Published Sep 29, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Pawup is a growing pet treat brand that focuses on natural, limited‑ingredient snacks made from real, high‑quality animal proteins. While not as widely known as some of the major pet food manufacturers, Pawup has built a positive reputation among pet parents who prefer simple, species‑appropriate treats without artificial additives. The brand specializes in freeze‑dried meats and egg‑based treats, offering single‑ingredient options that appeal to both cats and dogs.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Pawup on What Matters
We’ve rated the Pawup brand on six key criteria for quality. Here’s how it performs in each of these crucial areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 9/10
- Ingredient Quality – 8/10
- Product Variety – 6/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 9/10
Overall Score: 8/10
In total, we give Pawup a 47 out of 60 rating, or a B+ grade.
About Pawup
Pawup is a U.S.-based pet treat brand founded in 2020, created with a single mission: to provide healthy, natural, and highly palatable snacks for pets. According to the company, Pawup began as a small local pet snack brand focused on delivering fresh, natural, grain‑free treats made without artificial colors, fillers, or GMOs.
The brand emphasizes clean ingredients and honest materials, offering treats made from real meats like chicken, duck, cod, and quail, along with fruit and vegetable options such as pumpkin and sweet potato. Pawup states that every product undergoes rigorous quality testing and is crafted to meet stringent food‑safety standards, with ingredients sourced from pollution‑free origins.
Although Pawup is a relatively young company, it has expanded quickly, offering a wide range of freeze‑dried treats, jerky strips, rawhide‑free snacks, and limited‑ingredient formulas for both dogs and cats. The brand highlights its long‑term cooperation with professional scientific research institutions and veterinarians, reinforcing its commitment to pet health and nutrition.
Pawup operates out of City of Industry, California, and positions itself as a brand built on trust, transparency, and natural nutrition. Its philosophy, “Paws’ choice, our choice,” reflects its goal of creating treats that pets genuinely enjoy while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Pawup continues to expand its lineup of freeze‑dried and limited‑ingredient treats while keeping its commitment to clean ingredients, strict testing, and natural nutrition for cats, dogs, and other carnivorous pets.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Pawup is headquartered in the City of Industry, California, but like many small pet‑treat brands, its products are manufactured through international co‑packers. Several Pawup freeze-dried treats are made in China, as stated on their product labels and retailer listings.
The company emphasizes that its ingredients are sourced from pollution‑free regions and undergo strict quality testing before production. Pawup’s freeze‑dried treats are made using advanced freeze‑drying technology, a process designed to preserve up to 96% of natural nutrients while maintaining food safety standards. Although the brand does not publicly name its manufacturing partners, it states that it works with professional scientific research institutions and veterinarians to ensure product quality.
Pawup’s ingredient sourcing varies by recipe. Its single-ingredient treats, such as freeze‑dried duck breast and quail egg yolk, rely on free‑range poultry sourced within China. The brand highlights that its treats are grain‑free, gluten‑free, rawhide‑free, and additive‑free, aligning with its focus on natural nutrition.
While Pawup does manufacture in China, the company notes that certain components, such as vitamin or mineral premixes used in other product lines, may come from global suppliers. This is common across the pet food industry, as China remains the primary global supplier of many vitamin packs.
Recall History
Pawup is a relatively new pet treat brand, and as of now, there are no documented recalls associated with Pawup products.
At this time, Pawup has never issued a recall, and no FDA warnings or enforcement actions have been associated with the brand.
What Kinds of Pet Treats Does Pawup Offer?
Pawup specializes in freeze‑dried, limited-ingredient, and rawhide‑free treats for both cats and dogs. Unlike traditional pet food brands, Pawup does not produce complete and balanced cat food; instead, the company focuses entirely on high‑protein snack toppers and training treats made from clean, natural ingredients. Their lineup includes single‑ingredient meats, freeze‑dried egg products, jerky strips, and fruit‑based treats designed to appeal to carnivorous pets.
Because simplicity and purity are core to Pawup’s brand identity, most of their treats contain one to three ingredients, and many are made from free‑range poultry or whole eggs. Pawup’s freeze-dried treats come in a variety of jar sizes ranging from 3.5 ounces to 4.6 ounces, depending on the recipe. The brand also offers multi‑flavor bundles and variety packs grouped by protein type or treat format.
