The Truth About Store-Bought Dog Treats

When you grab a bag of dog treats off the store shelf, you probably assume they’re safe and nutritious. After all, if they made it to the pet food aisle, someone must have ensured they’re good for your dog, right? Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Many store-bought dog treats are packed with artificial preservatives, unhealthy fillers, and questionable ingredients that could have long-term effects on your pup’s health.

I used to believe dog food manufacturers had my back. As a busy mom juggling three kids under five, I didn’t have time to scrutinize ingredient lists. I trusted that if a product was on the market, the “powers that be” had done their job in making sure it was both safe and beneficial.

Then, my world shifted.

When my sweet girl, Bucky, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I started questioning everything—including the food I had been giving her. Did the treats I bought, which she loved so much, contribute to her illness? Had I unknowingly fed her something that played a role in cutting her life short? The guilt was overwhelming.

And I’m not alone in this realization. With pet obesity, chronic diseases, and food-related illnesses on the rise, it’s more critical than ever to understand what we’re feeding our dogs. Research published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that low-quality commercial pet treats are linked to digestive issues, allergies, and metabolic disorders in dogs.

So, how can you choose treats that support—not harm—your pup’s health? Here are five essential tips to help you find the best dog treats and three major red flags to avoid.

5 Tips for Choosing Healthy Dog Treats

1. Read the Ingredient List Carefully

If you don’t recognize the ingredients, there’s a good chance they don’t belong in your dog’s body. Many commercial treats rely on cheap fillers, synthetic additives, and vague ingredient names to cut costs while sacrificing your dog’s health.

One ingredient you might not expect to see? Ash.

What Is “Ash” in Dog Treats?

Ash refers to the inorganic mineral content left behind after food is burned at high temperatures during laboratory analysis. It’s made up of essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which your dog needs for bone health, nerve function, and muscle support.

But here’s the catch—too much ash can indicate that the product contains low-quality meat meals and excessive bone content, rather than high-quality protein. Ideally, look for treats with an ash content below 7-8%. Anything higher may suggest a treat loaded with fillers instead of actual nutrition.

What to Look for in Ingredients:

• Real meat or fish as the first ingredient (e.g., "chicken," "beef," "salmon")—avoid vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-products.”
• Whole grains and vegetables such as oats, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and blueberries, which provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.
• Minimal ingredients—shorter ingredient lists often mean fewer artificial preservatives and unnecessary fillers.

At The Barkery, we believe in simple, whole-food ingredients. Our Pumpkin Oat Pawsome Bites contain just pumpkin, oats, and flaxseed—no fillers, no artificial junk, just real, nutritious food.

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2. Avoid Artificial Preservatives, Colors, and Flavors

Many commercial treats rely on synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life, but these additives can be dangerous.

• BHA and BHT—classified as potential carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program.
• Ethoxyquin—linked to liver and kidney damage in long-term studies.
• Artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5)—offer zero nutritional value and have been associated with allergic reactions and behavioral issues in both humans and animals.

What to Choose Instead:

• Natural preservation methods like dehydration or vitamin E (tocopherols).
• Treats with real food-based color—our Beetroot Bliss treats, for example, get their vibrant color from real beets, not synthetic dyes.
• Dehydrated treats that last for months without chemical preservatives—just like all of our handcrafted treats at The Barkery.

Beetroot Bliss Dog Treats

 

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3. Consider Protein and Fat Content

Your dog needs high-quality protein to maintain muscle, immune function, and overall health. But not all protein is created equal.

Look for:

• Named protein sources like chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey.
• Single-source proteins, especially if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities.
• Low-fat options if your dog is prone to weight gain or pancreatitis.

A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that high-fat commercial treats contribute to pet obesity, leading to diabetes, joint issues, and chronic inflammation.

At The Barkery, our Sweet Puptato Coconut Crisps are made with fiber-rich sweet potatoes and coconut—a satisfying, lower-fat alternative to greasy store-bought treats.

 

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4. Check for Added Sugars and Fillers

Hidden sugars and fillers can cause weight gain, dental problems, and metabolic disorders in dogs.

Avoid These Ingredients:

• Corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar—all unnecessary and unhealthy.
• Artificial sweeteners like xylitol—which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause rapid blood sugar drops.
• Fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy—often used to bulk up treats with no real nutritional benefit.

At The Barkery, we use naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries in our Blueberry Beef Bites to provide flavor and health benefits.

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5. Look for Treats That Support Your Dog’s Health

The best dog treats do more than just taste good—they contribute to your dog’s longevity and well-being.

• For digestion: Fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin and oats.
• For joint health: Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, flaxseed, or coconut oil.
• For skin and coat: Omega-rich ingredients like salmon oil or flaxseed.

Our Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Treats contain turmeric and coconut oil to support joints, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny coat.

Anti Inflammatory Turmeric Dog Treats

 

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3 Red Flags to Avoid in Store-Bought Dog Treats

1. “Meat Meal” or “Animal By-Products”

These vague terms often mean:

• Low-quality scraps from unidentified animals.
• Inconsistent protein content, making it hard to monitor your dog’s nutrition.
• Potential exposure to harmful chemicals from improperly processed meats.

2. Glycerin or Propylene Glycol

These ingredients:

• Are used to keep treats soft and chewy.
• Can cause digestive upset and long-term health risks.
• Propylene glycol is found in antifreeze—definitely not something you want your dog eating!

3. Excessive Salt or “Natural Flavors”

Excess salt can lead to high blood pressure and kidney issues. The term “natural flavors” is often a loophole for MSG and synthetic enhancers.

Superfood Dog Treats

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The Bottom Line: Choose Treats Wisely

What you feed your dog matters—including their treats. Avoid artificial additives, excessive sugars, and unhealthy fillers in store-bought treats and opt for wholesome, minimally processed options instead.

At The Barkery, we believe treats should be both delicious and nutritious. Check out our healthy, handmade treats today—your dog will thank you!

📌 Shop Healthy Dog Treats Now → www.thebarkery.ch