We all love to spoil our dogs—especially when those puppy eyes come out. But not all treats are as wholesome as they seem. In fact, some are hiding ingredients that could do more harm than good. If you've ever glanced at a treat label and thought, “What even is that?”, you’re not alone.
So here’s the lowdown—what to keep an eye out for, why it matters, and how to make sure your dog’s treats are actually… well, treats.
1. Artificial Preservatives
Ever seen “BHA” or “BHT” on a label? These chemical preservatives are often used to keep treats shelf-stable for ages—but they’ve been linked to potential health risks, including liver issues and even cancer. Ethoxyquin is another one to steer clear of.
👉 What to look for instead:
Treats that use natural preservatives like rosemary extract or Vitamin E (you’ll often see it listed as “mixed tocopherols”). That’s what we use in our Natural Dog Treats range—nothing weird, just goodness.
2. Artificial Colours & Flavours
Bright red bones or neon green biscuits? That’s not natural—and it’s not necessary. Dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 do nothing for your dog nutritionally and can trigger allergies or behavioural changes. Same goes for fake meat flavours—they usually cover up poor-quality ingredients.
👉 Better bet:
Go for treats made with real food—think chicken, fish, or sweet potato. No added “flavour” needed when the ingredients actually taste good.
3. By-Products and Fillers
“Meat by-product” sounds vague for a reason. It often means the scraps—things like beaks, feathers, and feet—that didn’t make the cut. And fillers like corn, wheat, or soy? They bulk up treats cheaply, but they don’t do your dog any favours.
👉 What’s better:
Look for treats where meat or fish is clearly listed first—and where you can pronounce every ingredient. Our Mini Chomper Box is full of those kinds of treats.
4. Added Sugars & Sweeteners
You’d be surprised how many treats sneak in sugar, molasses, or worse—Xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Dogs don’t need sugary snacks, and added sweeteners can mess with their digestion and weight.
👉 Skip the sugar rush:
Opt for treats that use naturally sweet ingredients, like apples or carrots, instead. And always check for Xylitol—it should be a dealbreaker.
5. Too Much Salt
A little sodium is okay, but many lower-quality treats use excess salt as a cheap flavour boost. In large amounts, it can dehydrate your dog or cause other issues.
👉 Stick with:
Minimal seasoning, or treats flavoured with herbs like parsley—tasty and gentle on their system.
6. Moisture-Boosting Chemicals
Ingredients like propylene glycol (used to retain moisture) might make soft treats last longer, but they come at a cost. They’re linked to health problems in dogs and don’t belong in a wholesome snack.
👉 What to do:
Choose treats with short, simple ingredient lists—no weird science words needed. Our treat boxes are packed with real meat, fish, and naturally dried snacks.
Why It Matters
Dogs don’t always show when something’s off—especially when the treats taste good. But over time, low-quality ingredients can take a toll on their skin, stomach, and overall health. That’s why we built Postman Pooch around the kind of treats we’d feel proud (and safe) giving our own dogs.
Whether it’s our Large Chomper Box or the Ultimate Chomper Box, every treat is made with:
- Real meat or fish
- No artificial preservatives or flavours
- No sneaky by-products or chemical fillers
How to Pick the Right Treats
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Read the ingredient list (shorter = better)
✅ Watch out for vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal digest”
✅ Look for UK-sourced ingredients (higher standards, fewer corners cut)
✅ Pick brands that are transparent—if they don’t share what’s inside, there’s a reason
Final Thought
Treats should make your dog happy and healthy. With just a little label-reading and a switch to natural options, you’re giving your pup more than just a snack—you’re giving them a better chance at a long, waggy life.
Want a safe place to start? Browse our Natural Treat Boxes or try a subscription. One happy pup, guaranteed.
