If you’re a dog owner in Australia, choosing the right treats for your dog can be overwhelming. With so many options available in pet stores and online, it’s important to understand what makes a dog treat truly healthy and natural.
In this guide, we’ll explain what natural dog treats are, why they are better for your dog, and how to choose the best treats for your furry friend.
What Are Natural Dog Treats?
Natural dog treats are made with simple, high-quality ingredients and contain little to no artificial additives. Unlike many commercial dog treats, natural treats avoid:
• Artificial preservatives
• Artificial flavours
• Artificial colours
• Excessive fillers
Most high-quality natural treats are made from real meat, vegetables, or single-ingredient proteins.
For example, air-dried or dehydrated treats made from 100% chicken breast or venison are considered some of the healthiest options.
Why Natural Dog Treats Are Better
1. Better Nutrition
Natural treats provide dogs with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Protein-rich treats like chicken or venison jerky support muscle health and energy levels.
2. Easier to Digest
Dogs digest simple ingredients much better than highly processed treats.
Treats made with single ingredients are especially good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
3. No Unnecessary Additives
Many commercial treats contain additives that provide little nutritional value.
Natural dog treats avoid unnecessary ingredients and focus on clean, simple nutrition.
Popular Natural Dog Treats
Here are some of the most popular natural treats for dogs in Australia.
Chicken Treats
Chicken treats are one of the most common and loved options.
Benefits:
• High in protein
• Easy to digest
• Great for training
Air-dried chicken breast treats are especially popular because they contain only one ingredient.
Venison Treats
Venison is considered a novel protein, which means many dogs have not been exposed to it before.
Benefits:
• Lower allergy risk
• Lean protein
• Highly nutritious
Venison jerky is a great option for dogs with food sensitivities.
Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a natural ingredient that supports digestion.
Benefits:
• Rich in fibre
• Helps gut health
• Supports regular digestion
Pumpkin combined with protein like chicken makes a balanced treat.
How to Choose Healthy Dog Treats
When choosing dog treats, look for these qualities:
Simple Ingredients
The best treats usually contain one or very few ingredients.
For example:
• 100% chicken breast
• 100% venison
• Chicken and pumpkin
Minimal Processing
Air-dried or dehydrated treats preserve nutrients while removing moisture.
This method keeps the treat nutritious and flavourful.
No Artificial Additives
Avoid treats that contain:
• Artificial preservatives
• Added sugar
• Artificial colouring
Natural treats should focus on real food ingredients.
How Many Treats Should Dogs Eat?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
As a general guideline:
Small dogs
→ 1–3 treats per day
Medium dogs
→ 2–5 treats per day
Large dogs
→ 4–7 treats per day
Always adjust depending on your dog’s size and activity level.
Final Thoughts
Choosing natural dog treats is one of the best ways to support your dog’s health and happiness.
Look for treats made with simple ingredients, high-quality protein, and minimal processing.
Natural treats such as air-dried chicken, venison jerky, and pumpkin treats provide both great taste and nutritional benefits for your dog.
When in doubt, always choose treats made from real ingredients you can recognise.
Your dog will thank you for it.
Bonus Tip for Australian Dog Owners
If you’re looking for natural dog treats in Australia, try to choose brands that use:
• Small-batch production
• Simple ingredients
• Air-drying or dehydration methods
These treats are closer to real food and better suited for your dog’s health.