Natural Dog Treats: Health Benefits, Risks & Evidence for Australian Pets (2026 Guide)

Pet health is changing in Australia. More dogs are presenting with itching, allergies, digestive upset, anxiety behaviours, and weight gain than ever before. At the same time, owners are looking much more closely at what actually goes into their dog’s bowl — not just main meals, but every biscuit, chew and strip that comes out of the treat jar. Natural dog treats have moved from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable” for many families who want to reduce junk additives and support long-term health.

What Makes a Dog Treat “Natural”?

The word “natural” appears on a lot of pet treat packaging, but it is not tightly regulated in Australia. One product labelled natural might be a simple strip of air-dried kangaroo. Another may still contain cereals, sugars and “natural flavours” alongside a token amount of meat. In clinical nutrition, we use a narrower definition: a natural treat is made from recognisable, minimally processed ingredients that are biologically appropriate for dogs.

Common examples include freeze-dried raw proteins, dehydrated organs, air-dried chews, single-source meats, sardines, kangaroo, salmon, chicken breast, lamb lung, beef liver and similar whole-food items. These treats are valued for transparency: when the ingredient list says “100% lamb lung”, you know exactly what your dog is eating. That clarity is extremely helpful when you are troubleshooting allergies or digestive problems.

Natural dog treats are usually free from wheat, corn, soy, glycerine, propylene glycol, cheap starch binders, synthetic colours (such as Red 40 or Blue 2), artificial smoke flavour and sugar syrups. These additives, often found in mass-produced supermarket treats, add palatability and shelf life but no real nutritional benefit. In sensitive dogs they can contribute to bloating, diarrhoea, itchy skin, ear infections, hyperactivity or chronic inflammation. Removing them does not magically cure every problem, but it often removes a constant “background irritant” from the system.

Another major advantage is how easily natural treats fit into elimination diets. When a dog is being tested for food allergies, every extra bite matters. A single-ingredient salmon cube or kangaroo strip can be safely added to a trial diet that uses the same protein. A “marinated beef strip” containing beef, wheat, soy protein concentrate, glycerine and colouring cannot. Natural treats therefore become a practical medical tool, not just a reward.

Are Schmackos Bad for Dogs? The Evidence Review

“Are Schmackos bad for dogs?” is one of the most common treat-related questions Australian vets hear — and it reflects genuine concern. Products in this category are highly processed, calorie-dense and engineered to be irresistibly tasty. Typical ingredients include “meat and meat by-products”, cereal flours, sugars, humectants like glycerine, flavour enhancers and multiple artificial colours. None of these are acutely toxic on their own, but together they can place a chronic burden on a dog’s system.

The main issues are not dramatic poisonings but cumulative effects: extra sodium and sugar, constant low-level exposure to dyes, and very rapid calorie delivery. In some dogs, particularly those with high baseline anxiety or skin disease, these additives seem to tip behaviour and itch from manageable to difficult. Families often notice better stool quality, calmer behaviour and less scratching when they reduce or remove these treats and switch to natural options.

Clinically, occasional use of Schmackos-style treats in an otherwise healthy dog is unlikely to cause harm. However, they are a poor choice as daily rewards, especially in dogs with allergies, gut issues, obesity, kidney disease or behavioural sensitivities. You get a much better health “return on investment” from single-ingredient Australian proteins that provide genuine nutrition alongside enjoyment.

Processed vs Natural Dog Treats: How Do They Compare?

Health Benefits of Natural Dog Treats

Digestive Health & the Canine Microbiome

The digestive benefits of natural dog treats begin with what they leave out. Many supermarket treats are built on wheat flour, maize, rice bran and modified starches because these ingredients are cheap and easy to extrude into uniform shapes. In sensitive dogs, these fermentable carbohydrates can feed gas-producing bacteria in the colon, leading to flatulence, soft stools, bloating and discomfort.

