The 5 Best Organic Dog Treat Brands for a Healthy Pet
Whether you’re training a puppy or rewarding your older canine companion, if you’re a dog owner chances are you have a box of treats at hand to spoil your best friend with.
But dog treats should be just what the name says, a treat, and should not comprise more than 10% of your dog’s diet. And when rewarding your best friend, you want to ensure you’re giving them the very best.
Unfortunately conventional dog treats are full of artificial additives and toxic ingredients that are not good for dogs.
As we become increasingly aware of how food is made and what’s going into it, we’re discovering the impact it’s having on our health and the planet, and dog treats are no exception.
Let's discuss what to look for when picking out the best dog treats, what harmful ingredients to avoid, and some organic dog treat brands that are a great option.
Are There Toxic Ingredients in Dog Treats?
In 2007, there was a major recall of certain pet food brands when it was discovered that they contained melamine and cyanuric acid.
Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastic and is not approved as an ingredient in human or animal food in the U.S.
Cyanuric acid, a by-product of melamine, is usually used to stabilize chlorine in swimming pools. Together they are particularly toxic.
The consumption of the brands that were eventually recalled resulted in hundreds of cases of kidney failure and even death.
Given this horrific outbreak, it’s hardly surprising that consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to the conventional brands available for their pets.
And just as humans have turned to organic food in the hopes of finding healthier choices for their own diets, they have started to do the same for their dogs.
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What Ingredients Should Consumers Avoid in Dog Treats?
While melamine and cyanuric acid may have gained attention, they’re hardly the only ingredients to be wary of.
Another ingredient to look out for is butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).
A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative, BHA is considered a human carcinogen.
While there may not be substantiated cases of it causing cancer in dogs, it bears remembering that dogs are fed the same diet day in and day out, continually exposing them to this artificial ingredient.
Other artificial preservatives to look out for include butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin.
Preservatives are necessary to keep food from spoiling.
If you want an alternative, looks for treats that have been naturally preserved with vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), or plant extracts.
However, naturally preserved food does not last as long, so check best by dates before making your purchase.
Artificial Colors in Dog Treats
Be cautious of artificial colorants like Blue No. 2, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6 as their effect on dogs is not well established.
Dogs may not see in black and white as previously believed, but they don’t perceive color the way we do, so there really is no need for rainbow-colored treats. When it comes to artificial additives, be cautious of flavors too.
Labels may not specify exactly what is in a flavorant and an ingredient like corn syrup unnecessarily adds sugar to your dog’s diet.
Sweeteners in Dog Treats
Check ingredients’ lists for other sugars and sweeteners too. Added sugar can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol can cause stomach problems and xylitol can be particularly toxic because it can be poisonous to dogs, leading to seizures and even death.
Focus on treats that are protein-based or made using complex carbohydrates.
However, while you can avoid treats that are too starchy, you do not necessarily need to see out grain-free or gluten free dog food.
Consider the Safety of the Type of Treats
Rawhide is a popular treat for dogs, and while it’s not an edible one it does give them something to chew on other than your slippers.
However, giving dogs rawhide should also be carefully considered.
Made from discarded layers of animal skin, rawhide is processed using toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, bleach, sodium sulfide, and glue.
It can also tear, causing your dog to swallow little bits that can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockage.
You may think raw bones are a better option, but these may be contaminated with harmful bacteria like listeria, e. coli, and salmonella.
Bones can be cooked to kill these off, but then they become brittle and can splinter and hurt your dog’s mouth, cause them to choke, or damage their intestines.
Dog jerky is another treat to be wary of, especially when they’re imported, because they have been known to cause Fanconi syndrome, a disorder that affects the kidneys.
Other ingredients to be wary of include:
dicalcium phosphate
sodium metabisulfite
propylene glycol
titanium dioxide
Why are Organic Dog Treats a Better Choice?
Like the organic food you’d buy for your own meals, the ingredients in organic dog treats are grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, keeping toxic chemicals out of your dog’s diet.
To be considered organic, ingredients also need to be non-GMO and may contain no hormones or antibiotics.
To protect the surrounding ecosystem, organic agriculture follows sustainable farming practices.
The welfare of farm animals is also integral to organic farming, with chickens, cows, and pigs allowed to roam free and graze on pasture – so it’s not just your dog that benefits from organic processes, but other animals too.
Organic dog treats are free of synthetic preservatives, colorants, artificial flavors, and industrial solvents.
All these make for a healthier, more nutritious treat for your dog, leaving them with good skin and shiny coats.
Cutting down on these ingredients also cuts down the calorie count, making the treats less fattening. This helps you control your dog’s weight, because it’s not just about how much they’re eating, but what they’re eating.
USDA Organic vs Made with Organic Ingredients
If a product has the USDA label, the food must contain at least 95% organic ingredients and the remaining ingredients must still be recognized as safe by the FDA.
