The Science Behind It
We believe in letting the science speak for itself. The information below comes from veterinary research, peer-reviewed sources, and trusted voices in the raw and species-appropriate feeding community. We are not the experts — but we trust the ones who are, and we let their work guide every decision we make about what does and does not go into our treats. As always, we encourage you to do your own research and consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.
✦ No Antibiotics ✦ No Added Hormones ✦ No Fillers ✦ No Artificial Preservatives ✦ No Mystery Ingredients ✦ No Exceptions ✦ Just real food from farms that care. Every treat. Every batch. Every time.
Why Freeze-Dried?
Freeze-drying removes moisture at very low temperatures, which preserves nutrients, enzymes, and natural flavor far better than heat-based methods like baking or dehydrating. The result is a treat that's nutritionally close to raw — shelf-stable without refrigeration, lightweight, and irresistible to even the pickiest eaters. Key benefits of freeze-drying: • Preserves natural nutrients and enzymes • Easy to digest • Minimally processed • Long shelf life without preservatives • Flavor intensifies as moisture is removed — great for picky eaters • Lightweight and easy to transport • Gentle on sensitive stomachs
"The pH of the dog's stomach is comparable to battery acid, making it possible for dogs to digest raw meaty bones and freeze-dried treats." — Feed Real — Myths & Truths About Air-Dried Bones vs. Raw Bones
For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, simplicity is everything. When a dog reacts to a treat, identifying the trigger ingredient is nearly impossible if that treat contains ten ingredients. With a single-ingredient treat, the equation is simple: either your dog tolerates that protein — or they don't. There is nothing to isolate because there is only one thing to begin with. This is why veterinarians and pet nutritionists frequently recommend single-ingredient treats as part of an elimination diet or food-sensitivity protocol — and it is the founding philosophy behind every treat we make at Amber's Originals.
The key is not choosing between simplicity and variety — it's achieving both. One ingredient per treat. Many treats in rotation.
"The bigger a variety of meats and indeed meat parts you feed them, the better off they will be." — Dr. Conor Brady, Feeding Dogs (2021)
Why Variety Matters - Nutrients by Ingredient
No single protein delivers every nutrient your pet needs. Rotating proteins — beef one week, chicken the next, turkey or pork after that — ensures your pet receives a broader spectrum of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals over time, the way nature intended. Variety also reduces the risk of developing sensitivities to any single protein through repeated overexposure. This is why we offer so many proteins — not to overwhelm you, but to give you the tools to build a rotation that works for your pet.
🦴 Neck (Chicken, Turkey)
Necks are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin — the building blocks of healthy cartilage and joints. The bone-to-meat ratio makes them an excellent raw meaty bone equivalent in freeze-dried form, supporting dental health through natural chewing action while delivering calcium, phosphorus, and collagen.
Raw necks are a good raw meaty bone to promote teeth cleaning from chewing. — Perfectly Rawsome —Raw Meaty Bones (RMB)
“Chicken necks are a great sized meaty bone for all breed sizes… They provide collagen, which aids in joint health, act as a natural toothbrush, provide minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium” — PawsofPrey.com — Raw Food Recipe for Dogs — 3rd ingredient, Chicken Neck
🫀 Heart (Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Venison)
Heart is technically a muscle meat — which makes it one of the most digestible proteins you can offer your pet. It is also one of the richest natural sources of CoQ10 available, alongside taurine, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and potassium. For cats especially, heart is non-negotiable — cats cannot synthesize taurine on their own and must obtain it directly from food. A deficiency can lead to serious cardiac and vision problems. Heart delivers it exactly as nature intended.
"Cats are obligate carnivores, and one of their most critical amino acid requirements is taurine. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize sufficient taurine from precursor amino acids. Taurine deficiency in cats can result in retinal degeneration, dilated cardiomyopathy, and reproductive failure." — Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements
🔥 Liver (Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Venison )
If there is one organ that earns the title of nature's multivitamin, it is liver. Concentrated with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K alongside iron, copper, and B12, liver supports immune function, vision, bone health, and energy metabolism all at once. Because it is so extraordinarily nutrient-dense, a little goes a very long way — which is why we offer it as a single-ingredient treat rather than a meal replacement.
