We all love that look of pure joy on our dog’s face when they hear the crinkle of a treat bag. But just like human snacks, not all dog treats are created equal. In fact, many commercial treats found on supermarket shelves are packed with “empty calories,” sugars, and artificial preservatives.
This is a significant concern for us in the UAE. With extreme summer heat often limiting our outdoor activity to short walks or indoor play, many “apartment dogs” are prone to weight gain.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the best healthy treats for dogs, safe ingredients, and the top brands available right here on petcare.ae
Table of contents
-
What is a healthy dog treat
-
Why your dog needs specific treats (by category)
-
When to give treats: Timing and the 10% rule
-
Where to use them: Storage and environment
-
How to choose: Ingredients & the traffic light system
-
Top brands available in the UAE
-
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Conclusion
What is a Healthy Dog Treat?
Before we look at brands, we need to understand the label. A truly healthy treat serves a functional purpose, whether it’s nutritional enrichment, dental cleaning, or behavioral reinforcement without adding unnecessary junk.
The “single-ingredient” gold standard, the healthiest treats often have just one ingredient. If you buy a bag of Freeze-Dried Liver, the ingredient list should say one thing: Liver.
Why Your Dog Needs Specific Treats
Different moments call for different rewards. You wouldn’t give a large bone for a quick “sit” command, and a tiny kibble won’t keep a dog busy while you’re at work. Here is how to match the treat to the need:
-
For training (Puppies & Adults)
When training, you need rewards that are small, smelly, and tasty. They must be eaten quickly so you can move on to the next repetition without a 5-minute chewing break.
- Best for: Puppies learning potty training, recall, and basic commands.
- Look for: Freeze-dried liver, lung, or soft jerky cut into tiny pieces.
- Why: High motivation, low calorie.
-
For Dental Health
Dental disease is common in dogs. While nothing beats brushing, mechanical chews can help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup.
- Best for: All dogs, specifically breeds prone to dental issues (like Pugs or Yorkies).
- Look for: Rigid textures with ridges or grooves
- Note: Avoid soft "dental sticks" that are full of sugar; they defeat the purpose.
-
For Boredom & Enrichment
For those days when it's too hot to walk outside in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you need a "babysitter" treat.
- Best for: High-energy dogs and aggressive chewers.
- Look for: Yak Cheese (Himalayan Chews), Antlers, or Bully Sticks.
- Why: These are natural, fully digestible, and can last from hours to days. They are a much safer alternative to Rawhide (which can cause dangerous blockages).
-
For Sensitive Stomachs & Allergies
- Best for: Dogs with food intolerances.
- Look for: Proteins your dog hasn't eaten before, such as Rabbit, Duck, or Venison.
- Concept: Hypoallergenic treats minimize the risk of an immune reaction.
When to Give Treats
Timing is everything. Giving treats at the wrong time can lead to behavioral issues or obesity.
The 10% Calorie Rule
Even healthy treats have calories! Veterinarians universally recommend that treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
- The remaining 90% must come from their balanced, complete dog food.
- Tip: If your dog is less active during the summer months, you may need to reduce their treat allowance to prevent weight gain.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer: Hydration is key. Frozen treats (like frozen bone broth or watermelon without seeds) are excellent for cooling dogs down.
- Travel: If you are taking a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, avoid heavy chews that might cause motion sickness. Stick to light, dry biscuits.
Where to Use Them
The environment dictates the type of treat you should use.
-
Indoor/Home: This is the place for messy, long-lasting chews like Yak Cheese or raw bones (on a mat).
-
Outdoor/Walks: Use "high-value" treats that are easy to carry.
-
Storage in the UAE.
- Heat Warning: Semi-moist treats or anything with yogurt/chocolate drops can melt in the car or a warm cupboard.
- Best Option: Freeze-dried treats and biscuits are incredibly stable and withstand the UAE heat much better than soft chews.
