Does your furry friend wag their tail with excitement at the sound of a treat bag? Of course, they do! We all love to spoil our pups with tasty rewards, but have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually *in* those treats? It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re standing in the pet aisle, staring at rows and rows of colorful bags, wondering which ones are truly good for your dog. You want to give them something delicious, but you also worry about artificial ingredients, fillers, and things you can’t even pronounce.
Choosing the best all-natural dog treats can feel like a puzzle. You want to avoid the stuff that might upset their tummy or isn’t good for their long-term health. It’s a common worry for many pet parents who want the very best for their canine companions. But what if there was a way to make this choice easier and more confident? What if you could unlock the secrets to finding treats that are not only yummy but also packed with wholesome goodness?
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the world of all-natural dog treats. We’ll explore what makes a treat truly natural, why it matters for your dog’s well-being, and how to spot the best options on the market. Get ready to discover simple tips and clear explanations that will help you become a treat-picking pro, ensuring every bite your dog enjoys is a healthy one. Let’s get started on this delicious and healthy journey!
Our Top 5 All Natural Dog Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 All Natural Dog Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free
Rating: 9.1/10
Portland Pet Food Company’s Pumpkin Dog Treats are a healthy and delicious option for your furry friend. These biscuits are made with simple, real ingredients, like organic pumpkin, that your dog will love. They are perfect for training, as a snack, or for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What We Like:
- Made with organic pumpkin and other natural ingredients.
- Grain-free and limited ingredients make them great for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Human-grade ingredients mean you can feel good about what you’re feeding your dog.
- Easy to break into smaller pieces for training or for smaller dogs.
- Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from the USA.
- Available in other flavors and variety packs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 oz bag might be a bit small for larger dogs or heavy treat users.
- While great for sensitive stomachs, some dogs might have a preference for other flavors if pumpkin isn’t their favorite.
These pumpkin dog treats are a fantastic choice for any dog owner looking for a healthy, natural, and tasty snack. Your dog will wag their tail for these wholesome biscuits!
2. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for the ultimate reward for your furry friend? Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats are here to deliver. These treats are made from 100% raw beef liver, freeze-dried to lock in all the good stuff. They’re packed with protein and goodness, perfect for training or just showing your dog some love.
What We Like:
- High protein content for peak energy and health.
- Single ingredient means no mystery additives.
- Freeze-dried raw preserves natural nutrients and flavor.
- Responsibly sourced and made in the USA.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and filler-free – great for sensitive tummies.
- Excellent for training due to high palatability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2.1 oz bag might be a bit small for frequent treat users.
- The strong liver smell might be off-putting to some owners.
These treats are a fantastic way to boost your dog’s diet with pure, natural goodness. Give your dog the best with Vital Essentials.
3. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats
Rating: 8.9/10
The Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks are a fantastic choice for pet parents who want the best for their furry friends. These treats are made with high-quality ingredients that are safe enough for humans to eat, making them a trustworthy option for rewarding your dog.
What We Like:
- Human-grade ingredients mean you know exactly what your dog is eating.
- Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, including free-range beef from family farms.
- High-quality ingredients like real beef, cassava root, celery, and rosemary extract are used.
- No by-products, fillers, grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors are included.
- Beef is U.S.-grown and sourced regionally.
- Treats are cooked in small batches for freshness and quality.
- The savory beef flavor is a big hit with dogs!
- The large 22-ounce bag offers great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The texture might be a little tough for very senior dogs or those with dental issues.
- Availability can sometimes be limited in smaller pet stores.
These treats offer peace of mind and a delicious reward for your dog. They are a top-notch option for any dog owner who prioritizes natural, healthy ingredients.
4. Pur Luv Dog Treats
Rating: 9.3/10
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a fantastic choice for dog owners who want to give their furry friends a healthy and satisfying snack. Made with 100% real chicken breast as the very first ingredient, these jerky treats are packed with protein and are easy for dogs to digest. They’re also designed to help satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew, making them a great option for keeping your pup entertained and happy.
What We Like:
- Chicken First: These treats start with 100% real chicken, meaning you know exactly what your dog is eating.
- Satisfying Treat: The jerky texture helps keep dogs busy and satisfies their natural chewing instincts.
- Limited Ingredients: With a simple ingredient list, it’s easy to see what goes into these healthy snacks.
- Healthy Snack: These treats are high in protein and low in fat, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They provide a nutritious boost for your dog.
- Nutritional Value: Boasting a high crude protein content (60.0%) and low fat (1.0%), these treats are a great way to support your dog’s muscle health.
- Long-Lasting Enjoyment: The jerky format provides a chew that lasts, keeping your dog happily occupied.
What Could Be Improved:
- Digestibility for Sensitive Stomachs: While generally easily digestible, some dogs with very sensitive stomachs might still react to even limited ingredients.
- Chew Time Variability: The “long-lasting” nature can vary greatly depending on the dog’s chewing style and the specific piece of jerky.
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats offer a simple, healthy, and enjoyable way to reward your dog. They are a smart choice for pet parents prioritizing quality ingredients and a satisfying chew experience.
5. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your dog a treat that’s both delicious and good for them with Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits. These oven-baked biscuits are made with natural ingredients like pumpkin and cinnamon, making them a healthy choice you can feel good about. They’re perfect for dogs who enjoy a satisfying crunch in every bite.
