Tasty Treats & Dehydrating

Treats are any extra food outside your dog's regular food allowance. While they can be a useful tool for training and enrichment, they should remain just that—a treat, not a dietary staple.

📌 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. If your dog requires weight management or refuses their actual food, reducing treats is the first step to correcting the issue.

How Many Treats Should My Dog Get?

A dog’s treat allowance should be capped at 10% of their diet, at the absolute most:

✔ Dog fed 1kg per day: 100g can be treats, 900g actual food

✔ Dog fed 500g per day: 50g can be treats, 450g actual food

Can I Use Raw Food for Training?

Yes! You can utilise raw mince for training using washable squeezy tubes available on Amazon.

📌 Tip: Remove the elastic piece from the lid to allow the mince to be pushed through.

⚠ Minimize exposure to raw food, especially in warmer months, to prevent spoilage.

Best Treats for Training (Especially for Raw Feeders)

If you're new to raw feeding but also training your dog, use single-protein treats that match your dog's diet.

✔ Example: Feeding chicken this week? Use chicken pate (e.g., JR Pet Products). You can dice, freeze, and thaw small portions daily for convenience.

Where to Buy Dog Treats

🐾 Local Pet Stores: Specialty raw and natural pet food stores often have high-quality options. Find your local supplier here.

🖥 Online Retailers: Check sites like Just Ere for Treats and Furry Natural.

📦 Doggy Treat Boxes: Subscription boxes (e.g., Raw Paws Emporium) source treats from DEFRA-approved UK producers.

What to Look for in Dog Treats

✔ Whole Ingredients: Look for treats made with real meats, fruits, and vegetables.

✔ Reliable Sourcing: Choose UK or EU farms for better quality control.

✔ Quality Certifications: Look for labels like DEFRA approval or similar standards.

⚠ Avoid Cheap Bulk Buys unless you confirm they come from trusted sources.

Common Mistakes When Buying Treats

❌ Compromising Quality: Cheaper options may contain fillers and artificial additives.

❌ Ignoring Reviews: Always check customer feedback before purchasing.

❌ Not Checking Ingredients: Some treats contain grains and synthetic additives harmful to dogs.

Recommended Dog Treats

Here's a variety of healthy treat options for different needs:

Meaty Treats

• Beef Jerky, Lung Bites, Liver Bites, Tripe

• Braided Camel, Goat, Lamb

• Kangaroo Jerky Rolls, Wild Boar Sticks

  
  

Furry Treats (Great for Fibre!)

• Hairy Rabbit Ears, Venison Ears, Goat Ears

• Hairy Beef Skin, Beef Snout

• Hairless Rabbit Ears

  
  

Seafood-Based Treats

• Dried Sprats, Fish Skin

• Freeze-Dried Whole Quail

• Flounder Fish, Halibut

  
  

Specialty Chews

• Trachea (Raw or Dehydrated): Can be fed as-is or stuffed with raw food, then frozen.

• Pizzles & Ligaments: Can be fed raw, frozen, or dehydrated—great for joint support.

• Antlers: ⚠ May pose a choking hazard or damage teeth.

📌 Avoid rawhide, as it is bleached and processed with harmful chemicals.

Pâté & Soft Treats for Training

Dogs love pâté-based treats, such as:

✔ Drool Pet Products

✔ JR Pet Products

✔ Anco

📌 Storage Tips: Once opened, store in a sealed container in the fridge and use within packaging guidelines or freeze portions for later.

Tree Roots & Fur Treats

✔ Tree Roots: Ideal for teething puppies.

✔ Fur Treats: Provides natural fibre; start with small amounts (2-3 times per week).

Yak Chews

We encourage owners to research how Yak Chews are made before deciding if they’re suitable. Read more about them here.

Choosing the Right Bones

🦴 Pick bones based on your dog's size & age.⚠ Avoid cooked bones—these can splinter and cause harm.

📌 Learn more in our Raw Meaty Bones blog.

Dehydrating Treats at Home

💡 Dehydrating is a great way to make treats but isn’t always the cheapest option—compare deals from raw food shops!

✔ Best Practices for Dehydrating Treats:

✅ Slice items thinly for faster dehydration.

✅ Always use 70°C for animal-based products

.✅ If using an oven, ensure it goes down to 70°C.

📌 Storage Tips: Use glass airtight jars to prevent moisture build-up and bacteria growth.

Final Thoughts

Giving your dog the right treats doesn’t just mean choosing what they’ll enjoy—it’s about prioritizing quality, avoiding harmful ingredients, and storing treats properly. Whether using pâté for training, fur for fibre intake, or meaty chews for enrichment, selecting treats wisely ensures optimal health and enjoyment for your pet.

Looking to learn more? Join the Dehydrated Dog Treats Facebook group (not affiliated but highly knowledgeable)!

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