“Liver is one of the richest sources of B12 available. It's also packed with other essential nutrients like iron and vitamin A. Liver is nature's multivitamin.”—Dogs Naturally Magazine — Why Your Dog Should Eat More Liver
🫁 Lung (Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Venison)
"Lung is nearly fat-free and one of the most digestible proteins available — making it an ideal choice for pets with sensitive stomachs, weight concerns, or those new to organ meat. Freeze-drying gives it a light, airy, crunchy texture that even the pickiest eaters find irresistible. A gentle introduction to organ nutrition for dogs and cats who are just getting started.
“Try all of the organ meats, including lung, kidney, pancreas — anything you can get your hands on! You and your dog will get over the ickiness factor once you see the great health benefits.”—Dogs Naturally Magazine — Why Organ Meat Is Important for the Raw Fed Dog
💧 Kidney (Beef, Lamb, Pork, Venison)
Kidney is the organ that raw feeders often overlook — and one of the most valuable. Rich in folate, Omega-3 fatty acids, and the DAO enzyme, kidney actively supports pets with allergies and histamine sensitivities. DAO — diamine oxidase — is the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamines in the body. For allergy-prone pets, it is one of the most targeted whole-food tools available.
“Kidney is concentrated in selenium and provides a wide variety of B vitamins. Beef kidney is a better source of vitamin D in comparison to other organ options.”—Perfectly Rawsome — Secreting Organs
🩸 Spleen (Beef, Pork)
Spleen is one of the richest natural sources of heme iron available — the form of iron most efficiently absorbed by the body. It also delivers zinc, selenium, and tryptophan, supporting immune function, hormone balance, and healthy blood production. Puppies need nearly three times the iron of adult dogs — making spleen an especially valuable treat during the growth years.
"The spleen delivers minerals like zinc, iron and selenium — supporting immune and hormone function."— Dogs Naturally Magazine — Your Dog Needs to Eat These Organs
👅 Tongue (Beef, Lamb, Pork, Venison)
Tongue is pure muscle meat — rich in zinc, iron, choline, and B vitamins, with a higher fat content than most organs, making it particularly satisfying and palatable. A favorite among picky eaters and high-value training treat enthusiasts alike.
“Feeding fresh, whole, species-appropriate food is the best source of taurine for your pets. That means muscle meat and heart, tongue, spleen.” —Dr. Judy Morgan — Death by Dog Food
🐾 Feet (Chicken, Turkey)
Feet, considered raw meaty bones (RMB) are one of the most naturally concentrated sources of glucosamine and chondroitin available in whole-food form — the same compounds found in expensive joint supplements, delivered exactly as nature packaged them. The cartilage, tendons, and connective tissue provide natural dental cleaning through chewing action, while supporting joint mobility and comfort from the inside out.
“Chicken feet are high in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for supporting joint health, especially in aging or active dogs. They are also a good source of protein and collagen, which help maintain healthy skin, coat, and joints.” —feedreal.com — Chicken Feet
🌀 Esophagus (Chicken)
Thin, lightweight, and irresistibly crunchy after freeze-drying, chicken esophagus is pure connective tissue — naturally rich in collagen, elastin, glucosamine, and chondroitin. An ideal treat for dogs of all sizes, easily broken into small pieces for training. And at Christmas, we shape them into candy canes — same single ingredient, just a little more festive.
“Connective tissue provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin — the same compounds found in joint supplements — along with collagen to support tissue and joint health.”—Perfectly Rawsome — Other Secreting Organs
🌊 Green Lipped Mussel
Green lipped mussels contain a unique form of Omega-3 fatty acids — including ETA, EPA, and DHA — not found in standard fish oil. This makes them one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory whole foods available for pets. GLM’s are particularly valuable for animals with arthritis, joint pain, gut inflammation, or any condition where chronic inflammation is a factor and are considered a natural NSAID alternative.
“Green lipped mussels are a rich source of antioxidants for dogs. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes. They are a natural source of glycosaminoglycans — the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid found in the joints.” —Dogs Naturally Magazine — Green Lipped Mussels for Dogs
🐔Gizzards (Chicken, Turkey)
Gizzards, considered a muscle meat, are a lean muscle organ packed with B vitamins, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and selenium. They support energy metabolism, immune health, and digestive function — and their firm texture makes them a satisfying chew for dogs who like a little more resistance in their treats.
