Dog treats come in every texture, flavor, and ingredient list you can imagine, but one of the biggest differences is whether they’re natural or processed. Understanding what each category really means can help you choose treats that fit your dog’s health needs, lifestyle, and sensitivities.
Are Natural Dog Treats Better?
Natural treats are usually made with simple, recognizable ingredients and minimal processing. They often contain no preservatives, artificial colors, or filler ingredients. This makes them a popular choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Natural treats you might already recognize include
These tend to be easier on digestion and are simple enough that you know exactly what your dog is eating.
Processed treats aren't automatically “bad,” but they often include stabilizers, binding agents, flavorings, or colors that some dogs may not tolerate well. They also tend to undergo more manufacturing steps, which can reduce nutritional quality.
If your dog has allergies, digestive sensitivity, or you prefer clean ingredients, natural treats are usually the better fit.
What Counts as a Processed Treat?
Processed treats can range widely. Some are lightly processed—like baked biscuits—while others go through significant manufacturing steps.
Some indicators of a processed treat include:
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Long ingredient lists
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Artificial flavors or colors
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Stabilizers or preservatives
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Highly uniform shapes
While processed treats can be convenient and tasty, many don’t offer the same nutritional clarity or simplicity you get from natural ingredient treats.
What Is the 90/10 Rule for Dogs?
This rule suggests that 90% of your dog’s diet should come from balanced, complete food, and no more than 10% should come from treats.
Natural treats can help you stay within that 10% without adding unnecessary calories or fillers.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Dog Anxiety?
While not directly about treats, the 3-3-3 rule explains common behavior patterns for newly adopted dogs:
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3 days to decompress
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3 weeks to start learning your routine
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3 months to fully feel comfortable
Treats—especially simple, lightly processed ones—can help build trust during this adjustment period.
What Is the 7-Second Rule for Dogs?
This rule is a quick safety check for surfaces:
If you can’t hold your hand on a surface for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Though unrelated to treat selection, many dog owners use this rule to keep pets safe during walks.
When Natural Treats Might Be a Better Choice
If your dog has:
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food allergies
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sensitive digestion
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itchy skin
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tear staining
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chronic stomach upset
then natural, single-ingredient treats are usually the safest place to start.
Something like Sweet Potato Slices or Lamb Lung gives your dog a clean, predictable treat without the added ingredients that trigger reactions.
When Processed Treats May Still Work
Some dogs do perfectly fine with lightly processed treats, especially if they need:
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Chewy training rewards
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low-calorie portions
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functional ingredients (dental support, joint support)
But even in these cases, many owners prefer minimally processed options like Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites because they combine convenience with clean ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Natural vs. processed isn’t always a strict “good vs. bad” comparison—but understanding the difference helps you make clearer choices. Natural treats tend to offer simpler ingredients, better digestibility, and fewer additives. Processed treats may offer convenience, but they vary widely in quality.
If you want treats that are close to whole foods and easy for your dog to digest, options like Sweet Potato Slices, Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites, Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky, or Lamb Lung are great places to start.