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Soft 'N Tasty Baked Venison Recipe Bites Dog Treats
Caru

Soft 'N Tasty Baked Venison Recipe Bites Dog Treats

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Treat All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

These soft baked venison treats are designed as a high-value snack or training reward for dogs of any age or size. They use venison as the first ingredient, with chickpeas and potato flour as the main carbohydrate sources, and include blueberries and cranberries for added antioxidants. The texture and moderate fat content make them a tasty, energy-dense reward rather than an everyday staple food.

Over-the-counter No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.2 out of 10

A high-quality, meat-first treat that’s especially useful as a training reward or occasional snack, including for many dogs that can’t have common proteins or grains. Venison as the primary ingredient and the absence of wheat, corn, and soy are nice for dogs with some food sensitivities. As with any treat, the calories add up quickly, so it’s important to budget these into your dog’s daily intake.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Antioxidant Support Allergy Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Venison listed as the first ingredient provides an animal-based protein source that can work well for many dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities.
  • Relatively simple ingredient list with no wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
  • Includes blueberries and cranberries, which are natural sources of antioxidants.
  • Soft, baked texture and about 21 kcal per treat make them very palatable and useful as a high-value reward when used in small pieces.

Considerations

  • At roughly 21 calories per treat, portions should be limited and counted toward your dog’s daily calorie needs to prevent weight gain.
  • Contains chickpeas and potato flour; while fine in treats, these are legumes/starches and shouldn’t make up a large proportion of the total diet, especially if the main food is also legume-heavy.
  • Includes cane molasses, which adds sugar and palatability but no essential nutrients, so these are best kept as occasional rewards rather than frequent, large-quantity snacks.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Venison, Chickpeas, Coconut Glycerin, Cane Molasses, Potato Flour, Salt, Natural Flavor, Blueberries, Cranberries, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative).

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
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
02
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
03
Coconut Glycerin
Coconut glycerin is a plant-derived glycerol used in pet foods as a humectant and mild sweetening/texture agent to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel and palatability, and serve as a solvent or mild preservative in soft treats, toppers, and wet formulas. It provides easily metabolized calories and is generally safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, but high levels can cause gastrointestinal upset or laxative effects, so manufacturers should ensure purity, account for added calories, and note that it is not the dog-toxic sweetener xylitol.
04
Cane Molasses
Cane molasses is a viscous sweetener and palatability enhancer used in pet foods and treats to add simple carbohydrates, help bind ingredients, and contribute trace minerals like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium along with small amounts of B vitamins. It can improve taste and texture but is high in sugars and calories, so it should be used sparingly—excessive intake can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, or unstable blood glucose in diabetic or obese pets.
05
Potato Flour
Potato flour is a dried, ground whole‑potato ingredient used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate, binder and texture agent, contributing energy, some dietary fiber and minerals like potassium while helping with kibble structure or wet food viscosity. It provides little protein, can raise the dietary glycemic load and caloric density so should be used in balanced formulations (especially for overweight or diabetic pets), and while not a common allergen it has been noted as a frequent component of some grain‑free recipes that have been scrutinized in relation to canine heart health studies.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
15.90%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
9.40%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.80%
Low High
Moisture (max)
18.10%
Low High
3000
kcal / Kg
21
kcal / Treat
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Baked
Food type Treat

Brand

Caru

Caru is a premium pet food brand offering human-grade, slow-cooked stews, broths, and treats for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on natural ingredients and home-style preparation methods, appealing to pet owners seeking minimally processed, high-quality nutrition for their pets.

Visit Caru
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Caru Pet Food Company
Founded 2014
Headquarters Vero Beach, Florida, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Florida
Manufacturing oversight

Caru Pet Food Company manufactures its products in the United States in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility. The company follows Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety guidelines and ensures all products are made to human food standards using 100% human-grade ingredients.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Caru Soft 'N Tasty Baked Venison Recipe Bites Dog Treats has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Soft 'N Tasty Baked Venison Recipe Bites Dog Treats
Caru · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Caru ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Caru. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.