Stewart wins on simplicity and training value. Primal wins on ingredient sourcing transparency and product line variety. For a single-ingredient high-value training treat, Stewart is hard to beat at its price. For owners who prioritize cage-free sourcing or want variety in formulas, Primal offers more.
In this article
Ingredients and sourcing comparison
| Stewart Beef Liver 16oz | Primal Beef Liver 2oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Beef liver | Beef liver |
| Sourcing | USDA-certified USA beef | Antibiotic-free, humanely raised USA beef |
| Facility | Dayton, Ohio (own facility) | USA (third-party USDA-inspected) |
| Processing | Freeze-dried in small batches | Freeze-dried |
| Preservatives | None | None |
| Added ingredients | None | None |
| Certifications | USDA-certified beef | Antibiotic-free claim, humanely raised claim |
Price per ounce breakdown
Stewart: $31.38 for 16oz = approximately $1.96/oz. Primal's beef liver treats typically run $6–8 for 2oz, which works out to $3.00–$4.00/oz. Stewart is 40–50% cheaper per ounce, which matters considerably if you are using treats at training-session frequency.
For a dog owner doing 30 minutes of training daily, a 16oz bag of Stewart lasts considerably longer than multiple small Primal bags would at comparable use rates, and the total cost over a month is notably lower. If cost is a factor in how frequently you can afford to train, this is a practical consideration.
Texture and training usability
Both are freeze-dried beef liver, so the texture difference is not dramatic. Stewart pieces tend to be larger and more variable in size — some very small, some significantly larger. Primal pieces are more uniformly small, which makes them slightly more consistent for training use without needing to break pieces.
Both crumble easily under finger pressure, so breaking is not a challenge with either. Stewart's larger pieces mean you get more breaking options; Primal's uniformity means less prep. For training purposes, either works well — most handlers who use both report equal motivational value from their dogs.
Which dogs and owners do better with each
Stewart is better for: high-frequency training use where cost per session matters; dogs who respond equally to either brand (the cost savings are free); owners who want established brand history (Stewart has been making freeze-dried liver since 1973).
Primal is better for: owners who specifically prioritize antibiotic-free and humanely-raised sourcing claims; dogs who for some reason are more motivated by Primal (rare but possible — individual food preferences exist); households with multiple dogs where variety in treats helps maintain engagement across different animals.
What the brand differences tell you
Stewart has been in the treat business for over 50 years and built its reputation primarily with the Pro-Treat freeze-dried liver line. It is a specialist product with a straightforward value proposition. Primal is a broader raw food company for whom freeze-dried treats are one product line among many. Both are legitimate quality products; the choice comes down to your specific priorities around cost, sourcing claims, and training frequency.