Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats Freeze-Dried
Verified Jun 20, 2026
These freeze-dried venison treats are high in protein and fat, and designed as a complete and balanced option that can be used as a treat, topper, or even an occasional meal for adult dogs. Venison is the primary protein source, supported by pumpkin for added fiber, omega-rich salmon oil and flaxseed, and a blend of added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. They’re particularly suited for dogs who enjoy rich, meaty treats and may benefit from extra digestive support.
Nutritionally, this is a very rich, meat-focused freeze-dried treat that is complete and balanced for adult maintenance, which is unusual for a treat and gives you flexibility in how you use it. The venison-based formula with pumpkin, probiotics, and omega sources can work well for many adult dogs, including some with more sensitive digestion, as long as the high fat and calorie density fit their needs. It’s best suited as a high-value training reward, topper, or occasional meal replacement for healthy adult dogs who tolerate higher-fat diets.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Venison as the first ingredient provides a high-quality, novel animal protein source for many dogs, with a strong overall protein level (34% minimum).
- Very nutrient-dense and calorie-dense (about 302 kcal per cup, ~3 kcal per treat) with 30% minimum fat, which is excellent for active dogs or those needing extra calories in small volumes.
- Includes pumpkin, chicory root, and a blend of probiotic cultures, all of which can help support a healthy gut environment in dogs who tolerate these ingredients well.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance, so it can function as more than just a snack if needed (though most owners will still use it as a treat or topper).
Considerations
- Despite being marketed for both puppies and adults, it is only AAFCO-complete for adult maintenance, so it should not be relied on as the sole diet for growing puppies.
- The fat content is quite high, which may not be appropriate for dogs with a history of pancreatitis, sensitive fat digestion, or those needing strict weight control.
- Because this is a freeze-dried, very calorie-dense product, it’s easy to overfeed if you use large amounts as a topper or treat without cutting back on the main diet.
- Contains venison and salmon oil; while less common than chicken or beef, fish and red-meat proteins can still trigger food allergies in some sensitive dogs.
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
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
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.
03
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated source of fat and long‑chain omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to support skin and coat condition, reduce inflammation, and aid joint, cardiac and cognitive health in both dogs and cats (cats particularly benefit from preformed DHA). Because it is calorie‑dense and prone to oxidation, choose stabilized, quality‑tested salmon oil from reputable sources to avoid rancidity and contaminants, and consult your veterinarian for appropriate dosing or if your pet has a fish allergy.
04
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.
05
Chicory Root
Chicory root is used in pet food primarily as a source of soluble fiber and the prebiotic inulin to support digestive health, improve stool quality, and assist with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. It can benefit dogs and cats by feeding beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption, but it should be introduced gradually because high amounts can cause gas, bloating or loose stools and may be unsuitable for pets with sensitive gastrointestinal conditions.
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.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Dave's Pet Food offers budget-friendly, nutritious dog and cat food made with a focus on quality ingredients and transparency. The brand caters to pet owners seeking a balance between affordability and nutritional value, offering grain-free, sensitive diet, and specialized formulations.
Visit Dave's Pet FoodManufacturer
Dave's Pet Food develops its recipes in the United States and works with third-party manufacturing partners (co-packers) that follow FDA regulations and AAFCO nutritional standards for pet food labeling and safety. The company maintains oversight through rigorous quality control and supplier standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Dave's Pet Food Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats Freeze-Dried has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Dave's Pet Food ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Dave's Pet Food. 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.
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.
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