By Hira Cheema
Freeze drying is one of the most efficient ways of preserving food. We analyzed the benefits of freeze-dried cat treats and our top picks.
Every pet parent strives to give their furball the best of the best in life - and transitioning to a nutritious, power-packed diet is one of the best ways to ensure your kitties are happy and healthy to rehearse all their napping and bird-watching activities. The billion-dollar freeze-dried pet food market has skyrocketed in recent years and is expected to grow even more in the coming years. Long and stable shelf lives are one of the main attractions of freeze-dried treats, among several other benefits discussed in this article.
When freeze-drying, the food undergoes a rigorous process whereby the food is frozen at a shallow temperature and pressure. This procedure also freezes the water content of the food. The next stage turns the ice into vapor - also known as sublimation. The main aim of freeze-drying is to remove all the moisture from the food while keeping its nutritional integrity. Due to this, freeze-dried foods have identical benefits to a raw food diet and are said to contain more nutrients with zero preservatives. Freeze-dried treats are excellent, well-balanced cat treat options, but how do you know which one to pick? We analyzed the top 5 freeze-dried treats in 2023 to help you make a hassle-free decision and choose the best one for your kitty.
Top 5 Freeze-Dried Cat Treats: Reviewed
#1 Rank: Chef Kitty Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - Best Freeze-Dried Cat Treats Overall
Chef Kitty freeze-dried cat treats are made from real meat, sourced from reputable farms and fisheries. Their freeze-dried cat treats are minimally processed and are also completely grain-free. Chef Kitty treats are made in small batches and not mass-produced like the other freeze-dried cat treat suppliers in the market, ensuring proper quality control of each bottle. Besides being high in protein, these freeze-dried treats are also made using a single-ingredient formula and have their nutrition locked in with state-of-the-art freeze-drying technology.
Pros:
- Human-grade, grain-free, and minimally processed cat treats
- Made using a single-ingredient recipe
- The bottles are tightly sealed to ensure long time freshness.
- No dust or crumbs: The bottles ensure customers receive whole chunks, as opposed to other brands' treats in plastic bags that are prone to get crushed and dusty during transport.
Cons:
- More expensive as they are not mass-produced and go under several rounds of quality checks.
#2 Rank: Whole Life Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - Best High-protein Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Whole-Life Freeze-dried cat treats are an excellent high-protein option for your kitty. These cat treats have 89% crude protein, which is perfect if your feline requires a higher protein diet because of either injury recovery, or otherwise. Because Whole Life cat treats are so high in protein and have just 2% crude fat, they also contribute well to a weight-loss diet, best suited for overweight kitties trying to get in shape. Made from 100% pure salmon fillet, these freeze-dried cat treats are the best fit for adult cats.
Pros:
- A generous source of protein
- Made with minimal ingredients
- Low in calories and fat
Cons:
- Not appropriate for younger cats
- Only one flavor option is available - salmon
#3 Rank: PureBites Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - Best Economical Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
PureBites freeze-dried cat treats are not only made using a single-ingredient recipe but are also one of the most affordable and pocket-friendly options in the market. With less than $9, you can purchase an entire 2.3-ounce pack of freeze-dried cat treats. The PureBites cat treats are also made from 100% raw freeze-dried chicken breast with plentiful protein content and zero added ingredients.
Pros:
- An excellent budget-friendly option
- Every treat contains only 2 kcal on average
- A single-ingredient recipe
- For all life stages
Cons:
- Not the best option for cats looking to gain weight
- Only available in the chicken-breast flavor
#4 Rank: Vital Cat Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - Best Freeze-Dried Cat Treats For Allergic Cats
Vital Cat freeze-dried dinner patties are made using raw rabbit organs and meat combined with herring oil that is naturally preserved. Rabbit meat is not only a great source of protein but is also known for not being a common allergen. This makes the Vital Cat rabbit dinner patties the perfect option for cats that are either allergic to certain foods or have skin allergies. Another factor that makes Vital Cat freeze-dried treats stand out is that they have zero flavorings, coloring, and preservatives, while also being free from fillers and by-products.
