🔑 10 Key Takeaways You Need Right Now
NutriBites has zero FDA recalls on record — but the broader freeze-dried treat category has been hit repeatedly with salmonella contamination warnings throughout 2025.
Yes, it’s raw — freeze-drying does not cook the liver, and a Cornell University study confirmed most freeze-dried pet products are raw despite unclear labeling.
Vitamin A toxicity is a real danger with overfeeding — beef liver is one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin A, and the fat-soluble vitamin accumulates in your dog’s liver over weeks.
The Costco 2-pack (two 27 oz bags) runs about $39.99 — roughly $0.74 per ounce, making it one of the cheapest single-ingredient freeze-dried liver treats on the market.
Canature Processing Ltd. in Langley, British Columbia manufactures NutriBites — the company was acquired by private-equity-backed Thrive Foods in 2023.
Beef liver can harbor heavy metals, PFAS “forever chemicals,” and antibiotic residues — organ meats serve as the body’s detoxification filter and accumulate environmental contaminants.
Dogs with copper storage disease should never eat these treats — beef liver contains exceptionally high copper concentrations that can trigger fatal hepatic failure in predisposed breeds.
The 10% rule is non-negotiable — treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake, and with liver, even that ceiling may be too generous.
Salmonella can survive for months in sealed freeze-dried packages — UC Davis veterinary experts warn that handling contaminated treats without washing hands puts humans at risk too.
NutriBites holds SQF Level 3 certification — this is the highest level of food safety certification in the Safe Quality Food program, which is a meaningful differentiator.
🥩 What Exactly Is in That Bag? Just One Ingredient — but That’s Not the Whole Story
NutriBites markets this product with a single, clean ingredient line: beef liver. No grains, no preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors. On paper, that’s exactly what informed pet owners want to see.
| 🔍 Product Detail | 📋 What We Found |
|---|---|
| 🏷️ Ingredient | 100% beef liver (single ingredient) |
| 🏭 Manufacturer | Canature Processing Ltd., Langley, BC, Canada |
| 🏪 Primary retail | Costco (27 oz bags, also sold as 2-packs) |
| 💰 Costco price | ~$39.99 for 2-pack / ~$9.97 for single 27 oz (warehouse) |
| 🐾 Suitable for | Dogs and cats, all life stages |
| 🌾 Grain-free | Yes |
| 🔬 Processing | Freeze-dried raw (not cooked) |
| 📜 Certifications | SQF Level 3, CFIA certified, GMP/HACCP |
| 🌍 Sourcing | North American beef |
| ⏳ Shelf life | 2 years sealed / 30 days once opened |
But here’s the critical nuance most reviews skip over entirely: beef liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ. Every toxin, pharmaceutical residue, heavy metal, and environmental contaminant that a cow was exposed to during its lifetime gets filtered through and partially stored in that liver. Veterinary toxicology research has documented that beef liver can accumulate lead, cadmium, mercury, copper at elevated levels, and even PFAS “forever chemicals” from environmental contamination. The quality of the source cattle matters enormously, and no treat company — NutriBites included — publishes independent heavy metal or contaminant testing results on their packaging.
🧊 Yes, Freeze-Dried Means Raw — and Here’s Why That Matters More Than You Think
This is one of the biggest blind spots in the pet treat market. A 2025 study from Cornell University, highlighted by Tufts University veterinary nutritionists, revealed something startling: all of the freeze-dried cat foods examined were confirmed to be raw when manufacturers were contacted, yet only a small minority clearly stated on the label that they were raw. The researchers emphasized that many pet owners are unaware that most freeze-dried pet foods and treats are freeze-dried raw instead of freeze-dried after cooking, and they underestimate potential health risks.
NutriBites does acknowledge on their website that the treats are made from “fresh, raw beef liver.” But on the Costco packaging, the word “raw” isn’t prominently featured — you’ll see “freeze-dried” and “fresh” but the raw nature of the product can easily be missed by a rushed shopper.
