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Air-Dried Venison Recipe – Treat and Topper for Dogs

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Limited-ingredient, air-dried treats made with 86%+ grass-fed New Zealand venison – a highly-digestible novel protein, ideal for dogs with ingredient sensitivities.

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Dr. Gary's Best Breed

FUELED BY COMMON SENSE NUTRITION

86%+ Venison
Made in New Zealand
Novel Protein
Limited Ingredients
Grain Free
High Protein
Joint & Mobility Support
THE BEST BREED <em>DIFFERENCE</em>

THE BEST BREED DIFFERENCE

Purpose-built nutrition backed by decades of veterinary expertise and crafted with uncompromising ingredient standards.

  • Gently Air-Dried
  • Made in New Zealand
  • Purpose-Built Formulas
  • Never On a Recall List
  • Low & Slow Cooked
  • Limited Ingredients
Learn more

Better Ingredients. Better Nutrition.

Every ingredient fulfills a purpose – from premium proteins and functional fibers to healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Venison

Venison is an exceptionally lean, high-protein red meat rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting heart health and immune function.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious root vegetables packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, promoting immune, eye, and gut health.

Apple Pomace

Apple pomace offer a highly nutritious, low-calorie source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

New Zealand Green Mussel

Sustainably raised off the pristine shores of New Zealand and supply many health-promoting nutrients.

Air-Dried Venison Treats FAQs

Are venison dog treats good for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities?

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Venison can be a great option for dogs with food sensitivities because it is a novel protein that many dogs have had little or no previous exposure to. For that reason, venison is often used in hypoallergenic-style diets as an alternative to more commonly fed proteins like chicken or beef. Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats use free-range New Zealand venison as their single primary meat protein, making them especially well suited for sensitive dogs.

What are the benefits of venison for dogs?

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Venison is a lean, nutrient-dense animal protein that provides essential amino acids along with naturally occurring iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Because it is less commonly used in dog food than proteins like chicken or beef, venison is also considered a novel protein and can be an ideal option for dogs with ingredient sensitivities.

What is air-dried dog food, and how is it different from kibble or freeze-dried food?

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Air drying is a slow, low-temperature process where fresh, raw ingredients are exposed to a continuous stream of warmed air over several hours, gently removing moisture and eliminating harmful bacteria. This helps create a safe, nutrient-dense food while preserving the natural nutrition, protein, and flavor of the ingredients. Air-dried food uses its own distinct, gentle drying process rather than the higher-heat cooking methods commonly used to make kibble. Freeze-drying, by comparison, freezes raw food and removes moisture in a vacuum without using warmed air. Best Breed Air-Dried Treats are gently cooked and are not raw, resulting in a minimally processed, raw-adjacent treat with a soft, meaty texture that is shelf-stable and ready to feed.

Are Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats raw?

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No. Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats are not raw. They begin with fresh, raw ingredients that are gently cooked during the air-drying process to eliminate harmful pathogens while slowly removing moisture. The result is a minimally processed, high-meat, raw-adjacent venison treat that is shelf-stable and ready to feed.

Can puppies eat Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats?

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Yes. Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats can be fed to puppies as a treat or topper. Their soft, meaty texture makes them easy to tear into smaller, appropriately sized pieces. As with any treat, account for the additional calories as part of your puppy’s total daily intake.

Do air-dried dog treats need to be refrigerated, and how should I store them?

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No. Air-dried dog treats are shelf-stable and generally do not require refrigeration. For Best Breed Air-Dried Treats, squeeze out any excess air after each use, reseal the package tightly, and store it in a cool, dry place. For the best freshness and quality, use within 8 weeks of opening.

What is coconut glycerin, and why is it used in air-dried dog treats?

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Coconut glycerin is a natural humectant derived from coconut oil. Glycerin occurs naturally in fats and oils and helps attract and retain moisture. Best Breed uses a small amount of non-GMO coconut glycerin to help retain moisture during the gentle air-drying process and maintain the treats’ soft, meaty texture.

What are New Zealand Green Mussels, and why are they in Best Breed recipes?

