Does your furry friend deserve the very best? Of course, they do! We all love spoiling our dogs with tasty treats, but sometimes it feels like a puzzle. So many bags at the store have long lists of ingredients you can’t even pronounce. It makes you wonder what you’re actually feeding your beloved companion.
Choosing natural dog treats can be tricky. You want something healthy and delicious, but you’re worried about artificial colors, flavors, or fillers that might not be good for your dog. It’s a common problem for many dog owners who want to make sure their pets are happy and healthy.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore what makes a dog treat truly natural and how to spot the best options for your pup. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out treats that are both nutritious and irresistible to your dog, making treat time even more special.
Our Top 5 Natural Dog Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Natural Dog Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a super healthy treat your dog will go crazy for? The Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats are a fantastic option. These treats are made with just one ingredient: beef liver. That means no extra stuff your dog doesn’t need. They are freeze-dried to keep all the good stuff inside, like vitamins and minerals. This makes them a great choice for training or just showing your furry friend some love.
What We Like:
- Made with only one ingredient: beef liver. This is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
- High in protein, which helps dogs have more energy and keeps their coats shiny.
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor, just like nature intended.
- Proudly made in America with responsibly sourced ingredients.
- No grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, dyes, or flavorings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag is a bit small, so they can go quickly if you have a treat-loving pup.
- Because they are a premium, single-ingredient product, they can be a bit pricier than some other dog treats.
Overall, these Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats are a top-notch choice for pet parents who want the best for their dogs. They offer pure, healthy goodness in every bite.
2. Pur Luv Dog Treats
Rating: 9.3/10
We’re always on the lookout for the best treats for our furry friends, and Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats really caught our eye. This big 16-ounce bag is packed with goodness, and the promise of 100% real chicken breast as the very first ingredient is a huge win for us. It’s a treat that’s designed to be both healthy and delicious, perfect for rewarding good behavior or just because!
- What We Like:
- The fact that 100% real chicken breast is the number one ingredient. This means you know exactly what you’re giving your dog.
- These treats are great for satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew. It keeps them happy and busy.
- The limited ingredient list is a big plus. It makes it easy to understand what’s in the treat, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It’s a healthy snack with high protein and low fat. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, which is fantastic.
- The nutritional analysis shows a very high protein content (60%) and very low fat (1%), making it a guilt-free reward.
- They are also described as easily digestible and long-lasting, which is a great combination for any dog treat.
- What Could Be Improved:
- While the 16-ounce bag is generous, for owners of multiple dogs or very enthusiastic chewers, a larger size option might be appreciated.
- The “long-lasting” aspect can vary greatly depending on the individual dog’s chewing habits. Some dogs might go through them faster than others.
Overall, Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a standout choice for pet parents who prioritize quality and health. They offer a simple, protein-packed reward that dogs will absolutely adore.
3. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free
Rating: 9.3/10
The Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats are a fantastic choice for pet owners seeking healthy and delicious snacks for their furry friends. These grain-free biscuits are made with simple, all-natural, organic pumpkin, making them a wholesome option even for the fussiest pups. They’re crafted with care, ensuring your dog gets the best nutrition in every bite.
What We Like:
- Made with all-natural, organic pumpkin and human-grade ingredients.
- Grain-free and contains 7 ingredients or fewer, perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Delicious flavor profile with organic pumpkin, garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon.
- Suitable for all dog sizes and can be easily broken into smaller pieces for training.
- Proudly made in the USA with ingredients sourced from the USA.
- Free from preservatives, wheat, dairy, chicken, BHT, BHA, and artificial colors.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 oz bag might be quickly depleted for larger or more treat-loving dogs.
- While the pumpkin flavor is popular, a wider variety of single-flavor options might appeal to some owners.
These pumpkin dog treats offer a simple, healthy, and tasty way to reward your dog. They are a great addition to any dog’s diet, especially for training or as a special snack.
4. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats
Rating: 8.7/10
Give your furry friend a taste of the good life with Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks. These aren’t just any treats; they’re made with the same high standards we expect for ourselves. Your dog will love the savory beef flavor, and you’ll love knowing exactly what you’re feeding them.
What We Like:
- The ingredients are human-grade, meaning they meet strict USDA standards.
- They are made with 100% all-natural ingredients, including beef raised on family farms.
- The treats are crafted in small batches with honest ingredients like real beef, cassava root, celery, and rosemary extract.
- They contain no glycerin, grains, corn, wheat, or soy, making them a healthy choice.
- All artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors are left out.
- The beef is U.S.-grown and regionally sourced.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22-ounce bag is a large quantity, which might be a lot for dogs with smaller appetites or for those just trying them out.
- While made with quality ingredients, the price point might be higher compared to standard dog treats.
These treats offer a premium option for pet parents who prioritize quality and natural ingredients. Your dog will surely wag their tail for these delicious and wholesome savory sticks.
5. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your furry friend a tasty and healthy reward with Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits in Pumpkin & Cinnamon flavor. These oven-baked treats are made with good-for-your-dog ingredients you can trust. Your dog will love the satisfying crunch and delicious taste, making treat time a happy time for both of you.
What We Like:
- Made with real pumpkin and cinnamon for a delicious flavor.
- Oven-baked to create a satisfying crunchy texture dogs enjoy.
- Crafted with wholesome natural ingredients.
- Free from chicken or poultry by-product meals.
- No corn, wheat, or soy in these treats.
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors are excluded.
- Enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals for added health benefits.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital packaging may look different from the physical product packaging, though the information remains accurate.
These Blue Buffalo Health Bars are a fantastic option for rewarding your dog with a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious. They’re a great way to show your dog some extra love while supporting their well-being.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Wholesome Goodies for Your Canine Companion
Choosing the right treats for your dog is an important decision. Natural dog treats offer a healthier alternative to many processed options. They often use simple, recognizable ingredients that are good for your dog’s well-being. This guide will help you pick the best natural treats for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for natural dog treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Limited Ingredients: The best natural treats have a short ingredient list. This means fewer chances for your dog to have a reaction to something.
- No Artificial Additives: Look for treats free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These can be harmful to your dog.
- Whole Food Ingredients: Natural treats often use real meat, vegetables, and fruits. These provide good nutrition.
- Source of Protein: The first ingredient should be a quality protein source like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
- Grain-Free Options: If your dog has sensitivities, grain-free treats made with sweet potatoes or peas are a great choice.
- Appropriate Size and Texture: Treats should match your dog’s size and chewing ability. Small dogs need small, soft treats. Big chewers might like harder, larger options.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in natural dog treats are what make them healthy.
- Real Meats: High-quality meats like chicken breast, beef jerky, or salmon are excellent. They provide essential protein and amino acids.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Ingredients like blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples offer vitamins and antioxidants. These support your dog’s immune system.
- Healthy Fats: Some treats include ingredients like coconut oil or flaxseed. These provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Natural Binders: Instead of artificial binders, look for treats that use natural options like sweet potato flour or pea flour.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect the quality of natural dog treats.
- Quality of Ingredients: Treats made with human-grade ingredients are generally higher quality. They are processed with care.
- Processing Methods: Gentle cooking methods like baking or dehydrating preserve nutrients better than high-heat processing.
- Sourcing: Knowing where the ingredients come from can tell you a lot. Treats sourced from reputable farms or fisheries are often better.
- Added Sugars or Fillers: Treats with added sugars, corn, wheat, or soy can reduce quality. These ingredients offer little nutritional value and can cause digestive issues.
- Packaging: Airtight packaging helps keep treats fresh and prevents spoilage.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Natural dog treats are versatile and beneficial for many situations.
- Training: They are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. Their limited ingredients mean fewer tummy upsets from frequent treats.
- Dental Health: Some natural treats have a texture that helps clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath.
- Special Diets: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, natural treats offer a safe way to spoil them.
- Daily Rewards: Simply giving your dog a healthy treat shows them love and affection.
- Travel: Smaller, durable natural treats are easy to pack for trips and adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Natural Treat Queries Answered
Q: What makes a dog treat “natural”?
A: Natural dog treats use ingredients that come from nature, like real meat, fruits, and vegetables. They avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Q: Are natural dog treats always better than regular treats?
A: Yes, natural treats are generally healthier because they have fewer artificial ingredients and more wholesome nutrition. They are a better choice for your dog’s overall health.
Q: What are some common protein sources in natural dog treats?
A: Common protein sources include chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, salmon, and duck. The first ingredient should always be a named meat source.
Q: Can my dog eat natural treats if they have allergies?
A: Many natural treats are made with limited ingredients and are grain-free, making them suitable for dogs with allergies. Always check the ingredient list for potential allergens.
Q: How should I store natural dog treats?
A: Store natural treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Some treats may need refrigeration after opening, so check the packaging.
Q: What does “limited ingredient diet” mean for dog treats?
A: A limited ingredient diet treat has a very short ingredient list, usually five or fewer. This helps owners identify and avoid ingredients that might cause their dog problems.
Q: Are there any natural ingredients that dogs should avoid?
A: Yes, some common human foods are toxic to dogs, like grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chocolate. Ensure these are not in any dog treats.
Q: How often can I give my dog natural treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use them in moderation, especially during training.
Q: Do natural dog treats expire?
A: Yes, like all food, natural dog treats have an expiration date. Always check the date on the package to ensure freshness and safety.
Q: Where can I buy good quality natural dog treats?
A: You can find natural dog treats at pet supply stores, online retailers, and sometimes at your veterinarian’s office or farmer’s markets.
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!