Why does raw matter? Freeze-drying removes moisture through sublimation (turning ice directly to vapor under vacuum conditions), which brilliantly preserves nutrients, enzymes, and flavor. However, it does not reach temperatures sufficient to kill pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli. The product goes into the freeze-dryer raw, and it comes out raw — just minus the water.
| ⚠️ Raw Freeze-Dried Risk | 🔬 What Research Shows |
|---|---|
| 🦠 Salmonella survival | Can survive months in sealed freeze-dried packages |
| 🧫 Bacterial viability | Cornell study: live bacteria cultured from 42% of raw pet foods tested |
| 👶 Human transmission risk | Handling treats transfers bacteria to hands, surfaces, and children |
| 🐕 Asymptomatic carriers | Infected pets can spread pathogens without showing symptoms |
| 🧬 Antibiotic resistance | Raw pet foods contained higher levels of antibiotic-resistant bacterial genes |
🚨 The Recall Record: Clean for NutriBites, but the Category Is Under Fire
As of early 2026, NutriBites / Canature Processing has no FDA recalls on file. That’s a genuinely positive signal, especially when you compare it to what’s been happening across the freeze-dried pet treat landscape.
The FDA issued multiple recall actions throughout 2025 targeting freeze-dried pet products. Foodynamics recalled its freeze-dried pet treats under several brand names due to potential salmonella contamination found during FDA sampling. Additional recalls hit Viva Raw, Blue Ridge Beef, and Nature’s Own Pet Chews — all for salmonella or listeria contamination discovered through routine FDA testing.
The most common reason for pet food recalls, according to a review of recent FDA actions, is contamination with salmonella, listeria, or E. coli.
The fact that NutriBites has maintained a clean record is noteworthy, and their SQF Level 3 certification — which Canature specifically highlights — represents the highest tier of food safety certification in the program, requiring comprehensive food safety management plans that go beyond basic compliance.
⚠️ The Vitamin A Time Bomb Nobody Talks About Enough
This is where most “review” articles completely fail dog owners. Beef liver is extraordinarily concentrated in preformed vitamin A (retinol). Unlike beta-carotene from vegetables, which the body self-regulates, preformed vitamin A from animal sources gets absorbed directly and stored in your dog’s liver. It accumulates over time because it’s fat-soluble — your dog’s body cannot simply flush out the excess.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the vitamin A requirement for dogs is 3,333 IU per kilogram of diet, and amounts up to 333,300 IU per kilogram of diet are considered safe. That sounds like a wide margin, but consider that a single ounce of beef liver can contain over 25,000 IU of vitamin A. A medium-sized dog getting 5-8 NutriBites treats daily (the manufacturer’s own feeding guideline for 30-60 lb dogs) is getting a significant vitamin A load on top of whatever their regular food already provides.
Over-supplementation of vitamin A for weeks to months can eventually result in a poor hair coat, rough or dry skin, weakness, weight loss, constipation, excessive bone development, and painful or limited movement.
| 🐕 Dog Size | 📏 NutriBites Guideline | ⚠️ Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small (5-10 lb) | 1-2 treats/day | 1 treat every other day max |
| Small (10-30 lb) | 2-5 treats/day | 1-2 treats/day |
| Medium (30-60 lb) | 5-8 treats/day | 2-4 treats/day |
| Large (60+ lb) | Up to 8 treats/day | 4-5 treats/day max |
| 🐈 Cats (any size) | 1-3 treats/day | 1 treat/day maximum |
The critical point: if your dog is already eating a complete commercial diet, that food already contains vitamin A at required levels. Every liver treat you add is on top of an already adequate intake. The 10% treat rule isn’t just about calories — it’s about micronutrient stacking.
🧪 Heavy Metals, PFAS, and the Dirty Secret of Organ Meat Treats
A February 2026 investigation by Clean Label Project tested 79 top-selling dog foods and found that dog foods contained three to thirteen times more heavy metals than human food tested over the past decade. While this study focused on complete diets rather than treats specifically, the underlying science is clear: organ meats like liver and kidney, which are common ingredients, act as storage sites for both essential and toxic metals.
