10 Best Natural Dog Treats

What are Natural Dog Treats?

The best natural dog treats fall under pet food from plant, animal, or mined sources. Also, they are either entirely unprocessed or processed naturally.

So, natural treats for dogs should not contain chemically synthesized ingredients. They should also be devoid of special-purpose food additives, including artificial flavors and colors, mineral amino acid complexes, and vitamin supplements.

Are Natural Dog Treats Considered Healthy?

Natural-sounding treats may not always be the healthiest choice. This is because even if such canine delicacies may appear in the market as natural, there are still many factors to consider.

First, it’s important to remember that, despite complying with the criteria of “natural,” natural dog treats may nevertheless include insignificant quantities of artificial ingredients. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that a feed or feed additive might have traces of chemically synthesized substances while still being deemed natural.

Furthermore, a treat’s claim of being “natural” does not guarantee that it contains beneficial nutrients. According to AAFCO, there is no obligation or declaration that feeds or ingredients made naturally are safer than those made through a chemically synthesized process.

Instead, you should take a close, critical look at the contents on the label if you’re a buyer looking for the healthiest, most natural treats for your dog. Before adopting any dietary adjustments, it is best practice to carefully assess marketing claims because they tend to exaggerate the facts.

Our Preferred Natural Dog Snack

Even though we carefully reviewed only the best natural dog treats, the Amazon Brand – WAG Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats  stood out. It is our best pick because of its multiple health benefits, including

1. Strengthening joints and immune system.
2. Supporting the nervous system and brain.
3. Supporting healthy digestive function.

More Notable Products

1. Amazon Brand – WAG Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats  (Best for supporting the nervous system and brain)
2. Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Dog Treats (Best for dogs with food sensitivities)
3. RILEYS ORGANICS Organic Dog Treats  (Best for immune and heart health)
4. Fetch Fries Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Fries for Dogs  (Best for training)
5. Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Bac’N’Cheez Natural Dog Treats  (Best for oral care)
6. NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats  (Best for weight management)
7. Full Moon Chicken Nuggets Healthy All-Natural Dog Treats  (Best for muscle care)
8. Yitto Paws Organic Puppy Treats  (Best for intestinal health)
9. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free Treats  (Best for healthy brain development)
10. The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews™ Hearty Wolffish Skins Dog Treats  (Best for strong teeth)

Product name

NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries, 16 oz. Bag

Amazon Brand – Wag Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Pumpkin & Chia Seed, 10oz

Fetch Fries Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Fries for Dogs

Product name

NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats with Real Mixed Berries, 16 oz. Bag

Product name

Amazon Brand – Wag Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Pumpkin & Chia Seed, 10oz

Product name

Fetch Fries Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Fries for Dogs

The Best Natural Dog Treats Unpacked

Amazon Brand – WAG Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats : Best for Supporting the Nervous System and Brain

About This Product

The Amazon Brand – WAG Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats are gluten-free and human-grade. They have omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the joints and immune system. Additionally, they contain vitamin B6, which supports the health of your dog’s nervous system and brain.

These healthy dog treats also have fiber that supports healthy digestive function. You can give them to your dog as a treat, a training aid, or a reward.

1. Pumpkin & chia seeds
2. Banana & coconut
3. Sweet potato & flaxseed
4. Sunflower seed butter

• Life stage: All life stages
• Item form: Biscuits

Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Dog Treats : Best for Dogs With Food Sensitivities

About This Product

Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Dog Treats do not contain dairy, corn, soy, preservatives, or other additives. Additionally, they contain protein and fiber to offer your dog the daily nutrient boost it requires. These treats are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. However, some dog owners find breaking them into little pieces difficult because they are hard-baked treats.

• Brand: Wet Noses
• Flavors: 

1. Peanut butter & molasses
2. Grain-free apple & ginger
3. Grain-free berry blast
4. Grain-free carrot & sweet potato
5. Grain-free hemp seed & banana
6. Grain-free peanut butter & molasses
7. Grain-free peanut butter & banana
8. Grain-free pumpkin & quinoa
9. Pumpkin

• Life stage: All life stages
• Item form: Biscuits

RILEYS ORGANICS Organic Dog Treats : Best for Immune and Heart Health

About This Product

Riley’s Organics Organic Dog Treats contain antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C to strengthen your dog’s immune system and heart health. They also have sweet potatoes, a fantastic source of vitamin A. Additionally, they contain color-related pigments with an anti-inflammatory impact.

These all-natural dog treats contain no wheat, corn, soy, added sugar, preservatives, salt, or artificial flavors or colors. They are also non-GMO, 100% human grade, and large-sized.

• Brand: Riley’s Organics
• Flavors: 

1. Sweet potato
2. Apple
3. Peanut butter & molasses
4. Pumpkin & coconut

• Life stage: All life stages
• Item form: Biscuits

Fetch Fries Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Fries for Dogs : Best for Training

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Jerky Treats by Fetch Fries

About This Product

Fetch Fries Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Fries for Dogs are specifically for dogs with delicate stomachs or allergies. They are soft and chewy, easy to chew, making them an ideal puppy training reward. The sweet potatoes that make these dog treats are a source of vitamin A, which supports a strong immune system. 