What We Like:
- Made with real pumpkin and cinnamon for a tasty flavor dogs love.
- Oven-baked to create a satisfying crunchy texture.
- Contains wholesome ingredients like oatmeal.
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy, which is great for dogs with sensitivities.
- No chicken or poultry by-product meals are used.
- Does not contain artificial preservatives like BHA or artificial colors.
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s health.
- Comes in a convenient 16-oz bag.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might prefer softer treats.
- The packaging may look slightly different from the digital image, but the ingredients and benefits remain the same.
These Blue Buffalo Health Bars are a fantastic way to reward your furry friend with a nutritious and tasty treat. They offer a healthy crunch that dogs will wag their tails for.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Deliciously Healthy Dog Treats
Finding the right treats for your furry friend can be a challenge. You want something tasty, but you also care about what goes into their bodies. “All-natural” dog treats offer a great solution. They focus on wholesome ingredients and avoid artificial stuff. This guide will help you pick the best all-natural treats for your dog.
Why Choose All-Natural Treats?
All-natural treats are made with ingredients you can recognize. Think real meat, fruits, and vegetables. They usually don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This means fewer mystery ingredients and a healthier option for your pup.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for all-natural dog treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Simple Ingredient List: Good treats have a short list of ingredients. You should be able to pronounce most of them.
- Real Meat as the First Ingredient: Look for treats where a specific meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) is listed first. This shows it’s the main ingredient.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid treats with artificial colors (like Red 40), flavors, or preservatives (like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin).
- Whole Grains or Grain-Free Options: Some dogs do well with whole grains like oats or brown rice. Others might have sensitivities, so grain-free options with sweet potato or peas are also great.
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): If your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergies, LID treats are a fantastic choice. They have very few ingredients, making it easier to pinpoint what your dog tolerates.
- Good Source of Nutrients: Some treats offer extra benefits like added omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat or probiotics for digestion.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The materials, or ingredients, are the heart of any treat. Here are some you’ll want to see:
- Proteins: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, duck. These provide essential amino acids.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, apples, spinach. These offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Flaxseed, coconut oil. These support skin and coat health.
- Herbs: Parsley, mint. These can help freshen breath.
- Natural Binders: Oatmeal, rice flour, chickpea flour. These hold the treats together.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an all-natural treat excellent or less desirable.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Sourcing: Knowing where the ingredients come from can be a sign of quality. Brands that are transparent about their sourcing are often better.
- Manufacturing Process: Gentle cooking methods, like baking or dehydrating, help preserve nutrients.
- Third-Party Testing: Some brands have their treats tested by independent labs to ensure safety and quality.
- Reputable Brands: Established brands with a good track record often provide consistent quality.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Generic “Meat By-Products”: This can be a mix of animal parts, and it’s not always clear what’s in it.
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy can be used to bulk up treats. While not always bad, they can reduce the nutritional value if they are the main ingredients.
- Artificial Preservatives and Dyes: These are the opposite of natural and can cause health issues for some dogs.
- Excessive Sugar or Salt: These are unhealthy for dogs and should be avoided.
User Experience and Use Cases
All-natural dog treats are versatile and great for many situations.
- Training Rewards: Their healthy nature makes them perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. You can feel good about giving your dog many of these.
- Dental Health: Some treats are designed to help clean teeth and freshen breath. Look for textured treats or those with natural breath-freshening ingredients.
- Special Diets: For dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific health needs, all-natural LID options are a lifesaver.
- Just Because: Sometimes, a dog just deserves a tasty, healthy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a dog treat “all-natural”?
A: “All-natural” means the treats are made from ingredients found in nature. They usually don’t have artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. Real meat, fruits, and vegetables are common ingredients.
Q: Are all-natural treats always healthier?
A: Generally, yes. They focus on better ingredients. However, it’s still important to check the ingredient list. Some “natural” treats might still be high in calories or have ingredients your dog doesn’t need.
Q: Can I give all-natural treats to puppies?
A: Yes, many all-natural treats are suitable for puppies. Look for treats specifically made for puppies, as they will have appropriate nutrient levels and be easy to digest.
Q: My dog has allergies. Can I use all-natural treats?
A: Absolutely! All-natural treats, especially those labeled “limited ingredient” (LID), are excellent for dogs with allergies. They help you avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, or grains.
Q: How should I store all-natural dog treats?
A: Storage depends on the treat. Some need to be refrigerated, especially if they contain fresh ingredients. Others can be kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like the taste of an all-natural treat?
A: Dogs have different preferences! If your dog turns up their nose, try a different brand or a treat made with a protein they love, like salmon or duck.
Q: Are grain-free all-natural treats better?
A: Grain-free treats are great for dogs with grain sensitivities. However, they aren’t necessarily “better” for all dogs. Whole grains can be a good source of nutrients for many dogs.
Q: How many all-natural treats should I give my dog?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always adjust the amount based on your dog’s size, activity level, and overall diet.
Q: Can I make my own all-natural dog treats?
A: Yes! Making your own treats is a fantastic way to control ingredients. There are many simple recipes online using wholesome foods.
Q: Where can I buy good quality all-natural dog treats?
A: You can find them at pet supply stores, many grocery stores, and online retailers. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!