Ever stare at the dog biscuit aisle, feeling completely lost? Rows of colorful bags promise the world, but what’s really inside those crunchy treats your best friend loves so much? Many store-bought biscuits hide ingredients you can barely pronounce, artificial colors, and fillers that offer your dog little real nutrition. It’s frustrating when you want to reward your pup with something healthy, but the labels are confusing and overwhelming.
Choosing natural dog biscuits shouldn’t feel like solving a complex puzzle. You want treats that support a happy tummy, a shiny coat, and endless tail wags, not ones packed with unnecessary junk. We understand that struggle! That’s why we’ve dug deep into what makes a biscuit truly natural and beneficial for your canine companion.
Keep reading to discover the simple secrets to spotting the best, cleanest ingredients, avoiding common pitfalls, and finding the perfect, wholesome reward your dog deserves. Get ready to transform treat time from a guessing game into a healthy habit!
Top Natural Dog Biscuits Recommendations
- LARGE CRUNCHY TREATS: These all natural large crunchy dog biscuits are made with a taste of peanut butter, apples, carrots, and molasses for a treat your dog will love
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth as your pup chews
- Made in North America using only the finest globally sourced ingredients and no added artififcial preservatives
- Try all of our mouthwatering biscuits in a variety of flavors and sizes to build your dog's perfect snack pantry!
- Classic great taste since 1926: Each biscuit is slowly oven-baked to preserve the natural flavors in all the varieties dogs love to catch, chew and eat.
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the aromas of oven-baked pumpkin, cinnamon, and yogurt, this treat delivers the warm, inviting scent of homemade pumpkin pie
- MADE with PUMPKIN: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, pumpkin, and cinnamon, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- SMALL CRUNCHY TREATS: An assortment of mini crunchy dog biscuits make a great training treat and a great addition to your dog's diet; they feature all natural ingredients and assorted natural flavors including chicken, eggs and real cheddar cheese
- ALL NATURAL: Our yummy biscuit recipes include wholesome natural ingredients such as real peanut butter, fruits and vegetables; each biscuit is slowly oven baked to preserve the natural flavors
- Made in North America using only the finest globally sourced ingredients; we craft delicious recipes with simple, natural ingredients thoughtfully chosen for their nutritional benefits; no artificial preservatives or meat byproducts
- THE NATURAL CHOICE: From puppy to senior, small dog to large breed, crunchy to chewy, grained to grain free, treating to training, we've got an all natural recipe for every dog's needs and taste
- GIVE 'EM SOME SNACK LOVE: We've used the same simple methods to bake our snacks since 1926; each home style recipe is crafted from wholesome ingredients so you can feel good about giving your dog a reward that's healthy and heartfelt
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the savory scents of bacon, egg & cheese, this recipe is the next best thing to a bite of your breakfast sandwich
- MADE with BACON: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, bacon, and egg, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Our human grade dog treats are crafted with all natural, premium ingredients. Each 3-pack includes 1 x 5 oz bag of Bacon, 1 x Gingerbread, and 1 x Pumpkin dog treats. Great tasting, healthy snacks for even the pickiest of pups!
- EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR: Reward your beloved pet with 3 'pawsome' flavors. Savory bacon treats made with real chunks of bacon, fragrant gingerbread biscuits blended with gluten free garbanzo bean flour, and scrumptious pumpkin snacks with organic pumpkin puree.
- LIMITED INGREDIENTS: Our tasty grain free dog treats are prepared with 7 ingredients or fewer with no preservatives, wheat, dairy, chicken, BHT, BHA, and no artificial colors. Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, senior dogs, and picky eaters.
- GREAT FOR ALL SIZES: Our light and crunchy biscuit serves as an excellent training treat for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds, and can be easily snapped into smaller, bite-sized dog treats for small dogs.
- USA MADE: All of our gluten free dog treats are lovingly handcrafted using ingredients grown and sourced in the USA only. We use family recipes and package them in BPA-free bags. We’re here to support your pet's nutritional journey to eat well (and love it).
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the scents of oven-baked apples, cinnamon, and yogurt, this recipe evokes wholesome and sweet apple pie
- MADE with APPLES: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, apples, and yogurt, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Real chicken & chicken bone broth are the first ingredients in our oven-baked chicken bone broth biscuit. A satisfying crunch for a boost of nutrition at snack time. Jinx dog treats are made with all-natural ingredients you can trust, carefully selected to provide a wholesome and delicious snacking experience.
- OVEN-BAKED: Jinx Biscuits are oven-baked in small batches to a perfect golden brown to pack a satisfying crunch.
- VITAMIN-RICH SUPERFOODS: Enriched with pumpkin, chia seeds, apples, and blueberries, these biscuits go beyond the ordinary, offering a boost of essential nutrients.
- NO FILLERS: All of the good, none of the bad. Jinx recipes never use corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
- NO FILLERS: All of the good, none of the bad. Jinx recipes never use corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.
- PUMPKIN TREATS FOR DOGS: We believe in simple, real nutrition that your pet will adore. Our human grade dog treats are crafted with all natural, organic pumpkin. A mouth watering, healthy, vegan treat for even the pickiest of pups.
- EXCEPTIONAL FLAVOR: Each scrumptious snack is double baked with organic pumpkin puree, Bob’s Red Mill Garbanzo Bean Flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon. With 3 other flavors and mixed variety packs available, snack time just got a lot more 'pawsome'!
