WAG vs. Store-Bought Treats: What’s the Difference?

Published on: June 24, 2025
WAG vs. Store-Bought Treats: What’s the Difference?

Let’s be real. If your dog had opposable thumbs and a credit card, they’d probably be impulse-buying treats online at 2am. And hey, we get it—treats are the way to your dog’s heart (and their tail’s happiest wag). 

But not all treats are created equal. In fact, some are barely treats at all. So how do WAG’s natural dog treats stack up against those mass-produced, supermarket snacks?

It’s time to pull back the curtain on the dog treat aisle and take a sniff at what really sets WAG apart from your average store-bought biscuit.

Diference of WAG vs. Store-Bought Treats

First things first: what’s in a store-bought dog treat?

You know those brightly coloured boxes on supermarket shelves with cartoon dogs doing backflips? Cute, sure. But flip that pack over and have a peek at the ingredients. You’ll probably find:

  • Fillers like wheat, corn or soy

  • Artificial colours and flavours

  • Preservatives you can’t pronounce

  • Meat ‘meal’ or ‘by-products’ (aka: mystery bits)

Now, we’re not here to throw shade (okay, maybe just a little), but many commercial dog treats are all bark and no bite when it comes to nutrition. 

These treats are often designed to be cheap to make and shelf-stable for years—yep, years—which means they’re more about profit margins than mealtime joy and genuine good nutrition for your furry bestie. 

What makes WAG treats different?

We don’t do mystery meat. We don’t do fillers. And we definitely don’t do artificial anything. At WAG, we believe your dog deserves better. 

Here’s what sets our treats apart:

  • Single-ingredient goodness
    Many of our treats contain just one ingredient. Think beef liver, kangaroo jerky, or forage fish. That’s it. No additives, no nasties. Just pure, tail-wagging deliciousness.

  • Natural and minimally processed
    We don’t mess with what nature already nailed. Our treats are air-dried to lock in nutrients and flavour, not cooked into oblivion or chemically altered for a 10-year shelf life.

  • Responsibly sourced from Aussie farms
    Every WAG treat is made from 100% meat, sourced from farmers we know and trust. That means no dodgy meat, no sketchy supply chains—just high-quality goodness.

  • Nutritional value that goes beyond the snack
    WAG treats aren’t just tasty—they’re functional. Whether it’s goat horn that helps support oral hygiene or a protein-packed training reward, our treats do more than fill a belly.

What Makes WAG Treats Different

So… are natural dog treats really better?

Short answer? Heck yeah.

Let’s break it down.

1. Better ingredients, better health

Natural treats—especially ones that are single-ingredient like ours—let you actually know what your dog is eating. That’s a big deal for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or just fussy stomachs. No mystery meat, no artificial additives.

WAG’s range is made up of real, whole animal parts—like ears, bones, tendons and fish skins—delivering naturally occurring nutrients like protein, omega-3s, glucosamine, and more. 

These support everything from coat health to joint function to digestion. All without needing a chemistry degree to understand what’s in the bag.

2. Air-drying: the MVP of preservation

Unlike many mass-market treats that rely on high-heat processing or chemical preservatives, we use a gentle air-drying method. It preserves the nutritional integrity of the meat, keeps the texture naturally chewable, and extends shelf life without compromising on quality.

3. Chewing that’s actually good for your dog

Dogs need to chew - it’s in their DNA. But not all chews are created equal. Some treats might keep your dog busy without offering much in return. WAG chews are crafted to deliver more than just entertainment - they’re designed to support dental health too. 

Our tougher treats, like bully sticks, deer antlers, and goat horns, can help naturally scrape away plaque and stimulate gum health - no brushing required.

Are Natural Dog Treats Really Better?

Let’s talk transparency

One of the biggest red flags with store-bought treats is the lack of transparency. Where did the meat come from? What does ‘meat by-product’ even mean? And why are there ten plus ingredients in something which is bite-sized?

At WAG, we’re all about clear labels and honest sourcing. If we say ‘chicken breast’, we mean actual chicken breast. If we say ‘natural’, we mean no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or sneaky ingredients hiding behind fancy names.

Check out our sustainability page to learn more. 

Price tag vs. value

Sure, some supermarket treats might look great—but the real question is: what are you paying for?

A lot of cheaper dog treats are bulked up with low-quality fillers and additives. So while you might be paying less per bag, you’re also getting less of what matters: nutrition. And if poor-quality treats lead to sensitivities, allergies, or tummy troubles, that cheap treat could end up costing you more at the vet.

WAG natural dog treats are an investment in your dog’s health and happiness. And because they’re high in protein and nutrient-dense, you actually need less per treat session. A little goes a long way when your dog’s getting the good stuff.

Price Tag vs. Value

Our treats are made for doggos of all shapes and sizes, ages and stages

We make treats for all types of dogs—mud-loving, tail-chasing, sock-stealing legends who deserve something better than the bargain bin.

Whether your pup is a couch cuddler or a backyard adventurer, WAG has a treat to match their vibe:

Treats for All Types of Dogs

Real goodness for your furry family members

If you’re looking for something that’s natural, nutritious, and made with your dog’s wellbeing in mind—you’ve already got great taste. WAG is here for the long chew sessions, the happy tummies, and the snack moments that become bonding moments.

So next time you’re reaching for a dog treat, ask yourself: is this something I’d want to eat (if I had four legs and a serious snack addiction)?

If the answer’s no… you know where to find us (on our website right here, and in selected major pet stores such as Pet Barn). 

 

Try This

SALE

Bully Sticks

154 reviews

$31.99

Quick buy

Digestion Jerky

12 reviews

$11.99

Quick buy
SALE

Whole Deer Antler

103 reviews

$17.99

Quick buy
SALE

Moo Tubes

76 reviews

$23.96 $19.99

Quick buy

Kangaroo Jerky

85 reviews

$20.99

Quick buy

Up Next

Is Yoghurt Good For Dogs?

It’s the question that pops up every time your pup eyes your snack: Is yoghurt good for dogs, or just...
Read More
Is Yoghurt Good For Dogs?