Why do the ingredients in dog treats matter?

Because treats add up. A dog in regular training may eat thirty to fifty treats in a session. A dog given treats throughout the day as rewards or occupiers is consuming a meaningful proportion of their daily intake through them. If those treats are built on cereals, glycerin, artificial flavouring and low-grade protein, the cumulative effect on digestion, skin, coat and energy is real — even if the quantities look small individually. Natural treats with a clean ingredient list don't just reward your dog. They contribute to their diet rather than quietly undermining it.

What are natural dog treats?

Natural dog treats are made from ingredients you can read and recognise on the label — typically dried or air-dried meat, fish, or organ, with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives added. At their best they're single-ingredient. At minimum, a named protein should sit at the top of the ingredient list with a declared meat percentage. If the label says "meat and animal derivatives" without specifying what or from where, that's not a natural treat — it's a processed one with a natural positioning.

What should I look for on a dog treat label?

Three things. First: named protein at the top — chicken, salmon, duck, beef liver, not "poultry" or "meat derivatives." Second: a declared meat or fish percentage — anything that doesn't tell you how much actual meat is in it is worth questioning. Third: a short additive section, or none at all. The fewer the ingredients, the easier it is to know what you're actually feeding. Our Decode Your Label tool scores any ingredient list against these criteria if you want to check a specific product.

Are natural dog treats suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities?

Single-ingredient natural treats are among the safest options for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities — one protein source, nothing else, nothing to react to. If your dog is on an elimination diet or has a confirmed allergy to a specific protein, single-ingredient treats in a novel protein they haven't eaten before are typically vet-recommended for use during the trial. We stock single-protein treats across fish, poultry, and red meat options. If you're managing a specific sensitivity, tell us and we'll point you to what works.

What natural dog treats are best for training?

Small, soft, high-value treats that your dog will work for without slowing down a session. Size matters — training treats should be pea-sized or smaller so your dog can take them quickly and refocus. Softness matters for older dogs or dogs with dental issues. And value matters — some dogs will work for a piece of dried chicken, others need something stronger-smelling like fish or liver. JR Pet Products Pure range, Gizzls, and our own Natural Cornish Dog Treats all fit the brief for training use.

Are natural dog treats low calorie?

Relative to processed treats, generally yes — but it depends on the treat. Air-dried meat treats are calorie-dense because the moisture has been removed, concentrating the protein and fat. A small quantity goes a long way. Liver treats and fish-based treats tend to be lower in fat than red meat options. If your dog is on a calorie-controlled diet, factor treats into their daily allowance rather than treating them as extras. A good rule of thumb: treats should make up no more than ten percent of your dog's daily calorie intake.

How are natural dog treats made?

The most common methods are air-drying and freeze-drying — both remove moisture without high heat, which preserves nutritional value better than baking or extrusion. Air-dried treats are dried slowly at low temperatures over a long period. Freeze-dried treats are frozen and then dehydrated under vacuum, which locks in nutrients and flavour without cooking. Both methods produce treats with a long shelf life without the need for artificial preservatives. Cheaper treats use high-heat processing or add humectants like glycerin to retain moisture, which changes the nutritional profile and requires additives to maintain stability.

Where do you source your natural dog treats?

We stock treats from brands we've vetted on ingredient transparency and sourcing — JR Pet Products, Green & Wilds, Earth Animal, and Natures Menu among others — alongside our own Natural Cornish Dog Treats, made from Cornish whitefish. Every product in our treats range is chosen against the same standard: named protein, declared source, nothing added that we couldn't justify. We choose what we stock the same way we'd choose what to feed our own dogs — by reading the label properly and asking whether we're comfortable with what it says.

What is a natural pet shop?

A natural pet shop is an independent retailer that stocks pet food, treats, chews and accessories selected against a nutritional and ingredient standard rather than a commercial one. In practice that means prioritising high meat-content foods, named protein sources, minimal processing, and transparent labelling — and not stocking products that don't clear that bar regardless of brand recognition or margin. The Pets Larder is an independent natural pet shop based in Hayle, Cornwall. We're also an award-winning one — Independent Pet Shop of the Year 2021 — but the award matters less than what it reflects: a consistent stocking philosophy applied since we opened, not a marketing position adopted later.

