There’s nothing quite like the excitement of handing your dog a tasty chew and watching them settle down to enjoy it.
Natural dog treats can be a great addition to your dog's routine, whether you're looking for a tasty reward, something to keep them occupied or simply a different treat to add some variety.
But with so many different types of natural chews available, how do you know which one is right for your dog?
From crunchy chicken feet and sprats to rabbit ears and longer-lasting chews, this guide will help you understand the different options and choose treats that suit your dog's individual needs.
What are natural dog treats?
Natural dog treats are generally made from animal-based ingredients with minimal processing and fewer unnecessary additives than some highly processed treats.
They come in all sorts of shapes, textures and sizes, meaning there's plenty of choice depending on what your dog enjoys.
Natural treats can be used for:
- Training and rewarding good behaviour
- Adding variety to your dog's diet
- Providing a satisfying chew
- Keeping dogs occupied
- Enrichment and mental stimulation
- Special treats after a walk or adventure
However, treats should always be given as part of a balanced diet rather than replacing your dog's main food.
Why do dogs enjoy chewing?
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs.
Some dogs love a good chew, while others would rather spend their time sniffing, playing or searching for treats. Providing an appropriate chew can give dogs an opportunity to engage in a behaviour they naturally enjoy.
Chewing can also be mentally engaging, particularly when a dog needs to spend time working on a treat.
For many dogs, settling down with a chew can become a relaxing part of their routine.
Just remember that every dog is different. A treat that's perfect for one dog may not be suitable for another.
How do you choose the right chew?
There are a few things worth considering before choosing a natural treat.
1. Your dog's size
The size of the treat matters.
A tiny treat may not be appropriate for a large dog who could swallow it quickly, while a particularly large or hard chew may not be suitable for a smaller dog.
Always choose an appropriate size for your individual dog and follow any feeding guidance provided with the product.
2. Your dog's chewing style
This is an important one!
Some dogs are gentle chewers who carefully work away at a treat. Others appear to believe that the fastest possible way to eat something is to swallow it whole.
If your dog is a gulper rather than a chewer, you'll need to be particularly careful about the type and size of treats you offer.
For dogs who tend to swallow things quickly, avoid giving them treats that could present a choking risk and supervise them closely.
3. The texture
Different treats offer completely different textures.
Some are light and crunchy, while others are tougher and designed to take longer to work through.
You may need to experiment to find out what your dog enjoys most.
4. Your dog's individual needs
Age, dental health, allergies and dietary requirements can all affect which treats are suitable.
If your dog has a medical condition, food allergy or specific dietary requirement, speak to your vet before introducing new treats.
Different types of natural dog treats
Let's take a look at some popular options and what makes each one different.
Chicken Feet
Chicken feet are a crunchy, lightweight natural treat that many dogs enjoy.
Their texture makes them a popular choice for dogs who like something they can crunch through rather than spending a long time working on one large chew.
They're also a convenient size for use as an occasional treat.
As with any chew, supervise your dog while they're eating and choose treats appropriate for their size and eating habits.
Rabbit Ears
Rabbit ears are another popular natural treat and can be a good option for dogs who enjoy something a little different.
They're relatively light and can provide dogs with a satisfying chewing experience.
Rabbit ears are particularly useful if you're looking to add some variety to your dog's treat selection rather than giving them the same thing every time.
As always, supervise your dog and remove any small pieces that could present a choking hazard.
Sprats
Sprats are small dried fish that make a tasty, naturally fishy treat.
They're a great option for dogs who love strong-smelling treats, although your dog may be much more enthusiastic about the smell than you are!
Sprats can be given as an occasional treat or broken up and used as a tasty training reward, depending on their size.
They're also a useful option when you want something different from traditional meat-based chews.
Lamb Braids
For dogs who enjoy a longer-lasting chew, lamb braids can provide something more substantial to work through.
Their braided texture gives dogs something to get their teeth into and can make them a satisfying option for chewing time.
They're particularly useful for dogs who quickly finish smaller treats and are looking for something that takes a little longer to enjoy.
Venison Deer Legs
Looking for something a little more substantial? Venison deer legs offer a natural chew for dogs who enjoy spending time working their way through a treat.
