Why smart dog owners choose 5 types of natural dog treats
Let’s be honest, no two dogs are the same.
One might inhale anything that hits the floor, another acts like a gourmet food critic, and then there’s the one who wants to chew like it’s their full-time job.
So when you’re picking out natural dog treats, it’s not just about what’s in them. It’s also about how you use them and what kind of dog you’re dealing with.
Here’s the lowdown on different types of natural dog treats, and when they actually make sense.
Training treats
Training takes patience, and yeah, a lot of treats.
The trick? Find something tiny, tasty, and low-calorie so you’re not loading your dog up with junk while trying to teach them not to chase squirrels.
Think liver, salmon, turkey—those bold, meaty flavors that dogs lose their minds over.
Just make sure the treats are soft enough to chew quickly and small enough that you don’t have to break them into pieces mid-walk.
Bonus points if they don’t turn to crumbs in your pocket (been there).
Long-lasting chews
Got a power chewer? You know the type. Couch leg in danger, remote chewed to bits—yeah, they need something that’ll last more than 30 seconds.
Long-lasting natural chews, such as yak milk sticks, beef tendons, or dried rabbit ears, can be a lifesaver.
We buy Yak chews from Floppy Ear as they do ones with added flaxseed or turmeric.
Hard chews keep dogs mentally engaged and can help clean their teeth at the same time.
Just don’t throw one at your dog and walk away.
Keep an eye on them, especially if they’re the type to bite off more than they can safely swallow.
Hypoallergenic treats
If your pup has a sensitive stomach or mystery allergies, this section’s for you.
Single-ingredient or single-protein treats are often the safest bet. Stuff like venison, goat, or duck —basically, the underdogs of the protein world —tends to be easier on the system than more common options like chicken or beef.
And yeah, it might sound boring to us. But dogs love this stuff. Even the most sensitive tummies usually handle them just fine.
Dental treats
Nobody likes dog breath. Natural dental chews aren’t a miracle cure, but they can definitely help. They may also reduce your teeth cleaning bill.
Dried beef scalp, chicken necks, and even some veggie-based options are chewy enough to scrape away buildup, all while keeping your pup occupied.
Just steer clear of anything overly processed or full of mystery ingredients. If it smells like a lab experiment and not food, maybe skip it.
Soft treats for older dogs or puppies
Older dogs and tiny pups don’t always do well with hard treats. You don’t want them struggling to chew or, worse, hurting themselves.
That’s where soft-baked options come in.
Look for treats made with things like sweet potato, pumpkin, or banana, stuff that’s naturally soft and packed with nutrients.
These kinds of treats are usually easy to digest, easy on the teeth, and still tasty enough to get an enthusiastic tail wag.
Bottom line on natural dog treats
Picking the right kind of treat isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s actually part of taking care of your dog’s overall health.
It’s not only about flavor (though your dog would argue otherwise). It’s about finding something that fits them.
Their age. Their energy. Their quirks.
And hey, when you find that treat that makes their eyes light up?
That’s a win for both of you.
Tadas Dereskevicius owns the UK-based natural dog treat brand Floppy Ear and writes a blog on dog health and product ingredients.