How long has The Pets Larder been in the pet industry?

The Pets Larder was founded in 2018, but the professional animal care background behind it goes back further. Our founder Katy spent a decade running an award-winning dog daycare in Cornwall before opening the shop — which means the nutritional knowledge, the behaviour understanding, and the relationships with dog owners came first, and the retail operation was built on top of them. That's an unusual foundation for a pet shop. Most retailers learn about pet nutrition through supplier training. We came to it through fifteen years of watching what different diets did to dogs in our care every day.

Do you work with vets and pet health professionals?

We work alongside veterinary professionals and take referrals from vets whose clients are looking for dietary support that sits outside a standard clinical prescription diet. We're not vets and we don't diagnose — but we do have a working knowledge of how diet intersects with common conditions: digestive issues, skin and coat problems, joint health, urinary health, and weight management. When a vet recommends a dietary change for a dog and the owner wants help finding the right food, we're a useful next step. If you've been given dietary guidance by your vet and want help translating it into practical food choices, contact us directly.

Denzel’s Advent Calendar - Natural Treats for Dogs | Pet Shop

Denzel's Advent Calendar

£15.00

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28 chews. Four festive weeks. One very fresh smile. Limited edition, vet approved and made for daily festive chewing, Daily Dentals keep teeth clean & breath fresh enough for close-range face licks.

Made from 100% all natural, premium, grain-free ingredients. No added sugar or nasties. This specially formulated turkey, cranberry & cinnamon festive recipe is perfect for young pups & small dogs to enjoy at the most magical time of year.

Find 28 x small dental chews inside every pack. Each dental is approx. 8cm long, suitable for pups & dogs under 10kg.

Composition

Potato Flakes, Glycerine
Tapioca Starch
Turkey 4%
Cellulose Fiber
Organic Coconut Oil 1%
Nutritional Yeast
Cranberry
Cinnamon

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Denzel's Advent Calendar

£15.00

FREE TEDDY Talks: Dog Food Allergy Ingredient Tracker

Duck Feet Natural Dog Chew -1kg Bag - Natural Dog Chew

Beef Tripe Chew Natural Meat Chew For Dogs - 1kg Bag - Natural Dog Chew

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Trying to work out what's upsetting your dog?

Keep track of what goes into their bowl with our FREE Dog Food Allergy Ingredient Tracker.

A simple way to record foods, proteins and ingredients while you're working through an exclusion diet or trying to spot patterns.

✓ Track proteins & ingredients
✓ Record what you're feeding
✓ Keep notes during reintroduction

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An Award Winning Collection Of Natural Pet Products

Every product we source is chosen by pet care experts who value your pets’ wellbeing as much as their own.

Eco-Friendly

Tried & Tested

Sustainably Sourced

Natural

Chemical-Free

Winner of the PetQuip 2021 Award For Best Independent Pet Shop

Why shop with the Pets Larder Natural Pet Shop?

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Sustainably Sourced, Thoughtfully Delivered

From compostable packaging to eco-friendly deliveries, we tread lightly on the planet. Every pawprint matters.

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Cornish, Independent, and Female-Led

We’re a close-knit team based in Cornwall, passionate about pets, people, and making every order personal.

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Backed by Know-How, Driven by Care

With years of real-life animal care experience, we only recommend what we’d feed our own. You’re in good paws.

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Rooted in Community, Walking Together

From supporting local rescues to hosting group dog walks, we’re more than a pet shop — we’re part of the pack.

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The best of nature delivered to you -

A Pet Shop With A difference

An Independent Retailer

At The Pets Larder, we believe pets are family. That’s why we only offer natural, nourishing, and eco-conscious choices that put your dog’s health first. From our Cornish base, our small family team carefully curates every product with love, knowledge, and sustainability in mind.

Natural

Wholesome treats and foods, free from nasties

Sustainable

Eco-friendly packaging and planet-conscious choices.

Family-Owned

Run by pet parents, for pet parents.

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