Reading Dog Treat Labels — What to Look for (and What to Avoid)

August 11, 2025

When it comes to our dogs, we all want the best — but pet treat labels can be confusing, vague, or downright misleading.

What does “animal derivatives” really mean? What’s the difference between “natural” and “nutritious”? And are long ingredient lists always bad?

At Snappy Snacks, we believe in transparency. Here’s a guide to decoding dog treat labels — so you can make informed, healthy choices for your pup.

1. Start With the Ingredients List

Pet food ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least.
So if the first ingredient is “wheat flour” or “animal by-products,” that’s the bulk of what your dog is eating.

✅ Look for:

Named, whole ingredients like “oats,” “peanut butter,” “banana”
Short, readable ingredient lists
Familiar, human-grade food items

❌ Avoid:

“Meat meal,” “animal digest,” “derivatives” (vague sources)
Artificial colours (E numbers), preservatives (BHA/BHT), or sweeteners

📌 Rule of thumb: If it sounds like something you wouldn’t eat yourself — your dog probably shouldn’t either.

2. Watch for Hidden Additives

Even treats labelled “natural” can hide synthetic preservatives or fillers.

Common red flags include:

BHA/BHT – linked to health concerns
Polypropylene glycol – used to retain moisture, but can upset digestion
Glycerin – often derived from petroleum
Xylitol – toxic to dogs (even in tiny amounts!)
Snappy Snacks uses no preservatives or chemical additives — just slow-baking and airtight bags for freshness.

3. The Great “Natural” Label Debate

The word “natural” is not regulated in the UK pet food industry.
That means:

A brand can use it even if the treat contains artificial flavourings
It doesn’t guarantee ethical sourcing or nutritional value

At Snappy Snacks, when we say “natural,” we mean:

Nothing artificial
Every ingredient you could cook with yourself
Hand-baked in small batches — not extruded in a factory

4. What About Grain-Free and Gluten-Free?

Grain-free isn’t always necessary — but it can help dogs with:

Itchy skin or ears
Digestive upset
Food allergies

Snappy Snacks uses oats (a gentle, gluten-free grain) because:

They support gut health
They provide slow-burning energy
They’re less likely to trigger sensitivities than wheat or corn

Always check which grain is used — not just if it says “grain-free.”

5. Understanding Nutritional Info

Most treats aren’t meant to be “complete meals,” but the best ones still provide:

Protein for muscle support
Healthy fats for skin and coat
Fibre for digestion

✅ Look for:

Protein % of at least 8–12%
Low crude fat (<10% for everyday treats)
No added sugar or salt

❌ Avoid treats with:

Extremely high fat (>20%) unless for working dogs
Unnamed protein sources like “meat product” or “poultry extract”

6. Treat Transparency: Why It Matters

The more transparent a brand is about its sourcing and recipes, the more you can trust what’s inside.

At Snappy Snacks, we:

List every ingredient clearly
Never use “filler” terms
Bake every batch ourselves (right here in Torquay)

🐾 “If the label just says ‘meat meal,’ I put it back. I love that Snappy Snacks lists real ingredients I can understand.”
— Tom B., dog dad of two

🛒 Want to Read a Clean Label? Start Here:

👉 Blueberry Bow-Wow -just oats, blueberry, chia seeds
👉 Ginger Wag— wheat-free and naturally soothing
👉 Full Ingredients List– we show everything, no secrets