What’s Really in Your Dog’s Treats?
When choosing treats for our dogs, many of us rely on commercial brands without considering the ingredient list. Yet, a closer look reveals a striking difference between heavily processed treats and whole-food alternatives.
Ingredients in Schmackos (Commercial Dog Treats)
According to the packaging, Schmackos may contain:
Meat from beef, lamb, sheep, and/or pork – often unspecified cuts or by-products.
Vegetable protein – usually soy or pea protein, used as a cheap filler.
Sucrose – a form of sugar, unnecessary for dogs and potentially harmful in excess.
Cereal protein – derived from grains, used as a binder or filler.
Humectants – substances such as glycerol or sorbitol added to keep treats soft and chewy.
Salt (sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride) – used for flavour and preservation.
Preservatives, antioxidants, colours – synthetic additives that extend shelf life and improve appearance, without offering nutritional benefit.
These ingredients create a uniform, shelf-stable product, but they provide little in terms of natural nutrition. Regular feeding of treats with sugars, salts, and artificial colours may contribute to weight gain, metabolic disorders, or inflammation over time.
Ingredients in Fresh Food Snacks
By contrast, a fresh food snack is simply:
100% fresh food.
This could include fresh meats, fruits, or vegetables, naturally containing:
Antioxidants – protect cells from oxidative stress.
Phytonutrients and polyphenols – plant compounds that support immunity and reduce inflammation.
Enzymes – aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
Probiotics (from fermented foods) – support gut health and immunity.
Vitamins and minerals – essential for energy, growth, and repair.
Unlike processed treats, fresh snacks provide nutrients in their natural, recognisable form.
Ingredients in Freeze-Dried Whole Food Snacks
Freeze-drying removes moisture at very low temperatures and pressures, preserving food almost in its raw state. These treats are:
100% fresh food, freeze-dried.
Benefits:
Superior nutrient preservation – most vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and delicate phytonutrients remain intact.
Convenience – lightweight, portable, and long shelf life without refrigeration.
Digestibility – minimal processing keeps food close to its natural form.
No preservatives required – the freeze-drying process alone prevents spoilage.
Freeze-dried snacks are one of the closest alternatives to raw food and ideal for owners who want nutrient-dense, species-appropriate treats with the convenience of shelf stability.
Ingredients in Dehydrated or Air-Dried Fresh Food Snacks
Dehydration or air-drying removes water using heat or controlled airflow. These treats are also:
100% fresh food, dehydrated or air-dried.
Benefits and Considerations:
Good nutrient retention – proteins and minerals remain intact, though some heat-sensitive nutrients (like vitamin C and certain enzymes) may degrade.
Concentrated nutrition – water removal increases nutrient density.
Shelf stability – effective, but some dehydrated or air-dried products require natural preservatives (e.g., vitamin E, rosemary extract) to prevent fat oxidation and rancidity.
Chewier texture – which can help clean teeth but may be harder for some dogs to digest.
While nutrient preservation is slightly less than freeze-dried, dehydrated snacks remain a far healthier choice than processed commercial treats.
Why the Difference Matters
Nutrient density: Fresh, freeze-dried, and dehydrated foods provide biologically valuable nutrients that processed treats cannot replicate.
Preservation methods: Freeze-drying retains delicate nutrients without preservatives, while dehydration may reduce some vitamins and often requires natural preservatives for safety.
Digestibility: Whole-food snacks are more easily recognised and used by the body than processed additives.
Health outcomes: Whole-food treats support skin, coat, digestion, and energy, while artificial additives, salts, and sugars may contribute to long-term health issues.
Conclusion
Commercial treats like Schmackos are designed for palatability and shelf life, not for health. While occasional use may not harm, regular feeding exposes your dog to unnecessary sugars, salts, fillers, and additives.
Fresh, freeze-dried, and dehydrated whole-food snacks, on the other hand, provide natural nutrients that align with your dog’s biology as a carnivore. Freeze-dried snacks preserve the most nutrients, while dehydrated snacks remain highly nutritious with some minor losses. Both options deliver far more value than processed alternatives.
When it comes to rewarding your pet, whole foods—whether fresh, freeze-dried, or dehydrated—offer the healthiest, most species-appropriate choice.