Freeze-Dried vs. Traditional Dog Treats: Energy Benefits

Kristina Voltin
Jun 10
10 min read

Freeze-dried dog treats offer better energy and nutrition for active dogs compared to traditional treats. Here's why:

Nutrient Retention: Freeze-dried treats preserve up to 98% of nutrients, while traditional treats lose many vitamins and proteins during heat processing.
High-Quality Protein: Freeze-dried options provide single-source, digestible protein for sustained energy. Traditional treats often contain fillers, lowering protein content.
No Fillers or Additives: Freeze-dried treats avoid artificial additives and fillers, unlike traditional treats that may include corn, wheat, or soy.
Better Digestibility: Freeze-dried treats are easier to digest, allowing dogs to absorb more nutrients for energy.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Freeze-Dried Treats	Traditional Treats
Nutrient Retention	Up to 98% of nutrients preserved	Significant nutrient loss
Protein Content	High, single-source protein	Lower, diluted by fillers
Processing Method	Low-temperature freeze-drying	High-heat cooking or extrusion
Ingredients	Raw, natural (meat, organs, fish)	Cooked meats, grains, additives
Fillers/Additives	None	Often includes fillers/additives
Digestibility	Easy to digest	May cause digestive issues
Energy Support	Sustained energy for active dogs	Limited energy support

For active dogs, freeze-dried treats are the better choice, delivering concentrated nutrition and energy. Traditional treats may suit less active dogs but often fall short in providing the same level of energy and health benefits.

Should YOU feed your dog freeze dried treats?

Freeze-Dried Dog Treats: Energy and Nutrition Advantages

Freeze-dried dog treats offer a convenient way to boost your dog's energy and overall health. Thanks to a specialized processing method, these treats retain their nutritional value while providing long shelf life. This sets them apart from traditionally processed options.

How Freeze-Drying Preserves Nutrients

Freeze-drying works by removing moisture at extremely low temperatures, avoiding the high heat used in other methods. This helps preserve key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes [2]. The process also creates a porous structure in the treats, making nutrients easier to absorb and aiding digestion [8].

High-Protein Content for Sustained Energy

Protein is essential for maintaining your dog's energy and health. Freeze-dried treats are packed with high-quality proteins, often sourced from meats like chicken, turkey, or fish. These proteins support muscle maintenance, provide lasting energy, and are easy for dogs to digest and absorb [4][9]. This makes them an excellent choice, especially for active dogs that need consistent energy throughout the day.

No Fillers or Artificial Additives

One standout feature of freeze-dried treats is their simple ingredient list. They avoid artificial fillers and preservatives, using only natural, recognizable ingredients [10][11]. This ensures your dog gets energy from wholesome sources rather than empty calories. Plus, the lack of fillers can help reduce the risk of digestive problems, allergies, and inflammation [10]. Choosing treats with minimal, natural ingredients tailored to your dog's dietary needs is always a smart move [11].

Brands like Loyal Saints are leading the way with freeze-dried treats made from human-grade, all-natural ingredients. Their veterinarian-approved recipes focus on providing high-protein, balanced nutrition to support your dog's overall health and vitality at any life stage.

Traditional Dog Treats: Energy Support Limitations

Traditional dog treats remain a favorite among pet owners, but they often fall short when it comes to providing lasting energy for dogs. Several factors - such as nutrient loss during production, the use of fillers, and poor digestibility - limit their ability to meet the energy needs of active or high-performance dogs. Let’s break down the key issues.

Nutrient Loss During Heat Processing

Most traditional dog treats are made using high-heat methods like baking or extrusion. While these processes are efficient for mass production, they significantly reduce the nutritional value of the treats. For example, high heat can destroy between 33% and 50% of essential vitamins like A, C, and certain B vitamins. Lysine, an amino acid critical for energy metabolism, can see losses as high as 80% due to heat exposure [12]. Additionally, the Maillard reaction - a chemical process that occurs during heat treatment - alters proteins, making them harder for dogs to absorb [13][14].

"Processes that expose foods to high levels of heat (such as extrusion, cooking and canning) cause the greatest nutrient losses relative to raw food, and also contribute to the formation of toxic by-products such as acrylamide and advanced glycation end-products."– Narelle Cooke, Canine Nutritionist, Big Dog Pet Foods [12]

These nutrient losses directly impact a treat's ability to provide the energy and nourishment active dogs require.

High Filler and Additive Content

Traditional treats often rely on fillers to cut costs, but these ingredients offer little nutritional value. Research shows that up to 40% of commercial dog treats contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy - ingredients that are nutritionally incomplete and can cause sensitivities in some dogs [15]. Beyond fillers, many of these treats include artificial additives and unhealthy fats, further reducing their energy efficiency [16].

