Dog owners have been paying more attention to what goes into their pets’ food, and that’s sparked a big shift: the rise of natural dog treats. Ours are selling like hot cakes!
Natural dog treats are typically made with minimal processing and contain no artificial additives, colourings, or preservatives. Instead, they use whole-food ingredients like meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables. You’re more likely to see words like “beef trachea”, “duck neck”, or “sweet potato chews” on the label—rather than unpronounceable chemicals.
They often come air-dried, baked, or freeze-dried to preserve nutrients without the need for synthetic preservatives.
Why are they healthier?
Fewer Nasties
Unlike many mass-produced treats, natural options don’t contain added sugars, artificial flavours, or colourants that can lead to long-term health issues. This means fewer allergens and a lower risk of digestive upset.
Easier on the Tummy
Dogs, like humans, can be sensitive to certain additives. Natural treats are gentle on digestion and are often better suited to pups with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Better for Dental Health
Many natural treats—like beef tendons, antlers, or dried fish skins—encourage chewing. This helps clean your dog’s teeth and strengthens their jaw while keeping them mentally stimulated.
Nutrient-Rich
Because they use whole ingredients, natural treats often retain more of their original nutritional value—offering essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
At Hildreth’s Pet Shop we sell every kind of treat because we understand that dogs (and their owners) all like different things. But there seems to be a growing bag of evidence that suggests switching to a more natural dog treat is one simple change that can have a big impact on your dog’s health and wellbeing. And as more UK dog owners embrace natural options, the market is responding with more variety, better quality, and increasing affordability.
So next time you’re stocking up on treats, take a look at the label. If it’s something you wouldn’t eat, maybe your dog shouldn’t either. Meantime, our Natural Treat Bar is fully stocked if your dog fancies something tasty to snack on!
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