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Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats
Dave's Pet Food

Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats

Verified Jun 9, 2026

Dog · Treat Puppy Adult All Breed Sizes

These freeze-dried venison treats are unusually nutrient-dense and actually formulated to be complete and balanced for adult dogs, though they’re primarily intended as training treats or toppers. Venison is the main protein source, with pumpkin for gentle fiber, added probiotics, and salmon oil and flaxseed for beneficial fats. They’re designed with sensitive stomachs in mind and can work well for dogs who need a highly digestible, limited-meat protein option.

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

Nutritionally, this is a very high-quality, meat-forward freeze-dried treat that’s complete and balanced for adult maintenance, which is rare for a treat product. Venison as the primary ingredient, a strong protein and fat profile, and added probiotics and pumpkin make it a nice option for many dogs, especially those with chicken or beef sensitivities. Because it’s quite calorie-dense, it should be fed thoughtfully and counted toward your dog’s daily intake, particularly if used as more than an occasional reward.

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
Digestive Health Probiotic Support Sensitive Stomach
Suitable For
Puppy Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Venison is the first ingredient and main animal protein, helpful for dogs that can’t tolerate more common proteins like chicken or beef.
  • High protein (34% min) and fat (30% min) for a freeze-dried product, providing concentrated nutrition in small portions.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it can safely contribute a meaningful share of the diet if used heavily as treats or a topper.
  • Includes pumpkin and multiple probiotic strains, which can support digestive comfort for many dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Considerations

  • Despite the label including puppies for use as treats, the AAFCO statement supports adult maintenance only, so it shouldn’t be relied on as a major calorie source for growing puppies.
  • Very calorie-dense (about 3 kcal per treat and over 300 kcal per cup), so portions should be limited and counted toward daily calories to avoid unwanted weight gain.
  • Contains fish (salmon oil), which is a common allergen for some dogs, so it’s not appropriate for dogs with known fish allergies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

MADE IN TX / Venison, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dried Coconut, Choline Chloride, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium lodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Taurine, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, 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
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
34.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
1.00%
Low High
5093
kcal / Kg
302
kcal / Cup
3
kcal / Treat
High
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 Puppy
Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Freeze Dried
Food type Treat

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced No
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Daves Pet Food Digesti-Bites Venison Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

Brand

Dave's Pet Food

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 Food
Price tier $$

Manufacturer

Company name Dave's Pet Food
Founded 2001
Headquarters Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Midwest
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Dave's Pet Food Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Digesti-Bites Venison Formula Dog Treats
Dave's Pet Food · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.