Here’s an overview of Pawup’s primary product categories:
Freeze‑Dried Single‑Ingredient Treats: These recipes feature one whole food ingredient, such as duck breast, chicken breast, quail egg yolk, or cod. They are high in protein, grain‑free, and ideal for pets with food sensitivities. Freeze‑drying preserves up to 96% of natural nutrients, making these nutrients‑dense and highly palatable.
Freeze‑Dried Egg‑Based Treats: Pawup is one of the few brands offering freeze‑dried quail egg yolk treats. These products are rich in healthy fats, lecithin, and natural vitamins and are suitable for cats, dogs, and other carnivorous pets. Some recipes combine egg yolk with fruit ingredients like cranberry for added antioxidants.
Jerky and Rawhide‑Free Treats : The brand also produces soft jerky strips made from chicken, duck, or fish. These treats are rawhide‑free, gluten‑free, and designed for training or daily snacking.
Fruit and Vegetable Treats: Pawup offers limited‑ingredient fruit snacks such as freeze‑dried pumpkin or sweet potato. These treats provide natural fiber and can be used as toppers or low‑fat training rewards.
Meal Toppers and Mix‑Ins: Many of Pawup’s freeze-dried products can be crumbled or rehydrated, making them suitable as toppers for kibble or wet food. Their egg‑based treats are especially popular for enhancing palatability.
Pawup’s product lineup is built around natural ingredients, high protein content, and versatile feeding options, making the brand a strong fit for pet parents seeking simple, species‑appropriate treats rather than full diet solutions.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
We tested several Pawup freeze-dried treats, including the duck breast, quail egg yolk, and the quail egg yolk with cranberry blend. Across the board, our test cats were enthusiastic about every recipe they tried. The strong natural aroma of the freeze‑dried meats and egg yolks seemed to capture their attention immediately, and each treat was eaten with clear excitement.
While the cats loved the flavor and texture, the treats were messy. All three formulas crumble easily, especially once the cats begin chomping on them. The quail egg yolk with cranberry treats were quite large, and our cats had to break them apart to fit them into their mouths. This led to flakes and crumbs scattering across the floor during testing. A vacuum was absolutely needed afterward.
Despite the mess, the cats showed consistent interest in all three Pawup treats we tested. The duck breast was the easiest for them to eat cleanly, while the egg‑based treats created the most crumbling. Either way, the palatability made these treats a hit, and the leftover crumbs worked well as toppers on top of their regular food.
Overall, our test cats loved the taste and responded strongly to the natural freeze-dried textures; just be prepared for cleanup.
Pawup Freeze-Dried Cat Treats – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories Per Ounce | Price Per Ounce | Our Grade |
| Pawup Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Cranberry Flavor Cat Treats | Freeze‑Dried Treat | Quail Egg Yolk & Chicken | 110 | $4.57 per oz | A‑ |
| Pawup Freeze-Dried Duck Breast Cat Treats | Freeze‑Dried Treat | Duck | 97 | $3.26 per oz | A |
| Pawup Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Cat Treats | Freeze‑Dried Treat | Quail Egg Yolk | 170 | $4 per oz | B+ |
#1 Pawup Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Cranberry Flavor Dog & Cat Treats
These freeze‑dried treats feature quail egg yolk as the primary ingredient, offering a concentrated source of high‑quality protein, lecithin, and essential nutrients. Cranberry adds natural antioxidants that support urinary tract health, while chicken provides supplemental protein. This recipe is grain‑free and free from artificial fillers or additives, making it a suitable option for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
At 45% crude protein, these treats are high in protein and relatively low in fat at 5% minimum, with just 5% moisture. They’re energy‑dense at 3920 kcal/kg, or 392 calories per container, so portion control is important, especially for smaller pets. The freeze‑drying process preserves up to 96% of natural nutrients, resulting in a lightweight, shelf‑stable treat that maintains its nutritional integrity without refrigeration.
The paw‑shaped pieces add a playful element, and the texture makes them easy to crumble over meals or feed as standalone snacks. While the formula includes pea protein and tapioca starch, the ingredient list remains short and avoids artificial additives, grains, and gluten.