Pros:
- Produced from farm-raised rabbit
- Minimal ingredient formula
- Appropriate for kitties with skin allergies
Cons:
- Hard to get hold of as it is frequently out of stock
- Treats may get crushed during transport due to the plastic bag
#5 Rank: Stella And Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - Best Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Stella and Chewy’s is a women-owned brand that has been in business since 2003. Their freeze-dried treats are available in four different flavors, and each is made up of 98 percent organ, meat, and bones. Probiotics, minerals, vitamins, and other healthy ingredients like olive oil make up the remaining 2 percent. This formula is also grain-free and optimal for kitties with gluten allergies. Stella and Chewy’s freeze-dried cat treats are also fortified with antioxidants along with taurine for enhanced stamina and immunity in your pet.
Pros:
- Made from cage-free protein sources
- Reinforced with probiotics for healthy digestion
- A grain and gluten-free formula
- Available in a range of flavors
Cons:
- Frozen versions are difficult to find
The Benefits Of Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Freeze-drying is known as the process whereby foods are frozen and dehydrated in a frozen state under a vacuum. Directly vaporizing the ice formed during the freezing process, immediately into vapor at low temperatures (A.K.A. sublimation) is how dehydration occurs.
Pet parents opt for freeze-dried cat treats for multiple reasons. Among these is being able to reap similar benefits of a raw food cat diet without undergoing the hassle of handling or requiring refrigeration.
5 Benefits Of Freeze-Dried Treats
Nutritious
Since the entire freeze-drying process is carried out at low temperatures, it retains most, if not all, of the nutrients and enzymes found in the raw foods. This packs the treats with superior nutritional content as compared to traditional cat treats.
Tasty
The freeze-drying procedure preserves all the aroma, taste, and freshness, making them extremely appealing and fun to eat, even if your kitty is a bit of a fussy eater. The bite-sized shapes also help your kitty munch on these treats effortlessly.
Pure
Freeze-dried cat treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Most formulas are also grain and gluten-free, which is ideal for cats with allergies. Freeze-dried cat treats also do not contain fillers like animal by-products.
Ethical
Many brands use cage-free poultry and grass-fed meats in their recipes, and also make use of wild-caught fish in their seafood formulas. Manufacturers also ensure these meats are free from antibiotics or hormones.
Convenient
Freeze-dried cat treats are extremely convenient to pack and travel with. They also have incredibly long and stable shelf lives, making them the ideal snack to always have in your carry-on for your kitty, without having to worry about it going bad.
Are Freeze-Dried Cat Treats Healthy?
The question arises, are freeze-died cat treats healthy? If your cat is normal and healthy, and depending on the brand you choose, freeze-dried cat treats can be one of the most nutritious treats you can feed your furry friend. As it happens, there is research that shows raw food diets to be more beneficial for cats, as compared to traditionally cooked meals. Flavor combined with the high protein content of most freeze-dried cat treats makes them both enjoyable and nutritious for your adorable feline companion.
Things To Look For When Buying Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Appropriate Packaging
There’s nothing more disheartening than grabbing a pack of freeze-dried cat treats, only to find out they have gone bad and stale, due to bad packaging. It’s substantially helpful when freeze-dried cat treats come in resealable bags, or even better: plastic containers. Secure packaging can ensure your treats stay fresh and don't get crushed while being tossed around in the amenity store.
Added Ingredients
While some manufacturers make their cat treats using a limited one-ingredient recipe, other brands can have additional ingredients added to their treats. It’s useful to do a quick examination of the ingredients list to make sure you're not feeding your kitty anything that it’s allergic to.
Caloric Content
Although most freeze-dried cat treats stand at around the 2 calories per treat mark, this estimate may increase or decrease by a few calories. If your cat is diabetic or underweight, it’s helpful to know the calories of the treats you will be feeding your feline.
Freeze-Dried Cat Treats FAQ
Q: Are freeze-dried cat treats the same as dehydrated cat treats?
A: No. Dehydrated cat treats are cooked at higher temperatures and for more extended periods. Unlike freeze-drying, dehydrating can also potentially discard some of the beneficial nutrients present in the food.
Q: What is the average shelf-life of freeze-dried cat treats?
A: Freeze-dried cat treats stay optimally fresh for around 30 days after opening. Most product labels will display a best-before date.
Q: Are freeze-dried cat treats recommended by vets?
A: Yes! Veterinarians recommend freeze-dried cat treats for their numerous health benefits. However, it is still wise to consult a local professional beforehand if your cat has predisposed health conditions.