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New Zealand Green Mussels are a nutrient-dense ingredient naturally rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and a unique combination of Omega-3 fatty acids. Nearly every Best Breed recipe includes New Zealand Green Mussels as part of our approach to purposeful nutrition. Our recipes also contain natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint and mobility health. Green Mussels aren’t a recent ingredient trend for Best Breed – they’ve been part of our formulas since the beginning.
See More FaQs →

Customers praised these air-dried venison treats for quality ingredients and versatility. Dogs with sensitive stomachs tolerated them well. Many described the jerky-like texture as easy to break for training or use as a food topper. Shoppers appreciated the single-protein, grain-free formula. Some noted the bag size is small for the price and pieces are smaller than expected.

  • 5 stars: 22 (81%)
  • 4 stars: 5 (19%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Cealy M.
Venison treats good for the digestive tract

My Roxie loves these air dried venison treats.She has a very sensitive stomach and she has no issues with these treats. The only problem is she wants to eat too many!!

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Hannah C.
My Dog Loved These Treats

These air-dried venison treats were an instant hit with my dog. The pieces are easy to break into smaller bites for training or rewarding, and the single-protein venison recipe is a nice option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.The treats have a meaty texture without being overly greasy, and they also work well as a food topper to add a little extra excitement to meals. The resealable bag helps keep them fresh.Overall, these are high-quality treats with simple ingredients, and I�ll definitely keep them on hand as a special reward.

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Maya T.
Great dog treats!

The Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried New Zealand Venison Treats & Food Topper are a great option for dogs with sensitive diets or owners looking for a high-quality protein source. The single-protein venison recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious option, while the grain-free formula makes it suitable for many dogs with dietary sensitivities. The air-dried texture works well as a treat or as a topper to add extra taste and variety to regular meals. Overall, it�s a convenient and wholesome way to enhance a dog�s mealtime experience. Great value for the money!

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Taylor L.
A big hit for our pups!

These were a big hit in our house. Our two dogs loved them! I didn't even the bag open yet, and they were already excited. This bag has a nice velcro closure so you can keep the treats fresh too. For the price, I thought the bag would be a little fuller, but they are good quality treats.

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Kristina H.
Yummy Treats for Your Pup

Received: Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried Dog Treats & Food TopperOur pup absolutely loves these. These remind me of the snacking bacon I get or of your standard jerky with a similar texture. Could work great for training treats as it gets our girl tom come right back to the house when it's time to come inside. Clean ingredients and doesn't have a strong smell. Great option to top off food you want them to eat.

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Natalie C.
Dog approved

Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried Dog Treats & Food Topper � New Zealand Venison, Single Protein forDoggy approved. Bought to add to our newfie's kibble as she needs something "extra" on top before she'll consider eating lol

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Amy W.
Clean premium topper that my massive dog absolutely loves

Finding high-quality snacks that fit into a healthy routine can be tough, but these air-dried venison treats have been a massive hit with my 90lb female Rottweiler. The clean ingredients contain zero unwanted fillers or hidden sugar content, making them a stellar choice to keep her nutrition on track. The meaty texture is nicely dense, so I can easily snap them into smaller pieces to use as high-value training rewards. They have been completely gentle on her digestion, which is a huge relief since premium proteins can occasionally cause minor stomach issues for large breeds. The bag size provides great longevity when used as a food topper, making it an excellent value for money buy for keeping her healthy and motivated.

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Alex C.
A Gourmet Upgrade for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

