Dogs love a treat as much as we do, and we love to give them treats! Healthy dog treats can be used to reinforce good behaviour or as a training reward—and, of course, just to brighten your dog’s day, give them variety and show them you love them!
But just like dog foods, not all dog treats are made equal. Some lack nutritional value and are filled with junk ingredients and artificial additives, so it’s important to choose natural, healthy dog treats for your faithful hound!
What to look for in a healthy dog treat
A healthy dog treat should:
- Be free from artificial colours, preservatives and flavourings, to which your dog may be sensitive
- Contain no added sugar
- Contain no ‘fillers’—bulking ingredients with no nutritional value
- Contain simple, natural ingredients carefully prepared to preserve their nutrients and flavour
- Be delicious—and keep your dog coming back for more!
Find the ideal healthy dog treats for your dog
Choosing the best natural dog treats for your dog depends on the purpose of the treat and the needs of your dog.
- If your dog has a healthcare need, browse our Natural HealthCare Dog Treats category. We have calming dog treats for dogs prone to anxiety, hip and joint dog treats to help ease stiffness, and skin and coat dog treats to bring your dog’s coat back to shiny, vigorous health!
- If you want natural dog treats that will help to clean your dog’s teeth and gums as they chew, our Dental Dog Chews range includes ProDen Plaque Off products and natural dental sticks from Soopa and True Hemp.
- Training time? Reward your dog’s progress with our Natural Dog Training Treats. Many of them come in a resealable pot or pouch, keeping them fresh between training sessions, and the bite-sized pieces mean that however many tricks your dog does, they shouldn’t get too portly!
- If your pampered pooch is a puppy, check out our Natural Puppy Treats, including the Pure Meat Sticks range from JR Pet Products, with exciting flavours like kangaroo, ostrich, venison and goat.
The Three Rules of Treating Your Dog
- Don’t overtreat. It feels like kindness, but it can be cruelty. Obesity makes your dog prone to numerous serious health conditions and puts strain on their joints. Treats should never account for more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Choose natural dog treats that will enhance and supplement your dog’s diet.
- If they don’t come in a resealable pouch or pot, store your dog’s treats in a sealable container to keep them fresh and full of flavour.
Finally, if you want to know if your dog approves of the natural dog treats you’ve chosen, just look for a twitching nose, raised ears and a wagging tail when you bring them out. They’re sure signs of doggy approval!