If you don’t see a label or you find that certified organic treats are too pricey, check the list of ingredients on other dog treats for organic or high-quality ingredients.
If you can’t find answers there, make an inquiry with the brand itself. Another alternative is to make your own dog treats.
You can make organic dog treats by using organic ingredients from your own pantry.
This way you know exactly what’s going into the treats as you control the ingredients’ list – and you can save a few pennies while you’re at it.
However, be careful of ingredients that are safe for humans but not necessarily for dogs.
Do NOT give dogs chocolates, grapes, avocadoes, raisins, or nuts.
Avoid anything made with garlic, onions, or chives. Peanut butter is fine, but make sure it is unsweetened and does not contain xylitol.
5 Organic Dog Treat Brands to Try
If you're ready to try some of the best organic dog treats made with simple ingredients then check out this list!
You'll find a range of soft chews, jerky treats, and more. These natural treats are all made in the United States too!
Full Moon Pet USDA Certified Dog Treats
Designed, crafted, and cooked in the USA from ingredients sourced from family farms, Full Moon Pet’s dog treats are USDA-approved.
Select dog treats carry the USDA certified label and all products are cooked with human-grade meat in a USDA-inspected kitchen, their organic treats contain no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
They also contain no corn, wheat, soy, or any glycerin or fillers. The treats are slow-cooked in small batches helping them retain more nutritional value and flavor.
Made with human grade ingredients, these dog treats can be purchased for $8-$21 a bag and feature flavors such as beef jerky, chicken jerky, and more.
Organix Dog Treats Free from Artificial Colors, Flavors & Preservatives
From dry and wet dog food to dog treats, Castor & Pollux’s Organix uses pet food recipes that are USDA-certified and contain no use of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Organix products do not contain corn, wheat, or soy – only responsibly-sourced ingredients that are packed with nutrients and contain no antibiotics or hormones.
Select dog treats are USDA certified and can be purchased from $8-$24. Their range of dog treat flavors include organic chicken treats, organic peanut butter treats, and many more options.
Riley’s Non-GMO Dog Treats Made with Organic Ingredients
Inspired by the relationship with his dog Riley, Grant Weber started a line of pet treats and supplements named after his loyal companion.
Riley’s offers organic dog treats and jerky made in the USA using USDA-certified ingredients. The treats and jerky are also non-GMO and contain no wheat, corn, or soy.
Riley’s dog treats can be purchased from $12-$17 and features a wide range of flavors including pumpkin treats, peanut butter treats, apple treats, turkey jerky, beef jerky, and more.
Wet Noses Grain Free Dog Treats Made with Human-Grade Ingredients
Wet Noses makes dog treats from human-grade quality ingredients that are non-GMO and contain no corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Their beef and pork come from USDA-inspected local suppliers that are located less than 40 miles from their facility, and they use local vendors whenever possible, and American vendors all the time.
Their healthy dog treat flavors include peanut butter banana, carrot & sweet potato, and more.
They have a wide range of treat options including training treats, treats for small dogs, and larger bone treats too. Their treats can be purchased for $3-$10 or in bulk for $72.
Because Animals: Dog Treats Made in the USA with American Ingredients
Because Animals makes dog treats that offer health benefits for your pet such as improved digestion and better nutrient absorption.
Their treats are made using cultured meat, which is bio-identical to conventional meat and offers the same nutritional value.
Plus, it’s good for the environment. Made in a bioreactor from a few cells taken from a live animal, Because Animals’ cultured meat negates many of the negative impacts farmed meat has, such as increased deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s also much kinder to animals and grown in a sterile manner, eliminating common pet food contaminants.
Their dog cookies are made in the USA using American ingredients that are non-GMO, as well as cruelty- and slaughter-free.
The cookies are also USDA organic and certified by Vermont Organic Farmers.
These healthy dog treats can be purchased for an affordable $12 per bag.
Tips for Shopping for Healthy Dog Treats
Be sure to read ingredients lists and consider picking a list with a well known organic first ingredient such as organic peanut butter, organic chicken, organic oats or other natural ingredients commonly found in dog biscuits. If this ingredient is listed as the first ingredient that means it makes up the highest percentage of the ingredients, so it's great to have a healthy and recognizable first ingredient.
Look for simple and short ingredient lists. The less ingredients the better especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Consider the size of your dog and the size of the treat. Some dogs might need small pieces while others might need a larger size.
If you have a picky eater don't be afraid to try a few different treats until you find the right one. Sometimes it takes a few tries so don't be discouraged if the first one doesn't work out. Some dogs are also particular about textures so it might be worth trying a mix of soft treats and treats with a crunchy texture to find their favorite.
You can also make homemade organic dog treats so you know EXACTLY what the ingredients are and make them the right size for your dog.
Hopefully this guide helped you find some tasty treats for your furry friends! Your dog will be eating better than you in no time with these organic treats! The perfect doggie dessert before bed time!
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