I�m always looking for treats that feel like more than just a snack, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion or picky eating habits. The Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried New Zealand Venison Treats caught my attention because of the single-protein formula and premium ingredients. After adding them to our dog's routine, they quickly became a favorite reward and a great way to add variety to meals.The first thing I noticed was the quality of the ingredients. The New Zealand venison provides a unique protein source compared to the typical chicken or beef found in many dog treats. For dogs with food sensitivities or owners trying to avoid common proteins, having a limited-ingredient option like this is a great advantage.The air-dried texture is another highlight. The treats have a satisfying bite that feels substantial without being overly hard, making them easy to break into smaller pieces for training rewards or sprinkle over food as a topper. Versatility is one of my favorite features because a single bag can serve multiple purposes.As a food topper, these treats add an extra boost of flavor, making regular meals more exciting. Even dogs that are sometimes hesitant about eating seem to appreciate the added aroma and taste. The venison smell is noticeable but not overpowering, and the grain-free formula is appealing to owners who prefer that diet.The 4.5 oz bag is a convenient size for maintaining freshness, especially since air-dried treats are often more concentrated than traditional biscuits. A little goes a long way, which helps extend the package's value.Pros:Single-protein New Zealand venison formulaGreat option for dogs with certain food sensitivitiesGrain-free recipeAir-dried texture preserves flavor and aromaWorks as both a treat and food topperEasy to break into training-sized portionsHigh-value reward for picky dogsConvenient resealable package sizeCons:Smaller package size may go quickly for larger dogsPremium ingredients come with a higher price pointNot suitable for dogs with venison allergiesTreat size may vary between piecesSome dogs may still prefer more common proteinsFinal Thought:Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried New Zealand Venison Treats are a great choice for pet owners who want to offer something special while keeping ingredients simple. The unique protein source, grain-free formula, and versatility as both a reward and a meal topper make these treats stand out from ordinary dog snacks. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, finicky tastes, or owners looking for a higher-quality treat, this is a product worth trying.

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Nicole F.
High-value single-protein treats my dogs loved

These air-dried venison treats were an instant hit with Charlie Ann. They have a soft, meaty texture that�s easy to break into smaller pieces for training or crumble over kibble as a topper.I like that they�re made with a single protein source and limited ingredients, making them a nice option for dogs with food sensitivities. The addition of New Zealand green-lipped mussel is a thoughtful bonus for joint support.The resealable bag keeps them fresh, and the quality seems excellent. At about $11.50 for the 4.5-ounce bag when I ordered them, I think they�re a great value for a premium treat.

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Lauren M.
Good ingredient profile, but I could only judge packaging and treat quality

Because my dog passed away before I could give her these treats to try, I wasn�t able to do a dog taste-test, so I�m limiting this to what I could actually evaluate. The bag arrived in good shape and the treats have a strong meaty smell, which is probably the point for a venison topper/treat. The pieces are dry rather than greasy, and they can be broken down smaller, so they seem more practical as a topper or high-value treat than a big crunchy biscuit. The ingredient angle is the main appeal here: single-protein venison and grain-free, which is useful for dogs with sensitivities. I�d want to see how a dog tolerates them before commenting on digestion or pickiness, but the packaging, smell, and texture all line up with what I�d expect from an air-dried premium treat.

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Elyssa S.
Great for a Topper or Treat!

My dogs are notoriously picky and usually turn their nose up at healthy treats, but loves these. I like that the ingredient list is short and focused on venison as a single protein, which is helpful since they have a sensitive stomach. I�ve been using them as a food topper to encourage them to eat their kibble, and it�s working like a charm. They are perfect as a little treat, or a topper. Very impressed!

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Chris B.
High Quality Treat

This air-dried venison treat is highly appealing to my dog. It works exceptionally well right out of the bag, making it easy to feed whole as a reward or to crumble directly over regular meals as a food topper. For us, it's a bedtime treat. For dogs that naturally gravitate toward real, single-protein dried meat products, the palatability here is excellent, and it quickly captures their attention. So I imagine you could use it for training, depending on your dog.I do want to note that the packaging includes numerous marketing assertions regarding long-term joint mobility support, ease of digestion, and specific benefits for sensitive animals. Evaluating the clinical accuracy of these health claims isn't feasible from my casual observation, as those types of long-term nutritional benefits require controlled dietary studies over time. But I will note, judging purely by the clean ingredient list and the enthusiastic reception from my dog, it serves as a high-quality, straightforward protein reward.I've included the ingrediant list for the package for your reference.

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Monica R.
easy to break the pieces apart into smaller training rewards

I have been using Dr. Gary's Best Breed Air-Dried Venison Treats & Food Topper for my dog, and they are an absolute standout for anyone managing a pet with severe food sensitivities. The single-protein, grain-free recipe features over 89% New Zealand venison and contains absolutely zero artificial fillers, preservatives, or protein boosters.The soft, meaty texture makes it incredibly easy to break the pieces apart into smaller training rewards, and even pickier eaters seem to love the natural flavor right away. It functions perfectly as a high-protein kibble topper, adding a rich boost of clean nutrition to regular daily meals without causing any stomach upset or digestive issues. The gentle air-drying process locks in the natural nutrients and moisture beautifully, providing a premium, guilt-free reward that supports overall vitality.

