If your pup’s tail is wagging at the sound of a crinkling bag, chances are you’re doing something right. But, not all dog treats are created equal.

Just like us humans scrutinising food labels at the supermarket (hello, sneaky sugars!), it’s important to know what’s really in your dog’s snacks. And trust us, some of those ingredients are better left untouched.

So, grab a cuppa (and maybe a treat or two for your furry mate), and let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what ingredients to avoid in dog treats, and why clean, natural treats can make a world of difference.

Why what your dog eats matters

You already know food impacts how your dog looks, feels and zoomies through life – but it’s more than that. A healthy gut means better immunity, shinier coats, less itching, and more energy for beach runs and ball chases.

The gut is like your dog’s second brain, filled with microbes that influence everything from digestion to mood. So when we feed them ultra-processed snacks filled with fillers and mystery meats, it can throw things off balance.

Think: bloating, diarrhoea, skin flare-ups, or that less-than-pleasant breath. Which no one wants for their doggo.

The worst offenders: Ingredients to avoid in dog treats

Here’s your cheat sheet for scanning treat labels like a pro.

1. Artificial preservatives (like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin)

These are synthetic chemicals used to extend shelf life, but they’ve been linked to health concerns in humans and animals. In doggos, they can cause skin issues, tummy troubles, and even long-term toxicity.

What’s better instead? Treats preserved naturally – think air-dried meats or treats with tocopherols (natural Vitamin E).

2. Artificial colours and flavours

They make treats look and smell more appealing – to us, not to dogs. Dogs don’t care if their snack is hot pink or neon green, and these additives can trigger allergic reactions or behaviour issues.

Real meat = real flavour. Our Beef Jerky and Kangaroo Cubes are made from 100% Aussie meat – no gimmicks, just tail-wagging goodness.

3. Meat ‘by-products’ or ‘meat meal’

These terms can hide all sorts of low-quality leftovers – things like rawhide and mystery bits from unnamed animals. It’s hard to know what your pup’s actually eating.

Try looking for single-ingredient treats. If the label just says ‘Chicken Breast’, check the back to ensure that’s all it contains.

4. Grains and fillers (corn, soy, wheat)

These are cheap bulking agents, often used to pad out the treat without adding much nutritional value. They can be hard on sensitive tummies and may lead to food intolerances.

Instead go for grain-free treats that are gentle on your dog’s belly.

What's the big deal with long ingredient lists?

Ever flipped over a pack of treats and been hit with a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce?

Here’s the thing: the longer the ingredient list, the more likely it is that dodgy stuff is sneaking in. Many brands bulk up with fillers, binders, and artificial boosters to cut costs and make the treat look impressive on paper.

At WAG, we believe less is more. Our treats often have just one ingredient. That’s it. Nothing weird, nothing hidden.

But aren’t preservatives and flavours necessary?

Sure, a bit of preservation is essential to stop food from going off, but that doesn’t mean we need a bunch of lab-made chemicals to do it.

Air-drying is one of the oldest, most natural ways to preserve meat, and it is also safe, and locks in nutrients.

Dog nutrition 101: what dogs actually need

Dogs are omnivores with a strong preference for meat. Their bodies thrive on:

High-quality protein – Builds strong muscles and fuels energy
Healthy fats – Support brain and skin health
Fibre – Keeps digestion on track
Natural vitamins and minerals – From whole food sources, not artificial additives

Their digestive systems aren’t built for processed fillers, fake flavours or chemical preservatives. Feed your dog like you’d feed yourself: with real, clean food that supports their body and keeps their tails wagging.

The WAG difference: why natural treats matter

Let’s be honest – the pet food industry can be murky. Buzzwords like ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘premium’ don’t always mean much. At WAG, we keep it real. We source every ingredient from ethical suppliers, making sure it meets our high standards.

We don’t create treats that we wouldn't feed our own dogs, which means no fillers, no shortcuts, just good, honest treats your dog will love.

We prefer to stick to ingredients your dog’s body can actually use.

We’re all about:

Single-ingredient products
Aussie-sourced meats
Air-dried preservation
No artificial anything

And because every doggo is different, we’ve got treats for all needs – dental health, training, teething puppies, sensitive stomachs, you name it.

Dog treats that love their guts

A healthy gut is the gateway to a healthy dog. Poor-quality treats can lead to digestive upset, inflammation, and long-term health issues. But when you give your dog treats that are clean, gentle, and biologically appropriate, their gut flora thrives.

That means:

Less bloating and gas
Firmer poos (yay for easier clean-ups!)
A shinier coat
More energy and fewer allergies

Our Collagen Sticks are not only tasty – they’re natural chews packed with natural compounds that support joint, skin, and digestive health.

How to spot a good dog treat (a quick checklist)

Next time you’re treat shopping, check if it ticks these boxes:

Short, simple ingredient list
Ingredients you can pronounce
Clearly labelled meat source (e.g. ‘kangaroo’ not ‘meat by-product’)
No artificial additives
Australian made (bonus points if the source is listed!)

Keep it simple, keep it real

Your dog doesn’t care if their treat is shaped like a dinosaur or smells like bacon smoke – they care that it tastes amazing and doesn’t make their tummy do backflips.

When in doubt, go natural. Go simple. And go with treats that give your dog more of what they love – and less of what they don’t need.

Whether you’re training a new pup, rewarding your old mate, or just feeling the love – treat them right with ingredients that make tails wag.

Check out our range of yummy natural dog treats online – your dog’s tummy will thank you.

What ingredients to avoid in dog treats (and what to give instead)