Natural Nibbles The Appeal of Organic Dog Treats
The 12 best organic dog treats of 2023, approved by vets
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Organic food isn't just for people. In recent years, pet food companies have been rolling out organic grub, including some of the best organic dog treats. That may be in response to consumer demand, especially as people become more environmentally conscious, something a report from Future Markets Insights notes.
But there's something more that may be fueling interest in organic treats for dogs. According to Dr. Nancy Welborn, associate professor and service chief of community practice at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, consumers who assume that organic food is safer or more nutritious may seek out these treats.
The question is, though, do these treats, which are often pricier, have a nutritional edge over their conventional counterparts? It's possible. "Organic foods have been shown to have small increases in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants when compared with their non-organic counterparts," says Dr. Kasey Aona, medical director and owner of GoodVets in Columbus, Ohio. "That said, though, there haven't been any studies to prove the nutritional benefits of feeding organic treats over non-organic ones in dogs."
Although there are fewer organic than conventional dog treats, the options are growing. To help you narrow down the best organic dog treats, we looked at dozens of brands and flavors and made our picks based on the criteria veterinarians shared.
The seven best healthy dog treats, according to a vet
Does your dog need treats?
Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so dog treats can be part of a balanced diet for your pup. Dog treats are especially helpful when you are training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog has food allergies, youll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, and dogs that are overweight or with certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.
Choosing healthy treats for your doggie
When your best friend learns a new trick or behaves really well at the dog park, its tempting to reach for the first treats you can find to praise them. But not all treats are a good reward for good behavior. Unfortunately, some treats may have questionable ingredients or high-calorie counts that can be detrimental to your pups health. To keep your pup healthy and following good nutrition, opt for healthy treats instead.
What to look for in healthy dog treats
If youre ready to start shopping for healthy dog treats for your best friend, there are several things to keep in mind. Take a close look at labels to evaluate the ingredients and calories, but also keep things like size and texture in mind.
Ingredients. One of the most important things to look for in healthy treats is the ingredients list. Stick to treats with an ingredients list of whole, natural foods. Many treats include healthy ingredients like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Our vets also recommend treats with fish or salmon, because omega-3 fatty acids can help with brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.
Brand. Some brands offer higher quality dog treats than others. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin. They all avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.
Calories. Generally, treats should be just that treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dogs daily calories, so read the label for the calorie amount per treat and stick to the correct portion sizes.
Texture. You want to choose treats that arent too hard, otherwise, they can pose a choking hazard. Hard treats are difficult for a dog to bite into, so they might only be able to bite them into large pieces, which are hard to swallow. Too-hard treats can also fracture your dogs teeth.
Size. Treats can be a choking hazard if they are too large or too small for your dog. Opt for small treats for puppies or small dogs. Large dogs may enjoy large treats, but also make sure to keep an eye out. Even large dogs can choke on treats that are too big.
Labels. Treats labeled as all-natural can be misleading, as the treats may still be highly processed.
If your dog is overweight or has dietary restrictions, youll need to scrutinize the treat labels very carefully.
Types of dog treats to avoid
There are many popular treats out there that arent good for any dogs. Here are some common treats to stay away from.
Rawhides. Rawhides are inexpensive treats with little nutritional value. Some rawhides are treated with toxins like formaldehyde and bleach. They also pose a huge choking risk as they break down into pieces over time. However, some rawhide-like products, such as Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz, are VOHC-approved and safe for consumption.
Animal bones. Sure, bones are all-natural but they can be covered in pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some people may suggest boiling the bones to sanitize them, but this process actually makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter. This is a choking hazard for dogs, and splinters and sharp pieces can puncture the intestines.
Jerky-type treats. Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of sick pets after consuming jerky pet treats. Learn more about their ongoing investigationTrusted SourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Government agency.Go to source and how theyre testing treats to determine why some jerky treats are making pets sick. While these cases are rare, we recommend avoiding jerky-type treats especially with so many other great options on the market.
Treats with additives. We like treats that dont contain lots of additives or artificial colors. Some additives, such as Red#3, used for coloring or preservatives have been linked to cancer in animalsTrusted SourcePubMed CentralArchive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.Go to source.
Toxic human food. While dogs may love chicken and sweet potatoes as we do, there are many foods that humans eat that are not suitable for dogs. While you treat yourself with chocolate, you cant do the same for your pup, because the chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures and increased heart rates in dogs. Instead, you can give your dog human food treats like some fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid grapes and items with seeds or pits), like watermelon, broccoli, green beans, bananas, or carrots.
Can you make DIY treats at home?
Its easy to make DIY dog treats at home, and you might be surprised to find your mouth watering as the smell of our favorite peanut butter and oatmeal cookies (yes, these really are for your pup!) fills your kitchen. Making treats at home means you can customize the ingredients based on your dogs dietary needs and flavor preferences. Try one of our tried-and-true all-natural pet treat recipes for your best friend.