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Laura R.
Very popular new treats in this house!

These treats were incredibly potent right out of the bag! I didn't expect for them to have such a strong meaty/jerky smell at all, which was definitely a downside for my nose, but my nose isn't the one that matters when it comes to dog treats! My boys absolutely loved them and went crazy for a couple of the treats immediately upon receiving them. I didn't notice any upset stomachs afterwards, but they went crazy for these! I can't tell if they tasted that good or they just hit everything that they like in their treat times. They aren't a bad price and I have a feeling we're going to fo through the bag pretty quickly.

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Danielle B.
Lightweight treats that are a winner for dogs

I thought these Dr Gary's air dried dog treats were great! I've never tried dog treats quite like this - the air dried venison jerky is definitely a little bit of a different texture than my dog is used to, but she really liked it! These make for a great lightweight treat or even a food topper for dogs, all while having a lot of health benefits to them.I always take a look at ingredients when it comes to dog food or treats, and these ingredients are great. I like that venison is the very first ingredient - a whole meat in this case, rather than byproduct. It also includes sweet potato, which is an ingredient I really like for my dog, as it helps to keep her coat shiny and healthy. All the ingredients check out really nicely for me.I've been giving these to my dog as treats to reward her and so far she's really loved them. She can sometimes be really picky about treats, but these ones she had no issues with scarfing them down and asking for more. I haven't tried using these as a topper yet, but I have no doubt that these would make a very encouraging topper when she's being picky about eating her dinner.They are a little on the spendy side at $11.49 for 4.5. oz. That said, each individual treat is fairly lightweight since it's an air dried treat, so there are plenty in the bag. I also really like that the bag has an almost velcro style opening, so it seals up really securely to keep the treats fresh inside. Overall, both me and my dog are really happy with these!

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Jasmine D.
Loved by my dogs, high quality, fresh pure venison freeze dried , simple to eat and bite sized

These freeze dried venison treats are excellent quality and simple bite sized squares that are easy and quick to feed. My dogs enjoy the delicious taste and can�t wait for more, as soon as they smell the meaty fresh aroma, they are immediately on their best behavior. I like the pure ingredients and quality protein content. The treats are easy to break into smaller pieces and use as a topping on their regular dry food to keep mealtime fun and interesting. The treats come in a portable and resealable pouch with plastic Velcro style closure, ensuring great portability when on the go and keeping the freeze dried treats at peak freshness. I really like the natural ingredients and natural simple goodness these venison meat treats offer. Top product, definitely recommend these! Comparable value to similar products.

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Melissa P.
My Dog Approves!

My dog hates having his ears cleaned, but since I started giving him one of these treats he actually now sits patiently while we do it so he can have one afterward!The pieces look like real jerky, but they aren't as tough for him to chew (that is, if he even manages to chew them). They smell very fresh and meat-like.The ingredients are high quality and these are treats I can feel comfortable giving my dog as they don't have a ton of additives like many similar dog treats. I can see these being used with training as rewards, and on the days where my senior citizen dog just isn't feeling like eating his regular food, I sprinkle a few on top and he gobbles down the entire bowl. The package is a decent value as there are a lot more in the package than I was expecting.

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Rachel H.
Smells like jerky so my dog gobbled them up enthusiastically

My dog is very picky when it comes to treats. They have to be heavily protein-based or he won�t even bother eating them. He ate these Dr. Gary�s Best Breed Meaty Air Dried Dog Treats enthusiastically. The texture of the treats is dry and easy to break apart if you want to give smaller pieces. They smell a lot like jerky, which he loves, so it is no surprise he gobbled them up. The ingredient list is simple, but impressive. It starts with grass-fed venison and venison organs as a single protein source. That makes up 89% of the ingredients, so these are truly meaty treats. Sweet potato and apple pomace add natural fiber, help with digestion, and give the treat some natural sweetness. However, the star ingredient is the New Zealand green mussel, which supports joint health because it naturally contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s. These are great meaty treats that smell like real meat and appeal to my picky dog. I like that the recipe is clean and made with ingredients that actually benefit his health and well-being. These are a winner for us. They come in a 4.5 oz bag for the current price of $11.49. That sounds like a high price for the size, but keep in mind that they are dried and therefore weigh very little. There are a lot of treats in the bag, so it will last a while. Many less healthy treats cost just as much per treat, so I consider these to be a good deal thanks to the healthy recipe and high-quality ingredients.