Lastly, these best natural dog training treats are easy to break. 

• Brand: Fetch Fries
• Flavors: 

1. Organic chicken & sweet potato
2. Chicken

Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Bac’N’Cheez Natural Dog Treats : Best for Oral Care

About This Product

The Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Bac’N’Cheez Natural Dog Treats are slowly baked in the oven to maintain natural flavors. As your dog chews on these dog treats, the crunchy texture helps clean its teeth. 

Additionally, they don’t have any artificial preservatives. 

• Brand: Old Mother Hubbard
• Flavors: 

1. Bacon
2. Cheddar cheese
3. Apples
4. Carrots

NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats : Best for Weight Management

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Treat Cookies, Biscuits & Snacks by NUTRO

About This Product

NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats feature actual, recognized components that are visible and with a smell. Since there are only five calories in each treat, you can reward your dog frequently without any worry that it will become overweight. 

These best natural treats for dogs are a perfect way to train your dog, encourage excellent behavior, or enjoy bonding time. They do not contain corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or colors, by-product meal from poultry, or artificial preservatives.

1. Apple
2. Banana
3. Chicken & carrot
4. Peanut butter
5. Chicken
6. Mixed berries
7. Berry & yogurt
8. Beef & hickory smoke

Full Moon Chicken Nuggets Healthy All-Natural Dog Treats : Best for Muscle Care

About This Product

Your dog will go crazy for these bite-sized Full Moon Chicken Nuggets Healthy All-Natural Dog Treats because they are soft and chewy. Their makers prepare them meticulously in small batches using only real ingredients, such as all-natural chicken, celery powder, and rosemary extract. 

Also, each nugget has a real meat flavor and is free of fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Lastly, the high protein content (35%) of these dog treats makes them ideal for muscle building.

• Brand: Full Moon
• Flavors: 

1. Chicken
2. Beef
3. Duck

Yitto Paws Organic Puppy Treats : Best for Intestinal Health

About This Product

The Yitto Paws Organic Puppy Treats are low in calories, high in fiber, packed with superfoods, 100% human grade, and include no additional sugar or salt. Additionally, compared to other popular brands, they have more strawberries and peanut butter. They also have no by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. Additionally, they contain no fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

These treats come with the power of organic oats to maintain a healthy weight, develop a strong body, a healthy heart, a long life, and promote intestinal health. Also, they are great for sensitive stomachs, do not cause allergies, and are hypoallergenic for most dogs. For these reasons, they make the best reward or snack.

• Brand: Yitto Paws
• Flavors: 

1. Strawberry & peanut butter
2. Peaches & peanut butter
3. Blueberries & peanut butter

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free Treats : Best for Healthy Brain Development

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Treat Cookies, Biscuits & Snacks by Wellness

About This Product

The Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free Treats are the ideal incentive for your dog to behave well during training sessions or at any other time. Each bite-sized treat has six calories. Additionally, they contain salmon, naturally containing DHA, to support healthy brain development. 

These best natural puppy treats contain just a few high-quality proteins and vitamins for puppies. They are also tender with no wheat, wheat gluten, maize, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

• Brand: Wellness
• Flavors: 

1. Lamb & salmon
2. Lamb & chicken
3. Chicken and carrots

The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews™ Hearty Wolffish Skins Dog Treats : Best for Strong Teeth

Amazon’s Choice in Dog Treat Cookies, Biscuits & Snacks by The Honest Kitchen

About This Product

The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews™ Hearty Wolffish Skins Dog Treats come from entirely omega-3-rich, sustainably sourced wolffish skins. They are a safe, natural rawhide alternative. Also, they are easily digestible, and your dogs can chew them for a long time. Lastly, they are free of fillers, preservatives, and byproducts.

• Brand: The Honest Kitchen
• Flavors: 

1. Codfish skins
2. Codfish skins & sprat
3. Wolffish skins & cod crisps
4. Wolffish skins & sprat

What to Look for in Natural Dog Treats

List of Dog Treat Ingredients

There are countless delectable ingredients and flavors that dog treats can contain. So, there truly is something for every dog. Some of the best ingredients to look out for in dog treats are as follows:

Nutrient-Preserving Methods

Always go for dog treats processed naturally using the following methods:

• Enzymolysis
• Extraction
• Fermentation
• Heat processing
• Hydrolysis
• Physical processing
• Purification
• Rendering

Omission of Fillers, By-Products, and Non-Nutrient Additives

Select dog treats made from high-quality, natural ingredients without fillers or synthetic colors, flavors, or preservatives. Ideally, a protein source like chicken or beef should be the first ingredient. 

Also, avoid giving your dog snacks that have additives like artificial sweeteners or fillers like maize or wheat. Such can be hard for your dogs to digest and may cause allergies or other health problems.

