When choosing between natural and processed dog treats, it’s important to understand the huge range of benefits natural treats offer. 

Processed treats, whilst dogs may eat them, can cause long-term medical issues and trigger allergies and digestive problems. Alternatively, natural treats support your dog’s overall health, energy levels and are single ingredient to prevent digestive issues. They also have incredible flavour, which makes them irresistible to your dogs and keeps customers coming back to you. 

In this article, we explore: 

1. Easier to digest
2. High protein & lower fat content
3. Better for chewing
4. Single protein source for hypoallergenic diets
5. Healthier skin, coat and dental hygiene
6. Support for joints
7. Order natural dog treats for your store

Easier to digest 

Natural dog treats are made directly from their source ingredients. Unlike highly processed alternatives, they don’t rely on artificial ingredients or preservatives that can cause upset stomachs, bad digestion and issues such as sickness or diarrhoea. 

Without having to add in chemically processed ingredients, this also means natural treats retain more of their structure and nutrients. To avoid digestive issues or food intolerances, this makes natural treats the most sensible choice for all pet owners. 

Key digestive benefits include: 

• Fewer artificial additives that may cause bloating or discomfort 
• Improved nutrient absorption due to minimal processing 
• Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or inconsistent digestion 

High protein & lower fat content 

Natural dog treats are often high in protein and low in fat, which is essential for your dog’s health and energy levels. High protein treats offer several benefits including: 

• Supporting skin, coat and dental health 
• Improve muscle development, growth and repair 
• Better overall energy levels to keep your dog active 
• Boost your dog's immune system and create vital antibodies 

With a lower fat content, this also makes it easier to manage your dog’s weight without having to sacrifice on flavour. This also means you can control calorie intake easier, and ensure your dog is receiving a balanced diet whilst still giving treats throughout the day. 

Better for chewing 

Dogs love to chew! This is a natural behaviour and rather than having your dog chomping its way through chair legs and other chewable furniture, natural treats offer a great alternative that satisfies their urges. 

Natural dog treats, particularly those that have been air dried, have a tougher texture and long-lasting nature which makes them ideal for chewing. Benefits of natural chews include: 

• Longer-lasting engagement compared to processed chews 
• Mental stimulation that can help reduce boredom-related behaviours 
• A more natural texture that dogs instinctively enjoy 
• Support for anxiety as chewing releases endorphins that naturally keep your dog calm 

Softer, processed treats may be eaten and swallowed quickly, whilst natural treats keep your dog occupied for longer, with some treats lasting several months for less aggressive chewers. 

Single protein source for hypoallergenic diets 

One of the most important factors in choosing natural treats over processed treats is that they are a single protein source. Lots of dog allergies can be triggered when eating processed foods that contain a mix of grain, gluten, additives and multiple proteins. 

Single protein sources make it easier for owners to choose a treat that their dog loves the flavour of, as well as making merchandising in your store much easier. They are a great option for dogs who have known protein intolerances, strict diets or owners who want to understand which proteins are best for their dog. 

Dog owners are becoming increasingly more careful with what they feed their dog, ensuring that only the best ingredients are used in dog treats and food. 

Healthier skin, coat and dental hygiene 

Having already discussed the benefits of natural dog treats, there are many health implications in choosing to use natural dog treats: 

• Natural treats are rich in vitamin A, which helps your dog maintain a glossy coat and healthier skin 
• Due to the nutrients in natural treats, this can even support skin allergies with dogs as well as healing, moisturising and preventing outbreaks. 
• Regular chewing of natural dog treats clears your dog's teeth of bacteria, plaque and tartar 
• This also freshens your dog's breath without the need for artificial dental additives 

Support for joints 

Natural treats are rich in Omega-3, glucosamine and chondroitin, all of which support with join care. By using natural dog treats over processed options: 

• Your dog maintains flexibility and mobility 
• Keeps ageing dogs active 
• Supports joints for active breeds who may suffer from joint issues more commonly 
• Improves cartilage which repairs and protects dog’s joints 
• Prevents stiffness and pain, as well as arthritis in older dogs 
• Supports with weight management which can reduce stress on joints

As dogs get older, they tend to slow done and become less active. However, natural dog treats play a big role in ensuring dogs that still want to run around and play well into their elder years, have strong joint health to support. 

Order natural dog treats for your store 

With the importance of quality, healthy treats constantly growing among pet owners in the UK, it is essential your store has a diverse range of treats and proteins available. 

T.Forrest have a selection of dog treats available, with bulk and wholesale discounts for trade customers. We also offer free next day delivery and a minimum order quantity of just £120 to support with stock issues and provide you with a fast turnaround. 

Browse our products online and order natural treats for your store.