Natural Dog Treats: How to Choose Healthy Rewards Your Dog Will Love

Treats are part of everyday life for many dogs. They can help with training, provide enrichment and add variety to a routine. However, treats also contribute calories, so the type and amount matter.

Choosing natural dog treats with simple ingredients makes it easier to understand what your dog is eating. It also helps you match rewards to your dog’s age, size, activity level and normal diet.

At Riker’s Pet Food, we help owners choose practical options for everyday feeding, training and enrichment. We stock natural treats alongside frozen raw dog food, wet food, dry food, supplements and everyday pet supplies.

Why treat choice matters

A treat may be small, but several rewards throughout the day can add up. This is particularly important for smaller dogs, older dogs and dogs with lower activity levels.

Treats should complement a complete and balanced diet rather than replace it. As a general guide, treats should provide no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

The right amount depends on:

• Your dog’s size and body condition
• Age and activity level
• The calorie content of the treat
• The amount of food your dog eats each day
• Whether treats are being used regularly for training

If your dog receives many small treats during training, reduce the size of each reward or slightly adjust the main meal. Always keep fresh drinking water available.

What makes a dog treat natural?

The word “natural” can be used in different ways, so it is useful to look beyond the front of the packet. A straightforward natural treat will usually have a short ingredient list and recognisable ingredients.

Look for:

• Single-ingredient treats, such as dried fish skin or air-dried meat
• Clearly named animal proteins, such as chicken, beef, duck or fish
• No artificial colours or flavours
• No unnecessary sweeteners
• No added sugar or excessive salt
• Clear feeding and storage instructions
• Suitable size and texture for your dog

A simple ingredient list does not automatically mean a treat is suitable for every dog. Some dogs may need a lower-fat option, a softer texture or a particular protein. Introduce new treats gradually and observe how your dog responds.

Natural treats are often minimally processed, but they are not a substitute for a complete daily diet. Your dog’s main food should provide the nutrients needed for everyday feeding.

Natural treats compared with highly processed treats

Highly processed treats can contain several ingredients, flavourings, colourings and sweeteners. They may also be more calorie-dense than expected.

This does not mean every processed treat is unsuitable. The important points are what it contains, how much is given and how it fits into the overall diet.

Natural treats are often easier to assess because:

• The main ingredient is easy to identify
• The protein source is usually clear
• There may be fewer unnecessary additions
• Portions can be adjusted more easily
• They can provide variety during training or enrichment

For owners researching natural pet food, treats are one part of a wider feeding routine. A dog may eat raw food, wet food or a complete dry recipe while using small natural rewards during the day.

Popular types of natural dog treats

Air-dried meat strips

Air-dried meat strips are made by removing moisture from meat while retaining their firm texture. They can be broken into smaller pieces for training or offered as an occasional reward.

Check that the meat is clearly named and that there are no unnecessary flavourings or coatings. Choose a strip size that your dog can manage safely.

Jerky

Natural jerky can be made from beef, chicken, duck or other named proteins. It is usually easy to carry in a treat pouch, making it useful for walks and training.

Some jerky products can be high in salt or contain added sugar. Read the ingredients and choose a product with a clear recipe. Break larger pieces into small rewards so your dog does not receive too many calories.

Dried fish skins

Dried fish skins have a firm, textured surface and can provide a different chewing experience. They are often suitable for dogs that enjoy fish-based foods.

As with any chew, supervise your dog and remove small pieces that could be swallowed too quickly. Fish treats may also have a strong smell, so they are often best given outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area.

Single-ingredient chews

Single-ingredient chews can include dried animal parts such as ears, skin or other named cuts. They are often used for quiet chewing and enrichment.

Select an appropriate size for your dog. A very small chew may be swallowed quickly by a large dog, while a large, hard chew may not be suitable for a small dog. Always supervise chewing and follow the product guidance.

Dental-style chews

Some natural dental-style chews are designed with a textured shape to encourage chewing. They should not be treated as a replacement for regular dental care, and they are not suitable for every dog.