Research has documented that beef liver specifically can accumulate lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, PFAS compounds, and antibiotic residues from livestock farming practices. NutriBites states they “responsibly source all raw materials from North America” and subject suppliers to “rigorous quality audits akin to those for human food” — but they don’t publish independent third-party contaminant test results.
| 🧪 Contaminant Concern | 🔍 Why Liver Is Specifically Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Lead & cadmium | Liver bioaccumulates heavy metals from environmental exposure |
| 🟠 Copper overload | Beef liver copper levels extremely high, especially in older cattle |
| 🟡 PFAS “forever chemicals” | Environmental contamination detected in livestock organ meats |
| 🟣 Antibiotic residues | Liver filters pharmaceutical compounds used in cattle farming |
| 🔵 Mercury | Accumulates through feed chain contamination |
For breeds predisposed to copper storage disease — including Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, West Highland White Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and Dalmatians — liver treats can be genuinely dangerous and should be avoided entirely or strictly limited under veterinary supervision.
💰 The Costco Value Equation: Is This Actually a Good Deal?
NutriBites has built its mass-market reputation largely through Costco distribution, and the pricing genuinely undercuts most competitors in the single-ingredient freeze-dried space.
| 🏪 Where to Buy | 📦 Size | 💵 Price | 📊 Per Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco (warehouse) | 27 oz single | ~$9.97 | ~$0.37/oz |
| Costco (online 2-pack) | 2 × 27 oz | ~$39.99 | ~$0.74/oz |
| Amazon | 17.6 oz | ~$24-30 | ~$1.36-1.70/oz |
| Walmart | 17.6 oz | ~$22-28 | ~$1.25-1.59/oz |
| Costco Business | 27 oz | Varies by region | Check local pricing |
The warehouse price of roughly $9.97 for a 27-ounce bag is genuinely hard to beat. Comparable single-ingredient freeze-dried liver treats from brands like PureBites or Stewart Pro-Treat typically run $1.50 to $2.50 per ounce. At warehouse pricing, NutriBites offers roughly 70-80% savings versus specialty pet store alternatives.
One important note: the product carries a 4.9-star rating with nearly 5,000 reviews on Costco’s platform, and more than 4,500 of those reviews are five stars. That’s an unusually strong approval rate for any pet product.
🏭 Who Is Canature Processing, and Should You Trust Them?
This is where the investigative trail gets interesting. Canature Processing Ltd. was established in 2011 and is located in Langley, British Columbia. The company is chaired by Gary Xu, who was instrumental in developing the freeze-dried manufacturing industry in China, where he built 30 freeze-dried plants over the past 30 years.
In December 2023, Canature was acquired by Thrive Foods, a private-equity-backed company with facilities across the U.S., Germany, and Peru, backed by Entrepreneurial Equity Partners and Mubadala Capital.
Canature describes itself as the largest independent freeze-drying facility dedicated solely to pet treats, foods, and ingredients, and claims to be Canada’s largest freeze-dried pet treats exporter. Their facility holds CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) certification, GMP/HACCP compliance, and SQF accreditation. They also manufacture private-label products for other brands — meaning that bag of premium freeze-dried treats from a boutique brand may actually come from the same facility as your NutriBites.
| 🏢 Company Profile | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Headquarters | Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
| 📅 Founded | 2010-2011 |
| 👤 Founder | Gary Xu |
| 🏦 Parent company (since 2023) | Thrive Foods (PE-backed) |
| 🏭 Facility size | 125,000+ sq ft, multiple facilities |
| 📜 Certifications | CFIA, GMP/HACCP, SQF Level 3 |
| 🌍 Export presence | Strong Asian market, North American retail |
| 🏷️ Brands | NutriBites, UBite, Hoopla |
| 🔒 Also produces | Private-label for other brands |
🧤 Safe Handling: What the FDA Wants You to Know (but the Bag Barely Mentions)
Because NutriBites freeze-dried beef liver is a raw product, the FDA’s standard guidance for handling raw pet food applies. Veterinary experts at UC Davis have warned that people can become infected when they handle contaminated pet food without proper hand-washing protocols. This is especially critical in households with young children, elderly family members, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.
