We don't launch a new protein very often – but when we do, we want to tell you everything about it. Meet our newest addition to the raw bar: Freeze-Dried Rainbow Trout Head Dog Chews, a single-ingredient, whole-prey chew built on a sourcing story we're genuinely excited to share.
The Story Behind Our Trout
Every Momentum chew has a sourcing story, and this one might be our most interesting yet. Our trout heads are sourced from Riverence in Idaho – the largest trout producer in the United States, raised in land-based, flow-through raceways fed by Rocky Mountain spring water in Idaho's Snake River Canyon.
Riverence has an unusual origin story of its own: it was founded by David E. Kelley, the Emmy-winning writer and producer behind shows like Ally McBeal and Big Little Lies (and yes, Michelle Pfeiffer's husband), who set out to build a better, more sustainable way to farm fish in America. Riverence's farms are ASC-certified under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council's Freshwater Trout Standard – a rigorous, third-party verified standard for responsible aquaculture.
Because the trout are raised in controlled, land-based systems rather than open ocean pens, they're isolated from the microplastics, mercury, and other pollutants that can accumulate in wild-caught ocean fish. And, nothing goes to waste. It's a nose-to-tail approach that gets more nutrition out of every fish raised, while reducing pressure on wild ocean trout populations.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
This is where trout heads really set themselves apart from a typical treat. Whole-prey chews include parts most treats leave out – brain, bone, and cartilage – and each one brings something different to the table:
- Brain tissue, rich in DHA: the trout head includes brain tissue naturally concentrated in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid linked to cognitive support – relevant for aging dogs and, per emerging research on DHA-rich diets, for neurological development in puppies too.
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA): support skin health, coat shine, and joint flexibility.
- Glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen: naturally occurring in bone and cartilage, supporting joint mobility and connective tissue health.
- Calcium and phosphorus: from the bone itself, supporting strong bones and clean teeth as your dog works through the crunch.
- Novel protein: trout is an excellent option for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
It's also why whole prey feeders will reach for trout heads as a diet addition. In prey model raw (PMR) feeding, a whole animal or part is meant to stand in as an actual piece of the diet – muscle, bone, and organ in the ratios nature intended – not just an occasional reward. A trout head fits that role naturally, delivering brain, bone, and cartilage in one whole-food piece, so many raw feeders treat it as a diet add-in rather than a treat.
Why "Ocean-Free" Matters
Fish are one of the best sources of omega-3s for dogs – but sourcing matters. Ocean-caught fish can carry mercury and microplastics that accumulate over a fish's lifetime in open water. Because our trout are raised in controlled, land-based raceways with a monitored spring-water source, you get the omega-3 benefits of fish without those wild-ocean tradeoffs.
Try Them for Yourself
Freeze-Dried Rainbow Trout Head Chews are available now as an 18-count bulk bag, with individual and multipack sizes coming soon. Browse our full Natural Dog Chews collection for more clean-label, whole-prey options – and celebrate your pet with something truly different this time around.
FAQ
What are freeze-dried trout head chews made of?
Just one ingredient: 100% rainbow trout head. Nothing added, nothing removed except the moisture through freeze-drying — no fillers, seasoning, or preservatives.
Are trout heads safe for dogs to eat?
Yes. The bone in a freeze-dried trout head is naturally soft and digestible, similar to other whole-prey chews like duck heads. As with any chew, supervise your dog while they enjoy it and choose a size appropriate for your dog's chewing style.
Is trout a novel protein for dogs with allergies?
Yes. Trout is a less common protein source than chicken or beef, making it a good option for dogs with sensitivities to more typical proteins.
What makes trout heads different from a regular fish treat?
Whole-prey chews include parts most treats leave out — brain, bone, and cartilage — each contributing something different. The brain tissue is naturally concentrated in DHA, the bone and cartilage provide glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen for joint support, and the bone itself delivers calcium and phosphorus.
Where are Momentum's trout heads sourced from?
Our trout come from Riverence, the largest trout producer in the United States, raised in land-based, flow-through raceways fed by Rocky Mountain spring water in Idaho's Snake River Canyon. The farms are ASC-certified under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council's Freshwater Trout Standard, and the chews are freeze-dried by our partner Fraction in Buhl, Idaho — sourced and processed entirely in the USA.
Why land-raised trout instead of wild-caught ocean fish?
Because the trout are raised in a controlled, land-based system rather than open ocean water, they're isolated from the microplastics, mercury, and other pollutants that can accumulate in wild-caught fish over time.
Can cats have trout head chews?
These are formulated as a dog chew — the whole-head format and bone content make it best suited for dogs rather than cats.
Are these sold individually, or only in bulk?
Right now, trout head chews are available as an 18-count bulk bag. Individually wrapped chews and a multipack format are coming soon.
How should I store freeze-dried trout head chews?
Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry place. Freeze-dried treats are shelf-stable but can reabsorb moisture if left open, so reseal the bag tightly between uses.
