Healthy Benefits of Natural Dog & Cat Treats
- Jennifer Kirby
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
When it comes to rewarding your furry friend, choosing the right treat is more important than ever. Many pet parents are turning to healthier, more sustainable options that not only benefit their dogs but also the planet. Natural dog and cat treats offer a fantastic way to provide your pet with delicious snacks that support their well-being without compromising on quality or ethics. Our natural treats are made from rescued foods, crafted in small batches, and packaged in eco-friendly materials, making them a win-win-win-win for pets, their owners, the farmers and our environment!
Exploring Healthy Dog and Cat Treat Options
Healthy dog and cat treat options go beyond just taste. They focus on nutrition, sustainability, and safety. Unlike many commercial treats filled with artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, healthier alternatives use whole foods and natural preservation methods like air drying or freeze drying. This keeps the nutrients intact and ensures your dog or cat gets the best possible benefits.
Some key benefits of choosing healthy natural dog and cat treats include:
Improved digestion: Natural ingredients support gut health.
Better skin and coat: Treats rich in omega fatty acids and vitamins help maintain shiny fur and reduce itching.
Weight management: Low-calorie, nutrient-dense treats help prevent obesity.
Dental health: Crunchy and chewy, air-dried bone-based treats can reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Allergy-friendly: Limited ingredient treats reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
When selecting treats, look for those made with real, recognizable ingredients. Avoid anything with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also, consider treats that are sustainably sourced and packaged in either recyclable (and think logically here - most soft plastics aren't recycled!), compostable or marine degradable materials to reduce environmental impact.
What is the Best Natural Treat for Dogs and Cats?
Choosing the best natural treat depends on your dog or cat’s specific needs, preferences, and any dietary restrictions. Here are some popular options that combine health benefits with great taste:
Freeze-Dried Meat Treats
These treats retain most of the nutrients from raw meat and are highly palatable. They are perfect for dogs and cats who need high protein and minimal processing. We recommend trying our selection of pork organs, which are all diced small for training and freeze dried raw.
Air-Dried Fruits and Vegetables
Pumpkin and apples are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins. Air drying preserves their natural sweetness and nutrients. (Want to join us for the annual pumpkin harvest rescue mission this year? Make sure you're signed up for our mailing list to get all the details!)
Bone Broth
Rich in collagen and minerals, bone broth supports joint health and hydration. It can be given as a liquid supplement or in freeze-dried form. We sell canned bone broths, and our favorite freeze dried form comes from Farm N' Sea Pets, another company started by the chef and founder of Piggyback Treats.
Up-cycled or Rescued Treats
Made from rescued ingredients that would otherwise go to waste, these treats are sustainable and nutritious. They often include surplus fruits, vegetables, or meat cuts. This is how our entire collection of treats is created!
Limited Ingredient Cookie Treats
Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, these treats use minimal, high-quality ingredients to avoid common allergens. We don't encourage providing a heavy amount of carbohydrates for your pets, but we do have a small line of cookie style treats that we make available. When choosing cookie style treats, make sure you're looking at the ingredient label; and always remember that the ingredients are listed in order from largest percentage to least percentage on the label! (Flour first is a NO for us!)
When trying new treats, introduce them gradually and monitor your dog or cat for any adverse reactions. Always choose treats that match your pet's size and chewing ability to prevent choking hazards.
Why Choose Sustainable Treats?
Sustainability is a growing concern for many pet parents. Choosing treats that are hand-made in small batches ensures quality control and attention to detail. Our treats are made exclusively from rescued foods that would otherwise be wasted, reducing food waste and environmental impact is extremely imporant to us, and it also addresses the growing concern of millennial and gen Z pet parents!
Packaging also plays a crucial role. Compostable and marine degradable packaging helps reduce plastic pollution, which is a significant problem for wildlife and ecosystems. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, you contribute to a healthier planet while giving your dog the best. Our packaging is made from a material called NatureFlex, which is both backyard compostable and marine degradable. This material looks and feels similar to plastic, but will decompose to organic matter in just a few weeks! (It is a bit more fragile than plastic, which is A-OK with us! We don't want a package that sticks around forever!)
Hand-made treats also tend to have better flavor profiles and textures, making them more enjoyable for your dog. Our small batch process also incorporates the creation of our goodies by a professional chef, which allows for customization and innovation, such as incorporating superfoods, unique flavor combinations, or preparing unwanted foods in unique ways.
How to Incorporate Natural Dog and Cat Treats into Your Pet's Diet
Incorporating natural treats into your dog or cat’s diet can be simple and rewarding. Here are some practical tips:
Use treats for training: Natural treats are perfect for positive reinforcement during training sessions. Our air dried beef organs and freeze dried pork organs, along with our freeze dried salmon minis are the perfect training treat!
Portion control: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily caloric intake. Keep this in mind when sharing snacks with your dog or cat by reducing the quantity in their dinner bowl if you happen to give more treats than you should have in a day.
Mix with meals: Add small pieces of freeze-dried or air-dried treats to your pet's regular food for added nutrition, and if you're intersted in using our natural treats to build a healthier bowl, we encourage you to follow Farm N' Sea Pets! Their Dog Food 101 Class will give you the confidence to build a healthy bowl yourself! You'll see their classes listed on our Events page, as well as their website's Education Center.
Hydration boost: Use bone broth to encourage hydration, especially for older pets, those with GI issues, and those on a dry diet.
Rotate flavors: Keep your pet interested by offering a variety of treat flavors and textures!
Always store treats in a temperature controlled, dry place to maintain freshness. Use treats within 4 weeks of opening packages, or keep them sealed in an airtight container to prolong their freshenss. Giving treats at peak freshness also means you're providing peak nutrients!
Supporting Your Dog and Cat’s Health with Thoughtful Treat Choices
Choosing the right treats is a simple way to support your pet's overall health. Natural dog and cat treats provide essential nutrients, promote good habits, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. By selecting treats made from rescued foods and packaged sustainably, you also contribute to a better world for future generations of pets and people.
If you want to explore a wide range of healthy, sustainable, and chef-made treats, check out our natural dog and cat treats. These treats are crafted with care, keeping your pet's health and the environment in mind.
Reward your dog or cat with treats that nourish their body and soul - because they deserve the best.
Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helps you make informed choices for your beloved pet.
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