If you want a simple dog treat with one clear ingredient, A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats is worth a look. It uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon as the only ingredient. There are no grains, gluten, fillers, or added flavors.
What I like most about this treat is how simple the recipe is. You know what you are giving your dog. The salmon is also high in protein and naturally contains fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids.
But there are a few things to know before buying. The treats can be crumbly. The fish smell is also stronger than regular dog treats. And the price can feel high for a small bag.
So, are these treats a good choice for your dog?
Let’s take a closer look.
A Better Treat Salmon Dog Treats Review
A Better Treat makes these treats from 100% wild-caught salmon. The salmon is freeze-dried without adding other ingredients.
That makes the ingredient list very easy to understand.
Ingredient: Wild Caught Salmon
That is it.
There is no chicken meal. No wheat. No corn. No soy. No artificial flavor. No long list of ingredients that I need to read twice.
The treats are also grain-free and gluten-free. This can make them useful for dogs that need a simple diet or have food sensitivities.
I also like the fact that the treats are made in the USA. The salmon is wild caught and sustainably sourced.
What Makes These Salmon Treats Different?
The biggest difference is the simple recipe.
Many dog treats contain several ingredients. Some use grains, starches, fillers, or added flavors. These salmon treats keep things much more basic.
The salmon is freeze-dried. This process removes moisture while helping keep the natural taste and nutrients of the fish.
The result is a light and crunchy treat with a strong salmon smell.
For many dogs, that smell is a good thing.
For some owners, it may take a little getting used to.
One Ingredient Is a Big Plus
The single-ingredient recipe is one of the best parts of this product.
You get wild-caught salmon and nothing else.
This makes it easier to know what your dog is eating. It can also be helpful when you are trying to keep treats simple.
I especially like single-protein treats when a dog does not do well with common proteins such as chicken or beef.
Of course, every dog is different. A simple ingredient list does not guarantee that every dog will tolerate salmon.
If your dog has a known food allergy or a medical diet, it is smart to check with your vet before adding a new treat.
High Protein for a Small Treat
Salmon is naturally rich in protein.
These treats have about 63% crude protein on a dry-matter-style label basis and only a small amount of moisture.
That makes them a protein-rich option compared with many soft or biscuit-style treats.
The treats can work well as a small reward during the day. They can also be broken into smaller pieces for training.
Because they are freeze-dried, a little piece can still have a strong smell and taste.
That can be useful when you need your dog’s attention.
Natural Fish Oil and Omega-3s
Salmon naturally contains fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids.
These fats are often valued for their role in supporting normal skin and coat health.
That makes salmon an appealing protein for dogs whose owners want more than just a basic reward.
The product also contains natural nutrients found in salmon, including omega-6 fatty acids and several vitamins and minerals.
Still, I would not treat these snacks as a replacement for a complete dog food or a veterinary supplement.
They are treats.
Use them as part of a balanced diet.
Great for Training
These treats can be a good option for training.
The salmon smell is strong. That can help make the treat more exciting to a dog.
The pieces can also be broken down into smaller rewards.
This matters because training can involve many treats.
Giving a large piece every time can add too many calories. Small pieces let you reward your dog without giving a full treat each time.
The treats are also non-greasy, which is helpful when carrying them in a treat pouch.
You Can Use Them as a Food Topper
Another useful feature is that the treats can be used as a food topper.
Some dogs become picky about their regular food. A little crushed salmon can add extra smell and flavor to the bowl.
The small crumbs left at the bottom of the bag can also be sprinkled over food.
This helps reduce waste.
I think this is one of the smarter ways to use the product because the crumbs are still salmon.
You do not have to throw them away just because they are too small to use as normal treats.
What About the Texture?
The texture is one area where expectations matter.
These are freeze-dried salmon pieces. They are not soft, chewy training bites.
Some pieces can be larger than others. You may also find smaller pieces and crumbs in the bag.
That is normal for a freeze-dried fish product.
If your dog prefers soft treats, these may not be the perfect choice.
The good news is that the manufacturer says you can briefly soak the treats to make them softer.
That can be useful for older dogs or dogs that have trouble chewing crunchy food.
The Fish Smell Is Strong
I would consider the strong fish smell both a pro and a con.
For dogs, the smell can be very appealing.
For people, it can be less pleasant.
If you open the bag and notice a strong salmon smell, that does not automatically mean something is wrong. Salmon naturally has a noticeable odor, and freeze-dried fish can make that smell more obvious.
I would keep the bag sealed when it is not being used.
A tight container can also help control the smell.
Are These Treats Good for Dogs With Allergies?
They can be a useful option for dogs that need to avoid certain common proteins.
The recipe contains only wild-caught salmon.
There are no chicken, beef, grain, or gluten ingredients listed.
That can make the ingredient list easier to manage.
However, an allergy-safe choice depends on the individual dog. Cross-contact and your dog’s specific allergy history also matter.
So I would not assume that any single-ingredient treat is automatically safe for every allergic dog.
Are They Good for Diabetic Dogs?
The product is marketed as diabetic-friendly and is very high in protein with low carbohydrate ingredients.
However, I would be careful with the word “diabetic.”
A dog with diabetes has special nutritional needs. Treats can affect the overall diet and calorie intake.
So I would not use these treats to manage diabetes on my own.
If your dog has diabetes, ask your veterinarian how these treats fit into the dog’s daily diet and treatment plan.
Are They Good for Puppies?
Salmon itself can be a nutritious protein, but treats should always be appropriate for the dog’s age and size.