The Best Organic Dog Treats2024 Review
Things to Look for in a Healthy, Natural and Organic Dog Treat
When searching for a healthy, natural, and organic dog treat, there are a few things you should consider:
Natural, High Quality Ingredients
Of course, youre going to want the ingredients to be natural and high-quality. Not all natural treats will state that theyre organic, but they should give information about which natural products they include. If a treat being organic specifically is vital for you, look for treats that clearly state they are certified organic.
Treats with fewer ingredients, which state that theyre 100% natural or have a natural first ingredient (such as real meat), are usually a good choice. If the description says that they include human-grade ingredients, this is an indicator of good quality.
Some products may also state that theyre free of preservatives and additives, making them higher in quality. If your dog has specific dietary needs, you can look for treats that cater to those needs (there are plenty that are grain-free, gluten-free, no-soy, etc).
Correct Texture for Your Dog
Some treats will be chewy and tough, perhaps with a rough texture, while others will be soft and easier to chew. Take your dogs life stage into account. For example, if theyre older, their mouths may be more sensitive, and they may have fewer teeth, so a softer treat will suit them better.
Correct Size for Your Dog
Its always important to choose a treat that is the right size for your dog. This ensures they can chew it comfortably and that its safe for them.
Fit for Purpose
Natural treats come in a range of types, sizes, and shapes, so youll need to consider the purpose of the treat. You might want something thats good for dental care, in which case you would choose a chew with a rough texture. Alternatively, you might want a treat thats good for training, so you would select a bite-sized treat.
Calorie Content
Like human food, dog food contains calories. You need to ensure you dont overfeed your dog, which can lead to weight gain and its associated health issues.
Its essential to check how many calories each treat contains, so you can adjust their diet accordingly (you may need to reduce their meals if they eat high-calorie treats). In general, treats should only make up around 10% of your dogs daily diet.
Why You Might Choose Healthy, Natural and Organic Dog Treats
Just like human food, dog food and treats can be good for your dog with high-quality ingredients, or they can be more like junk food. Treats that are made from natural or organic ingredients are much healthier for your dog.
Natural treats are:
- better for weight management
- good for your dogs immune system
- excellent for your pups skin and coat
- helpful in reducing the risk of allergies
- better for your dogs general health
- easier on your dogs tummy and digestive system
- better for your dogs dental health
- better quality for your beloved friend
General Treat Safety Advice
When youre feeding your dog any treat, especially if its the first time theyve tried it, its crucial to supervise them to prevent choking or injury. Choosing a treat with high-quality ingredients which is the right size for your dog also increases their safety.
Healthy, Natural and Organic Dog Treats FAQ
How many dog treats are too many?
The healthy number of treats to feed your dog will vary depending on your dogs breed, size, activity level, and the type of treats being fed. Its always a good idea to look at the packet for guidance if youre unsure. Overall, treats should only make up about 10% of your dogs daily calorie intake.
Are non-natural treats bad for your dog?
Non-natural treats arent terrible for your dog. Using our comparison from earlier, theyre like feeding your dog junk food. Natural treats are generally better quality and better for your dogs health.
Conclusion
Choosing healthy, natural, and organic treats is great for your dogs health while still being extremely tasty for your pup. Best of all, there are plenty of choices to suit all owners and dogs.
Best Dog Treats
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What are the Best Dog Treats on the Market?
All dogs deserve (and love) treats.
Theyre a wonderful way to reward good behavior and extremely helpful when it comes to training.
This is why we want to share The Dog Food Advisors favorite dog treats. Each month well be adding a selection we think your dog will love.
Are Dog Treats Healthy?
Now, we dont look at dog treats in the same way we look at dog food. There are several reasons why.
For one, dog treats arent regulated in the same way dog food is, so we cant analyze them against official guidelines.
Also, treats are not dog food theyre additional to and not part of a complete diet.
And finally, treats are treats! Sometimes you treat kids with carrots, sometimes with candy. Its the same with dogs. Some treats can be a little naughty in small doses.
That said, weve done our best to select treats that dont include any nasties.
We sincerely hope your pooch will be rolling over (and sitting and begging and shaking hands) with joy when they taste them.
Natural treats made with 100% humanely-raised bison lung, air-dried for extra flavor with no added preservatives or flavors.
West Paw - Air-Dried Bison Dog Treats
Stewart Healthy Gut dog treats are made with probiotics to support digestion and freeze-dried to retain nutrients. This chicken and vegetable recipe is also high in protein.
Stewart - Healthy Gut Dog Treats With Probiotics
Single ingredient chews which are a healthy alternative to rawhide, packed with protein and flavor, highly digestible, and perfect for dogs who love to chew.