Natural treats — particularly freeze-dried or air-dried meats and organs — more closely match the macronutrient profile dogs evolved to digest. They provide protein and fat without the same carbohydrate load. For dogs with irritable bowel-type symptoms, chronic diarrhoea or a history of pancreatitis, simplifying treats in this way can reduce flare-ups and make it easier to interpret what the main diet is doing. Owners also gain a clearer picture: if stools change dramatically after a new treat is introduced, there is no mystery about which ingredient to blame.

Skin & Coat Support (Omega-3s and Micronutrients)

Natural treats derived from fatty fish — such as salmon, whitebait, sardines and mackerel — are naturally rich in EPA and DHA, the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids shown to support skin barrier function and moderate inflammatory responses. Many itchy dogs in Australia are eating dry foods that are relatively low in omega-3s and high in omega-6s. Building a small amount of fish-based natural treats into the weekly routine can gently tilt that balance in a more favourable direction.

Organ-based treats bring their own benefits. Liver provides vitamin A and B-group vitamins; heart contributes taurine and coenzyme Q10; kidney offers selenium and other trace minerals. These nutrients support immune function and antioxidant defence. Treats must still be portion-controlled — organ meats are nutrient dense and can cause loose stools if overfed — but used sensibly they add real value, not just calories.

Joint, Mobility & Recovery Benefits

Some natural dog treats act as “edible joint support.” Green-lipped mussel (GLM), for example, contains unique omega-3 derivatives and glycosaminoglycans that have been associated with improved joint comfort in dogs. Air-dried cartilage, trachea and collagen sticks provide structural proteins that support ligaments and tendons. While these treats are not a replacement for a well-designed joint supplement or prescription medication where needed, they do provide supportive nutrients in a form most dogs love to consume.

Behavioural Regulation Through Chewing

Chewing is a natural coping mechanism for dogs. Long-lasting natural chews — such as air-dried tendons, roo ribs, skin strips or collagen chews — give dogs a task that is physically satisfying and neurologically calming. The act of chewing releases dopamine and serotonin, the brain chemicals associated with pleasure and regulation. Dogs offered appropriate chews as part of an enrichment routine often show improved resilience in everyday life: they settle faster in the evening, cope better with mild stressors and are less likely to redirect frustration onto furniture or family members.

From a behaviour perspective, the quality of the chew matters. Very soft, sugary treats disappear too quickly to have meaningful calming impact. Very hard bones or antlers increase the risk of dental fractures. Mid-range, fibrous chews that take 15–30 minutes to work through sit in the sweet spot between enrichment and safety — and natural, single-ingredient versions do this without loading your dog with unwanted additives.

Dog Chews in Australia: Dental, Behavioural & Safety Considerations

In search data, “dog chews” sits alongside “canine treats” as a major topic. Chews serve two main purposes: supporting dental health and providing behavioural enrichment. From a dental perspective, the mechanical scraping of a suitably firm chew can help reduce plaque and tartar, particularly on the larger chewing teeth. From a behavioural point of view, the time and effort required to work through a chew provides a structured outlet for natural gnawing instincts.

Not all chews are equal, however. Clinically, we group them into three categories: edible chews that are designed to be fully consumed (tendons, ears, collagen sticks), long-lasting but digestible chews that soften as they are worked on, and recreational bones that are gnawed rather than eaten. Each brings a different balance of benefit and risk. Very hard, weight-bearing bones and antlers carry a higher risk of cracking molars, especially in large, enthusiastic chewers. Soft, starchy dental sticks are safer for teeth but often offer little nutritional value and may not engage dogs for long.

The safest approach is to select chews that pass the “thumbnail test” (you can make a slight dent with your thumbnail), to supervise chewing sessions closely, and to choose sizes that suit your dog’s jaw and chewing style. Brachycephalic breeds and dogs with existing dental disease need extra care. Natural chews made from tendons, skin or cartilage often hit an ideal balance: they are tough enough to clean teeth and occupy the dog, but not so hard that they behave like rocks.

Bulk Dog Treats: Benefits, Risks & Storage

Buying natural dog treats in bulk appeals to many Australian households. It reduces packaging, lowers cost per treat and ensures there is always something on hand for training or enrichment. However, bulk buying concentrates risk: if storage is poor, a large quantity of treats can become stale, rancid or contaminated at once.

