The Benefits of Natural Dog Treats: Why Ingredients Matter
Picture this: Kirk is in the kitchen, unwrapping a snack, and Moxie is watching. Not just casually glancing—full-on laser-focus mode. The kind of look that says, “If you drop it, it’s mine. If you don’t drop it… it’s still mine.”
Shanna walks in, sees Moxie’s intense gaze, and asks the age-old question:
"Are you sure that’s good for her?"
And that’s the real question, isn’t it? We all want to treat our dogs, but what’s actually in those treats?
At Mickey-Lou’s Treats and Chews, we believe that ingredients matter—for health, happiness, and the general avoidance of “why is my dog sprinting around the house at 2 AM” moments.
Let’s dig into why natural dog treats are the best choice for your furry friend!
1. No Mystery Meat or Weird Chemicals
Have you ever read the ingredient list on a big-brand dog treat and thought, “What even IS that?”
It’s like some mad scientist threw together a dash of ‘byproduct meal,’ a sprinkle of ‘artificial flavor,’ and a good ol’ heap of preservatives.
Here’s the truth:
“Meat by-product” could be anything. If it’s not naming the animal, it’s a gamble.
Artificial colors and flavors? Dogs don’t care if their treats are neon orange. They just want them to taste amazing!
BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin? These preservatives have been banned in human food in some countries—so why would we give them to our pups?
At Mickey-Lou’s, we skip the mystery stuff and use real, recognizable ingredients like liver, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkin—things you’d actually eat yourself (but please leave them for the dogs, Kirk).
2. Better for Tummy Health
McLovin, our first pup and the inspiration behind Mickey-Lou’s, had a stomach more sensitive than a reality show contestant. One wrong snack and BOOM—chaos.
Many store-bought treats are packed with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy—things that can cause itchy skin, upset stomachs, and digestive drama (a.k.a. why your dog suddenly needs to go right now at 3 AM).
Natural treats skip the fillers and focus on high-quality proteins, fiber-rich ingredients, and gentle digestion-friendly nutrients. That means:
✔ Happier tummies
✔ Fewer vet visits
✔ Less backyard cleanup (you know what we mean)
3. Nutrient-Packed Goodness
Dogs aren’t just food-loving weirdos (although, let’s be honest, they kind of are). They actually need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy.
Liver? Packed with protein and essential vitamins like B12 for energy and muscle health.
Blueberries? A superfood for dogs, loaded with antioxidants for brain and heart health.
Pumpkin? A natural tummy soother with fiber to keep digestion running smoothly.
Cranberries? Great for urinary health and packed with vitamin C.
When you choose natural, whole-food ingredients, you’re giving your pup more than just a snack—you’re giving them a boost of health in every bite!
4. Longer, Happier Lives
We all want our dogs to live forever. While we unfortunately can’t promise that (if we could, we’d be billionaires), we CAN promise that feeding your dog natural, high-quality treats is one of the best ways to keep them healthier for longer.
Less junk means:
✔ Healthier weight
✔ Stronger immune system
✔ Better digestion
✔ Shinier coat
✔ More zoomies (but, like, the good kind)
Basically, better ingredients = a happier, healthier pup.
Final Thoughts: Read the Label!
Next time you grab a bag of treats for your pup, flip it over and read the ingredients. If it sounds like something from a science lab, maybe reconsider.
At Mickey-Lou’s Treats and Chews, we only use natural, high-quality ingredients because dogs deserve real food, not artificial junk.
Moxie may still try to steal Kirk’s snacks (it’s who she is), but at least when she gets her own treat, we know it’s made with love, real ingredients, and zero nonsense.
Want to treat your pup to the best? Check out our natural, small-batch treats—they’re Moxie-approved! 🐶✨
