My first take: EpiTreats are soft hydrolyzed dog treats that worked well for Louie, my picky small dog. He accepted one immediately and continues to eat them willingly. Their soft texture may also suit some senior dogs that no longer enjoy hard biscuits.
However, these are not allergy-proof treats or a low-calorie training reward. The ingredient list, calorie count, and your dog’s current diet all need to be considered before adding them.
Who Tested EpiTreats?
Louie is a 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with a small mouth and selective eating habits. I offered EpiTreats at home as an occasional reward rather than as a dental chew or meal replacement.
Louie is not a senior dog and does not have weak teeth. His experience can show how the size, texture, and flavor worked for one picky small dog. It cannot prove that the treats will be comfortable for every senior dog or safe for every dog with food sensitivities.
EpiTreats Product Overview
EpiTreats come in a resealable 8-ounce bag. Each treat has a small bone shape and a semi-moist texture. They feel softer than a dry biscuit but still hold their shape inside the package.
| Feature | Product Details |
|---|---|
| Texture | Semi-moist and soft |
| Main carbohydrate | Dried potato |
| Protein source | Hydrolyzed chicken liver |
| Calories | 16 calories per treat |
| Guaranteed analysis | 11% minimum crude protein, 5% minimum crude fat, 4% maximum crude fiber, and 28% maximum moisture |
| Package size | 8 ounces |
The manufacturer lists dried potato, hydrolyzed chicken liver, water, corn syrup, vegetable glycerin, chicken fat, minerals, lecithin, sorbic acid, and rosemary extract among the ingredients.
What Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver Means
Hydrolyzed protein has been processed into smaller protein pieces. EpiTreats use hydrolyzed chicken liver with a listed molecular size below 3,500 daltons. This feature is intended to make the protein less recognizable to the immune system than an intact chicken liver protein.
That does not mean a dog cannot react to the treats. They still contain chicken-derived ingredients, including chicken fat. A dog may also have a problem with another ingredient in the formula.
Dogs completing a veterinarian-supervised elimination diet should not receive EpiTreats automatically. Adding an unapproved treat can interfere with the results of the food trial, even when the treat contains hydrolyzed protein.
Texture and Palatability for a Small Dog
The soft texture was one of the most practical features for Louie. He did not need time to investigate or adjust to the flavor. He took the treat the first time it was offered and chewed it without difficulty.
The small bone shape also worked for his small mouth. It was easier to offer as a single reward than a large biscuit that would need to be divided before feeding.
Palatability is individual. Louie’s response does not guarantee that another picky dog will like the same flavor, but his immediate and consistent interest was a positive result in our home.
Could EpiTreats Work for a Senior Dog?
EpiTreats may be easier to chew than hard, crunchy treats. That can be useful for an older dog that avoids firm biscuits but can still chew and swallow soft food normally.
The small size can also make portion control easier. However, soft does not always mean safe for a dog with dental disease, mouth pain, or swallowing difficulty. A senior dog that drops food, chews on only one side, coughs while eating, or swallows treats whole should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
These treats are also more calorie-dense than their small size may suggest. Each treat contains about 16 calories. Dechra’s feeding chart lists a maximum of five treats per day for a normal-weight dog weighing up to 20 pounds and three for a dog prone to obesity. That maximum is not a daily target, especially for a toy-sized dog.
What I Liked
- The semi-moist texture was easy for Louie to chew.
- The small shape worked well for a small dog.
- Louie found the treats appealing from the first serving.
- The hydrolyzed protein provides an alternative to standard intact-meat treats.
- The resealable package helps limit exposure to air after opening.
What to Check Before Buying
- The formula contains both hydrolyzed chicken liver and chicken fat.
- One treat contains 16 calories, which can add up quickly for a small dog.
- Corn syrup and sorbic acid are included in the ingredient list.
- The treats should not replace a complete and balanced dog food.
- A veterinarian should approve all treats used during an elimination diet.
Who May Like EpiTreats?
EpiTreats may be worth considering for a picky small dog that prefers soft treats, a senior dog that has difficulty with hard biscuits, or a dog whose veterinarian has approved a hydrolyzed treat.
They may not be the right choice for a dog that must avoid every chicken-derived ingredient, needs strict calorie restriction, gulps small treats without chewing, or is currently completing a controlled food trial.
Final Verdict
EpiTreats were a successful occasional treat for Louie because the size suited his small mouth, the texture was soft, and the flavor kept his interest. The hydrolyzed chicken liver is a useful feature, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against food reactions.
For senior dogs, the main advantage is the soft texture rather than any proven age-specific benefit. Check the calorie count, complete ingredient list, chewing ability, and current veterinary diet before deciding whether these treats fit your dog.