They're a great option for adding variety to your dog's chewing routine and can provide a more challenging experience than smaller, lighter treats.
As with any harder chew, make sure you choose an option that's appropriate for your individual dog and supervise them while they're enjoying it.
Pig's Ears
Pig's ears are a classic dog treat for a reason, many dogs absolutely love them!
They're a larger, satisfying chew that can keep dogs occupied while they work their way through the treat. They're particularly popular with dogs who enjoy a longer chewing session rather than quickly finishing a small snack.
Pig's ears can be a fun occasional treat, but remember that they can be relatively rich, so take them into account as part of your dog's overall treat intake.
Always supervise your dog when giving them a pig's ear and make sure it's an appropriate size for them.
Natural Treat Boxes
Can't decide what your dog will like?
A natural treat box can be a great way to introduce some variety.
Rather than buying a large quantity of one particular treat, a selection box allows you to try different textures, shapes and flavours and discover your dog's favourites.
It's also a fun option if your dog gets bored with the same treat appearing every day.
Are natural dog treats healthy?
Natural doesn't automatically mean unlimited.
Treats — whether natural or processed — should make up only a small part of your dog's overall diet.
It's important to consider the calorie content of treats alongside your dog's normal food, particularly if you're giving several throughout the day.
If you're using treats regularly for training, choose appropriately sized pieces and account for them as part of your dog's overall daily intake.
And don't forget that treats are treats. Your dog doesn't need a huge chew every time they do something good!
How often should you give your dog a chew?
There's no universal answer because it depends on the type of treat, its size, your dog's diet and their individual needs.
Some treats may be suitable as occasional rewards, while others can be incorporated into your dog's routine more regularly.
Always follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations and consider how the treat fits into your dog's overall diet.
If you're unsure, your vet can advise you on appropriate treats and quantities for your individual dog.
Always supervise your dog
This is one of the most important things to remember when giving your dog any chew.
Even treats that are marketed as suitable for dogs can present risks if they are swallowed too quickly or if your dog breaks off and swallows a large piece.
When giving your dog a new treat:
- Choose an appropriate size.
- Give it somewhere calm where your dog won't feel pressured.
- Supervise them while they eat.
- Keep an eye on how they chew and whether they try to swallow pieces whole.
- Remove any small leftover pieces that could become a choking hazard.
- Always provide access to fresh drinking water.
If your dog has a history of gulping treats, resource guarding or digestive problems, speak to your vet about which options may be appropriate.
Don't forget to store treats properly
Natural treats should be stored according to the product's instructions.
Keep them somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and somewhere your dog can't help themselves!
It's also a good idea to check treats before giving them to your dog. If anything looks unusual, smells different or has passed its recommended use-by date, don't give it to them.
Treats can be part of enrichment too
Treats don't always have to be handed over in your dog's bowl.
You can use suitable treats as part of enrichment activities to encourage your dog to use their nose and brain.
Try hiding small treats around a safe area of your home and encouraging your dog to sniff them out. You can also use appropriate treats during training sessions or scatter a few around a suitable outdoor area for your dog to search.
For dogs who love using their nose, this can turn treat time into a much more engaging activity.
Just make sure you're using appropriately sized treats and adjusting their normal food intake if necessary.
So, which natural treat is right for your dog?
There's no single "best" natural treat for every dog.
The right choice depends on your dog's:
Size — choose a treat that's appropriate for them.
Chewing style — gentle chewer or enthusiastic gulper?
Age — puppies, adults and senior dogs can have different needs.
Diet — consider allergies, sensitivities and their existing food.
Preferences — because let's face it, some dogs are incredibly fussy!
You may find that your dog has a clear favourite. And if they turn their nose up at one treat but practically launch themselves across the room for another, you've got your answer!
Natural treats at Woofers Go Walking
At Woofers Go Walking, we love finding natural ways to keep dogs happy and entertained.
Our range of natural dog treats includes options such as lamb braids, chicken feet, rabbit ears, pigs ears,venison legs and sprats, as well as our Natural Treat Boxes, so you can find something to suit your dog's preferences.
Whether you're looking for a tasty reward after a countryside walk or something to keep your dog happily occupied at home, there's plenty to choose from.
Just remember: choose appropriately, supervise your dog and keep treats as part of a balanced overall diet.