Why Choose Healthy, Natural and Ethical Dog Treats?
Healthy and Natural Dog Treats: The Path to a Happy, Thriving Pet!
Why is it important to care about what you feed your dog?
As devoted pet owners, we all want what's best for our furry companions. From providing them with a loving home to ensuring they get plenty of exercise and playtime, caring for a dog is a round-the-clock responsibility. However, one area that's often overlooked is the importance of their diet and the treats we feed them.
Dogs may seem willing to gobble up just about anything, but the truth is, what goes into their bodies has a profound impact on their overall health and well-being.
Cheap, highly processed treats laden with artificial additives, fillers, and mystery ingredients can not only contribute to obesity and other health issues but also leave your pup feeling unsatisfied and craving more.
On the other hand, natural, nutritious dog treats made from high-quality, recognisable ingredients can provide valuable nutrients, promote dental health, and keep your canine feeling happier and more energetic.
In this blog post, we'll dive into what to look for when choosing healthy dog treats, the benefits of natural, ethically sourced options, and some delicious examples to try.
What to check for with regard to meat content
When it comes to dog treats, not all ingredients are created equal. One of the most important things to look for is a high percentage of quality ingredients, For "meaty treats" it should be a high meat or fish content, as these provide essential proteins, fats, and nutrients that dogs need to thrive.
Ideally, you'll want to see a named meat or fish source like "venison" or "salmon" listed as the first ingredient, indicating it makes up the largest portion of the treat. However, it's best to avoid treats with ambiguous terms like "meat meal" or "animal derivatives" because you won't know what your pet is actually eating!
What does "made using animal derivatives" mean?
You may have noticed the term "animal derivatives" on some dog treat labels, but what exactly does it mean? In short, animal derivatives refer to any by-product of slaughtered animals that is not part of the primary meat cuts. Be wary, as it also means they can come from a wide range of unspecified sources and be of lower nutritional value.
This can include things like organs, blood, bones, and other parts that would typically be discarded or used for other purposes. While not necessarily bad in moderation, treats made primarily from animal derivatives tend to be lower in nutritional value and less desirable than those made from high-quality meat sources.
For pets with sensitivities, intolerances and allergies, you won't be able to identify the ingredients for potential triggers and different batches of the same treat could potentially contain different animal parts each time.
What Ingredients Should I Look Out For in Dog Treats?
Beyond the meat content, it's also crucial to scrutinise the other ingredients in your dog's treats. Steer clear of treats containing artificial colours, flavours, synthetic ingredients, preservatives, or sweeteners, as these offer no nutritional value and may even be harmful in excess. You will be pleased to know that you won't find any of these types of ingredients in a G&W treat or chew!
Instead, look for natural, recognisable ingredients like fruits, vegetables and herbs. These can provide beneficial vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants to support your pup's overall health. Where we do use more than one ingredient in our treats and chews, it the "good stuff" like these ingredients.
Green & Wild's believes ingredients should be as transparent as possible which is why we have clear, no-nonsense lists of ingredients and analytical constituents on our packaging.
Ethical and Sustainable Sources
In addition to being mindful of the ingredients themselves, it's also important to consider the sourcing and production methods behind your dog's treats. Opting for treats made from ethically and sustainably raised animals or resources not only helps the planet but can result in higher-quality, more nutrient-dense products.
The G&W ethos has always been to leave as light a footprint on the earth as possible and if you would like to find out more about how we achieve this, you can read our full Environment and Ethical Policy.
You can also look out for certifications by reputable organisations which have standards for animal welfare, environmental impact, and sustainability.
Our mission is to bring truly healthy and sustainable, chews, treats and toys to pets across the UK and beyond.
We have been recognised for our efforts and awarded Ethical Accreditation for another year running and have retained our ranking in the Cat & Dog Food Ethical Rating Table - The Good Shopping Guide.
We are also highly rated within the treat directory of All About Dog Food UK
Green and Wild's has been named one of the most ethical businesses in the world by The Good Shopping Guide! The prestigious list of the Top 200 Ethical Companies and Brands recognises Green & Wild's commitment to positive ethical practices.
We are independently certified through Ethical Accreditation by The Good Shopping Guide, ensuring regular checks on our ethical policies, practices, and public records. This ensures no greenwashing - just genuine dedication to making the world a better place.
We are so proud to be a part of a community that believes ethics and business go hand in hand.
Instead of judging or purchasing alternative dog treats based on the well-known brand name, the fancy marketing advert, or the incentive of a very low cost, try to take the time to read ingredient lists carefully and do your research on the brand's values and production methods. High-quality, sustainable and ethically sourced treats can offer your pet so much more.
Some examples of healthy and natural dog treats
Now that we've covered what to look for, let's explore some delicious examples of healthy, natural dog treats that tick all the right boxes:
- Green & Wild's One Ingredient Treats and Chews: As the name suggests, these contain just one simple, natural ingredient like lamb, buffalo, duck, beef, camel, or venison. With no additives, preservatives, or fillers, they're as pure and nutritious as it gets. View the full range here
- Dried Fish Treats: Dehydrated fish like Tiddlers (sprats) or anchovies make for a tasty, protein-packed treat that's also rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and brain health.
- Vegetable Chews: For a chewy, low-calorie option, try our dehydrated Sweet Potato - a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins and fibre to your dog's diet.
- Natural Chews: Long-lasting chews like Deer Antlers, Buffalo Horns, or our Yakity Yak Milk Chews are not only engaging and great for dental health but also free from all artificial additives.
In Conclusion...
Choosing healthy, natural dog treats may require a bit more label-reading and research, but the rewards of seeing your furry friend thrive make it well worth the effort.
By opting for treats made from high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients that are free from artificial additives and fillers, you can feel confident that you're not only nourishing your pet but also aligning with your values of sustainability and ethical production and helping to protect and maintain the plane too.
At Green & Wild's, we're proud to offer a range of totally natural dog treats and chews that embody these principles. Our One Ingredient Award Range features simple yet irresistible options that are gently air-dried to lock in all the flavour and nutrition. With ethical accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide, you can trust that our treats are as kind to the planet as they are to your pets.
So why settle for cheap, highly-processed treats when you can treat your canine or feline companion to the very best? Explore our selection of healthy, natural pet treats today and embark on a journey towards a happier, healthier furry family member.