The consequences of these low-quality ingredients are far-reaching. For instance, in Australia, 42% of dogs struggle with obesity, a condition often linked to overfeeding treats loaded with fillers [15]. Dogs sensitive to these ingredients may also experience issues like digestive discomfort, ear infections, and excessive licking, which can sap their energy levels [15].

Poor Digestibility Affects Energy Levels

Even when traditional treats contain nutrients, poor digestibility can prevent dogs from benefiting fully. Treats made with hard-to-digest fillers force the digestive system to work harder, using up energy that could otherwise support activity. Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy are common culprits, as they are not only nutritionally limited but also challenging for some dogs to process [17].

In some cases, poorly digested treats can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems, such as blockages or perforations [6]. The variability in how well these treats break down - referred to as dry matter disappearance - further complicates nutrient absorption [6]. For dogs with high energy demands, such as working or athletic breeds, these digestibility issues make traditional treats an unreliable energy source.

Direct Comparison: Freeze-Dried vs Traditional Dog Treats

Knowing the differences between freeze-dried and traditional dog treats is essential for choosing what’s best for your dog’s nutrition. Let’s break down the key distinctions to help you make an informed decision.

Freeze-drying preserves up to 98% of raw nutrients, whereas heat processing used in traditional treats can break down vitamins and amino acids [2]. As veterinarian Dr. Brittany Kleszynski puts it:

"Freeze-drying allows the ingredients to remain unchanged. This means that their taste, smell, and overall structure is not affected by processing, which is beneficial for nutrient content and palatability." [5]

One of the standout benefits of freeze-dried treats is their high-quality, single-source protein. Unlike traditional treats, which often include fillers, freeze-dried options retain their full amino acid profile. This supports muscle development and provides the sustained energy your dog needs, especially if they’re active [3].

Traditional treats, on the other hand, often rely on fillers and additives, which can dilute nutritional value. These fillers may also increase the risk of allergies and digestive issues, while freeze-dried treats, typically made with single-ingredient formulations, are gentler on sensitive stomachs.

When it comes to digestibility, freeze-dried treats have the upper hand. They break down easily in your dog’s system, promoting efficient nutrient absorption. Traditional treats, with their filler-heavy composition, can be harder for dogs to digest, potentially limiting the energy they provide.

Feature Comparison Chart

Feature	Freeze-Dried Treats	Traditional Treats
Nutrient Retention	Up to 98% of original nutrients preserved [2]	Significant nutrient loss during heat processing
Protein Content	High protein from single-ingredient sources	Lower protein due to fillers and additives
Processing Method	Minimally processed, retaining most nutrients	Highly processed, with potential nutrient loss
Ingredients	Single-ingredient (raw meat, organs, fish)	Blend of cooked meats, grains, and additives
Fillers & Additives	No unnecessary fillers or artificial additives	Often includes fillers and artificial additives
Digestibility	Easily digestible	May be harder to digest
Energy Support	Provides sustained energy through high-quality protein	Limited energy support due to nutrient loss

For dogs that need extra energy - like active pups, working breeds, or those with high activity levels - freeze-dried treats are a standout choice. They deliver concentrated nutrition that supports peak performance and overall well-being.

Brands like Loyal Saints embrace this approach by offering freeze-dried treats made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients. Their veterinarian-approved formulations ensure dogs get the high-protein nutrition they need to stay energized and thrive.

How to Choose Treats for Your Dog's Energy Needs

Picking the right treats for your dog isn’t just about indulgence - it’s about ensuring they align with your pet’s energy needs, overall health, and dietary balance. Treats should complement your dog’s nutrition, not disrupt it.

Start by looking for treats made with whole, natural ingredients and free of artificial additives. A good rule of thumb: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake [6]. Think about how they fit into your dog’s overall diet and whether they meet their specific nutritional requirements.

"Consult your veterinarian, pet parents can make informed choices about the best diet to feed their pet to promote long-term health and well-being." – Brittany Kleszynski, DVM [5]

For the best options, prioritize treats with protein as the first ingredient and a short, recognizable ingredient list [2]. Additionally, choose treats that are not only nutritious but also tasty and easy for your dog to digest [6]. This approach ensures the treats you pick align with your dog’s energy needs and overall well-being.

Why Active Dogs Need Freeze-Dried Treats

Dogs with high energy levels - like working breeds or those that are constantly on the go - have unique nutritional demands. Their active lifestyles mean they burn calories quickly and require treats that provide sustained energy. Freeze-dried treats are an excellent choice for these dogs, as they retain up to 98% of the nutrients found in raw ingredients [2]. Thanks to minimal processing, these treats preserve a full amino acid profile, which is crucial for muscle development and energy production. Plus, they avoid the fillers often found in other types of treats.