Barkworthies - Belly Bark Green Tripe
100% natural whole fish, sustainably caught and made with zero additives. These treats are also full of omega-3 which helps to promote a healthy skin and coat.
Plato Pet Treats - Wild Caught Baltic Sprat
Formulated to give your dog a protein boost with 100% natural meat, these single-ingredient treats are made from USA-sourced, real duck. They contain zero grain, gluten, poultry by-products or fillers.
Merrick - Real duck sausage cuts
To create these crispy, nutritious skins, Alaskan cod is lightly cooked and dehydrated at low temperatures to retain its flavor. They're low in carbs, high in protein, and made without corn, wheat, or soy.
Open Farm - Dehydrated cod skins
If your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach, this plant based jerky could be a good option. It's easy to digest and has limited, nutritious ingredients such as blueberries and sweet potato.
CLIF PET - Plant based jerky
The three main ingredients in this recipe are beef, liver, and pumpkin, so these treats are high in protein and fiber. Plus, the freeze-drying process helps to lock in nutrients and taste.
Acana - Freeze-dried dog treats
These treats have a unique grilled bison flavor to keep your dog interested and are bite-sized which makes them ideal for training time.
Fruitables - Skinny minis
Wild salmon is the number one ingredient of these treats, which are freeze-dried to retain nutrients and flavor. They're also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Stewart - Wild salmon freeze-dried dog treats
These low calorie, natural treats from Jinx are ideal for fussy eaters. The number one ingredient, slow-smoked chicken, is high in protein, while the sweet potato is a great source of fiber.
Jinx - Chicken and sweet potato tenders
Made from 100% pork skins, with minimal processing and artificial ingredients, Pawstruck pork chews are a safer alternative to rawhide.
Pawstruck - Pork skin twists
Your puppy will be lovin these innovative teething rings, which double as a treat and dental chew. They contain zero rawhide or grain, are highly digestible, and can help to satisfy your pups need to chew.
Good Lovin' - Pumpkin-flavored teething rings
Pure Bites contain a single ingredient 100% Pure USA Sourced & Made Beef Liver. Theyre high in protein and are freeze-dried raw to lock in their meaty flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Pure Bites - Freeze-dried beef liver
Slow baked with real beef bone broth, these treats are high in protein and full of flavor. Theres nothing artificial in the recipe just pumpkin and parsley for added vitamins, and sweet potatoes for extra fiber.
The Honest Kitchen - Bone broth bites
Simply 100% turkey with no added ingredients, fillers, or flavors. Plus, Sojos freeze drying process ensures that all vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found within raw meat are retained.
Sojos Dog Treats
Simply Turkey
Beary tasty treats which are under 3 calories per treat and ideal for training. The grain-free recipe contains real chicken for protein plus pumpkin and apples which are high in antioxidants.
Charlee Bear
Grain-free Crunch (Chicken, pumpkin & apple flavor)
These human-grade cheesy puffs were formulated to support muscle development, containing a whopping 75% protein. Theyre still under one calorie per treat though, so theyre also ideal for pups on a low fat diet.
Whats not to love about these nutritious treats? Not only are they free of nasties and high in protein, but they also contain prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and L-Carnitine which helps cognitive function.
Annamaet
Grain-Free Aqualuk Cold Water Formula Dog Treats
A protein-rich treat made with real salmon, to help keep your dogs coat healthy, and pumpkin which is a natural source of antioxidants.
Jinx
Salmon and pumpkin jerky
Just sweet potato slices. No artificial nasties, minimal processing, and one ingredient. These are a great option for dogs with sensitivities or a meat-free diet.
Ollie
Just Sweet Potato Slices
30% off selected treats and chews with code DFATREATYour dog will love getting their chops around these all-natural, grain-free treats with one single ingredient slow roasted beef lung. Theyre high in protein, low in fat, and contain zero rawhide or artificial preservatives.
30% off selected treats and chews with code DFATREATThese treats are a great all-rounder supporting digestion, a healthy coat, dental health, and mobility. The all-natural recipe is high in protein and includes glucosamine and chondroitin which can help ease joint pain.
Pawstruck
Collagen Sticks
Theres nothing ruff or artificial about these treats, just real fruit wrapped in chicken breast filet which packs a sweet, meaty flavor. The apples, kiwi, and bananas provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins while the chicken is high in protein and low in fat.
Ruffin It Healthfuls
Chicken & Fruit Wraps
Theres only 4 natural ingredients in this jerky which are slow-cooked for extra flavor, and of course, its high in protein. The chicken comes from cage-free, family farms in the USA and has been inspected by the USDA.
30% off w/code DFATREATThese low-fat, natural treats are high in protein and have a delicious smoky flavor. Theyre also highly digestible and support joint health.