“Gizzards are the mechanical stomach in poultry and fowl animals. They are classified as muscular organs and fed as muscle meat in raw diets — providing essential protein, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins.” —Perfectly Rawsome — Muscle Meat: What to Feed as Raw Muscle Meat
🦴 Trachea (Beef, Lamb, Pork)
Trachea is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin — the same compounds found in many joint supplements. The chewing action also provides natural dental cleaning benefits.
“The cartilage in beef trachea is loaded with chondroitin and glucosamine. Dogs need about 500 mg of glucosamine per day per 25 lbs of body weight. Beef trachea is mostly cartilage, and it's about 5% glucosamine. A 1 oz piece of trachea gives your dog over 1,400 mg of glucosamine."—Dogs Naturally Magazine — How to Manage Collapsed Trachea in Dogs
🐔 Chicken Head — Dressed & With Feathers
Chicken head is one of the most complete single-ingredient whole-prey items available. The brain delivers phospholipid-bound DHA — a form of omega-3 that is more bioavailable than plant-based sources — essential for cognitive function, memory, and nervous system health. The eyes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support retinal health and visual acuity. The beak provides natural dental cleaning and is rich in keratin. The cartilage and connective tissue deliver glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen for joint support. When you add the feathers: keratin protein provides a unique fiber source that supports gut motility and parasite expulsion, mirroring what dogs would consume in whole-prey feeding. Both dressed (feather-free) and with-feathers versions deliver this same extraordinary nutritional package. The feathered version adds the unique keratin fiber benefit.
"EPA and DHA are found primarily in fatty fish and shellfish. The inclusion of fatty fish or whole prey in a raw diet are excellent ways to fulfill these requirements. Brain is one of the few non-marine sources of phospholipid-bound DHA." — Perfectly Rawsome—Whole Foods for Essential Nutrients
🟢 Beef Green Tripe
Green tripe is the raw, unprocessed stomach lining of ruminant animals — and one of the most nutrient-complete foods available for carnivores. It is naturally rich in beneficial microorganisms and the prebiotics that feed them — supporting a healthy gut microbiome from the inside out. It delivers naturally occurring digestive enzymes, all ten essential amino acids, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in near-perfect balance. It also provides calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. Green tripe is a cornerstone ingredient in the raw feeding community for gut health, immune support, and palatability — even the most reluctant eaters rarely refuse it.
"Green tripe is loaded with Lactobacillus acidophilus. It's one of the bacterial good guys and the main ingredient in probiotics. Add lots of raw, green tripe to your dog's diet. It will maintain a healthy balance of microflora and manufacture more B vitamins."— Dogs Naturally Magazine—Is Green Tripe Good For Your Dog?
🐄🐑 Testicles - Reproductive Organ (Beef & Lamb)
Testicles are classified as secreting organs in raw feeding — which means they count toward the secreting organ portion of a balanced raw diet. They are a concentrated source of protein, healthy fats, zinc, selenium, and B12. Their unique value lies in their hormonal content: testicles contain testosterone and inhibin, the two primary hormones of the male reproductive system. In the raw feeding community, testicles are particularly recommended for neutered males (glandular therapy — the theory that eating an organ supports the corresponding function in the body), growing puppies, and stud dogs. Lamb testicles are also a novel protein source — valuable for dogs on elimination diets who cannot tolerate common proteins.
"The testicles release two hormones, testosterone and the less-known inhibin. These hormones primarily relate to the development of male sex characteristics and reproduction. Testicles can provide hormonal support for neutered males." — Dogs Naturally Magazine —Glandulars: Your Dog Needs to Eat These Organs
💪 Beef Tendon
Beef tendon is one of the most collagen-rich chews available — and collagen is the body's most abundant protein, making up 30% of total body protein. Tendons connect muscle to bone and are composed almost entirely of Type I and Type III collagen. They deliver glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and elastin alongside the collagen. Together these compounds support joint cartilage, skin elasticity, coat health, and bone strength. Freeze-dried beef tendon is a long-lasting, low-fat, highly digestible chew — a genuinely superior alternative to rawhide. Its firm texture provides natural dental cleaning and sustained mental enrichment. The slow freeze-drying process preserves the full spectrum of joint-supporting compounds intact.
