Does your furry friend’s wagging tail and happy panting light up your day? You probably love giving them special rewards, but choosing the right treats can feel like a puzzle. So many bags on the shelf, and how do you know what’s truly good for your dog?
It’s tough because many treats have ingredients you can’t even pronounce, or they might contain things that upset your dog’s tummy. You want to spoil them, but you also want them to be healthy and happy. Finding treats that are both delicious and packed with good stuff can be a real challenge.
But what if there was a simpler way? In this post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of natural dog treats. You’ll discover how to pick the best options for your dog’s well-being and learn about yummy choices that will make their tail thump with joy. Get ready to become a pro at choosing treats that are good for them, inside and out!
Top Natural Treats For Dogs Recommendations
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Enjoy these soft-baked 'B's that are every doggy's favorite - from puppies, to picky eaters, to senior pups with sensitive mouths, too! These are a softer cookie with limited, natural ingredients. Perfect for pups looking for a chewier bite.
- Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 9 ingredients (like oat flour, peanut butter, banana and rolled oats!) and only 9 calories per treat, you can feel good treating your favorite pup to this yummy recipe.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- PUMPKIN TREATS FOR DOGS: We believe in simple, real nutrition that your pet will adore. Our human grade dog treats are crafted with all natural, organic pumpkin—a mouthwatering, healthy, vegan treat for even the pickiest of pups. (Approximately 36 cookies per bag)
- REAL INGREDIENTS, EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR: Each scrumptious snack is double baked with organic pumpkin puree, Bob’s Red Mill Garbanzo Bean Flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon. With 3 other flavors and mixed variety packs available, snack time just got a lot more 'pawsome'!
- LIMITED INGREDIENTS, UNLIMITED BENEFITS: Our tasty, low-calorie, and minimally processed dog treats are made with 7 wholesome ingredients or fewer to aid in nutrient absorption and digestion. A healthier way to treat every day with no preservatives, wheat, dairy, chicken, BHT, BHA, or artificial flavors, suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies, senior dogs, or picky eaters.
- SUITABLE FOR DOGS OF ALL SIZES & AGES: Our light and crunchy biscuit is great for senior dogs or those who struggle with hard chews, serving as an excellent training reward for all breeds, ages, and sizes, and can be easily snapped into smaller, bite-sized treats for small dogs or puppy training.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW CHICKEN HEART DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut chicken hearts.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- OVEN-BAKED GOODNESS: Blue Buffalo Health Bars crunchy dog treats deliver oven-baked pumpkin and cinnamon flavor goodness for a satisfying crunch and warm pumpkin spice aroma dogs love
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- REAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and wholesome whole grains for crunchy dog cookies Pet Parents feel good about serving and dogs enjoy
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH: These natural dog snacks are fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health and well-being in every crunchy bite
- HUMAN-GRADE: If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it? From the ingredients they’re made with to the kitchens they’re made in, our treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption
- ALL NATURAL: Our kitchen-crafted Essential Beef Savory Sticks are made from quality, 100% all natural ingredients and free range beef raised on family farms; Tear open a bag for lots of doggy kisses!
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Truth is our first ingredient; We carefully cook our natural Essential Beef Savory Sticks in small batches using honest ingredients like free range beef, cassava root, ground celery, and rosemary extract—never any by-products or waste
- NO GLYCERIN, GRAINS, CORN, WHEAT OR SOY: Our all natural treats are made from wholesome, healthy recipes; Every bite is free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and chock full of real meat flavor
- HUMAN-GRADE: If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it? From the ingredients they’re made with to the kitchens they’re made in, our treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption
- ALL NATURAL: Our kitchen-crafted Essential Beef Savory Bites are made from quality, 100% all natural ingredients and free range beef raised on family farms; Tear open a bag for lots of doggy kisses!