High-fat treats such as salmon skins and sardines are particularly prone to oxidation when exposed to air, heat and light. Oxidised fats do not just smell unpleasant; they can irritate the gut and may contribute to inflammation. To minimise this, divide bulk purchases into smaller airtight containers, label them with the opening date and store them in a cool, dry cupboard. For very rich products, refrigeration or freezing can extend shelf life, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions support it.

Scooping unidentified treats from open bins at markets or pet shops is a different story. Without clear labelling and batch codes, there is no way to verify the protein source, fat content, salt level or potential cross-contamination with other products. For dogs with allergies or chronic illness, that uncertainty is unacceptable. When in doubt, choose clearly packaged single-ingredient bulk treats from reputable suppliers and skip anonymous “mystery mix” scoops.

How to Choose the Right Natural Treat (ET Clinical Framework)

Standing in front of a wall of treats can feel overwhelming. A simple framework helps. Think like a vet or nurse taking a brief history: start with your dog’s medical profile, then layer on behavioural needs and practical constraints such as budget and storage. The goal is not to find a perfect treat for every dog, but to match the right treat to the right animal at the right time.

Dog Treat Recipes Australia: Are Homemade Biscuits a Good Idea?

Search interest in “dog treat recipes Australia” and “dog biscuit recipes” reflects a real desire for control. When you bake at home, you choose every ingredient. That can be helpful, but it also introduces nutritional blind spots. Dogs have specific requirements for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that home recipes rarely consider. This is less critical for treats than for full diets, but it still matters if biscuits are large, frequent or very rich.

Many popular recipes combine pumpkin or sweet potato with oat flour, egg and a spoonful of peanut butter. In small, occasional amounts these are generally well tolerated by healthy dogs. Problems arise when recipes lean heavily on cheese, bacon, coconut oil or large volumes of nut butter — all of which drive fat and calorie content up sharply. For an overweight dog or one with a pancreatitis history, a handful of home-baked “cheese biscuits” can undo weeks of careful feeding in one weekend.

From a safety perspective, it is essential to avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs: onion, garlic, chocolate, raisins, xylitol-sweetened peanut butter, macadamia nuts and excessive salt. If you enjoy baking, think of homemade treats as occasional extras and keep pieces very small. For day-to-day rewards and dental support, professionally dried single-ingredient treats are more predictable, easier to portion and far less likely to behave like “calorie bombs.”

Sardine Dog Treats: Omega-3 Power with a Few Caveats

Sardines are one of the most nutritious foods we can safely add to many dogs’ diets. They are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), high-quality protein, vitamin B12 and, when the bones are included, bio-available calcium. Dehydrated sardine treats and small pieces of plain tinned sardines (in spring water or brine) can therefore support skin health, coat shine, joint comfort and cognitive function.

However, sardines are also relatively high in fat. For dogs with a history of pancreatitis, very sensitive stomachs or a tendency to gain weight easily, large or frequent portions may trigger loose stools or discomfort. As a general guide, think of sardine treats as a “few pieces a couple of times per week” addition rather than a daily staple. Rinse tinned sardines if they are packed in brine to reduce sodium, and avoid products seasoned with herbs, garlic or onion.

Hypoallergenic & Novel Protein Treats

Dogs with chronic skin disease, ear infections, paw licking or recurring gut symptoms are often candidates for food allergy investigations. In those cases, hypoallergenic treats are not a luxury — they are essential. Hypoallergenic in this context means that the treat uses one carefully chosen protein source the dog has not eaten before, with minimal or no other animal ingredients. Common examples in Australia include kangaroo, venison, goat and some fish varieties.

During an elimination diet, every bite outside the prescribed food can confuse the picture. Well-meaning family members often unintentionally “sabotage” trials by giving biscuits, supermarket chews or table scraps, then wondering why the dog’s ears are still red. Single-ingredient natural treats aligned with the trial diet solve this problem. They allow the dog to enjoy variety and reward while maintaining diagnostic clarity. Long-term, many allergic dogs continue with novel-protein treats as a core part of their management plan.

