Exploring Natural Dog Treats: What You Need to Know

What Makes a Good Natural Dog Treat?

A good natural dog treat doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Simple, recognisable ingredients and appropriately sized portions can make treats easy to fit alongside your dog’s everyday diet.

For raw-fed dogs, treats can also be a useful way to add variety without overcomplicating things. Single-ingredient options, dehydrated meats and simple natural treats are often easier to understand and fit neatly into a raw-feeding routine.

Looking to shop? Browse our full range of natural dog treats NZ including air-dried meats, chews, training treats and wild protein options.

What exactly are natural dog treats, and why are they becoming a preferred choice for pet owners? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of natural dog treats, discussing what they are, their benefits, and some popular options to consider.

What Are Natural Dog Treats?

Natural dog treats are snacks or chews made from simple, minimally processed ingredients that are typically sourced from nature. These treats are free from artificial additives, preservatives, colors, and fillers. Instead, they rely on natural flavors and nutritional value to entice your dog.

Benefits of Natural Dog Treats

1. Healthier Ingredients: Natural dog treats are often made from high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This can contribute to your dog's overall well-being.

2. Reduced Allergies: Since natural treats avoid common allergens like artificial dyes and fillers, they are less likely to trigger allergies or digestive issues in your dog.

3. Better Digestibility: Natural treats are generally easier for dogs to digest, reducing the risk of upset stomachs and promoting better nutrient absorption.

4. Improved Dental Health: Mnay natural treats, can help maintain your dog's oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

5. Weight Management: Natural treats often have fewer calories than commercial counterparts, making them a better choice for dogs that need to watch their weight.

Popular Natural Dog Treat Options

1. Meat Treats: These treats are made from single-ingredient, lean meats like chicken, beef, or fish. They are typically low in fat and high in protein, making them a great choice for training or as occasional rewards.

2. Dental Chews: Natural dental chews, such as bully sticks or beef paddywhack, can help keep your dog's teeth clean while satisfying their chewing instincts.

3. Fruit and Vegetable Treats: Some fruits and vegetables, like apple slices, carrots, and blueberries, make excellent natural treats that are both tasty and nutritious. Just ensure they are safe and suitable for your dog's size and breed.

4. Air-Dried Treats: Most commonly natural dog treats are Air-dried to preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. 

5. Homemade Treats: For pet owners who want complete control over their dog's treats, making homemade natural treats is an excellent option. You can find countless recipes online using simple, dog-safe ingredients.

Conclusion

Why do we love natural dog treats? We love natural dog treats and chews because they are more often that not single source ingredient - which is great for pets that have allergies as they can be catered specifically to suit a pets diet.

Natural dog treats are a fantastic way to reward your four footer while providing them with the best nutrition. These treats are made from simple, wholesome ingredients and offer numerous health benefits, from better digestion to improved dental health. When choosing natural treats for your dog, always consider their specific dietary needs, size, and preferences. With the right natural treats, you can indulge your dog while keeping their health a priority.

Here are a couple of our favourite dog treats and the reason why... 

Air-Dried Wild Medley Treats: A blend of Wild Meat for pets  - These are my go to training treats, great for the treat bag, or any enrichment activity like a puzzle of snuffle mat. Fantastic for puppy training, as small and easy to feed. 

Air-Dried Wild NZ Rabbit Ears: Natural and Nutritious Treat for Pets  - These are a great meal topper, double down as both protein and fibre as well as the hair benefiting the intestinal tract on the way through - they are also easy to feed!

Air-Dried Shark Cartilage: Natural Joint Support for Pets -  Having fed my husband Sharkilage supplements for years, I was super happy when this treat came along for pets! Shark Cartilage contains chondroitin sulfate and glycosaminoglycans that are commonly used to maintain cartilage and joint integrity. So for me this is a treat with huge added benefits! 

Air-Dried Lamb Liver Slice: Natural Organ Treat - We love this treat, our dogs all know the sound of the "snap" So its great for training. Where it works really well for us, is we can feed our little dog liver in moderation, she often struggles with raw liver and the amount we feed her needs to be controllable - so this is an ideal way for us - added bonus she thinks and is getting a treat! 

Natural Treats for Puppies

Puppies often need small, easy-to-eat treats that can be given frequently during training. Simple meat-based treats that can be broken into tiny pieces are a practical choice, while harder chews should always be appropriate for your puppy’s age, size and chewing style.

For training, look for natural puppy treats that are easy to portion and made from straightforward ingredients. 

If you’re still getting your head around raw feeding, our Raw Dog Feeding Guide is a good place to start.

Dogs that need something a little different may also benefit from exploring our Novel Proteins for Dogs NZ guide, with options such as goat, venison, possum, kangaroo, rabbit and hare.

If portion size is the tricky bit, our Raw Dog Food Feeding Calculator can help you estimate a sensible daily feeding amount based on your dog’s weight.

And if you’re looking for more natural treat ideas, have a look through our Natural Dog Treats guide

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