Redbarn
Bully Slims Dog Treats
If your dog is fed up with dry snacks, try this unique, frozen yogurt ice cream. Its enriched with collagen and turmeric to promote healthy hips and joints, plus its all-natural and has a delicious pineapple and coconut flavor.
Not only will you be caring for your dog, youll also be helping dogs in animal shelters with each purchase from Rileys Organic. The recipe, and ethos, of these treats will leave you feeling guilt-free while your pooch tucks into a natural and healthy snack.
Rileys Organic
Peanut Butter & Molasses Recipe
The real smoked salmon in these treats provides omega-3 fatty acids for your pups skin and coat health, while the sweet potato is a great source of fiber. Just two natural, nutritious ingredients thats it.
These treats are a real catch. The number one ingredient is high-quality trout which is packed with protein and nutrients. The limited ingredient recipe also includes pumpkin to support healthy digestion.
Zignature
Trout Formula Ziggy Bars
Snooks has kept things simple with these treats. Sweet potato is the only ingredient in this natural and hypoallergenic recipe. Plus, everything is made in the USA.
Snooks
Sweet Potato Biscuits
These little balls of USDA organic, gluten-free goodness are crafted to support your dogs digestion and skin. The superfood ingredients include coconut, oats, dates, brown rice syrup, and peanut butter.
Lord Jameson
Coco Crush Dog Treats
Theres nothing fishy about these dog treats apart from their taste of course. Ocean Chews have just one ingredient which makes for a high-protein, omega-dense snack that your pooch will love.
The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews
Crispy Cod Fish Skins
High protein, single-ingredient treats made with 100% free-range chicken breast. This jerky is ideal for dogs who love to chew and pups with sensitivities, as the recipe is free of artificial nasties and gluten, soy, or dairy.
Spice up your dogs breakfast with these sausage, egg, and cheese treats. Theyre baked with real pork to get that satisfying crunch, so your dog wont be able to resist.
American Journey
Grain-Free Oven Baked Dog Treats
These wholesome treats are made with real duck and premium ingredients. The natural recipe contains no poultry or by-product meals, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
Duck Recipe
These vegan treats are perfect for sensitive stomachs, thanks to ingredients which are 100% plant-based and human-grade. They pack a tasty sausage-flavored punch though.
Whole Life Green Planet Treats
These soft and chewy bites are free from gluten, soy, wheat and artificial flavors or colorings. They also contain real Serrano ham as the number one ingredient.
American Kennel Club
Lil Champ Training Treats
Your dog will love these elk and venison tidbits which contain 96% meat and 41% crude protein. Theyre also low-calorie and contain no GMOs.
HOLI Freeze-Dried
Elk & Venison Treats
These baked treats contain nutritious superfoods and no artificial colors or flavors. The recipe is made with zero wheat, corn, or soy and each treat is under eight calories.
Fruitables
Pumpkin & Blueberry Flavor
Include your pooch in the celebrations with Confetti Cake treats. Made with 100% organic and vegan ingredients including spinach, coconut, turmeric, and peanut butter. Theyre also certified gluten-free.
Lord Jameson
Confetti Cake
V-Dog has crafted these plant-based dog treats using organic ingredients. Made in the USA, the blueberry treats are ideal for dogs with sensitivities thanks to the nutritionally dense buckwheat flour.
V-Dog Wiggle Biscuits
Blueberry
Luau Time treats might contain exotic ingredients such as pineapple but the recipe is actually sourced and made in the USA. You wont find any artificial nasties either just low-calorie, oven-baked goodness with extra fiber and Omega 3.
Einstein Pets Luau Time
Cleverly Crafted Dog Treats
The number one ingredient in these natural treats is real, deboned beef. Theyre grain-free, high in protein and the omega fatty acids are great for promoting skin and coat health.
These flavorsome chunks of slow-cooked chicken are the perfect reward for your pooch. Theyre high in protein and low in calories but still super tasty!
Jerky isnt just for humans, although these yummy treats are actually human-grade. With just two simple ingredients and no nasties, theyre the perfect reward for your best friend.
Ollie
Beef & Sweet Potato Jerky Strips
We bet you cant spot any fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors in these healthy snacks. Spot Farms use antibiotic-free turkey for this holistic recipe which uses ingredients sourced from Indiana.
Spot Farms
Turkey Meatball Recipe with Cranberries Dog Treats
Bubba Gump loved shrimp, but Bubba Rose know that dogs love cheese! These organic, vegetarian treats are made with two types of the good stuff parmesan and cheddar without any of the bad stuff.
Bubba Rose Biscuit Co.
I Heart Cheese Dog Treats
Your furry friend deserves the very best so Remys Kitchen has packed these treats with essential nutrients and antioxidants such as omega-3 fatty acids. Theyre also free of grain and gluten.
Remys Kitchen
Salmon + Cranberry Blend Superfood Snacks Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
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