Why I Switched to Natural Dog Treats (And Why It Matters)

My Wake-Up Call: Dolly the Cavapoo

I became a dog mum in 2016 when I brought home Dolly, a sweet Cavapoo with a sensitive stomach. While I was careful with her main meals, I didn’t think twice about the treats I gave her. But over time, I noticed she had digestive issues, low energy, and inconsistent appetite. That’s when I started looking into what was actually in those “fun” treats.

What’s Really in Many Commercial Dog Treats?

Many popular treats on supermarket shelves contain ingredients that are far from healthy. Here are just a few red flags:

• Artificial preservatives and colours: Including glycerine, salt, BHA, and BHT
• Cheap fillers: Such as corn, wheat, soy, and even added sugar
• Unclear meat sources: Often labelled as “meat derivatives” or “animal by-products”

Once I started reading labels, I realised I was feeding my dog ingredients I wouldn’t touch myself. That realisation changed everything.

What Are Natural Dog Treats?

Natural dog treats are exactly what they sound like: simple, wholesome ingredients that support your dog’s health without the junk. Here’s what I look for in a truly natural treat:

• Single or limited ingredient recipes
• No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or colours
• High in protein, low in fillers
• Air-dried or gently dehydrated to retain nutrients

Great examples include pizzles, fish skins, chicken feet, beef lung, and rabbit ears — real food dogs are biologically suited to digest.

What Happened When I Switched?

The difference was immediate. Dolly’s digestion improved, her coat became shinier, and her energy levels became more consistent. Most importantly, she loved them. Natural treats smell and taste like real food, and dogs know the difference.

Is “Natural” Just a Trend?

With the rising popularity of natural treats, the market has become saturated — and not always in a good way. Discount retailers like B&M or Home Bargains now sell many “natural” products, but take a closer look:

• If it’s incredibly cheap
• If it includes salt, glycerine, or artificial additives
• If the product is made in China and repackaged in the UK

Then it’s probably not as natural as the label suggests. Always read the ingredients and look for where the treat is made. Transparency is key.

Why It Matters for Training and Enrichment

If you’re training your dog, you’re probably using a lot of treats each day. That means the quality of those treats makes a real impact. Poor-quality treats can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, or even behavioural problems.

I still use softer training treats when needed — but I choose natural ones, made without junk ingredients such as our Little Trainers Just Meat.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect — Just Aware

I’m not here to guilt-trip you into throwing out every treat in your cupboard. But awareness is powerful. Once you start reading labels and noticing how your dog reacts to different foods, you’ll start to make better choices without even thinking.

From Passion to Purpose: Starting My Business

My switch to natural treats didn’t just improve Dolly’s health — it sparked something in me. I started researching more, sourcing better treats, and eventually created my own small business to help other dog owners do the same. Every product I stock is something I’d confidently give to my own dogs.

Thinking of Making the Switch?

If you’re considering switching to natural treats, start small. Pick one or two options with simple ingredients, and see how your dog reacts. Look for high-value treats made with real meat or fish, sourced from trusted suppliers.

Natural treats aren’t just about being trendy. They’re about giving your dog the same respect and care you give yourself — through real, nourishing food that supports their health and wellbeing.

If you’ve been thinking about trying them, now is the perfect time to start.

Have a question about treats? Want to know what works best for your dog? Drop a comment below — I’d love to help. And don’t forget to check out my handpicked natural dog treat range — carefully curated for real results, and real dogs.