How I Choose the Right Natural Treats for My Dog (and How You Can Too)
I’ll be honest—when I first started buying treats for my dog, I was mostly just going off what looked good on the shelf or came in a shiny packet. I didn’t think too much about what was in them. But after dealing with a few upset stomachs (and some very questionable farts), I started looking into natural treats—and it completely changed the way I shop for my dog.
Now I’m all about giving them treats that actually do something—whether it’s helping their teeth, boosting energy, or just giving them a chew that keeps them out of mischief for half an hour!
So here’s how I pick the right natural treats—based on my own experience and a bit of trial and error.
Why I Switched to Natural Treats
Let’s face it, most supermarket dog treats are packed with stuff I wouldn’t even feed myself - fillers, artificial colours, weird additives you can’t pronounce.
Natural treats are different. They’re just real. No nasties. No mystery ingredients. Just good-quality stuff that’s been dried, air-baked, or left as nature intended.
And what I noticed straight away?
- Better digestion
- Shinier coat
- Way less “what is that smell?” moments in the living room
Choosing Treats Based on Your Dog’s Size
Dogs are like people—what works for one doesn’t always work for another. I’ve got a small dog with a big attitude (cheers, Bella), and she’s not interested in anything that takes more than a few seconds to chew. Here’s what I’ve found works best by size and breed type:
🐾 Small Dogs (like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pugs)
Small jaws = small treats. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.
What works:
- Rabbit ears – Low-fat, soft enough for little mouths
- Mini Chomper Treat Box – £15 – Great variety without overwhelming their stomachs
- Chicken feet – Crunchy but manageable, and good for the teeth
🐕 Medium Dogs (like Spaniels, Bulldogs, Border Collies)
These ones love a good chew but still want something tasty.
Top picks:
- Duck necks – High in protein and not too tough
- Venison sausages – Mine go mad for these
- Beef trachea – Great for keeping them busy and cleaning teeth at the same time
🐶 Large Dogs (Labs, Retrievers, Shepherds)
Big chewers need something solid—ideally something that isn’t your kitchen chair leg.
What I use:
- Braided pizzles – Tough enough to last
- Antler chews – Packed with minerals and pretty much indestructible
- Beef hooves – These have saved me during Zoom calls, no joke
🐕🦺 Giant Breeds (Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards)
They need serious chew power.
Go-to options:
- Ultimate Chomper Treat Box – £54 – Huge treats, ideal for big dogs
- Coffee wood chews – Tough, safe, and totally natural
- Duck wings – Crunchy and satisfying for big appetites
Puppies & Senior Dogs
Puppies are teething, and older dogs sometimes struggle with harder treats—so I always keep softer, gentler options around.
Puppy picks:
- Rabbit ears with fur – Gentle on the gums
- Tiny venison bits – Great for training
- Mini Chomper box – Perfect for trying different things
Senior picks:
- Duck necks – Still tasty, but softer
- Venison sausages – Easy to chew, full of flavour
- Chicken feet – Not too tough, and they help joints too
What If Your Dog Has Special Dietary Needs?
Had a dog with allergies? Same. I learned that single-protein treats are the safest bet.
- Rabbit or venison are great for sensitive stomachs
- Low-fat options (like rabbit ears) are brilliant if you’re watching their weight
- Duck necks or beef trachea are fantastic for active dogs that need a protein boost
Why I Stick with Postman Pooch Treats
I’m picky with what I feed my dog, but I trust Postman Pooch because:
- It’s all UK-sourced, and I like knowing where it’s from
- There are no artificial nasties—just proper ingredients
- And there’s a massive variety, which keeps my dog from getting bored
How I Introduce New Dog Treats
When I’m trying something new, I keep it simple:
- One at a time – So I know what they like (and if anything upsets their belly)
- Match the size – Big treats for big dogs, obviously
- Mix things up – I keep it interesting with the 100-Piece Natural Dog Treat Bundle – £38.99. It lasts ages and my dog never gets bored.
Final Bark
At the end of the day, picking the right treat is about knowing your dog. Some like soft chews, some like a challenge. But once you find the one that gets their tail wagging every time—you’ll know.
If you want to try something natural, healthy, and made right here in the UK, check out our full natural dog treat range. There’s something for every dog, and trust me—they’ll know they’ve been treated.