Practical handling protocol that every NutriBites buyer should follow:
Break treats over the bag or a designated surface, not over your kitchen counter. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after every handling. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Don’t let children handle the treats directly. Clean any surfaces the treats have contacted. Discard any treats that appear discolored, have an unusual odor, or show visible mold. Use within 30 days of opening.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are NutriBites freeze-dried beef liver treats actually good for dogs?
In moderation, yes. They’re a genuinely high-quality, single-ingredient treat packed with bioavailable protein, iron, B-vitamins, and essential minerals. The problems only arise when owners treat them as unlimited snacks rather than controlled-portion rewards. Think of them the way a doctor thinks about red wine — beneficial in small amounts, problematic in excess.
Is NutriBites freeze-dried beef liver raw?
Yes. Freeze-drying removes moisture through sublimation at sub-zero temperatures. It does not cook the meat. The product enters the freeze-dryer as raw liver and exits as raw liver minus water. NutriBites confirms on their website that the treats are made from “fresh, raw beef liver.”
Is freeze-dried raw liver safe for dogs?
For healthy adult dogs with normal immune function, freeze-dried raw liver is generally considered safe as an occasional treat. The primary risks are bacterial contamination (particularly salmonella) and vitamin A accumulation with chronic overfeeding. Puppies, senior dogs, pregnant dogs, and immunocompromised animals face elevated risk from raw products.
Has NutriBites ever been recalled?
No. As of March 2026, neither NutriBites nor its manufacturer Canature Processing Ltd. appears in FDA recall databases. However, the broader freeze-dried pet treat category experienced multiple salmonella-related recalls throughout 2025, which underscores the inherent risks of the raw processing method.
Where is NutriBites made?
The treats are manufactured at Canature Processing’s facilities in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Canature holds multiple food safety certifications and sources beef from North American suppliers. The company was acquired by Thrive Foods in 2023.
What is the best price for NutriBites freeze-dried beef liver?
The Costco warehouse price of approximately $9.97 for a 27-ounce bag is the best value available. The online Costco 2-pack at $39.99 is still competitive. Amazon and Walmart typically charge $22-30 for the smaller 17.6-ounce size, making Costco roughly 50-75% cheaper per ounce.
Can I give NutriBites to my cat?
Yes. The product is formulated for both dogs and cats. However, cats are actually more susceptible to vitamin A toxicity than dogs due to their smaller size and carnivorous metabolism, so feeding limits should be strictly observed — one treat per day maximum for most cats.
How many NutriBites should I give my dog per day?
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines as a ceiling, not a target. For medium dogs (30-60 lbs), NutriBites suggests 5-8 treats per day, but given the concentrated vitamin A content, we recommend staying toward the lower end. Treats should never constitute more than 10% of total daily calories, and liver treats specifically should be given several times per week rather than daily if possible.
What breeds should avoid beef liver treats entirely?
Breeds genetically predisposed to copper storage hepatopathy should either avoid liver treats or use them only under veterinary guidance. These include Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, West Highland White Terriers, Skye Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers. If your dog has been diagnosed with any liver condition, consult your veterinarian before introducing liver treats.
Can NutriBites replace a meal?
No. NutriBites freeze-dried beef liver is a treat, not a complete and balanced diet. Beef liver alone lacks the calcium, fiber, and balanced macronutrient profile required for canine nutritional adequacy. It’s an excellent training reward, food topper for picky eaters, or occasional high-value snack — not a meal replacement.
This article was researched using FDA recall databases, peer-reviewed studies from the National Institutes of Health (PMC), Tufts University Petfoodology, Cornell University veterinary research, the Merck Veterinary Manual, VCA Animal Hospitals clinical resources, Clean Label Project investigations, and British Columbia government business registries. All pricing reflects publicly available retail data as of early 2026.