Beef & Pumpkin Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Verified Aug 18, 2026
These are high-protein, freeze-dried beef treats for dogs, made mainly from beef liver, beef, and whole pumpkin. They’re very calorie-dense overall but only about 4 calories per piece, which works well for training or frequent small rewards. The simple ingredient list makes them a straightforward option for owners who want a meat-focused, minimally processed treat.
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Top Pick
This is a high-quality, meat-rich freeze-dried treat that works nicely for training or as an occasional reward for most dogs. The very high protein and fat levels reflect its beef-liver base, so even though each treat is only about 4 calories, it’s still quite energy-dense and should be fed in moderation, especially for dogs watching their weight. It’s a good fit for dogs who do well with beef and whose owners prefer simple-ingredient, animal-based treats.
Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (55% minimum) from beef liver and beef, which are highly nutritious animal sources.
- Short, simple ingredient list with whole pumpkin as the only carbohydrate source and no added colors or flavors.
- Low calories per treat (about 4 kcal each), making it practical for training and frequent small rewards.
- Freeze-dried processing helps preserve nutrients and flavor compared to more heavily processed treats.
Considerations
- Contains beef, which is a common food allergen for some dogs, so it’s not suitable if your dog is beef-sensitive or allergic.
- Overall calorie density is high (4420 kcal/kg), so quantity should be monitored, particularly for dogs prone to weight gain or those on strict calorie control.
- As a treat, this is not a complete and balanced diet and should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily intake.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
02
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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03
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
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04
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
05
Citric Acid
Citric acid is commonly used in pet foods as a preservative, pH adjuster and mild flavoring agent that helps inhibit microbial growth and chelate metals to slow fat oxidation and preserve color and freshness. It provides no nutritional value for dogs or cats and is generally safe at the low levels used in commercial diets, though concentrated forms or excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal upset or decreased palatability in sensitive animals.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Not sure how much of this to feed?
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Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
ACANA offers high-protein dog and cat foods made from fresh regional ingredients. The brand focuses on biologically appropriate nutrition with recipes inspired by nature, often containing various ratios of meat, fish, and poultry along with fruits and vegetables. Positioned as a premium choice, ACANA targets pet owners seeking high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.
Manufacturer
Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Acana Beef & Pumpkin Freeze-Dried Dog Treats.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Acana ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Acana. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.