For puppies, I would break the pieces into very small portions.
The treat should also stay a small part of the puppy’s daily calories.
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, introduce any new treat slowly.
Are They Good for Older Dogs?
They can be a nice option for older dogs that still enjoy salmon.
The main concern is texture.
Some senior dogs may find dry freeze-dried pieces harder to chew.
The good news is that the pieces can be softened with a little water.
That gives you more control over the texture.
Nutritional Information
The listed guaranteed analysis includes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 63% min |
| Crude Fat | 33% min |
| Crude Fiber | 0.4% max |
| Moisture | 3.8% max |
| Calories | About 3,333 kcal/kg |
The exact calorie amount your dog receives depends on the size of each piece.
That is why portion control still matters.
Even a high-protein treat can add a lot of calories if you give too much.
My Favorite Ways to Use These Treats
There are several ways I would use this type of salmon treat.
1. Training Reward
Break the salmon into tiny pieces.
This lets you reward your dog many times without giving large portions.
2. Food Topper
Crush a small amount over regular food.
The salmon smell can make the meal more interesting.
3. High-Value Reward
Save the larger pieces for commands that need extra motivation.
4. Soft Treat
Soak a piece briefly with water if your dog needs a softer texture.
5. Meal Finisher
Use a few crumbs over the top of a meal instead of throwing them away.
Pros
- Single ingredient: Made with wild-caught salmon only.
- High protein: A strong protein source for a treat.
- Wild caught: Uses wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
- Grain-free: No grains are added.
- Gluten-free: No gluten ingredients are listed.
- No fillers: The recipe keeps things very simple.
- Natural fish oil: Salmon naturally provides fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Great for training: Strong fish aroma can make it a high-value reward.
- Useful as a topper: Crumbs can be added to regular food.
- Made in the USA: Produced in the United States.
- Easy ingredient check: There is only one listed ingredient.
Cons
- Strong fish smell: Some owners may not enjoy the odor.
- Can be crumbly: You may find broken pieces and salmon dust.
- Uneven piece sizes: Pieces are not always the same size.
- Can be expensive: The price per ounce may feel high.
- Not ideal for every dog: Some dogs may not tolerate salmon.
- Crunchy texture: Some older dogs may need the pieces softened.
- Treat calories still count: High protein does not mean unlimited treats.
A Better Treat Salmon Dog Treats: Who Should Buy Them?
I think these treats make the most sense for dog owners who want a very simple ingredient list.
They are especially appealing if you want:
- A single-protein treat
- Wild-caught salmon
- A high-protein reward
- A grain-free option
- A gluten-free option
- A training treat with a strong smell
- A food topper
- A treat without artificial extras
They may also be worth considering if your dog does not do well with some common proteins.
Who Should Skip Them?
I would look for another option if your dog dislikes fish.
I would also think twice if you want a soft, moist treat right out of the bag.
The price may also be a concern if you need large amounts of treats every day.
And if your dog has a strict medical diet, it is better to check with your veterinarian first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in A Better Treat Salmon Dog Treats?
The only listed ingredient is wild-caught salmon.
Are A Better Treat salmon treats grain-free?
Yes. The product is made without grains.
Are these treats gluten-free?
Yes. They are marketed as gluten-free.
Are these treats high in protein?
Yes. The listed guaranteed analysis shows a minimum of 63% crude protein.
Are these treats made in the USA?
Yes. The product is made in the USA.
Are these treats made from wild salmon?
Yes. They are made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
Can I use these treats for dog training?
Yes. Their strong salmon aroma makes them a useful high-value training reward. You can also break them into smaller pieces.
Can I use these treats as a food topper?
Yes. You can crumble small pieces over your dog’s regular food.
Do these treats contain chicken?
No chicken is listed in the ingredient list.
Do these treats contain beef?
No beef is listed in the ingredient list.
Do these treats contain artificial flavors?
There are no added artificial flavors listed. The recipe contains only wild-caught salmon.
Are these treats good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
The simple ingredient list may be helpful for some dogs with dietary sensitivities. However, every dog is different, so introduce them slowly.
Are these treats safe for diabetic dogs?
The product is marketed as diabetic-friendly, but dogs with diabetes have individual dietary needs. Ask your veterinarian before adding them to a diabetic dog’s diet.
How many calories are in these treats?
The listed calorie content is about 3,333 kcal/kg. Individual pieces can vary in size, so the calories per piece can also vary.
Can I soften these salmon treats?
Yes. The manufacturer recommends briefly soaking them if you want a softer texture.
Do the treats smell like fish?
Yes. A noticeable salmon smell is normal for a freeze-dried salmon treat.
Can cats eat these treats?
The product is marketed for both dogs and cats. However, portions should be appropriate for the pet’s size and diet.
Final Verdict
A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats is a simple product with a simple idea: give your dog real salmon without adding a long list of extra ingredients.
The biggest reason I would consider it is the single-ingredient recipe. It is easy to understand, high in protein, and made from wild-caught salmon.
The natural fish oil and omega-3 content are also nice benefits. The treats can work for training, rewards, or as a food topper.
The main downsides are the strong fish smell, crumbly texture, uneven piece sizes, and higher cost compared with some basic dog treats.
Still, if your dog loves salmon and you want a clean, high-value treat, this one deserves a place on your shortlist.
My overall take: A Better Treat Salmon Dog Treats are a strong choice for dog owners who value simple ingredients, high protein, and real wild-caught salmon over a cheaper treat with a longer ingredient list.