Walk down any pet aisle and you'll find treats in every colour and shape imaginable. Turn the packet over, though, and the ingredient list can tell a very different story. Fillers, artificial colours, preservatives and sugars are common, even in treats marketed as "healthy".
At PureForm we apply the same thinking to our dogs as we do to ourselves: fewer ingredients, honest labels. Here's a simple guide to choosing natural dog treats in New Zealand, and the ones we stock and love.
What makes a dog treat "natural"?
There's no strict legal definition, so it's worth knowing what to look for yourself. A genuinely natural treat usually has:
- A short ingredient list. The best treats have one ingredient, the meat itself.
- No fillers. Grains, starches and bulking agents add calories without much nutrition.
- No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Dogs don't care what colour a treat is. Those additives are there for us, not them.
- Clear sourcing. Knowing your treats are made from New Zealand meat, in New Zealand, gives you confidence in quality and traceability.
Why air-dried treats are worth it
Many commercial treats are baked or fried at high temperatures. Air-drying, or gentle dehydration, removes moisture slowly at lower temperatures. The result is a treat that stays close to the original meat, keeps its natural flavour, and doesn't need preservatives to stay shelf-stable.
Because they're just meat, air-dried treats are also high in protein and easy to break into smaller pieces, which makes them ideal for training.
Our pick of natural NZ dog treats
For everyday rewards: Air-dried chicken chews
Made from 100% New Zealand chicken breast and nothing else. A lean, high-protein treat most dogs go wild for, and a great all-rounder for training and everyday rewards.
For sensitive tummies: Venison bites
Venison is a lean, novel protein, which makes it a popular choice for dogs who don't do well with more common meats. Single-ingredient and grain free.
For training: Beef & kidney bites
Small, meaty and naturally rich in iron and B vitamins. Their bite size makes them easy to use when you need lots of quick rewards.
For a satisfying crunch: Chicken necks
Air-dried chicken necks give dogs something to really work on, and the chewing action can help keep teeth cleaner. Always supervise your dog with any chew, and choose a size that suits them.
For heavy chewers: Coffee wood chews
A plant-based alternative to bones and antlers. Coffee wood is a by-product of coffee farming, naturally odour-free and caffeine-free, and slowly breaks down into small soft pieces as your dog chews.
A festive one: the dog treat advent calendar
If you love a Christmas countdown, your dog can join in too. Our dog treat advent calendar holds 24 days of natural, New Zealand-made treats, available in lamb liver, chicken breast or a mix. It also makes an easy gift for the dog lovers in your life.
For something extra special, the Barkers Dozen is a generous box of freshly baked, all-natural treats, perfect for birthdays or spoiling a good dog.
How many treats should you give?
Even natural treats are still treats. A common rule of thumb is to keep treats to around 10% of your dog's daily food, and to reduce their main meals slightly on days with lots of training. Smaller dogs need far fewer than larger breeds. If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a health condition, check with your vet before introducing something new.
Storing natural treats
Because they're free from preservatives, natural treats keep best sealed, in a cool dark place or the fridge. Most are best enjoyed within about a month of opening.
The bottom line
The best dog treats are the simplest ones: real New Zealand meat, gently air-dried, with nothing added. Your dog gets something they genuinely love, and you know exactly what's going into them.