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Truth is our first ingredient; We carefully cook our natural Essential Beef Savory Bites in small batches using honest ingredients like free range beef, cassava root, ground celery, and rosemary extract—never any by-products or waste
- NO GLYCERIN, GRAINS, CORN, WHEAT OR SOY: Our all natural treats are made from wholesome, healthy recipes; Every bite is free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and chock full of real meat flavor
Choosing the Best Natural Treats for Your Dog
As dog owners, we want the best for our furry friends. That includes the food and treats they eat. Natural treats are a great way to give your dog tasty rewards without artificial ingredients. This guide will help you find the perfect natural treats for your canine companion.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out natural dog treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Limited Ingredients: The fewer ingredients, the better. This makes it easier to identify what your dog is eating and helps if they have sensitivities.
- Single Protein Source: Treats made with one type of meat, like chicken or beef, are excellent for dogs with allergies.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. These offer no nutritional value and can sometimes cause health problems.
- Wholesome Base: Look for treats with natural bases like sweet potatoes, fruits, or vegetables.
- Digestible: The ingredients should be easy for your dog to digest, preventing upset stomachs.
2. Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list is your roadmap to a healthy treat. Here are some common and beneficial materials found in natural dog treats:
- Meats: Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish (like salmon or cod) are popular and provide protein.
- Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and pumpkin are packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Fruits: Apples, blueberries, and bananas offer natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Grains (Optional): Some natural treats include whole grains like brown rice or oats, which can be a good source of energy. However, many grain-free options are also available.
- Herbs: Parsley or mint can help freshen your dog’s breath.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural treats are created equal. Here’s how to spot the difference:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Human-Grade Ingredients: This means the ingredients are safe enough for humans to eat.
- Made in Your Country: Treats manufactured in countries with strict food safety regulations often have higher quality control.
- Simple, Recognizable Ingredients: You should be able to pronounce and understand most of the ingredients.
- Slow Baking or Dehydrating: These methods help preserve nutrients and flavor without needing harsh preservatives.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- By-products: These are less nutritious parts of an animal.
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used to make treats cheaper but add little nutritional value.
- Artificial Ingredients: As mentioned before, these are a big red flag.
- Excessive Processing: Heavy processing can strip away beneficial nutrients.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Natural treats are versatile and can be used in many ways:
- Training: Small, tasty natural treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions.
- Dental Health: Some natural treats are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath.
- Just Because: Sometimes, your dog just deserves a delicious, healthy snack!
- Sensitive Stomachs: Limited-ingredient natural treats are ideal for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or allergies.
Owners often report that their dogs love the taste of natural treats. They also feel good knowing they are giving their pets something healthy and beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Treats
Q: What makes a dog treat “natural”?
A: Natural treats are made with ingredients that come from nature, like real meat, fruits, and vegetables. They do not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or chemical additives.
Q: Are natural treats better than regular treats?
A: Yes, natural treats are generally better because they use wholesome ingredients. This means they offer more nutritional value and are less likely to cause allergies or stomach upset compared to treats with artificial components.
Q: Can I give my puppy natural treats?
A: Yes, you can. However, choose treats specifically made for puppies, as they are often softer and formulated for a young dog’s needs. Always supervise puppies when they eat treats.
Q: How often should I give my dog natural treats?
A: Treats should be given in moderation. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use them for training rewards or occasional snacks.
Q: What if my dog has allergies? Which natural treats are best?
A: For dogs with allergies, look for single-protein source treats. This means the treat only contains one type of meat, like duck or salmon. Also, opt for grain-free options if grains are a trigger for your dog.
Q: How should I store natural dog treats?
A: Most natural treats should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some may require refrigeration after opening, so always check the packaging instructions. Proper storage helps keep them fresh and prevents spoilage.
Q: Are there any natural ingredients I should avoid?
A: While most natural ingredients are good, some things like xylitol (an artificial sweetener sometimes found in human foods but toxic to dogs), grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic are harmful. Always double-check the ingredient list for anything questionable.
Q: How can I tell if a natural treat is good quality?
A: Good quality natural treats have a short ingredient list with recognizable, whole foods. They will also clearly state where they were made and may have certifications for quality.
Q: Can natural treats help with bad breath?
A: Some natural treats contain ingredients like parsley or mint that can help freshen your dog’s breath. Look for treats specifically marketed for dental health or breath freshening.
Q: Where can I buy natural dog treats?
A: You can find natural dog treats at most pet supply stores, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. Reading reviews and checking ingredient lists will help you make the best choice.
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!