How to Choose: Ingredients & The Traffic Light System
Not sure if a treat is safe? Use this simple "Traffic Light" checklist before you buy.
|
Status |
Ingredients to Look For/Avoid |
Verdict |
|
🟢 GREEN (Go) |
Freeze-dried meats (Liver, Lung), Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Fish Skins, and Single-Ingredient Jerky. |
Excellent. High nutrient value and safe for daily use (in moderation). |
|
🟡 YELLOW (Limit) |
Cheese, Peanut Butter (High fat), Wheat/Grains, Biscuits with fillers, Glycerin. |
Okay in moderation. Watch out for allergies or rapid weight gain. |
|
🔴 RED (Stop) |
Xylitol, Rawhide, Artificial Colors (Red 40), Corn Syrup, "Animal Digest," Onions/Garlic. |
AVOID. These can cause toxicity, choking hazards, or digestive blockages. |
Critical Safety Warning: Xylitol
Always check Peanut Butter for Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some human foods (and some poor-quality pet treats) that is deadly to dogs, even in tiny amounts. If a product says "Sugar-Free," check the label immediately.
Top Brands Available in the UAE
These are excellent for training in the UAE climate. They offer soft, meat-rich options (like Quail & Chia Seeds or Tender Duck) that are easy to break into smaller pieces without crumbling. Many of their treats are enriched with "superfoods" for an extra health kick.
Best for: High-value training rewards and “on-the-go” treating.
Known for their famous "Garden Bites", Duvo+ is a fantastic choice for pet parents looking for vegetarian or gluten-free options. Their chews are made with 55% sweet potato and are shaped to help clean teeth while your dog chews.
Best for: Dental health and dogs with meat allergies.
As the name suggests, this brand focuses on oral hygiene, but with a nutritional twist. Their "Nutri Diner" and "Yumm Stix" often combine real chicken with functional ingredients like Glucosamine (for joints) or extra fiber, making them more than just a dental chew.
Best for: daily dental maintenance with added functional benefits
A trusted favourite for many, specifically their "Pawsley & Co" range. They offer 100% natural chicken breast strips that are roasted in their own juices. They provide a high meat content without the "mystery ingredients."
Best for: A reliable, high-protein daily treat that picky dogs love.
While famous for their bird products, Padovan’s dog line (including their Wellness snacks and biscuits) offers great, simple rewards. Their oven-baked "Cookies" and chicken bars are crunchy and satisfying, making them a great staple to keep in your pantry.
Best for: Simple, crunchy biscuits for an occasional "good dog" reward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the healthiest treats for dogs?
A: Single-ingredient freeze-dried meats (like liver or salmon) or fresh vegetables like carrots and green beans are the healthiest options as they contain no additives or fillers.
Q: Are raw bones safe for dogs?
A: Raw bones can be safe and great for teeth, but cooked bones are dangerous. Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, piercing the stomach. Never give a dog a cooked chicken or steak bone.
Q: My dog swallows treats whole. What is a safe chew?
A: Avoid small chews that can be gulped. Use a Yak Cheese chew or a large rubber toy (like a KONG) stuffed with wet food and frozen. This forces the dog to lick and chew slowly.
Q: Can puppies have treats?
A: Yes, but their stomachs are sensitive. Stick to treats specifically labeled for puppies or simple, single-ingredient treats. Avoid hard chews (like antlers) until their adult teeth come in around 6 months.
Q: Is cheese a healthy treat for dogs?
A: Cheese is not toxic, but it is high in fat, and many dogs are lactose intolerant. It should be given only as a very rare, high-value reward or to hide medication.
Conclusion: Healthy Treats are the language of care
By swapping out processed, sugary snacks for natural, functional rewards, you aren't just making your dog happy; you are investing in their longevity.
Whether you need a bag of training bites for your new puppy, a hypoallergenic snack for a sensitive tummy, or a durable chew to survive the summer indoors, choosing natural options ensures you get many more happy years together.
Ready to spoil your pup the healthy way? Explore our best collection of [Natural & Healthy Dog Treats] on petcare.ae today and get them delivered straight to your door.
Leave a comment