Good Training Treats for Puppies

Puppies are information sponges. In their first year, they learn how to cope with the world, how to interact with people and other dogs, and what behaviours are worth repeating. Food is an incredibly efficient way to reinforce those lessons, but the wrong type of treat can undermine both training and health.

Ideal puppy training treats are soft, highly motivating and very small — think pea-sized or smaller. Freeze-dried meat crumbs, tiny cubes of cooked chicken breast or purpose-made soft natural treats all work well. Crunchy biscuits, on the other hand, take longer to chew and can interrupt training flow. They also tend to be higher in carbohydrate and lower in protein, which is the opposite of what growing puppies need.

Concern about “spoiling” puppies with treats is common, but misplaced. When used thoughtfully, training treats build confidence and resilience. The real risk is overfeeding. A high-energy puppy in active training might earn dozens of rewards each day, so each reward must be tiny. Use a portion of the puppy’s daily food allowance for training where possible, and slightly reduce meal size on heavy training days to keep overall calories in balance.

Grain-Free Dog Snacks: Do Dogs Really Need Them?

Grain-free dog foods and snacks became extremely popular in the last decade, partly due to marketing and partly due to genuine concern about wheat or gluten sensitivities. Later research raised questions about a potential link between some legume-heavy grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in certain dogs. It is important to separate full diets from treats when interpreting this information.

As treats, grain-free products can be entirely appropriate, especially for dogs with confirmed wheat allergy or intolerance. Many natural snacks are “grain-free by default” because they contain only meat. The key is that the absence of grain does not automatically make a treat healthy. A biscuit that replaces wheat flour with large amounts of pea flour, chickpea starch and sugary binders is still a highly processed, carbohydrate-dense snack. For most dogs, a simple piece of air-dried meat or a small amount of cooked pumpkin is a far better option than either wheat-based or legume-loaded biscuits.

Can Dogs Eat Freeze-Dried Cat Treats?

In multi-pet households, it is common for dogs to eye off the cat’s treats and vice versa. Many freeze-dried cat treats are single-ingredient meats such as chicken, turkey or salmon. In small amounts, these are usually safe for dogs as well. The differences lie mainly in flavour intensity (cats often prefer richer, smellier treats) and pellet size.

The main risk comes from bolting rather than chewing. Large dogs may gulp tiny cat treat pellets and cough or choke. If you choose to share freeze-dried cat treats with a dog, scatter them over a lick mat or puzzle toy rather than feeding from the hand. As with all treats, keep an eye on fat content for dogs with pancreatitis risk, and remember that cat-specific marketing does not magically change the underlying protein — chicken is still chicken.

Safe Treat Frequency & Portion Control

Even the healthiest natural treat can cause problems if given in excess. A useful rule is that treats, chews and table scraps combined should not exceed around 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. For a small dog, that might equate to just a few strips of jerky or a handful of tiny training pieces. For larger, highly active dogs, the allowance is more forgiving, but it is still finite.

Dogs with specific medical conditions require additional caution. Those with pancreatitis history should receive only low-fat treats and in very conservative portions. Dogs on kidney-support diets may need protein-restricted treats chosen in consultation with their veterinarian. If you are ever unsure, bring your current treat list to your next vet appointment and ask for a quick review — your clinical team would rather adjust treats proactively than manage preventable flare-ups later.

FAQ: Natural Dog Treats in Australia

Final Thoughts: Treats That Earn Their Place in the Bowl

Dogs do not need treats to survive, but the right treats can make a real difference to how well they cope, learn and age. Natural dog treats shift rewards away from sugar and synthetic colours and back toward nutrient-dense proteins that support digestion, skin, joints and behaviour. As with all aspects of nutrition, the details matter: which protein you choose, how often you feed it, how it is stored and whether it genuinely suits your individual dog.

If your dog is dealing with allergies, gut issues, anxiety or weight concerns, reviewing the treat jar is a logical place to start. Simplifying ingredients, reducing total calories and building in structured chewing time can all be done without sacrificing joy. In many households, it is one of the easiest lifestyle upgrades to implement — and one your dog will happily help you trial.