🦴 Trick or Treat?A closer look at popular dog treats – and how natural they really are

🦴 Trick or Treat?

A closer look at popular dog treats – and how natural they really are

As Trick or Treat season approaches, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular dog treats on the market. Are they truly a healthy treat for dogs, or are we being fooled by clever marketing and colorful packaging?

🦴 MILK-BONE Dog Treats – Trick or Treat?

The promise:
Crunchy biscuits made with “high-quality ingredients,” meaty flavor, added vitamins, and support for clean teeth and fresh breath.

Ingredient list:
Ground Whole Wheat, Wheat Flour, Meat and Bone Meal, Milk, Beef Fat (Preserved with BHA/BHT), Salt, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Malted Barley Flour, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sodium Metabisulfite (Preservative), Minerals, Vitamins... and more.

What’s really inside:

• Wheat as the main ingredient – high in carbs and a common allergen for dogs. It can cause itchy skin, ear discomfort, and excessive paw licking.

• Meat and bone meal – vague and unspecified. What kind of meat is it? Chicken? Beef? Something else entirely? Transparency matters.

• BHA/BHT preservatives – BHA is a known carcinogen linked to liver and kidney damage. It’s even banned in parts of the EU.

• Synthetic vitamins – while the label lists many nutrients, most are fortified and not easily absorbed by your dog’s body.

👉 Verdict: Trick.
Milk-Bone might be nostalgic, but it’s far from a wholesome, natural choice for your pup.

🦷 GREENIES – The “Healthy” Dental Treat

The promise:
Easy-to-digest, “nutritious,” vet-recommended dental treats made with “quality ingredients from around the world.”

Ingredient list:
Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Minerals, Dried Spearmint, Vitamins, and Turmeric Color.

What’s really inside:

• High in wheat and gluten – again, two of the most common culprits behind allergies and digestive upset.

• Glycerin & Gelatin – added to create a chewy texture but offer no nutritional value. Glycerin is a sugar-alcohol and difficult for dogs to digest.

• Powdered cellulose – an indigestible filler (yes, it’s wood pulp).

• Synthetic vitamins and minerals – present in minimal amounts, often less than 1%.

About that “Vet Recommended” seal:
Greenies often feature the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal. However, the VOHC does not certify safety or nutritional quality - only that a product may help reduce plaque and tartar when used as directed.

👉 Verdict: Trick.
While the shape might help scrape plaque, the ingredient list doesn’t make this a truly healthy choice for small dogs.

🥕 CARROTS – A Naturally Crunchy Treat

The promise:
A crunchy, sweet, single-ingredient treat that’s low in calories and high in vitamins.

Ingredient list:
Carrots. That’s it.

Why carrots are a treat worth keeping:

• Made of ~90% water and 10% carbs, making them hydrating and low-glycemic.

• Packed with beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, lutein, and antioxidants that promote healthy skin, coat, vision, and immunity.

• Support dental health by encouraging chewing and saliva production.

• Great source of fiber for gut health and digestion.

💡 Tip: Lightly steam or cook carrots to make the nutrients more bioavailable. For a fun twist, freeze carrot pieces for a cooling summer snack or soak them in low-sodium broth for flavor.

👉 Verdict: Treat!
Whole, fresh, real food wins every time.

🐑 HOLI TREATS – Lamb Liver

The promise:
A single-ingredient, freeze-dried, 100% natural treat.

Ingredient list:
Lamb liver.

Why it’s a true superfood for dogs:

• High in protein and Vitamin A for healthy heart, kidney, and immune function.

• Rich in B vitamins, iron, and essential minerals.

• Single-ingredient - perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

• Freeze-drying locks in nutrients without needing synthetic preservatives.

I often recommend incorporating up to 10% organ meat in home-cooked dog diets. Liver supports detoxification and overall vitality - because “like feeds like.”

👉 Verdict: Treat!
Nutrient-dense, clean, and truly natural.

🐾 The Takeaway: Choose Real, Whole-Food Dog Treats

After reviewing these popular treats, one thing is clear: marketing can be deceiving. Just because a product says “natural” or “healthy” doesn’t make it so.

When choosing treats for your small breed dog:

• ✅ Look for single-ingredient treats (like carrots, liver, or freeze-dried meats).

• 🚫 Avoid fillers like wheat, corn, and soy.

• 🚫 Skip preservatives like BHA/BHT.

• 💚 Choose real, recognizable ingredients - the fewer, the better.

Healthy dog treats don’t need fancy packaging - they need honesty. Fresh veggies and gently cooked, single-protein snacks are the true “treats” your dog deserves.

🐶 Want to learn more about feeding your small breed dog naturally?

Schedule a 1:1 canine nutrition consultation and discover how fresh, balanced meals can help your pup thrive - inside and out.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and it is not intended to replace the services of a veterinarian.  Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.