USDA Organic Seal

On the package of dog treats, always look for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal. Notably, the certified human organic food criteria also apply to organic dog treats. This means that if a product has a USDA Organic certification on its label, at least 95% of its ingredients must be organic. 

Remember, organic ingredients are devoid of GMOs and have no contact with synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Any non-organic substances (5% or less) in dog treats must appear on the National List of Allowed Substances, and all ingredients must be deemed generally safe by the FDA.

Calorie Content

The ingredients and calories per treat should appear on the package. If the label doesn’t contain this information, it should be simple to find on the brand’s website.

Also, you should give your dog treats in moderation and according to its size. This move helps you monitor the calories you provide your dog, particularly if they are overweight or prone to weight gain. So, always go for treats with few calories and simple to cut into smaller pieces.

Dog’s Weight

Always consider your dog’s weight to determine its daily calorie intake. However, please do not give it more than 5% to 10% of its daily calories from treats. 

To determine how many calories your dog needs to consume, use the Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator for Dogs. If you’re still undecided, you can ask your veterinarian. 

If a treat has a high-calorie count, consider dividing it into smaller amounts. Some companies provide snacks that are simple to break.

Texture and Flavor

Always consider the flavor of the treat and whether your dog likes it. Most dogs enjoy eating chicken, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and peanut butter. 

Notably, crunchy snacks may be difficult for dogs that have dental issues. However, dogs that gobble treats might prefer to gnaw on crunchy biscuits.

Dog Allergies

Always check the ingredient list to see if it is safe for your dog with allergies. To know which elements your dog is allergic to, always seek advice from your vet.

Product Recalls

Always verify that your selected dog treat brand hasn’t had any significant or regular recalls. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts website has this information.

Misleading Product Claims

If a company says its products will cure illnesses, be wary. Also, it’s probably not the greatest option if the claims seem “too good to be true,” such as treating a particular illness.

Furthermore, words like “natural,” “real,” “holistic,” and “premium” may sound enticing. However, they are simply marketing jargon that has nothing to do with a product’s caliber or nutritional content.

Treat Type

The following are some dog treats you can get on the market:

1. Crunchy treats: These are hard snacks or biscuits that support the health of your dog’s teeth.
2. Soft treats: These are easily chewable treats, which are highly motivating for training because your dog can chew them fast and return to the training activity. Also, your dog does not waste time finding the scrambled pieces that fall on the ground, as with crunchy treats.
3. Freeze-dried and jerky treats: These are meat- or plant-based snacks that can be quite tasty and ideal for training your dog.
4. Dental chews: Your dog can chew these treats for a long time. Often made of corn starch or other easily digested ingredients, they aid in removing plaque and tartar.
5. Animal bones and hooves: These treats don’t get the support of most veterinarians because they are so hard that they can chip dogs’ teeth.
6. Rawhide: Made from animal skin and typically treated with possibly toxic chemicals, rawhide is not ideal as a dog treat.
7. Pig ears: These fatty delicacies may be chemically processed and occasionally have bacterial contamination. It is best to stay away from them.
8. Human food: While some foods, like grapes and raisins, can be poisonous, others, like carrots and apples, can be nutritious delights. 
9. Special diet treats: These treats have a few simple ingredients. 

Some Reader Questions Answered

Are Organic Snacks Healthy for Dogs?

The information about whether organic snacks are healthy for dogs is inconclusive. But if eating organic aligns with your beliefs, giving your dog organic treats is okay.

However, just be aware that you can pay more for organic dog treats than non-organic ones, and you’ll need to decide if the price difference is worthwhile. Without a proven benefit, arguing that this cost rise is justifiable is difficult. 

Nevertheless, organic treats are a good option for pet parents who genuinely believe in feeding organic and are not discouraged by the expense.

What are the Safest Dog Treats?

The safest dog treats, organic or not, have few ingredients with names you can pronounce. When in doubt, choose raw carrots, green beans, and other fruits and vegetables. Remember that some foods like onions, grapes, and garlic can poison dogs. 

To be sure, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for a list of safe ingredients for dogs.

How We Selected Our Faves

We looked for natural dog treats that complied with USDA organic requirements. We also considered the treat’s elements, choosing treats with fewer overall ingredients and more ingredients derived from whole foods. 

We also consulted canine experts to understand the potential advantages of natural dog treats and what dog owners should look for when choosing them. Additionally, we considered consumer feedback and the tastes of our tasters, including adult dogs and puppies. 

Why to Trust I Love Veterinary’s Reviews

We continually experiment with many natural dog treats on our pets and foster dogs to identify the best ones for dogs. Additionally, we ask dog owners about their favorite treats, speak with vets about what to look for when choosing treats, and comb through several internet product reviews.

Conclusion

We believe you now know the best all-natural dog treats to buy. If you cannot decide yet, we recommend the Amazon Brand – WAG Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats  because of their multiple health benefits. These treats strengthen your dog’s joints and immune system. They also support its nervous system and brain and healthy digestive function.

It is now time to indulge your dog with the best natural dog bites as a reward, training incentive, or bonding reward.

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