"Beef tendons are full of collagen, elastin, and natural glucosamine which support joint health."— Raw Feeding Miami— Raw Beef Tendons
🐮🐷 Ear — With Fur/Hair (Beef & Pork)
Ears are composed almost entirely of cartilage — naturally rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and hydroxyproline (a key building block of collagen). They provide excellent joint support, dental cleaning through natural chewing, and satisfying enrichment. What makes the fur-intact version uniquely valuable: the natural hair acts as a gentle digestive fiber, helping sweep the intestinal tract in a way that hairless commercial ears cannot. This mirrors what dogs would consume in whole-prey feeding. Most commercial pig and cow ears have the hair removed through blanching, scalding, or chemical processing. Ours are freeze-dried with hair completely intact — no chemicals, no processing, nothing removed.
"Both pig and cow ears are made of cartilage, so they'll provide your dog with natural glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as a chew that can help with oral health. Raw ears from a raw dog food supplier will likely still have the fur — which adds valuable fiber for your dog."— Dogs Naturally Magazine —Pig and Cow Ears: When They're Safe for Dogs
🐮 Nose - Snout (Beef)
Beef nose — like ear — is composed primarily of cartilage and connective tissue. It is naturally high in hydroxyproline, an essential component of collagen and the key structural building block of cartilage. It provides glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support alongside the satisfying chewing experience of a firm connective tissue chew. The cartilage structure of the nose makes it a particularly long-lasting chew compared to softer organ treats.
🐟 Anchovies
EPA & DHA Omega-3s, Vitamin D, Iodine, Selenium, Calcium (from bones) — The Ideal Raw Diet Supplement
Anchovies are one of the most concentrated and bioavailable sources of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids available — and one of the most important additions to any raw or home-prepared diet. Unlike plant-based omega-3s (ALA), EPA and DHA are the active forms that dogs can actually use directly. The inclusion of small fatty fish like anchovies corrects the omega-6 to omega-3 imbalance common in all-meat raw diets. They also provide Vitamin D (one of the hardest nutrients to source in a raw diet without supplementation), iodine (essential for thyroid function), and selenium. Anchovies are small enough that dogs eat them whole — bones, organs, and all — making them a true whole-prey experience. The bones provide calcium. The organs provide B vitamins. Nothing is wasted.
"EPA and DHA are found primarily in fatty fish and shellfish. Many raw diets are deficient in EPA/DHA. The addition of EPA and DHA to a raw diet helps correct the omega-6 to omega-3 imbalance. Ideal fish options include sardines, mackerel, and anchovies since they also provide Vitamin D." — Perfectly Rawsome —Whole Foods for Essential Nutrients
🥚 Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs but significantly more nutrient-dense per gram. They contain higher concentrations of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, folate, choline, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids per gram than chicken eggs. They are rich in selenium and riboflavin — nutrients that support energy metabolism and thyroid function. Choline supports liver function and brain health. Iron and B12 promote healthy red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Quail eggs can be fed whole (raw, with shell) or ground into a freeze-dried powder. The shell provides calcium. Three to four quail eggs equal approximately one chicken egg in serving size. They are an excellent novel protein option for dogs with chicken egg sensitivities.
"Quail, chicken, duck, turkey, and goose are all egg options that can be used in home prepared diets." — Perfectly Rawsome—Balance Over Time
🥚 Freeze-Dried Chicken Egg Powder
Freeze-dried egg powder preserves nearly all the nutritional value of fresh eggs in a shelf-stable, easy-to-use format. Eggs are considered one of the most complete protein sources available — containing all essential amino acids in an ideal ratio. They deliver Vitamins A and B12, selenium, iron, riboflavin, folate, and biotin. The yolk provides fat-soluble vitamins and natural fats. The white provides concentrated protein. Note: egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme inhibitor that blocks biotin absorption when fed raw in large quantities. However, the egg YOLK is high in biotin — so feeding whole eggs (white and yolk together) balances this naturally. Freeze-dried whole egg powder contains both components and is safe for regular use. As a meal topper, egg powder adds concentrated nutrition without adding volume — ideal for picky eaters or dogs needing a nutritional boost.
"Small amounts of Vitamin E is present in whole foods such as raw brain and pastured eggs." — Perfectly Rawsome— Whole Foods for Essential Nutrients