I used to be that dog mum who bought the best-looking dog treats on the shelf. You know, the ones with bright packaging, cute shapes, and all those keywords like “dental care,” “low-fat,” “for shiny coats.” I thought I was doing the right thing.

I didn’t know any better. And honestly, most people don’t.

Supermarket dog treats were convenient. I’d throw a bag of rawhide chews or dental sticks into my trolley during my weekly shop and feel like I was being a responsible dog parent. I’d skim the labels, but I didn’t really know what to look for unless something looked really off, like a bright red colour that screamed artificial.

Then things started adding up. My dogs’ teeth weren’t clean despite the so-called dental chews. Their digestion wasn’t good either. And when I started learning about the effects of kibble, I realized: those supermarket treats were part of the same problem.

The wake-up call

Some of these treats weren’t just useless, they were potentially dangerous. Digestive blockages. Emergency vet visits. Ingredients sourced from who-knows-where (a lot of it, I later found out, came from China). And don’t even get me started on what “flavouring” really means.

It shocked me.

So I started digging. Reading more. Learning from holistic vets, dog nutritionists, and raw feeders. The truth hit hard: most commercial treats are made for profit, not for health.

The Switch (And Yeah, It Was a Bit Gross at First)

When I first walked into a natural pet shop and saw shelves full of pig ears, rabbit feet, pizzles, and dried animal bits… I crinched. Like, actually crinched.

I grew up thinking treats came in neat little bone shapes. The reality of natural dog treats was… intense.

But I slowly got used to it. And now? It’s all I buy.

My dogs now get dried chicken feet, turkey necks, and occasionally rabbit ears (fur and all). I know these treats have no preservatives, no weird dyes, and no sketchy additives. They’re just… real.

Bonus: Crunchy veggies & ice cubes

I also keep it super simple: raw carrots, apple slices, cucumber in frozen cubes on hot days. My dogs love them. They don’t care that it’s healthy. They just know it’s a treat, and they chomp it down like it’s the best thing ever.

Why this matters (And who this is for)

If you’re like I was, grabbing treats during your grocery shop because it’s easy, you’re not alone. But supermarkets aren’t designed to educate us. They sell what sells, and what sells isn’t always what’s best.

I’m not here to guilt anyone. I just want to share what I wish someone had told me sooner. And if you’ve already made the switch or are thinking about it, I see you. I was overwhelmed too at first, and yeah – the good stuff is pricier. But when you start noticing the difference in your dog’s digestion, energy, and teeth, it feels worth it.

Oh, and one more thing…

If you’re a pet business owner who shares these values, natural products, education, wellbeing, your website and online presence should reflect that. I work with conscious brands like yours to create smart websites (and even AI-powered tools/systems) that not only look good but actually work for your business.

You can check it out here → https://rustypixeldesigns.com/services