These treats are sold in a 3.5‑oz jar, making them convenient for topping meals or using as training rewards. Customer feedback is generally positive, with many praising the novelty of quail egg yolk and the clean ingredient profile. Some note that freeze‑dried pieces can crumble, but the crumbs work well as a topper.
Ingredients
Quail Egg, Chicken, Cranberry, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Taurine.
Ingredients We Liked: Quail Egg Yolk, Chicken, Cranberry
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a limited number of high‑quality ingredients, including quail egg yolk, chicken, and cranberry
- Contains about 47.4% crude protein on a dry matter basis, making it a high‑protein treat suitable for both cats and dogs
- Freeze‑drying preserves up to 96% of natural nutrients, offering a nutrient‑dense snack without artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pea protein and tapioca starch add plant‑based components that aren’t as species‑appropriate for cats
- Made in China, which may be a concern for some pet parents who prefer U.S.‑sourced treats
- Freeze‑dried pieces can crumble, leading to some waste unless used as a topper
#2 Pawup Freeze-Dried Duck Breast Dog & Cat Treats
These freeze‑dried treats feature fresh free‑range duck as the first and only ingredient, offering a simple, species‑appropriate protein source for both cats and dogs. With no added starches, fillers, or artificial ingredients, this limited-ingredient formula is ideal for pets with food sensitivities or those who thrive on single‑protein diets.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
At 78% crude protein on an as‑fed basis, these treats are exceptionally high in protein and contain just 5% minimum fat, making them lean compared to many freeze-dried meat treats. The freeze‑drying process preserves up to 96% of natural nutrients, resulting in a lightweight, shelf‑stable product that retains the flavor and nutritional integrity of raw duck without requiring refrigeration.
These treats are versatile and can be fed whole, crumbled over meals, or rehydrated for added moisture and palatability. They’re grain‑free, gluten‑free, and rawhide‑free, aligning well with high‑protein, limited‑ingredient diets. With 3460 kcal/kg and 449 calories per container, they’re energy‑dense, so portion control is important, especially for smaller pets.
Customer feedback is generally positive, with many praising the purity of the single‑ingredient formula and the strong appeal to picky eaters. Some note that freeze‑dried duck can be crumbly, but those crumbs work well as a topper.
Ingredients
Duck.
Ingredients We Liked: Duck
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Extremely high protein at over 82% on a dry matter basis
- Freeze‑drying preserves nutrients without artificial additives
- Versatile feeding options: whole, crumbled, or rehydrated
- Ideal for sensitive pets who need limited‑ingredient diets
What We Didn’t Like:
- Made in China, which may concern pet parents who prefer U.S.‑sourced treats
- Freeze‑dried duck can be crumbly, leading to some waste unless used as a topper
- Low fat content may not be ideal for pets needing higher caloric density
#3 Pawup Freeze-Dried Quail Egg Yolk Dog & Cat Treats
These freeze‑dried treats feature quail egg yolk as the single ingredient, offering a concentrated, nutrient‑rich source of protein and fat for both cats and dogs. Sourced from free‑range quails, the yolks provide lecithin, essential fatty acids, and natural vitamins that support skin, coat, and overall health.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
With no added grains, gluten, rawhide, or artificial ingredients, this limited‑ingredient formula is ideal for pets with food sensitivities or those who thrive on simple, species‑appropriate snacks.
At 25% crude protein and 30% crude fat, these treats are significantly higher in fat than most freeze‑dried egg products, making them energy‑dense and highly palatable. Pawup’s freeze‑drying process preserves up to 96% of natural nutrients, resulting in a shelf‑stable treat that retains the flavor and nutritional integrity of fresh quail egg yolks without requiring refrigeration.
These treats can be fed whole, crumbled over meals, or rehydrated for added moisture and aroma. With 6060 kcal/kg and 1575 calories per container, they are extremely calorie‑dense, so portion control is essential, especially for smaller pets or those prone to weight gain.
Customer feedback is generally positive, with many praising the purity of the single‑ingredient formula and the strong appeal to picky eaters. Some note that freeze‑dried yolks can be crumbly or oily, but the crumbs work well as a topper.
Ingredients
Quail Egg Yolk.