Look for:

• Clearly stated ingredients
• Appropriate size guidance
• No rawhide
• No unnecessary sugars or flavourings
• Instructions for supervised use

Treats and chews to avoid

Some ingredients are unsafe for dogs and should never be used as rewards. Avoid treats containing:

• Chocolate or cocoa
• Grapes or raisins
• Onions, garlic, leeks or chives
• Xylitol or other unsafe sweeteners
• Excessive salt or sugar
• Unclear artificial additives

Rawhide chews also deserve caution. They can become soft and break into pieces, creating a choking or digestive obstruction risk. They may also be heavily processed. Choose a clearly labelled alternative and supervise your dog while chewing.

Do not give dogs leftover human snacks simply because they are small. Human foods can contain ingredients that are not suitable for dogs, even when the food appears harmless.

How treats fit into a balanced diet

Treats should be included in your dog’s daily food plan. If your dog is fed a complete raw, wet or dry diet, rewards should remain a small part of the total intake.

Riker’s Recipe Superfood 65 Grain Free Dog Food provides a complete dry food option with 65% meat and no grains. The range includes:

• British Free Range Chicken
• Angus Beef
• Scottish Salmon

The 2kg bags are available at £14.99, and the 12kg bags are available at £69.99. You can view the British Free Range Chicken 2kg recipe or browse all dry dog food.

Owners interested in raw feeding for dogs can also explore Riker’s raw dog food range. We stock frozen raw food, wet food and dry food, so feeding can be discussed around your dog’s routine and preferences.

Natural supplements may also support general health and wellbeing as part of an appropriate feeding plan. They should not replace a balanced diet, and it is sensible to ask your vet for advice if your dog has a known health condition or takes medication. Riker’s stocks natural supplements, and our team can help with general product information.

Using natural treats for training and enrichment

Treats are most useful when they have a clear purpose. For training, use very small pieces that your dog can eat quickly without losing focus.

Good training rewards should be:

• Small enough to keep calories under control
• Easy to carry
• Easy for your dog to chew
• Appealing without being too distracting
• Suitable for repeated use

For enrichment, a longer-lasting chew or treat can encourage calm activity. Treats can also be placed in suitable puzzle toys or used in simple scent games around the home or garden.

Supervise enrichment activities, especially when using a new chew. Remove the item if it becomes small enough to swallow or if it starts to splinter.

A simple natural treat checklist

Before buying a treat, check:

• Is the main ingredient clearly named?
• Is the ingredient list short and easy to understand?
• Does it contain artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners?
• Is it suitable for your dog’s size and age?
• How many calories does it provide?
• Can it be broken into smaller pieces?
• Does it need to be supervised?
• Does it contain rawhide or any unsafe ingredients?

If you are unsure, bring the product details or packaging when asking for advice.

Frequently asked questions

Are natural dog treats suitable for puppies?

Some are, but the texture and size must be suitable. Puppies may need softer, smaller treats, particularly during training. Introduce new foods gradually and supervise all chews.

How many treats can my dog have each day?

There is no single number for every dog. As a general guide, treats should provide no more than around 10% of daily calories. Check the treat’s feeding information and consider your dog’s size, activity and main diet.

Can I give natural treats to a dog eating raw food?

Yes, natural treats can form part of a raw feeding routine when used in moderation. Choose treats that suit your dog and count them as part of the day’s total intake. You can explore Riker’s frozen raw food options.

Are grain-free treats better for every dog?

Not necessarily. Grain-free treats may suit some dogs, but the most important factors are the ingredients, portion size and your dog’s individual needs. Grain-free should not be treated as a requirement unless advised for your dog’s diet.

Can supplements replace treats?

No. Supplements and treats have different purposes. Supplements should be used according to the product guidance and should form part of a suitable overall feeding plan.

Natural treats from Riker’s Pet Food

We stock natural treats designed to reward dogs and support enrichment, alongside frozen raw dog food, wet food, grain free dry dog food and natural supplements.

Our team can help customers match treats to their dog’s size, age, feeding routine and preferred texture. We are an independent, family-run business near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest, and we aim to offer straightforward advice and practical products at fair prices.

🚚 Free local delivery with no minimum order is available to Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Verwood, Alderholt and Three Legged Cross.

🚚 Free 48-hour delivery on orders over £54.99 is available across England and Wales : excluding horse and farm feeds.

Visit rikerspetfood.co.uk, browse our raw food range, or contact the Riker’s team if you would like help choosing natural treats for your dog.