We all know how much cats love treats, but with so many different treat options on the market, it can sometimes be a challenge to pick the best one.
Freeze-dried and dehydrated treats have been two of the most popular cat treat picks among feline lovers. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two treats to help you make an informed decision about which treat is best for your feline friend.
What Are Freeze-Dried Cat Treats?
Freeze-drying is a method used to preserve the original nutrients, flavours, and aromas of the raw ingredients in treats, this is done by freezing the treats and removing all the moisture via vacuum.. TFreeze-dried treats do not go through the process of being cooked or pasteurised, meaning these treats are raw food products.
Freeze-dried treats are usually made from a single meat ingredient, such as chicken, with some products—like Fuzzball's freeze-dried chicken treats—containing 75% crude protein.
What Are Dehydrated Cat Treats?
Dehydrated cat treats are made by slowly cooking the treats over time to remove all the moisture. The dehydtration methodn is still much better and gentler than the traditional kibble process of extrusion.
However, the heat used for this process can sometimes destroy heat-sensitive vitamins and enzymes, reducing their overall nutritional value.
Freeze-dried vs. Dehydrated Cats Treats: Which Is Better?
Although both types of treats are popular among feline owners, there are some areas where one treat triumphs over the other:
Nutritional Value
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated treats are free of artificial preservatives and retain many essential nutrients and enzymes. Freeze dried treats maintain almost all of their original nutrients, whereas dehydrated treats , lose some of their vitamin and nutritional value as a result of coming into contact with heat during the the dehydrating process.Freeze-dried treats are therefore the superior choice in terms of nutrition.
Texture And Taste
We all know our cats can be picky eaters, and this often comes down to texture and flavour.
- Dehydrated treats are chewy or crunchy, which can also be great for dental health.
- Freeze-dried treats are light and crispy and retain more natural flavours.
Since the freeze-drying process concentrates the aromas and flavours, picky cats may find freeze-dried treats more enticing.
Shelf Life
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated treats have a long shelf life due to their reduced moisture content. However, freeze-dried treats last the longest because all moisture is removed, making them more resistant to spoilage.
Cats With Allergies Or Sensitivities
For this category, freeze-dried treats are the clear winners.
- They usually contain only a single meat ingredient, making it easy to select a flavour suitable for your cat.
- Dehydrated treats often contain added ingredients or seasonings, which could irritate cats with allergies or sensitivities.
Cost
Dehydrated treats tend to be more affordable than freeze-dried treats since freeze-drying requires specialised equipment.
- If budget is a factor, dehydrated treats may be the better option.
- If you want the most nutrient-rich treat, freeze-dried treats are the superior choice.
Digestability
Freeze-dried treats retain more nutrients and natural enzymes, which aid digestion. However, the partial cooking process of dehydrated treats makes them easier on some cats' stomachs.
Can You Rehydrate Treats?
Freeze-dried treats can be rehydrated by simply adding water or broth, this will result in the treats having a softer texture. Dehydrated treats can soften slightly by adding water or broth but the effect won’t be as noticeable as with freeze-dried treats.
Are These Treats Suitable For All Cats?
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated treats can be given to kittens and senior cats.
For older cats, it’s advisable to choose freeze-dried treats as they are softer.
Dehydrated treats can be tougher to chew and might pose a choking hazard for senior cats.
Both treats offer great nutritional value and, when fed in moderation, fit perfectly into a balanced diet.
Which Treat Should You Choose?
Both treats offer great benefits. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision;
- Choose freeze-dried treats if:
- You want to add a raw treat to your cat’s diet.
- You prefer a lightweight treat that’s easy to break or crumble over food.
- You want a treat that retains almost all of its nutrients.
- Your cat is a picky eater.
Choose dehydrated treats if:
- Your cat loves crunchy or chewy treats.
- You prefer a more affordable option.
