Dog looking happy eating healthy dog treats

Healthy Dog Treats - How to Choose the Best for Your Pup

Written by: Henry F.

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Time to read 5 min

Giving Your Dog Treats the Healthy Way

Healthy dog treats should be natural, high in protein, and free from artificial additives. This guide explains what to look for in nutritious treats, which ingredients to avoid, and the best types of healthy dog treats for your dog. It also covers proper storage techniques, ensuring your healthy dog treats stay fresh and safe.

Table of contents

Giving Your Dog Treats the Healthy Way Essential Qualities of a Healthy Dog Treat Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats Best Types of Healthy Dog Treats How Often Should You Give Healthy Dog Treats? Storing Healthy Dog Treats Properly Alfie’s Treatos – A Healthy Dog Treat Choice for Your Dog Choose Quality Healthy Dog Treats for Your Dog

Essential Qualities of a Healthy Dog Treat

Single-Ingredient & Natural

High in Protein & Nutrients

Rich in Omega-3

Low in Fillers & Unnecessary Additives

Single-Ingredient & Natural

The best healthy dog treats are made with real, whole ingredients - not artificial fillers or preservatives. Look for single - ingredient treats like air-dried fish, mussels, or dehydrated meats that provide pure nutrition.


High in Protein & Nutrients

Dogs thrive on high-protein treats that support muscle development and overall energy. Healthy dog treats made from seafood, meat, or organs are ideal sources of protein and essential nutrients.


Rich in Omega-3

Healthy dog treats should contain Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and joint health. Seafood-based treats, such as air-dried fish or mussels, are some of the best natural sources of Omega-3 for dogs.


Low in Fillers & Unnecessary Additives

Many commercial dog treats contain corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavours - none of which provide real nutritional benefits. Healthy dog treats are grain-free and natural to avoid potential allergens and digestive issues.

Alfie

Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats

Artificial Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin)

Added Sugars & Salt

Meat By-Products & Fillers

Rawhide is NOT a healthy dog treat

While some treats are marketed as "healthy dog treats" many contain harmful ingredients. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Artificial Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin) – Linked to health issues over time. Healthy dog treats have no preservatives.
  • Added Sugars & Salt – Can contribute to obesity and other health problems. Healthy dog treats don't have added ingredients.
  • Meat By-Products & Fillers – Often low-quality and provide little nutritional value. Healthy dog treats are made from high quality protein.
  • Rawhide – Hard to digest and can pose a choking hazard. Rawhide is not a healthy dog treat!
Dog treats which are not healthy dog treats

Best Types of Healthy Dog Treats

There are several excellent healthy dog treat options that provide real nutritional value. Here are some of the healthiest choices:


1. Air-Dried Seafood

  • Rich in Omega-3 for joint and coat health

  • Single - ingredient & natural

  • Great for training and meal toppers

  • Air-dried is the best healthy dog treat as it also maintains its texture and flavor

2. Dehydrated Meat Treats

  • High in protein, no fillers

  • Retains natural nutrients

  • Suitable for all breeds

  • The best healthy dog treats are just protein

3. Freeze-Dried Organ Treats

  • Packed with essential vitamins & minerals

  • Lightweight and easy to store

  • Ideal for high-reward training

4. Limited Ingredient Treats

  • No grains, fillers, or artificial additives

  • Best for dogs with food sensitivities

  • Easy to digest

  • Highly processed products are not healthy dog treats

How Often Should You Give Healthy Dog Treats?

A good rule of thumb is to follow the 10% rule - treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, even if they are healthy dog treats. They are best used for:

  • Training rewards

  • Meal toppers to enhance nutrition

  • Occasional snacks for enrichment

The best healthy dog treats are ones which can be used for all occasions, so you don't feel guilty feeding them to your dog. Choosing natural, nutrient-dense treats ensures they provide both enjoyment and health benefits. Opting for single-ingredient options means you can confidently give your dog a healthy dog treat that supports their well-being without unnecessary additives or fillers.

Storing Healthy Dog Treats Properly

To keep your healthy dog treats fresh and nutritious, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips to ensure longevity and quality:

  • Keep them in an airtight container - This helps prevent moisture from affecting their texture and freshness.

  • Store in a cool, dry place - Avoid direct sunlight or humid environments that could cause spoilage.

  • Check expiration dates - Even natural treats have a shelf life, so always monitor for any signs of spoilage.

Proper storage ensures that your dog’s healthy dog treats remain as crunchy and delicious as when you first bought them.

Alfie’s Treatos – A Healthy Dog Treat Choice for Your Dog

When it comes to healthy dog treats, Alfie’s Treatos ticks all the right boxes. Our treats are:

  • Made from 100% air-dried seafood – No fillers, no additives, just real nutrition.
  • Rich in Omega-3 – Supporting coat health, joints, and overall well - being.
  • Single-Ingredient & Natural – Pure, high - quality protein that dogs love.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, high-value, healthy dog treats, try Alfie’s Treatos today and give your dog the best!

Why choose seafood dog treats over beef or chicken?

Seafood dog treats are packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, supporting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and strong joints - benefits often missing in beef or chicken treats.

Why choose Australian and New Zealand seafood?

Seafood from Australia and New Zealand is celebrated for its quality and sustainability. Pristine waters and strict regulations guarantee low-pollutant, delicious treats your dog will adore.

Why dehydrated and not freeze dried?

Freeze-drying can damage cells through ice crystal formation. Our gentle dehydration process preserves nutrients, keeping our treats naturally wholesome and nutritious.

What sets our seafood dog treats apart from the rest?

We treat our dog to the same quality we’d eat ourselves. That’s why our treats are human-grade and made to the highest standards.

Choose Quality Healthy Dog Treats for Your Dog

Choose Natural & High-Quality Healthy Dog Treats – Opt for single-ingredient, high-protein treats without artificial fillers or preservatives.

Prioritize Nutritional Benefits – Look for healthy dog treats that are Omega-3-rich treats to support coat health, joints, and overall well-being.

Avoid Harmful Additives – Steer clear of treats with artificial preservatives, sugars, and fillers that offer little nutritional value.

Follow Proper Feeding Guidelines – Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake for balanced nutrition, even if they are healthy dog treats!

Store Treats Correctly – Keep your healthy dog treats in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, and always check expiration dates.

Alfie’s Treatos as a Premium Healthy Dog Treat Choice – Air-dried, single-ingredient seafood treats provide a nutritious and delicious option for dogs.

Not all treats are created equal. By choosing high-protein, Omega-3 - rich, and natural treats, you’re giving your dog better nutrition, better health, and a tastier reward. Next time you reach for a treat, make sure it’s a healthy dog treat that benefits your pup’s well-being.


Want to give your dog a healthier snack? Explore our range of premium, air-dried seafood healthy dog treats today!

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Henry - Owner of Alfie

Henry F.

Henry is the founder of Alfie’s Treatos, a premium Australian brand specializing in single-ingredient seafood dog treats. Inspired by his English Cocker Spaniel, Alfie, he crafts nutritious, air-dried treats rich in Omega-3 using sustainably sourced Australian and New Zealand seafood. With a background in business and finance, Henry is passionate about providing healthier, additive-free alternatives for dogs while expanding Alfie’s Treatos across wholesale, retail, and international markets.


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