What Are Natural Dog Treats?
- Pawfectly Pure
- Mar 7
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the dog treat aisle, overwhelmed by words like “organic,” “natural,” and “preservative-free,” you’re not alone.
As pet parents, we all want what’s best for our furry companions, but with so many options, it can be tough to know what’s truly natural and what’s just clever marketing.
So, what exactly are natural dog treats, and how do they differ from the rest? Are they really healthier for your pup? And what ingredients should you look for—or avoid?
Let’s break it all down so you can make the best choice for your four-legged friend.
Defining Natural Dog Treats
At its core, natural dog treats are made with real, minimally processed ingredients without artificial additives, synthetic preservatives, or fillers. But the term “natural” isn’t always regulated the same way across different brands, so it’s important to check ingredient labels carefully.
A truly natural treat should:
✅ Contain whole food ingredients (like meats, fruits, and vegetables)
✅ Be free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
✅ Use natural preservatives (more on that later)
✅ Avoid unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
While natural treats sound great (and they are!), they also come with an important consideration: how they’re preserved.
Without artificial preservatives, natural dog treats need high-quality, safe alternatives to keep them fresh.
That’s where ingredients like coconut glycerin, citric acid, and sorbic acid come into play.
Why Choose Natural Dog Treats?
If dogs could talk, they’d probably tell you they don’t care what’s in their treats—as long as they taste good.
But as their guardians, it’s up to us to choose treats that support their health and longevity.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of natural dog treats:
1. Better Digestibility
Many commercial dog treats contain artificial additives, low-quality byproducts, and hard-to-digest fillers. These can lead to tummy troubles, food sensitivities, and even long-term health issues.
Natural treats are made with wholesome ingredients that dogs process more easily, reducing the risk of upset stomachs.
2. No Harmful Chemicals
Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin have been linked to potential health risks, including cancer and organ damage in animals. By choosing natural treats, you avoid exposing your pup to unnecessary chemicals.
3. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Many natural treats include superfoods like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and salmon, which provide extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
4. Supports Allergy-Prone Dogs
Does your dog suffer from itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive upset?
Many artificial additives and grains in commercial treats can be common allergens. Natural treats made with limited ingredients reduce the likelihood of triggering allergies.
5. Transparency & Quality Control
Reputable natural treat brands prioritize ingredient transparency.
You’ll find recognizable ingredients—like real meat, vegetables, and fruit—instead of vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal byproducts.”
Common Ingredients in Natural Dog Treats
Now that we know why natural treats are a better choice, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make them stand out.
Protein Sources
Natural treats should contain high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, such as:
🐾 Chicken – Lean and packed with amino acids
🐾 Beef – A hearty protein source rich in iron
🐾 Salmon – Omega-3s for a healthy coat and skin
🐾 Turkey – Great for dogs with beef or chicken sensitivities
🐾 Lamb – A good alternative for allergy-prone pups
Healthy Carbohydrates
While some commercial treats use refined grains as cheap fillers, natural treats often include complex, nutrient-rich carbs, such as:
🥔 Sweet Potatoes – A great source of fiber and beta-carotene
🌾 Oats – A gentle, gluten-free grain for digestion support
🍏 Apples – Low in fat and packed with vitamin C
Natural Preservatives: A Closer Look
One of the biggest misconceptions about natural treats is that they spoil quickly. The truth is, natural preservation methods exist—and they’re much safer than artificial preservatives.
Let’s take a look at some common natural preservatives and why they’re beneficial:
1. Coconut Glycerin: A Safer Alternative to Propylene Glycol
Coconut glycerin is a plant-based humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in treats without the need for synthetic chemicals. Unlike propylene glycol (a common preservative in low-quality dog treats, also found in antifreeze—yikes!), coconut glycerin is non-toxic and completely safe for pets.
Why it’s great:
✔️ Keeps treats moist without artificial chemicals
✔️ Derived from coconut, making it a more natural alternative
✔️ Helps maintain texture in soft treats
2. Citric Acid: Naturally Found in Citrus Fruits
Citric acid is a natural antioxidant and preservative commonly found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It helps prevent spoilage and keeps treats fresh for longer.
Why it’s great:
✔️ Naturally derived from fruits
✔️ Works as an effective preservative
✔️ Safe and widely used in pet and human foods
3. Sorbic Acid: A Natural Mold Inhibitor
Sorbic acid is a natural antifungal agent that prevents mold and bacteria from growing in dog treats. It’s commonly found in berries and is recognized as a safe food preservative by the FDA.
Why it’s great:
✔️ Extends shelf life naturally
✔️ Prevents mold without artificial chemicals
✔️ Safe for both dogs and humans
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
Not all treats labeled “natural” are truly healthy. Here are some ingredients you should avoid when choosing treats for your pup:
❌ Artificial Preservatives – BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin (linked to health risks)
❌ Artificial Colors & Flavors – Often unnecessary and may cause allergies
❌ Propylene Glycol – Used as a moisture-retainer but is also found in antifreeze
❌ Excessive Salt & Sugar – Can lead to obesity and other health problems
❌ Corn, Wheat & Soy – Common fillers that offer little nutritional value
If you see any of these ingredients on a treat label, it’s best to steer clear!
How to Choose the Best Natural Dog Treats
Now that you know what makes a treat truly natural, here’s a simple checklist to use when shopping:
✔️ Look for real, whole-food ingredients
✔️ Check for natural preservatives like coconut glycerin, citric acid, and sorbic acid
✔️ Avoid artificial additives and fillers
✔️ Choose brands with transparent sourcing
When in doubt, stick with brands that prioritize quality over quantity—because our dogs deserve nothing but the best!
Final Thoughts: Are Natural Dog Treats Worth It?
Absolutely!
Choosing natural dog treats means giving your pup something that’s healthier, tastier, and safer in the long run.
While they may cost a little more than mass-produced alternatives, the benefits—better digestion, fewer allergies, and a longer, happier life—are well worth it.
Next time you’re looking for a treat that’s as pure and pawfect as your pup, choose natural. Their tails will wag in gratitude!
Looking for Truly Natural Dog Treats?
At Pawfectly Pure, we’re passionate about creating healthy, natural treats made with only the best ingredients—no artificial junk, just pure goodness. Check out our selection of natural Frisky Sticks today!
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