As natural dog treats continue to grow in popularity, pet owners are also paying closer attention to what they feed their dogs. This means reading ingredient labels, understanding where products come from, how they are made and any sign of unnatural ingredients.

For pet retailers, this means educating customers and building trust, understanding which treats are best for your customer and why they suit different dogs. In this guide, we explain what natural dog treats are, how to answer common questions and how to meet growing demand by allowing customers to make informed purchasing decisions. In this article, we explore:

1. What are natural dog treats
2. Why pet owners are choosing natural treats
3. How to explain ingredients easily
4. Common questions about natural dog treats
5. Stocking the right treats for your customers

What are natural dog treats?

Natural dog treats are made with simple ingredients and minimal processing. Whilst there's no legal definition for 'natural' in the UK, these products are typically real animal ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

At T.Forrest, many of our treats are single ingredients, whilst all treats are free from grain, gluten and artificial ingredients. This includes proteins such as:

• Beef
• Buffalo
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Duck
• Rabbit
• Venison
• Fish

This makes it easy for customers to know exactly what they're feeding their dog. Rather than being processed, natural dog treats are air dried, which reduces moisture whilst preserving flavour and nutrients in the treat.

Whilst natural dog treats are often healthier options, it's important to understand not every natural product is healthier. However, it's good to discuss the product ingredients and how they are made to explain why they are usually a better match for your dog.

Why pet owners are choosing natural treats

There are a huge number of reason why pet owners are choosing natural treats (and rightly so)! Every dog is different and that means finding the right option for your dog's breed, size, age and dietary requirements.

Simple ingredients

Dog treats that have clear, short ingredient lists allow customers to know exactly what they're giving their dog, and whether the ingredients are safe and healthy for their dog to eat.

High in protein

Due to being single ingredient, raw proteins, natural treats are very high in protein. This supports muscle development as well as overall health and energy levels.

No artificial additives

Dog treats that contain no additives and preservatives, as well as being grain and gluten free, are ideal for dogs that easily have allergies triggered or issues with sensitive stomachs.

Support dental hygiene

Long-lasting natural treats are great for dental enrichment. They reduce plaque and tartar build up, and stimulate saliva production to remove harmful acids. Whilst they don't replace regular tooth brushing, they do maintain overall dental health.

Suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs

As mentioned, without additional ingredients, dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs can easily enjoy natural treats. You can choose between a number of proteins that are best for your dog, whilst natural treats are much easier to digest.

How to explain ingredients easily

Whilst natural treats have a small ingredients list, customers still need a bit of assurance. Our packaging clearly lists all the ingredients included, with further information on our website. In addition to this, it's good to understand:

• Single protein means the treat contains one animal protein source, such as beef or duck.
• Air dried means moisture has been removed slowly to preserve flavour while avoiding heavy processing.
• 100% natural refers to products made from natural animal ingredients without artificial colours or preservatives.

If a customer asks why a treat looks, smells or feels different from supermarket products, explain that natural treats often retain more of their original appearance because they haven't been heavily processed or artificially coloured.

Having knowledgeable staff who can confidently explain ingredients often builds far greater trust than relying on marketing claims alone.

Common questions about natural dog treats

Here are some of the questions retailers hear most often. 

Are natural dog treats safe?

Natural dog treats are safe, but still need to be part of a balanced diet for healthy dogs. Always choose treats suitable for dog's size, age and chewing ability, whilst treats should make up just 10% of a dog's calorie intake, alongside plenty of drinking water.

Why do natural treats smell stronger?

As they contain only natural ingredients, the smell of natural treats can be much stronger than processed treats. Whilst this may be a bit strong for us, they are extremely appealing for your dog!

Do air dried treats need preservatives?

No, air dried treats do not require preservatives. Air drying removes moisture and increases shelf life, ensuring preservatives are not necessary.

Are natural treats high in calories?

Calorie content depends largely on the product you choose. Larger chews that are rich in protein will generally have more calories, but you can adjust your dog's diet to ensure this is part of a balanced diet.

Are natural treats suitable for puppies?

Some natural treats are suitable for puppies but it's important to check feeding guides before giving to a puppy. Many treats are suitable from the ages of 8 weeks, 3 months or 4 months. If you're unsure, please consult your vet.

Stocking the right treats for your customers

Having a varied range of natural treats is great to cater for every dog and all your customers. At T.Forrest, you have the choice between:

• Long lasting chews
• Low fat treats
• High protein treats
• Bones
• Dental chews
• Hypoallergenic treats
• Join care

You can explore our range online with exclusive trade discounts and free next day delivery available. For more information on our ranges and advice on what to stock, get in touch with our team.