Ever look at the long ingredient list on your dog’s favorite biscuit and wonder what you’re actually feeding them? Many commercial dog treats are packed with artificial colors, strange preservatives, and fillers that don’t offer much real nutrition. Our furry best friends deserve better than mystery ingredients!
Choosing healthy snacks can feel overwhelming. You want something tasty your dog will love, but you also worry about hidden sugars or ingredients that might upset their sensitive stomachs. It’s frustrating when you try to do the right thing but get lost in confusing labels and marketing hype. You want simple, trustworthy options that support their long-term health.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what makes a dog treat truly “natural” and how to spot the best, healthiest choices on the shelf—or even how to make them yourself! Get ready to upgrade snack time safely and confidently.
Top Natural Dog Treats Recommendations
No. 1
Greenies Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Dog Treats Regular Size, Dog Dental Chews, Original Flavor, 36 oz. Pack, 36 Count
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies regular size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for dogs (25 - 50 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
No. 2
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Beef Liver, Single Ingredient | Premium Quality | Grain Free Training Treats for Dogs, 2.1 oz Bag
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
No. 3
Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub, ~475 Pieces, Freeze Dried Raw, 50% Protein, Single Ingredient Training Treats or Meal Topper, Grain Free, Gluten Free
- Includes One 21 oz Resealable Tub: Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver irresistible dog treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or enhancing your dog’s meals with high-protein, single-ingredient nutrition with up to 475 treats per tub for a 3 month supply
- The Original Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Since 1973: Our treats are made in the USA with trusted ingredients; Freeze dried in small batches in our Dayton, Ohio facility using USDA-certified beef liver sourced from reputable US suppliers
- Professional Trainer-Preferred: Our freeze-dried treats have been trusted by professional trainers for decades and were recognized by CNN Underscored as a top dog treat in December 2024
- Single Ingredient and Versatile: Made with 100 percent beef liver, these natural dog treats are grain free, gluten free, soy free, and corn free; great for training, food toppers, or dogs with food sensitivities to add variety and raw nutrition
- Raw Nutrition Without the Mess: We gently freeze dry raw beef liver to lock in nutrients and flavor, then package it in a resealable tub to keep treats fresh and tasty; Cats love these and they are safe as a healthy cat treat for your feline friends
No. 4
Greenies Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Dog Treats Teenie Size, Dog Dental Chews, Original Flavor, 36 oz. Pack, 130 Count
- Greenies Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental dog chews that clean teeth and freshen dog breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teenie size dogs teeth cleaning treats into your daily dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: These Greenies dental treats for dogs offer clinically proven dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend's oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for small breed dogs (5-15 lbs.), Greenies dental treat for dogs have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
No. 5
Blue Buffalo Nudges Jerky Cuts Natural Dog Treats Chicken
- NEW TO BLUE: Nudges are now part of the Blue Buffalo family; same great taste and healthy ingredients, now backed by the True BLUE Promise
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Nudges Jerky Cuts are made with real chicken as the first ingredient for a mouthwatering taste
- TAIL-WAGGING TEXTURE: Oven-dried and easy to tear into smaller pieces, these tender dog treats are perfect for every buddy
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods and treats are formulated with the finest natural ingredients, with no chicken by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives
- PACKAGING MAY VARY: Contains One (1) 36oz bag of BLUE Nudges Jerky Chews Natural Dog Treats, Chicken
No. 6
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked with Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the aromas of oven-baked pumpkin, cinnamon, and yogurt, this treat delivers the warm, inviting scent of homemade pumpkin pie
- MADE with PUMPKIN: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, pumpkin, and cinnamon, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
No. 7
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein, Satisfies Dog's Urge to Chew
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
No. 8
Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1)
- HUMAN-GRADE: If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it? From the ingredients they’re made with to the kitchens they’re made in, our treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption
- ALL NATURAL: Our kitchen-crafted Essential Beef Savory Sticks are made from quality, 100% all natural ingredients and free range beef raised on family farms; Tear open a bag for lots of doggy kisses!
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Truth is our first ingredient; We carefully cook our natural Essential Beef Savory Sticks in small batches using honest ingredients like free range beef, cassava root, ground celery, and rosemary extract—never any by-products or waste
- NO GLYCERIN, GRAINS, CORN, WHEAT OR SOY: Our all natural treats are made from wholesome, healthy recipes; Every bite is free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and chock full of real meat flavor
- U.S-GROWN BEEF: Full Moon treats are proudly made in the United States using regionally sourced ingredients, including USDA approved free range beef
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Natural Dog Treats
Finding the right treats for your dog is important. Natural dog treats offer a healthier option compared to many store-bought snacks. This guide helps you pick the best ones for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
Good natural treats share a few important traits. These features tell you the treat is high quality.
1. Simple Ingredient Lists
- Look for treats with few ingredients. If you can read and understand all the ingredients, that’s a good sign.
- The first few ingredients should be whole foods, like real meat, vegetables, or fruits.
2. No Artificial Additives
- Avoid treats containing artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT).
- Natural preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E), are much better choices.
3. Protein Source Clarity
- The label should clearly state where the protein comes from (e.g., “dehydrated chicken breast” instead of just “meat by-products”).
- Single-ingredient treats are often the safest bet for dogs with sensitivities.
Important Materials in Natural Treats
The materials used directly impact how healthy the treat is for your dog.
Top-Tier Ingredients
- Real Meat/Fish: Chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey should be the main ingredient. These provide essential amino acids.
- Whole Grains/Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potato, oats, brown rice, or pumpkin offer fiber and vitamins.
- Healthy Fats: Ingredients containing Omega-3s, like flaxseed or fish oil, support skin and coat health.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are often used to bulk up treats but offer little nutritional value for many dogs.
- Sugar/Sweeteners: High amounts of added sugars or molasses are unnecessary.
- By-Products: These are low-quality parts of animals and should generally not be the main ingredient.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How a treat is made greatly affects its nutritional value.
Quality Boosters (Improves Quality)
- Slow Baking or Dehydration: These methods preserve more nutrients in the ingredients compared to high-heat baking.
- Human-Grade Ingredients: When ingredients meet the same standards as food for people, the quality is usually higher.
- Source Transparency: Companies that share where they source their meat or produce often use better materials.
Quality Reducers (Reduces Quality)
- Excessive Processing: Over-processing can strip away natural vitamins.
- Unknown Sourcing: If the origin of the ingredients is vague, the quality might be lower.
- High Moisture Content: Treats that stay too moist can spoil quickly or require stronger preservatives.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider how you plan to use the treats. This helps you choose the right size and texture.
Training Rewards
- For quick rewards during training sessions, choose small, soft, and easily breakable treats. Your dog should eat them fast and return focus quickly.
- These treats should have a high palatability (dogs love the taste!).
Long-Lasting Chews
- For satisfying chewing during quiet time, select tougher, denser options like dried trachea or jerky strips.
- These provide mental stimulation and help keep teeth clean.
Addressing Dietary Needs
- If your dog has allergies, select single-protein treats (like 100% salmon jerky) or grain-free options. Always check for cross-contamination warnings on the label.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Treats
Q: What makes a treat “natural”?
A: A natural treat primarily uses ingredients derived from nature, without artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives added during manufacturing.
Q: Are natural treats always healthier than regular treats?
A: Generally, yes. They usually contain fewer empty fillers and more actual nutritional value from whole food sources.
Q: How should I store natural dog treats?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. If the bag doesn’t reseal well, transfer them to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Q: Can my dog eat too many natural treats?
A: Yes. Treats, even healthy ones, should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Too many treats can lead to weight gain.
Q: What is the difference between “organic” and “natural”?
A: “Natural” means few artificial additives. “Organic” means the ingredients were grown without prohibited pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, following specific farming standards.
Q: Are grain-free treats better for all dogs?
A: Grain-free is best for dogs with diagnosed grain allergies. For most dogs, whole grains like oats are fine and offer good fiber. It depends on your dog’s specific diet.
Q: How long do natural treats usually last?
A: Most commercially dried natural treats last several months unopened. Once opened, check the bag, but usually aim to finish them within 4–6 weeks for peak freshness.
Q: What should I do if my dog gets an upset stomach from a new treat?
A: Stop giving the treat immediately. Introduce new treats very slowly, perhaps giving just a tiny piece for a few days before offering a full serving.
Q: Are freeze-dried meats good quality treats?
A: Yes, freeze-dried treats are excellent. This process removes water while keeping most of the original vitamins and protein intact.
Q: Should I worry about where the meat is sourced?
A: Yes, you should. Treats sourced from countries with strict food safety regulations often provide higher confidence in ingredient quality and handling practices.