Natural dog treats and healthy cat treats are made from simple, recognisable ingredients such as meat or fish. Single-ingredient and freeze-dried treats without unnecessary fillers, artificial colours or added sugar are good options, provided they suit your pet’s species, size, age and dietary needs.
The best natural treats complement a complete and balanced diet, not replace it, no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes or dramatic cat demands may be.
What Makes a Pet Treat Healthy?
A healthy pet treat should provide nutritional value, have a transparent ingredient list and be appropriate for your dog or cat.
When choosing natural treats, look for:
- A short, easy-to-understand ingredient list
- Real meat, fish or pet-safe plant ingredients
- No artificial colours or flavours
- No added sugar or excessive salt
- An appropriate size and texture
- Clear feeding and storage instructions
Note, “natural” does not automatically mean healthy. Always read the entire ingredient list rather than relying on the claims on the front of the packet.
Dogs and cats with allergies, sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis or other health conditions may need treats selected with guidance from their veterinarian.
What Are the Best Natural Dog Treats?
The best natural dog treats include single-ingredient proteins, freeze-dried treats and small portions of dog-safe fruit and vegetables.
Single ingredient treats
Single-ingredient treats contain exactly what they say on the packet, nothing unexpected hiding in the fine print.
Chicken breast, turkey, kangaroo, sardines, salmon, chicken hearts and green-lipped mussels can provide protein and naturally occurring nutrients. A simple ingredient list may also make it easier to avoid certain proteins when managing a known food sensitivity.
Freeze-dried treats
Freeze-drying removes moisture while retaining the ingredient’s natural flavour and nutritional qualities. It creates a lightweight, convenient treat without requiring fillers to hold everything together.
PetWell’s freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats are made using 100% human-grade ingredients, with no artificial colours, flavours or fillers. They can be served whole, broken into training-sized pieces or crumbled over meals.
Dog-safe fruit and vegetables
Dogs may enjoy small portions of carrot, cucumber, capsicum, blueberries, plain pumpkin or apple flesh with the core and seeds removed.
Introduce new foods gradually and serve them plain. Grapes, raisins, sultanas, onions, chocolate and products containing xylitol are toxic to dogs. Here is a list of toxic foods for dogs
Most commercial treats found in stores are highly processed and offer very little to no nutritional value.
What Natural Treats Are Best for Cats?
The best natural cat treats are primarily meat- or fish-based because cats are obligate carnivores. This means they cannot use plant-based ingredients in the same way dogs can.
Single-ingredient chicken, turkey, sardines, salmon or chicken hearts can be suitable choices, provided the treat is appropriately sized and served in moderation.
Although cats may eat small amounts of certain vegetables, these should not be the focus of their treats. Cats need a complete and balanced feline diet containing nutrients such as taurine; treats cannot provide all their daily nutritional needs.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat the Same Treats?
Dogs and cats can share some natural treats when the ingredients are safe for both species. Single ingredient meat and fish treats are generally the simplest crossover options.
However, portion sizes must be adjusted. Cats and smaller dogs require much smaller pieces, and individual allergies or health conditions must always be considered.
Are Functional Treats Healthy?
Functional treats combine a tasty reward with ingredients selected to support a particular area of wellbeing, such as calm behaviour, digestion, mobility or skin and coat health.
PetWell’s functional treats for dogs and cats combine freeze-dried protein with our natural supplement blends:
- CALM + TURKEY for nervous or unsettled pets
- DIGEST + KANGAROO for gut and digestive support
- MOBILITY + BEEF for joints and mobility
-
RELIEF + VENISON for skin, coat and immune support
Read more about Functional Treats for Dogs & Cats
In Summary
Choosing natural treats is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s long-term health. With so many wholesome options available, you can provide nutritious rewards without compromising on taste or quality. If you’re ready to give your pup the best, explore PetWell’s premium natural dog treats and make the switch to healthier, happier snacking today!
The Science Behind It
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
Commercial treats study
9 Impressive Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Blueberries - reduction in brain ageing
Protective Role of Dietary Berries in Cancer
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
