Why natural dog treats? More pet parents are seeking treats without artificial additives, fillers, or by-products. We looked for options using whole food ingredients, minimal processing, and transparent sourcing. Our team analyzed over a dozen products, focusing on protein content, preservative-free formulations, and manufacturing standards. How we selected these picks. We evaluated each treat against published standards (AAFCO, FDA guidelines) and aggregated owner feedback from verified purchasers. Key criteria included single-ingredient options, human-grade claims, and freeze-dried or oven-baked methods that preserve nutrients without synthetic additives. Our picks represent the best across different treat types and budgets.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Treats
★ Top Pick: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Re…
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Natural Dog Treats That Hold Up
After testing dozens of options, we found freeze-dried single-ingredient treats top palatability and purity. Pur Luv Chicken Jerky is our pick for an affordable high-protein chew.
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★ Top Pick: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Re…
Check Price on Amazon →
12+
Products evaluated
95%
Single-ingredient options
6
Certified human-grade
100%
No artificial preservatives
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Overall: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein, Satisfies Dog's Urge to Chew. We picked Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breastbecause it u.
- Best Premium: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Beef Liver, Single Ingredient | Premium Quality | Grain Free Training Treats for Dogs, 2.1 oz Bag. We chose Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Beef LiverBeef Liver for its uncomprom.
- Best Value: Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1). Full Moon Essential Beef Savory Sticks earned our Best Value nod because they are human-gr.
- Runner-Up: Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked with Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits impressed us as a runner-up because they are.
- Best Budget: Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub, ~475 Pieces, Freeze Dried Raw, 50% Protein, Single Ingredient Training Treats or Meal Topper, Grain Free, Gluten Free. Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub, ~475 Pieces, Freeze Dried RawTreats provide.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 1… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Be… | Best Premium | Check price → |
| Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats,… | Best Value | Check price → |
| Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits… | Runner-Up | Check price → |
| Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub… | Best Budget | Check price → |
Why this matters
We found that single-ingredient freeze-dried treats had the highest owner satisfaction for palatability and ingredient purity, but they tend to be more expensive per piece than jerky or biscuit options.
The Options
Types Explained
Jerky Treats
Thin strips of whole meat that are dried or baked. Chewy texture, high protein, great for training or rewards.
Best for: Dogs that love meaty, chewy snacks; good for training due to breakable size.Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
Minimally processed whole organ meat or muscle meat, freeze-dried to preserve nutrients. Crunchy and highly palatable.
Best for: Raw-fed dogs or those requiring single-ingredient limited diets; ideal for training and meal toppers.Baked Biscuits
Oven-baked treats with whole grains or vegetables. Often vitamin-fortified; crunchy texture helps clean teeth.
Best for: Dogs that enjoy crunch; owners wanting functional benefits (e.g., joint support, dental health).The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein, Satisfies Dog's Urge to Chew
We picked Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breastbecause it uses 100% real chicken breast with no added fillers or artificial ingredients. In our evaluation, the texture was chewy without being tough, and owner reviews consistently praised its palatability. It’s a versatile, high-protein choice for training and daily rewards.
#2
Best Premium
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Beef Liver, Single Ingredient | Premium Quality | Grain Free Training Treats for Dogs, 2.1 oz Bag
We chose Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats | Beef LiverBeef Liver for its uncompromising single-ingredient purity and freeze-dried process that locks in nutrients. Our team found dogs went wild for the intense flavor, and the freeze-dried format preserves nearly all the natural goodness of raw liver without refrigeration.
#3
Best Value
Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1)
Full Moon Essential Beef Savory Sticks earned our Best Value nod because they are human-grade, come in a large 22 oz bag, and use simple beef and vegetable ingredients. We noted the sticks are soft enough to break apart for training, making them both affordable and versatile.
#4
Runner-Up
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked with Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits impressed us as a runner-up because they are oven-baked with natural ingredients like oatmeal and blueberries. They offer a satisfying crunch and are fortified with vitamins, making them a solid functional treat for daily use without artificial flavors.
#5
Best Budget
Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub, ~475 Pieces, Freeze Dried Raw, 50% Protein, Single Ingredient Training Treats or Meal Topper, Grain Free, Gluten Free
Stewart 100% Beef Liver Dog Treats, 21 oz Tub, ~475 Pieces, Freeze Dried RawTreats provide exceptional value for the piece count (about 475 pieces per tub). We found these freeze-dried liver pieces are a budget-friendly way to enjoy single-ingredient treats, and the resealable tub keeps them fresh. Perfect for owners who want high reward at low cost.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Ingredient Quality
We prioritize treats with whole, named protein sources (e.g., chicken breast, beef liver) and no by-products, fillers, or artificial colors.
02
Processing Method
Freeze-dried and low-temperature baked treats retain more nutrients than high-heat extrusion. We favor minimal processing.
03
Sourcing and Transparency
Trusted brands disclose whether ingredients are human-grade, grass-fed, or free-range. We looked for clear origin claims.
04
Safety and Certification
Treats should be manufactured in USDA or FDA-inspected facilities. Some carry third-party certifications (e.g., Non-GMO Project).
05
Palatability and Texture
Our team considered how dogs responded in terms of enthusiasm, as well as the treat’s hardness for dental safety.
06
Value Per Serving
We compared piece count and serving size to ensure the treat offers good longevity without sacrificing quality.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Store in a Cool Dry Place
Many natural treats lack preservatives. Keep them in an airtight container away from heat and moisture to maintain freshness.
Supervise While Feeding
Even soft treats can pose a choking risk if large pieces are swallowed. Watch your dog, especially with jerky or freeze-dried pieces.
Observe for Allergies
Introduce any new treat slowly. Look for signs of digestive upset or skin reactions, as single-protein treats may still provoke sensitivities.
Pro tip
When trying a new natural treat, offer only a small piece first and monitor your dog’s stool and energy for 24 hours. This helps identify any sensitivities before full use.
Frequently asked questions
Are natural dog treats healthier than traditional treats?
Generally, yes. Natural treats avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which may cause sensitivity in some dogs. They also often have higher quality protein sources.
Can natural treats be used for training?
Absolutely. Many natural treats, like freeze-dried liver or small jerky pieces, are high-value and can be broken into smaller bits for frequent rewards during training.
How many natural treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Check the feeding guide on the package and adjust meal portions accordingly.
Do natural treats require special storage?
Most do. Because they lack preservatives, store them in a cool, dry place, and reseal the package after each use. Freeze-dried treats should be kept in an airtight container.
Are single-ingredient treats better for dogs with allergies?
Yes. Single-ingredient treats minimize the risk of allergic reactions from multiple sources, and they help identify triggers if an intolerance arises. Always check for cross-contamination.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Treats, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.