Ingredients We Liked: Quail Egg Yolk
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single‑ingredient formula made entirely from free‑range quail egg yolks
- High fat content makes the treats extremely palatable for picky eaters
- Freeze‑drying preserves nutrients without artificial additives
- Ideal for sensitive pets who need limited‑ingredient diets
What We Didn’t Like:
- High fat content may not be suitable for pets needing low‑fat diets
- Made in China, which may concern pet parents who prefer U.S.‑sourced treats
- Freeze‑dried yolks can crumble or feel oily, though crumbs work well as toppers
What Do Customers Think of Pawup?
Customer reviews for Pawup are somewhat limited, as the brand is still relatively new and primarily sold through online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and Chewy. Overall, customers seem to respond positively to the brand, with most products averaging 4.1 to 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Pet parents frequently praise the clean ingredient lists, high palatability, and freeze‑dried texture that appeal to both cats and dogs. Many reviewers mention that even picky pets enjoy the duck breast treats. The most common complaints involve crumbly texture, messiness, and some cats flat out refusing to eat the treats.
Let’s take a look at a few customer impressions from Pawup’s most popular freeze-dried treats.
Positive Reviews
“This is a super fun and cute topper for cat food! I’ve been introducing toppers to my kitten, and this has by far been his favorite! It’s easy to chew on its own, and Chevy adored it on top of his food, and was even more feral when I let him take a small bite from one plain! Easy to crumble into smaller pieces or easy for them to eat straight up. It’s cute, tasty, and a great way to make their food more exciting. Will 100% be getting this again for my fur babies!” – By Natalie on Jul 18, 2026
“These were the cutest little soft breakable cat toppers; they made them look like paw prints. My cats loved them. I break them up cause they’re kinda big to give whole one maybe for a dog but not a cat. I do recommend them if you’re looking to add some freeze dried healthy treats.” By Lisa on Apr 16, 2026
Negative Reviews
“My cat completely refused to eat this product. As soon as I added it to her usual food, she wouldn’t touch the bowl at all even her regular food that she normally loves. I ended up having to throw this away.” By Miu on Apr 13, 2026
“Neither of my cats will eat these. They eat freeze-dried raw treats and toppers everyday and have eaten quail eggs before, but they show no interest in these.” By Tara on Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does Pawup Cost?
Pawup’s freeze‑dried treats are moderately priced for a premium, limited‑ingredient brand. Most products cost about $1.00 to $1.40 per ounce, depending on the protein and retailer. Duck breast tends to be mid‑range, while quail egg yolk treats are slightly more expensive due to their high fat and nutrient density.
Because Pawup only makes treats, not full meals, the daily cost depends on how often they’re used. For most cats, Pawup treats run:
- $0.20 to $0.60 per day when used as occasional rewards or toppers
- More than $1.00 per day if used frequently as high‑value treats
Where Is Pawup Sold?
Pawup is primarily sold online, and most customers discover the brand through major e‑commerce retailers. You can find Pawup treats on Amazon, Chewy, Walmart, and other large online marketplaces, where the brand offers its full lineup of freeze‑dried meats and egg‑based treats.
Because Pawup is not a traditional pet food company and does not operate its own retail stores, in‑store availability is limited. Some independent pet shops may carry the brand, but most pet parents purchase Pawup online for convenience and broader product selection.
Overall, Is Pawup a Good Choice?
Pawup offers natural, limited‑ingredient treats that stay true to the brand’s focus on simple, species‑appropriate nutrition. Their freeze‑dried duck breast and quail egg yolk treats deliver clean, high‑protein ingredients without fillers, grains, or artificial additives. While the treats can be messy and crumbly, especially the larger quail egg yolk pieces, the overall quality is higher than many similarly priced freeze‑dried treat brands.
If you have a picky eater, Pawup’s treats are a strong option. Our test cats loved every recipe they tried, responding especially well to the rich flavor of the duck breast and the fatty, nutrient‑dense egg yolks. The treats also work well as toppers, training rewards, or high‑value snacks.
Just keep in mind that some recipes, particularly the egg‑based treats, are very calorie‑dense and may require portion control. The larger treat sizes may also need to be broken into smaller pieces for cats.
Overall, Pawup is a good choice for pet parents seeking natural, single‑ingredient treats that appeal to carnivorous pets, as long as you don’t mind a little cleanup afterward.
Similar Brands
If you’re interested in other treat brands similar to Pawup, here are a few worth exploring:
