🦴 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.