Why Cheap Training Treats Aren’t Always the Best Choice — Even When They Claim “100% Venison” or “100% Wild Boar”
Training treats are one of the most frequently used foods in a dog’s life. They’re given during recall, confidence building, loose‑lead walking, reactivity training, and everyday bonding. Because of this, owners naturally want treats that are healthy, gentle, and safe. Yet the dog‑treat market is full of products that look premium on the surface but fall short when you look closely at what’s actually inside.
Many of the big companies — Bella & Duke, Butternut Box, Forthglade, Coya, and other well‑known “premium” brands — offer training treats that appear high‑quality at first glance. Their packaging is clean, their marketing is polished, and their labels often boast phrases like “100% venison”, “100% wild boar”, or “single‑protein”. These claims sound reassuring, but they don’t tell the whole story. In fact, they often hide the same issues found in cheaper supermarket treats.
Are "100% Meat" Claims from Companies Truly Reliable and Transparent?
The phrase “100% venison” is often seen on packaging and is intended to convey that the meat portion comes exclusively from venison, which is the meat derived from deer. However, it is important to understand that this label does not inherently guarantee the quality of the meat being offered. Specifically, it does not ensure that the product consists of whole cuts of meat, nor does it indicate that the meat is low in fat or has undergone gentle processing methods that preserve its nutritional integrity.
In the pet food industry, particularly among larger manufacturers, there is a tendency to utilise mechanically recovered meat, trimmings, fat, and connective tissue — often referred to as the cheapest and least desirable parts of the animal. These components can technically meet the definition of “100% venison,” but they behave very differently in a dog’s digestive system compared to high-quality, whole cuts of meat. For instance, high-fat offcuts, which may be included in such products, are considerably more likely to lead to digestive issues such as loose stools, inflammation, and general discomfort in dogs. This risk is especially pronounced in dogs that suffer from conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), pancreatitis, or those that naturally have sensitive tummies.
Also, the presence of these lower-quality ingredients can lead to an imbalance in the nutritional profile of the food, potentially resulting in deficiencies or excesses that can affect a dog's overall health and well-being. When evaluating pet treat options, it is crucial for pet owners to look beyond the “100% venison” label and consider the source and quality of the ingredients. Understanding the difference between high-quality venison cuts and the less desirable parts can make a significant difference in a dog's digestive health and overall happiness.
Whilst “100% venison” may sound appealing, it is essential for consumers to be informed about the actual content of the treats they choose for their pets. Prioritising high-quality ingredients and understanding the implications of various meat types can lead to healthier choices and better outcomes for dogs, particularly those with special dietary considerations.
The fat content in training treats that are marketed as healthy and natural?
One important thing to consider is the fat content in dog treats, which often doesn't get enough attention. Many popular treats from big brands can have between 20% to 40% fat, even if they are labelled as "healthy" or "natural." The reason for this high fat content is that it’s cheap to produce and easy to use, making it a go-to choice for many companies. However, too much fat can cause digestive problems, especially for sensitive dogs, puppies, older dogs, and those with anxiety, even if the packaging looks fancy.
Relying on high-fat treats can lead to several health issues, such as obesity, pancreatitis, and stomach upsets. Obesity is particularly worrying because it can make other health problems worse and lower a dog's quality of life. Many dog owners might not realise the risks of giving their pets high-fat treats, thinking they are making a healthy choice based on the marketing.
It's important for pet owners to read ingredient labels closely and talk to their veterinarians when picking out treats for their dogs. Choosing lower-fat options or treats made for dogs with sensitive stomachs can help avoid these health risks. Also, knowing your dog's specific dietary needs and preferences is key to making smart decisions about treats that will support their health and happiness.
The hidden ingredients and processing methods in dog treats
Soft training treats from big brands almost always contain glycerin, a syrupy humectant used to keep treats soft and extend shelf life. Glycerin is cheap, convenient, and allows companies to mass‑produce treats without worrying about freshness. But glycerin can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort — again, especially in sensitive dogs. When you see a soft treat from a major brand, it’s almost guaranteed that glycerin is doing the heavy lifting, not the quality of the ingredients.
Processing is another hidden factor. Companies like Bella & Duke and Butternut Box produce treats on a large industrial scale. Their treats are extruded, mechanically shaped, and dried quickly at high temperatures. This type of processing is efficient and cost‑effective, but it also makes treats harder to digest and reduces the natural nutrient value of the ingredients. It’s the opposite of small‑batch, gentle air‑drying, which preserves nutrients and keeps treats soft without additives.
Does 'Simply Meat' treats actually serve a purpose
Perhaps the biggest difference is purpose. Most big‑brand training treats are simply meat — no functional herbs, no targeted benefits, no support for calming, joints, skin, digestion, or vitality. They are designed to be generic, mass‑market products that appeal to everyone. But dogs are individuals, and many need more than just meat. Dogs with anxiety benefit from chamomile or lemon balm. Dogs with itchy skin benefit from thyme or parsley. Dogs with stiff joints benefit from turmeric. Dogs with sensitive tummies benefit from carrot, beetroot, and gentle proteins. None of these functional ingredients appear in big‑brand training treats.
This is where small‑batch makers like Greedy Parker stand apart. Your treats are created with intention — not just as snacks, but as functional tools that support real health needs. Each recipe is built around a single gentle protein, paired with a purposeful vegetable and a functional herb. There are no fillers, no glycerin, no preservatives, no high‑fat offcuts, and no harsh processing. Your treats are naturally soft because of the ingredients themselves, not because of additives. They are digestible because they are made slowly and carefully, not rushed through industrial machinery. And they are suitable for sensitive dogs because every ingredient is chosen with sensitivity in mind.
Comments