting food waste from landfills. Some companies publish lifecycle analyses; aim for <2 kg CO₂-eq per kg of finished product. After you’ve emptied a bucket, repurpose it as a sealed dog-toy bin or compost caddy to extend its utility.
Transitioning Your Dog Without Tummy Turmoil
Even the cleanest protein can shock a gut unaccustomed to rich organ meats. Start with pea-sized pieces, no more than 5% of daily calories for the first week. Mix into usual kibble to spread aroma and encourage acceptance. Monitor stool quality: a sudden shift to tarry stools or diarrhea means pump the brakes.
Making Your Own vs. Buying Commercial Bulk
Home freeze dryers (pump + tray models under $3,000) tempt DIY enthusiasts. You control the recipe, but energy costs run 1.2–1.8 kWh per pound of raw meat—about 18¢ per lb at 15¢/kWh. Add in your time, vacuum-pump oil, and Mylar supplies, and home production rarely beats commercial scale unless you process garden produce alongside pet food. For most, buying bulk remains cheaper unless you run a small boarding business or raw co-op.
Common Red Flags When Scouting Bulk Deals
- Prices 40% below market average—often mislabeled expiration lots.
- Cloudy, translucent fat on the surface: early rancidity.
- Crumbs at the bottom >15% of total weight: suggests poor handling or second-grade rejects.
- Vague protein statements like “animal liver” without species—potential for mixed allergens.
- No lot code or manufacture date—impossible to trace in a recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do bulk freeze-dried dog treats stay fresh once opened?
Expect peak quality for 30–45 days if you reseal tightly, keep oxygen absorbers in place, and store under 70°F. For longer storage, divide into weekly vacuum pouches and freeze; freezer stasis essentially pauses oxidation. -
Can I use freeze-dried treats as my dog’s entire diet?
No. Most treats are not formulated to AAFCO nutrient profiles; they lack calcium-to-phosphorus balance, trace minerals, and essential vitamins. Stick to the 10% treat rule and feed a complete diet alongside. -
Are freeze-dried treats safe for immunocompromised dogs?
Commercial freeze-drying reduces pathogens significantly, but it is not sterile. For dogs on chemotherapy or with severe renal disease, briefly bake treats at 325°F for 5 minutes or choose brands that perform post-processing high-pressure pasteurization. -
What’s the ideal moisture content for long-term storage?
Professional targets are 1–2%. You can’t test at home without a lab, but a crunchy “snap” when you break a piece and zero cold feel on your tongue are good proxies. -
How do I calculate the right daily amount for weight loss?
Convert your dog’s daily calorie allowance to grams of treats using the kcal/kg listed on the label. Weigh pieces on a kitchen scale; skip visual estimation to avoid accidentally feeding a meal’s worth of calories in training nibbles. -
Do freeze-dried treats expire faster in humid climates?
Relative humidity above 15% can rehydrate surface molecules and invite mold. Use desiccant packs, store in a climate-controlled room, and consider a wine fridge set at 55°F for ultra-sensitive batches. -
Is there any nutritional difference between chicken breast and chicken heart freeze-dried?
Hearts are richer in taurine, CoQ10, and iron but also higher in phosphorus. Rotate both to balance rewards, especially in dogs prone to struvite crystals or heart conditions. -
Can puppies eat bulk freeze-dried treats?
Yes, as early as 6–8 weeks, but soften pieces in warm water for teething mouths and introduce one protein at a time to pinpoint allergies. -
Why do some bulk treats arrive as dust?
Vibration during transit fractures brittle freeze-dried cells. Ask suppliers to add internal cardboard dividers or choose tubs with foam inserts. Dust is still nutritious—sprinkle over meals as a topper. -
Are there any import duties when ordering bulk from overseas?
As of 2025, pet treats entering the USA may incur USDA APHIS inspection fees (±$93) plus any applicable tariffs. Factor this into landed cost before you chase an “international bargain.”