- LIMITED INGREDIENTS: Our tasty grain free dog treats are prepared with 7 ingredients or fewer with no preservatives, wheat, dairy, chicken, BHT, BHA, and no artificial colors. Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, senior dogs, and picky eaters.
- GREAT FOR ALL SIZES: Our light and crunchy biscuit serves as an excellent training reward for all breeds, ages, and sizes, and can be easily snapped into smaller, bite-sized treats for small dogs.
- USA MADE: All of our gluten free dog treats are lovingly handcrafted using ingredients grown and sourced in the USA only. We use family recipes and package them in BPA-free bags. We’re here to support your pet's nutritional journey to eat well (and love it).
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Dog Biscuits
Choosing the right treats for your furry friend can feel overwhelming. Natural dog biscuits offer a healthier alternative to processed snacks. This guide helps you pick the best, wholesome biscuits for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the biscuit’s main selling points. These features tell you a lot about the treat’s value.
1. Ingredient Transparency
- Simple Ingredient Lists: The shorter the list, the better. You want easily recognizable food items.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Check the protein, fat, and fiber percentages. These numbers show the nutritional balance.
2. Texture and Size
- Appropriate Crunch: Biscuits should snap when broken. This signals freshness and helps clean teeth slightly.
- Size Matters: Ensure the biscuit size suits your dog. Small dogs need smaller treats; giant breeds need larger, longer-lasting chews.
3. Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)
If your dog has allergies, look for LID options. These contain only a few ingredients, making it easy to avoid common irritants like chicken or wheat.
Important Materials: What Goes In Matters
The quality of the ingredients directly impacts your dog’s health. Natural biscuits rely on whole foods.
Protein Sources
Good protein sources include real meat (dehydrated or flours like lamb meal or salmon). Avoid biscuits where “meat by-products” are the first ingredient.
Carbohydrates and Binders
Healthy carbohydrates provide energy. Look for ingredients like brown rice, oats, sweet potato, or chickpeas. These are better than refined white flour.
Fats
Healthy fats, like flaxseed or coconut oil, support skin and coat health. Avoid biscuits made primarily with cheap vegetable oils.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all “natural” biscuits are created equal. Some practices significantly boost the nutritional profile, while others decrease it.
Quality Boosters (What We Love)
- Baked, Not Fried: Biscuits that are baked retain more nutrients and use less added fat.
- Added Superfoods: Ingredients like blueberries, carrots, or pumpkin offer vitamins and antioxidants.
- No Artificial Anything: Real preservatives (like Vitamin E/mixed tocopherols) are always superior to BHA or BHT.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Dogs do not need bright colors in their snacks. These add no nutritional value.
- Fillers: Corn, soy, and wheat are often used cheaply to bulk up the biscuit. If they appear high on the list, the quality drops.
- High Sugar Content: Some recipes add molasses or sugar for taste. Too much sugar is unhealthy for dogs.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the biscuit affects your choice. Consider your dog’s routine.
Training Aids
For frequent training sessions, you need small, low-calorie biscuits. They should be easy to break into even smaller pieces. High-value training treats should be soft enough for quick consumption.
Dental Health
If you seek a dental benefit, choose harder, denser biscuits. These require more chewing time, helping to scrape plaque. Always remember, biscuits are supplements, not replacements for brushing.
Sensitive Stomachs
Dogs with sensitive tummies do best with single-source protein biscuits (e.g., only salmon and sweet potato). Introduce new brands slowly, giving only one per day for several days.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Dog Biscuits
Q: What makes a biscuit truly “natural”?
A: A truly natural biscuit uses ingredients derived from nature. This means no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives are added during manufacturing.
Q: Are natural biscuits healthier than store-bought brands?
A: Often, yes. Natural biscuits usually skip cheap fillers and artificial additives, focusing on whole grains and real meat sources, which provide better nutrition.
Q: How long do natural dog biscuits usually last?
A: Most commercially produced natural biscuits last about 6 to 12 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Always check the “Best By” date printed on the bag.
Q: Can my dog eat too many natural biscuits?
A: Yes, even healthy treats count as calories. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily food intake. Overfeeding causes weight gain.
Q: Should I worry if the biscuit has grains like wheat or rice?
A: Only if your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy. For most dogs, whole grains like brown rice or oats are fine energy sources. Grain-free is necessary only for specific sensitivities.
Q: What is the best way to store natural biscuits to keep them fresh?
A: Keep them sealed in their original packaging or transfer them to an airtight container. Store them away from heat and sunlight to prevent the natural oils from going rancid.
Q: Are soft, chewy natural treats as good as hard biscuits?
A: Soft treats are great for older dogs or for quick training rewards. Hard biscuits offer more chewing time, which helps some with mild tartar buildup.
Q: What is the purpose of molasses in natural treats?
A: Molasses is sometimes used as a natural binder to hold the dough together. However, too much adds unnecessary sugar, so check the ingredient order.
Q: If a biscuit is grain-free, does that mean it is automatically healthier?
A: Not necessarily. Many grain-free biscuits replace grains with high amounts of potato or tapioca. Check that the grain replacement is a healthy vegetable like sweet potato or pumpkin.
Q: How do I introduce a new natural biscuit to my dog?
A: Give your dog a small piece first. Watch for any signs of stomach upset, like loose stool, over the next 24 hours. If all is well, you can offer the full biscuit the next day.