These days, it seems like everything is leaning towards being "all-natural." From the food we eat to the cosmetics we use; more and more people are opting for products that are made with ingredients that occur naturally in the world - and for good reason! But what about our furry friends? Are all-natural dog treats really any better for them than conventional ones? Let's take a closer look.
All-Natural vs. Conventional Dog Treats: What's The Difference?
The main difference between all-natural and conventional dog treats is, of course, the ingredients. All-natural treats are made with ingredients that come from nature, while conventional treats may contain synthetic ingredients or those that have been genetically modified. Many regular brands of dog treats contain corn, wheat, and other fillers that make the food cheap to produce. The highly processed bone-shaped versions you often see have mysterious ingredients including bone meal and poultry by-product meal with the main ingredients being wheat flour and wheat bran. Doesn’t sound ideal when it comes to your dog's health, so our advice is to choose treats that are made with as many whole and natural ingredients as possible with a focus on protein.
Benefits of All-Natural Dog Treats
There are several benefits of feeding your dog all-natural treats. First, natural ingredients are generally easier for your dog to digest because they haven't been processed or altered in any way. Second, all-natural treats usually don't contain any artificial additives or preservatives, which means they're less likely to cause an upset stomach or other digestive issues. Finally, since all-natural treats haven't been processed, they often retain more of their nutritional value than conventional ones. That means they can provide your dog with more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
High-quality and natural treats contribute to better digestion, lower risk of diseases, strong immunity, and increased energy and activity - leading to overall good physical and mental health. Natural dog treats can also reduce inflammation and lessen allergic reactions since they are made with superior proteins and minerals. And if your dog is going to be chewing on things - a great mental stimulator for dogs - I think we’d all agree that it's better for them to chew on nice and natural things!
The drawbacks of all-natural dog treats
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to feeding your dog all-natural treats. One is that they tend to be more expensive than their conventional counterparts, however this is due to the ingredients being of a higher quality. Another is that they may not last as long; since they don't contain any artificial preservatives, all-natural treats will usually have a shorter shelf life than conventional ones. Finally, all-natural treats may be harder to find since they're not carried by every pet store or grocery store. However, this is gradually changing as more and more pet owners are seeking them, and more retailers are stocking them. Wild at Heart are proud to stock our range of all-natural dog treats at selected Countdown stores, making it super easy for you to grab a bag or two as part of your weekly shop. And at $7.95 for a 80g bag, this is pretty good value too.
So, should you make the switch to all-natural dog treats? If you're looking for a healthier option for your furry friend, then all-natural treats are worth considering - after all, you wouldn’t think twice about providing yourself or your family with the best there is, so why exclude your pet?
See the full range of all-natural Wild at Heart dog treats here and give them a go with your best furry friend - with simply healthy, free range, grass-fed New Zealand Lamb or beef, they’ll be asking for more and you’ll know that you’re providing only the best for their health and wellbeing.