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Claire T.
Great dog treats!

Wow! My Lab couldn't get enough of this yummy treat. He is a connoisseur of all nibbles so he would recommend these. As a dog owner I give them my approval. I love that they are made with pure ingredients and not just man-made. Very wholesome and lots of good protein. They come in a Velcro bag for ultimate freshness.

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Ashley W.
Mr. Moose Approved

I am a cat mom and I am a dog aunt to Mr. Moose, who is not a small dog. It is my prerogative to spoil him with tasty snacks when I get to see him, so I always try to show up with something. I've given him the beef treats before, so I was happy to let him check out these venison ones.These treats are pretty small. And as a weird, mystery pit mix, he is not. So he inhales these, and they go FAST. I'd definitely recommend using these as a topper for larger dog and as treats for a smaller one, because they're not going to last long as treats.I feel good that these are clean, not full of mystery processed yuck, and he is pleased enough with them that I will need to buy more after seeing him just twice with them. I'd recommend.

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Sofia R.
Perfect jerky style reward that my dogs absolutely love

Pups Love the Venison Just as Much as BeefMy dogs absolutely love these treats. They usually go with the beef version from this line, but they love the venison just as much. It has been a fantastic way to rotate their protein and keep them excited during training or reward time without any fuss.Just Like Beef Jerky for PupsThe texture and look of these treats are like beef jerky for pups. The air dried process keeps them dense, flavorful, and incredibly appetizing for dogs. Because they use a single protein source with New Zealand venison, it is an excellent and gentle option for sensitive dogs who need a clean, grain free ingredient list.Great for Training but Watch the PortionsThese are highly appealing and packed with rich flavor, so just make sure you do not over feed them. They are quite nutrient dense, making them perfect to use sparingly as a high value reward or crumbled up as a special food topper over regular kibble to entice picky eaters.VerdictOverall, these air dried venison treats are an exceptional buy if you want a premium, single protein snack that dogs go crazy for. They offer fantastic quality, a great jerky texture, and pure ingredients. They are a wonderful addition to any dog owner's pantry.

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Mary S.
Pups loved these

I got these as a treat for our pups, and they were very into them. The texture is soft and meaty, so they are easy to break apart or crumble over food as a topper.I like that it is a single protein treat, especially since dog treats can have so many random ingredients packed into them. Venison is also a nice change from the usual chicken or beef treats.The bag is not huge, so I would use these more as a special treat than something I would hand out nonstop. But the dogs loved them, they smell like real meat, and they seem like a good quality option.

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Susie W.
Picky dog approved!!

In general, it takes a lot to get my dog to try a new treat. Even something I KNOW she'll like, she is usually very resistant to try. She has about 6 treat varieties she loves and refuses to try anything new (unless I find a way to trick her to try it). But for whatever reason, right when I opened this bag, she came over and immediately took a treat from my hand! I think they must remind her of Newman's Own beef jerky treats, which she loves. She's never had a venison treat before, but in look and smell, they are similar to beef jerky.Not only did she want to try it right away, but she kept wanting more and more! Noting her pickiness, I consider this a HUGE success and these are definitely treats I'd purchase again.I love the ingredients list and the fact she's also getting some antioxidants. My pup is 11-years-old and does have a sensitive stomach and has had no issues with these treats. Definitely a hit in our house!!

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Vanessa L.
Liking it so far

I grabbed Dr. Gary�s Best Breed Air-Dried Dog Treats & Food Topper � New Zealand Venison to try with our doggos and it has been a great experience so far. The air dried texture makes it easy to use as both a treat and a topper, and the venison is especially appealing for dogs. It has a simple ingredient profile, and the grain free recipe gives me peace of mind when looking for a more limited ingredient option.What stood out most was how much my puppers enjoyed it. The pieces are convenient to serve, and it adds a nice boost of flavor to regular meals without being messy or overly processed. It feels like a practical choice for everyday use, whether as a reward during training or just a tasty treat. Overall, this is a wholesome, versatile, and dog friendly option for pet owners looking for a sensitive friendly treat or topper.