Freeze-dried treats also boast high digestibility, which means your dog absorbs more nutrients to fuel their active lifestyle.

"Freeze dried dog treats are a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking a nutritious, convenient and highly palatable option for their dogs. Their nutrient retention, long shelf life and single-ingredient options make them suitable for dogs of all ages and dietary needs." – Zach's Pet Shop [1]

Brands like Loyal Saints cater to these needs by offering freeze-dried treats made with human-grade, all-natural ingredients. These veterinarian-approved options are rich in protein, helping active dogs maintain their energy and vitality. They’re also convenient: with a long shelf life and no need for refrigeration, they’re perfect for training sessions, hikes, or road trips. For dogs with lower energy needs, however, traditional treats might be a better fit.

When Traditional Treats Work Fine

Traditional treats can be a practical choice for less active dogs, such as senior pets or breeds with lower energy requirements. They’re generally more affordable than freeze-dried options, making them an accessible choice for many pet owners [1].

However, it’s important to choose wisely. Avoid treats loaded with sugar or salt, as these can lead to weight gain and other health issues [18]. Look for natural options free from artificial additives, preservatives, colors, and flavors [19].

Ultimately, the key is matching the treat to your dog’s lifestyle. A laid-back Basset Hound doesn’t need the same high-protein fuel as a tireless Border Collie. By understanding your dog’s energy needs and activity level, you can pick treats that not only satisfy their taste buds but also support their health and vitality.

Conclusion: Freeze-Dried Treats Provide Better Energy Support

Freeze-dried treats stand out as a better option for fueling your dog's energy and overall performance. Thanks to the freeze-drying process, nearly all essential nutrients are preserved, unlike traditional treats that often lose valuable nutrients during cooking [2].

These treats are packed with high-quality protein, which helps build strong muscles and provides lasting energy. Unlike traditional options filled with unnecessary additives or fillers, freeze-dried treats offer clean, nutrient-dense ingredients that your dog's body can efficiently use for energy.

"Freeze dried dog treats retain most of the raw food's nutrients due to the sublimation process. They avoid the nutrient losses common in cooked formats, providing high-quality protein, enzymes, and vitamins without artificial additives." – Talis Us [3]

Their digestibility is another major advantage. By allowing your dog to absorb nutrients more effectively, freeze-dried treats are especially beneficial for active dogs that need reliable energy and nutrition.

For pet owners who want to prioritize their dog's health and vitality, freeze-dried treats are a smart choice. Brands like Loyal Saints offer veterinarian-approved, human-grade options that cater to dogs at every life stage. With nearly 40% of dog owners now choosing alternative treats to improve their pets' diets [7], it’s clear that more people are recognizing the benefits of these nutrient-packed options.

Freeze-dried treats clearly outshine traditional alternatives, offering better nutrition, easier digestion, and long-lasting energy for your furry companion.

FAQs

What makes freeze-dried dog treats better for active dogs compared to traditional treats?

Freeze-dried dog treats are a fantastic option for active dogs, thanks to their high protein content, which provides the energy needed for activity and supports muscle growth. The freeze-drying process preserves around 97% of nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, so your dog gets the most out of every bite.

These treats are also gentle on the stomach, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive digestion. Plus, their lightweight and shelf-stable design makes them easy to pack for outings, whether you're heading out for a hike or spending the day at the park. In short, freeze-dried treats offer a nutritious, portable, and wholesome solution to keep up with your dog's active lifestyle.

What makes freeze-dried dog treats more nutritious than traditional ones?

Freeze-drying is a process that keeps nutrients intact in dog treats by using low temperatures instead of the high heat found in traditional cooking or drying methods. The technique works by freezing the food and then removing moisture through sublimation. This method preserves up to 97% of the original nutrients, including delicate vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

The result? Freeze-dried treats retain their natural flavor and texture while offering a nutrient-packed option for your dog. These treats can help support your dog's energy levels, overall health, and well-being.

What ingredients in traditional dog treats could lower my dog’s energy levels?

Some common dog treats on the market include ingredients that might not be the best for your furry friend’s energy or health. For example, high-carb fillers like corn, wheat, and soy offer minimal nutritional benefits. These fillers can cause energy dips or even lead to weight gain. On top of that, many treats rely on artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT to last longer on shelves, but these additives could potentially harm your dog’s health in the long run.

Another issue lies in the use of unhealthy fats and excessive sugars, which are often found in traditional treats. Over time, these can contribute to obesity and leave your dog feeling lethargic. Opting for treats made with natural, wholesome ingredients is a better way to keep your dog energized and promote their overall well-being.