Treats for Dogs on a Raw Diet

A raw diet for dogs consists of unprocessed, natural ingredients, including raw meat, bones, and organs. If your dog follows a raw diet, it’s important to choose treats that align with the same principles, avoiding processed ingredients and maintaining the natural approach. Here’s a guide to selecting and preparing treats that complement a raw diet.

Key Considerations for Treats on a Raw Diet

• Compatibility with the Raw Feeding Philosophy
  Treats should fit within the raw diet approach, meaning they should be unprocessed, fresh, and natural. This helps to maintain the benefits of the raw diet, such as improved coat health, better digestion, and higher energy levels.
• Avoiding Processed Ingredients
  Traditional dog treats often contain grains, additives, and preservatives that are not part of a raw feeding regimen. Choose treats that are free from artificial ingredients and made with whole foods to stay consistent with the diet.
• Nutritional Balance
  While treats are not a main part of the diet, they should still contribute positively to your dog’s overall nutritional balance. Opt for treats that provide additional nutrients without overwhelming the diet’s core principles.

Top Raw-Friendly Ingredients for Treats

• Raw Meat
  Beef, chicken, turkey, and other meats make excellent raw-friendly treats. Choose high-quality cuts and avoid meats that have been treated with preservatives.
• Organ Meats
  Liver, heart, and kidneys are nutrient-dense options that can be given as raw treats. These meats are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a great occasional treat.
• Fish
  Fish such as sardines, salmon, or mackerel provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health. Be sure to choose fresh, raw fish and avoid those with high levels of mercury.
• Raw Bones
  Raw bones are not only great for chewing but also help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Stick to raw bones like chicken wings or beef knuckles, avoiding cooked bones, which can splinter.
• Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Raw Treats
  These treats offer the convenience of being shelf-stable while still maintaining the nutritional benefits of raw foods. They’re an ideal option for training or when you’re on the go.

Top 5 Raw Diet-Compatible Treats for Dogs

1. Raw Chicken Wings or Necks
• Why It’s Great: These raw bones offer a natural chewing experience that helps clean teeth and provides calcium. They are suitable for most dogs but should be given under supervision.
• How to Use: Serve raw and make sure your dog chews thoroughly.
2. Freeze-Dried Liver Treats
• Why It’s Great: Liver is rich in nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and protein. Freeze-dried liver retains these benefits while offering a convenient, mess-free option.
• How to Use: Use as a high-reward training treat or occasional snack.
3. Dehydrated Fish Skin
• Why It’s Great: Fish skin is high in protein and low in fat, providing omega-3 fatty acids that support coat and joint health.
• How to Use: Serve as a crunchy, nutrient-rich treat for dogs on a raw diet.
4. Raw Marrow Bones
• Why It’s Great: Marrow bones are great for chewing and help to keep teeth clean. The marrow inside also provides essential fats and minerals.
• How to Use: Choose bones that are appropriately sized for your dog and always supervise when chewing.
5. Organ Meat Cubes (frozen)
• Why It’s Great: Organ meats are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Freezing them into cubes makes for an easy-to-serve, raw-friendly treat.
• How to Use: Portion organ meats into small, dog-friendly sizes and freeze for later use.

Homemade Raw Treat Ideas

• Raw Meat & Vegetable Bites
  Mix raw meat with dog-safe vegetables like carrots or green beans. Form small patties or balls and freeze them for a ready-to-serve treat.
• Bone Broth Frozen Treats
  Make bone broth using raw bones, then freeze the liquid in ice cube trays. These frozen treats are packed with nutrients and make for a hydrating snack.
• Raw Fish Patties
  Combine raw fish with ground meat and shape them into small patties. These can be stored in the freezer for a convenient raw treat.

Tips for Feeding Raw Treats Safely

• Handling and Storage
  Keep raw treats frozen or refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Only defrost what you plan to use immediately.
• Avoiding Cross-Contamination
  Practice safe food handling by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after preparing raw treats. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Monitoring Your Dog’s Digestive Response
  Pay attention to how your dog responds to new raw treats. If you notice any digestive issues, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Choosing treats that align with a raw diet helps ensure that your dog continues to reap the benefits of their natural feeding routine. With raw-friendly ingredients like meat, fish, and bones, you can provide treats that complement the raw diet while supporting your dog's health.