Can I Add Natural Treats to Raw Food?

Natural Treats Raw Food

Questions

  • Why choose natural treats?
  • How to keep a diet balanced
  • What natural treats can you add to a raw diet?
  • How to incorporate natural treats
Introducing natural treats to your canine companion’s raw food regimen can be both exciting and rewarding. Pet parents are increasingly curious about whether these treats add nutritional value or if they are just tasty extras. The best thing about natural treats is that they can be both. They’re a great way to give your pooch something special while also making sure to keep their food balanced and nutritious. We are going to explore how you can boost your pup's diet with natural treats, enhancing their mealtimes with tasty extras that are healthy for them. 

Why choose natural treats?

Opting for natural treats is not just a trend, but a conscious choice grounded in providing optimal health benefits for your pet. 

Understanding the benefits of natural treats 

Natural treats offer numerous advantages. They are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, making them a healthier choice for your pet. Unlike processed treats made using chemicals and sometimes unhealthy ingredients, natural treats retain their nutritional integrity. Your pooch can reap all the benefits from them without ingesting anything harmful.  

Complementing a raw diet 

Adding natural treats to a raw food diet balances nutrition and variety. A raw diet, consisting primarily of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, offers a natural way to feed dogs. Incorporating natural treats can further enhance this diet by providing additional vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. If you go through the effort of making sure the bulk of your furry friend’s food is natural and of the best quality, the same standard should be held for their extra treats as well!  

Enriching your dog's diet 

Natural treats enrich your dog's diet in many ways. They not only add variety and flavour but also contribute to dental health, joint support, and overall vitality. These treats can serve as an excellent source of extra nutrients that might be missing from a raw diet alone. They can help to target anything you may want to address directly like dental health, joint care or even coat condition to keep your pooch looking and feeling their best.  

How to keep a diet balanced

Ensuring that a raw diet remains balanced when adding natural treats requires a little bit of planning. You will need to understand the overall nutritional needs of your pooch which can differ by breed, age and activity levels. Natural treats should complement, not exceed, the primary diet. Regularly evaluate the caloric content and nutrient value of the treats to ensure they do not disrupt the dietary balance. You can in some cases have too much of a good thing. 

Dog eating snacks.
Incorporate a variety of natural treats to cover a broad spectrum of benefits. Different treats provide different vitamins, minerals, and benefits. By diversifying the treats, you help ensure that your canine companion receives a well-rounded diet. You’ll need to practice portion control to maintain a proper balance. Treats should not constitute more than 10% of the total diet.  

What natural treats can you add to a raw diet?

Incorporating natural treats into your dog's raw diet can provide an array of additional health benefits and keep mealtime exciting and enjoyable. These treats can range from raw fruits and vegetables to dehydrated meats and bones, each offering different benefits. It’s crucial to choose treats that complement the raw diet and contribute positively to your fur baby’s health.  

Hare-raisingly good 

T. Forrest Rabbit Ears are a fantastic addition to any dog's diet. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them an ideal treat for dogs of all sizes and waistlines. Their crunchy texture helps to clean teeth and massage gums, which helps to promote good dental health.  
Rabbit ears are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which support joint health. These compounds are critical for maintaining strong and flexible joints, especially in active or ageing pups. Including rabbit ears in your companion’s diet can help improve mobility and reduce the risk of arthritis later in life. A good diet will help to prevent future issues as well as provide everything they need for the day ahead.  
Rabbit ears are also a natural source of fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. This makes them an excellent treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It’s a great all-round addition to most diets.  

The omega powerhouse 

Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky Twists are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats play an important role in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Omega-3s are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They are a great addition to a diet to keep your pooch looking and feeling their best.  
The chewy texture of these jerky twists helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Regular chewing on these treats can significantly improve your pup’s oral health, reducing the likelihood of dental issues and bad breath. Including Sea Jerky Twists in your canine companion’s diet can support cognitive function, keeping their brain sharp and active. This is particularly beneficial for older dogs or breeds prone to cognitive decline. 

Crunchy and nutritious 

Hollings Natural Chicken Feet are naturally rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, essential for joint health. These compounds help to maintain cartilage, reducing the risk of joint pain and arthritis as your pooch ages. The crunchy texture of chicken feet makes them an excellent dental treat with regular chewing also strengthening the jaw muscles. 

Dog sleeping on the grass.
Chicken feet are a great source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. Supplementing your dog's diet with chicken feet ensures they get the necessary nutrients for skeletal health, especially in growing puppies or senior dogs. 

Nature's multivitamin 

Natures Menu Raw Chews Beef Marrow Bones are a nutrient-dense treat, providing a whole wealth of vitamins and minerals. They are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. The marrow inside the bone is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. Regular consumption can help prevent joint-related issues and improve mobility, particularly in larger breeds prone to joint problems later in life.  
Chewing on beef marrow bones provides mental stimulation for your dog. It keeps them occupied for extended periods, reducing boredom and attention seeking behaviours. The act of chewing also releases endorphins so it’s a great way to reduce stress, especially if you have to get on with something and can’t give your pooch all the attention they want for a period. 

Calcium rich tough chews 

Yakers Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew are incredibly high in protein, making them an excellent energy source. Protein is vital for muscle development and repair, ensuring your dog maintains lean body mass. These chews are hard and long-lasting, providing hours of entertainment for your dog. They help satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew, promoting dental health by removing plaque and tartar buildup as they gnaw away. Yak chews are perfect for hard chewers like bull breeds and terriers who may get through other chews too quickly.  
They’re packed with essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining strong bones, healthy gums, and a robust immune system. 

Dog eating chewable bone.

How to incorporate natural treats

You should always introduce new treats gradually. Monitor your furry friend’s reaction to ensure they don't have any adverse effects. Start with small portions and observe how your pet responds before making them a regular part of their diet. With all of these new options, it can be tempting to go out and shower your pooch in a variety of treats but introducing them gradually means you can make sure each one is benefitting them as it should be.  
Variety is key to a balanced diet. Rotate different treats to provide a range of nutrients and flavours. This keeps your fur baby interested and ensures they benefit from a diverse array of vitamins and minerals. Enhancing your canine companion’s raw food diet with natural treats can significantly benefit their health and well-being. From rabbit ears to yak milk chews, these treats offer a variety of nutrients and support various aspects of your dog's health.  
If you want to take your dog's nutrition to the next level, consider incorporating these natural treats into their diet. Visit us in store or online to add a little more excitement to your pup’s snacking options!Â