Are you looking for the best natural treats for dogs? At Mersey Raw, we believe that treat time should be just as healthy as mealtime. We’ve seen how feeding a species-appropriate diet can potentially benefit dogs, and natural treats are no different! If you’re looking for the best natural dog treats for dogs, continue reading.
Why Are Natural Dog Treats Better for Dogs?
So, why are natural treats better for dogs?
- Species-appropriate
- Easier digestion
- Healthier
- No nasty ingredients
- Nutritious
- Improves dental health
- Minimally processed
Unlike most dog treats on the market today, natural treats are typically made with a single ingredient, offering a healthier alternative to many commercial treats that are often packed with additives and contain a minimal amount of real meat.
How to Choose Good Treats for Dogs
Choosing good treats for dogs isn't as difficult as you think! When it comes to shopping for the best treats for dogs, there are a few things to consider.
Ingredients
The best treats for dogs will contain natural, non-harmful ingredients. Many popular dog treats might look healthy, but they can be far from it. It’s no secret that many popular dog treats contain cereals and artificial additives, providing little benefit to your dog. We recommend you look out for recognisable, healthy ingredients to feed your dog the best treats.
Nutrition
While your dog's regular meals should provide the most nutrition, it’s important to think about the nutritional value of the treats you choose for your dog. Natural treats for dogs offer potential benefits that those packed with fillers and other nasties can’t.
Suitability
Dog treats come in all shapes, sizes, and flavours. It’s important to consider the suitability of particular treats for your dog, especially if they have specific dietary requirements. In terms of safety, treats of a certain size are best suited to certain dogs.
Top 10 Best Natural Dog Treats in the UK
So, what are the best natural treats for dogs? Let’s find out!
1 - Dried Sprats
Does your dog prefer fishy dog treats? We’ve got you covered! Dried sprats are packed with omega-3 to potentially benefit your pup's skin and coat. Sprats are typically dried whole, meaning they can be fed exactly how they are as a single treat or tasty addition at mealtime.
2 - Dried Chicken Feet
Looking for low-fat dog treats? Dried chicken feet are one of the best natural treats for dogs, especially smaller breeds. Like many natural treats for dogs, dried chicken feet are easily digestible and act as a great natural toothbrush to keep your dogs' teeth clean.
3 - Dried Meat Strips
Dried meat strips consist of 100% natural, dried meat. Dried chicken, rabbit, lamb, and beef strips are most popular, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from if your dog has an intolerance to a particular protein.
4 - Raw Bones
Raw bones make some of the healthiest dog treats, providing nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to potentially benefit your dog. Additionally, feeding raw bones keeps your dog mentally stimulated, which keeps them happy and fights off boredom!
5 - Pig Ears
Dried pig ears are protein-rich, high in cartilage, and extra tasty, providing the perfect treat to keep your dog occupied for long periods.
6 - Beef Trachea
Beef trachea is the windpipe from a cow. It’s a single-ingredient, all-natural treat that has small ridges for your dog to chew on, benefiting their digestive system and dental hygiene. While beef trachea is most common, alternatives from different animal sources are available, such as lamb trachea.
7 - Dried Tripe Sticks
Dried tripe treats are made from the stomach of an animal (typically cows). It offers many potential advantages for dogs, packed with healthy nutrients and fatty acids to promote overall health.
8 - Rabbit Ears
Rabbit ears are either sold as dried products or with fur. Both options are suitable, making healthy snacks for dogs! Similar to chicken feet, tasty rabbit ears can naturally clean your dog's teeth while satisfying their instincts to chew.
9 - Bone Broth
Bone broth can either be given alone or as a meal topper for added hydration. Unlike regular bone broth for human consumption, bone broth for dogs is made free from any harmful ingredients, such as salt, garlic, and onions.
10 - Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables can be given to dogs as a tasty natural treat. However, it’s important to make sure the type of fruit and vegetables you feed is 100% safe for dogs. While certain fruits, like bananas, are considered safe for dogs, many are toxic, like grapes.
The Best Natural Dog Chews to Last
Although we know some of the best natural treats for dogs to consider, many pet owners rely on long-lasting, natural dog chews to keep their dogs occupied for longer. But like what?
Deer Antlers
Deer antlers are the ultimate dog treat, making the perfect long-lasting chew to keep your dog stimulated and healthy.
Raw Bones
Gnawing on raw bones is natural for dogs! Feeding raw bones offers many advantages to our furry friends, from benefiting their health to allowing them to enjoy their natural behaviours and stay mentally stimulated. Raw lamb bones are safe and popular for dogs - they can also be fed to puppies at around 6 months old.
Trachea
As mentioned, tracheas are long-lasting when chewed, making them a top choice when it comes to finding the best natural chews for dogs.
Fruit and Veg Safe for Dogs
Dogs can eat tasty fruit and vegetables as a natural treat alongside a balanced diet as long as they’re safe for canine consumption. If you're new to introducing fruit and vegetables to your dog as a natural treat, don't worry! Here’s what to know when you feed fruit or vegetables to your dog.
| Safe | Toxic |
|---|---|
| Bananas | Onions |
| Apples | Garlic |
| Strawberries | Mushrooms |
| Raspberries | Cherries |
| Blueberries | Avocado |
| Watermelon | Tomatoes |
| Broccoli | Chives |
| Carrots | Grapes |
Please note: These are just a few examples of safe and toxic fruits and vegetables to feed your dog. For professional guidance when it comes to incorporating fruit or vegetables into your dog's diet, we advise consulting with a vet.
What Are the Best Natural Dog Treats for Puppies?
The best treats for puppies should be suitable for their age and size, and it’s recommended to wait until your puppy is 12 weeks old before introducing treats. Common natural treats for puppies include:
- Dried chicken feet
- Dried rabbit ears
- Sprats
- Bone broth
- Fruit and vegetables (in small amounts)
As discussed, it’s advisable to seek assistance on what natural treats are best for your dog or puppy by consulting with a vet.
Dog Treats to Avoid
So, we know some of the best natural treats for dogs, but what should you avoid? When it comes to shopping for dog treats, we recommend staying clear of:
Poor Ingredients
Many treats for dogs are made using low-quality ingredients that offer little to no nutritional value. While it may seem easier to grab a pack of treats from the shelf at your local supermarket, they may contain some unhealthy ingredients, such as poor meat byproducts, cereals, and other various fillers.
Artificial Additives and Preservatives
Most natural dog treats are free from harmful ingredients, such as artificial additives and preservatives. However, that’s not always the case with some packaged treats we see on the shelves today. Treats that are made using artificial ingredients could be potentially harmful, and we advise staying clear.
Rawhide
Rawhide is typically made from the inner layer of cowhides. While it remains popular in some pet stores, that doesn’t mean it’s completely safe to give to your dog. Rawhide isn’t as digestible as other treat alternatives on the market, meaning it’s potentially dangerous. In turn, it poses the possible risk of choking or blockage.
The Best Natural Treats at Mersey Raw
At Mersey Raw, we offer tasty natural treats for dogs across the UK. Our all-natural treats are nutritious, healthy, and species-appropriate. We believe that natural treats benefit dogs, promoting cleaner teeth, healthier skin, and improved digestion. We understand that each dog is different, which is why we offer such a varied selection of treats to suit all preferences and dietary requirements.
Shop our full range of 100% natural treats for dogs today! If you’re unsure what treats are most suitable for your dog, please get in touch.