How to Read Dog Treat Labels: What to Look For and What to Avoid

When it comes to spoiling our furry friends, dog treats are often a go-to choice. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, training, or just showing love, picking the right dog treats is important for your dog’s health and well-being. But with so many options on the shelves, how do you know which treats are truly beneficial? The answer lies in understanding how to read dog treat labels.

Just like with dog food, reading the ingredients and nutritional information on dog treats can help you make informed choices that keep your dog happy and healthy. Here’s a guide to what to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing the best treats for your pup.

What to Look For in Dog Treats:

High-Quality Protein Sources

Protein is essential for your dog’s muscle development and overall health. Look for treats with named animal proteins (like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Avoid treats that just list "meat" or "meat by-products" without specifying the source.

Example: "Chicken" or "Salmon" are great protein sources. “Chicken by-product meal,” however, is less desirable because it may contain low-quality parts of the animal that aren't as nutritionally beneficial.

Whole, Natural Ingredients

The best dog treats are made with whole, recognizable ingredients that you’d feel comfortable feeding your dog. Look for treats with natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or carrots. These are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and overall health.

Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as these can cause digestive upset or even long-term health issues. Look for labels that say "no artificial additives" or "all-natural."

Limited Ingredients

Less is more. Treats with fewer, high-quality ingredients are often easier on your dog’s digestive system and less likely to trigger food allergies. If your dog has sensitivities, choose treats with a limited ingredient list, focusing on one protein and one carbohydrate.

Example: A treat with just chicken, sweet potato, and a touch of flaxseed might be a great option for a dog with food sensitivities. 

Or, better yet? Single-ingredient dog treats made by Piper. 

Healthy Fats

Fats are an essential part of your dog’s diet, but it’s important that they come from quality sources. Look for healthy fat sources like fish oil or chicken fat. These fats provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health.

Avoid treats that list "unspecified fats" or "animal fat" without clarification on the source, as they may be lower quality.

Added Nutrients (Vitamins and Minerals)

Some dog treats are fortified with added vitamins, minerals, or probiotics to support your dog’s immune system, digestion, and joint health. Look for treats with beneficial additives like glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health, especially if your dog has specific needs.

Example: Treats with added Vitamin E and omega-3s can promote healthy skin and coat, while treats with glucosamine support mobility in older dogs.

What to Avoid in Dog Treats:

Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives

These synthetic additives are often used to make dog treats more visually appealing or to extend their shelf life, but they don’t offer any nutritional value to your dog. In fact, many artificial additives can cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, or digestive issues in sensitive dogs.

Avoid: Artificial colorants like Red 40 or Yellow 5, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Excessive Fillers (Corn, Wheat, Soy)

Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy are often used to bulk up dog treats, but they offer little nutritional value and may be harder for some dogs to digest. Additionally, these fillers can sometimes contribute to food allergies or sensitivities.

While a small amount of these ingredients may not be harmful, it's best to avoid treats with them listed as the primary ingredients, especially if your dog has known food sensitivities or allergies.

Too Many Calories or High Sugar Content

Just like humans, dogs can gain weight from excessive calorie intake. Some treats are packed with sugar or unhealthy fats, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Watch out for: Treats with high sugar content (such as those that list sugar or syrup as ingredients) or those with excessive fat. Look for treats that have moderate calorie counts per serving and are formulated for your dog’s specific size or weight.

By-Products and Low-Quality Animal Ingredients

While animal by-products may sound like an efficient way to provide protein, they’re often lower quality and less digestible than whole meat. By-products can include things like beaks, feathers, and internal organs, which may not be ideal for your dog’s health.

Avoid: "Animal by-products" or "meat meal" without specifying the source of the meat.

Excessive Salt or Sodium

While dogs need some sodium in their diet, too much can lead to dehydration, kidney problems, and other health issues. Treats with high salt content can lead to excessive thirst, frequent urination, and potentially even more serious health concerns over time.

Look out for: Sodium listed high on the ingredient list or excessive salt in the nutritional breakdown.

Tips for Reading Dog Treat Labels:

Ingredients Are Listed by Weight: The first few ingredients make up the bulk of the product. Make sure the first ingredient is a high-quality protein and not a filler or by-product.

Check the Serving Size: Some treats are calorie-dense, meaning you’ll want to adjust your dog’s regular meals accordingly to avoid overfeeding.

Consider Your Dog’s Specific Needs: If your dog has any health conditions, allergies, or special dietary needs, make sure the treats are appropriate for them. For example, treats with added fiber may help a dog with digestive issues, or treats with glucosamine might be good for senior dogs with joint concerns.

By learning how to read dog treat labels, you can ensure that the treats you’re giving your dog are both delicious and nutritious. Opt for treats made with high-quality ingredients, and steer clear of those with artificial additives, excessive fillers, or unhealthy fats. With the right treats, you can keep your dog happy and healthy while still indulging them with tasty rewards!

Ready to try single-ingredient dog treats your best friend is sure to love? Check out Piper's picks here.  

Photo by Christian Vieler