Commercial vs Homemade Dog Treats Which is Better for Your Pup?
Updated: Nov 27, 2025
We operate a home-based bakery specializing in dog treats, all made from scratch with an emphasis on limited ingredients. We have invested considerable time in identifying healthier alternatives for dog treats. In today's world, both human and pet foods often include unnatural preservatives, colorings, and artificial sweeteners that can negatively impact health, causing illnesses in both humans and dogs. Long-term exposure to certain ingredients can lead to serious health issues. We are dedicated to selecting safe and natural ingredients. Our aim is to create treats that use natural preservatives, avoiding artificial flavors, colors, or synthetic sweeteners. With over 30 years of experience in dog ownership, we've observed significant changes in the dog food industry. Many fillers in commercial dog foods should be avoided by dogs. We strive to make treats with minimal ingredients. Our four dogs are our main focus, and we have thoroughly researched the best ingredients for them. Our little dachshund, Sage, is the inspiration behind our treats. As the most selective and sensitive, she was our first taste tester and the driving force behind our dog treat venture. She has influenced most of our flavors and ingredients.
We wish to emphasize some risks associated with dog treats, such as choking, blockages, and tooth fractures from improperly sized or overly hard treats, as well as health concerns from ingredients like xylitol, excessive fat, or low-quality ingredients. To ensure safety, choose the appropriate size and hardness for your dog, supervise them during treat time, and avoid foods containing grapes, raisins, or artificial sweeteners, along with preservatives like BHA and BHT. While we would love for you to try Sage's Snout Snacks treats, we emphasize the importance of researching what’s best for your dogs. Additionally, dog treats should be given in moderation as they are supplementary to their daily diet. Start with small pieces to ensure tolerance before offering the full serving size. Check out some of Sage's Snout snacks in the link below.
Dog treats with coconut and honey
Dog treats with Blueberry Honey Oat Crunch
Gluten-free almond butter dog treats in Christmas shapes
What's your dogs favorite flavor?
0%coconut honey
0%Gluten free almond
0%Pumpkin
0%Blueberry
You can vote for more than one answer.
Physical Dangers
Choking and Blockages: Treats that are too large, slippery, or swallowed whole can cause choking or blockages in the throat or digestive tract, leading to serious injury or death.
Tooth Fractures: Extremely hard treats and chews, especially for dogs with strong jaws, can lead to painful tooth fractures.
Injuries: Processed bone treats can cause cuts and tears in the mouth or throat.
Health Dangers
Toxic Ingredients: Some ingredients are toxic to dogs, including:
Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in some peanut butters and other products that is fatally toxic to dogs.
Grapes and Raisins: Can lead to kidney failure.
Onions and Garlic: Can cause anemia.
Chocolate: Can be fatal, especially for smaller dogs.
Caffeine: Can cause seizures and heart issues.
Harmful Additives: Many commercial dog treats may contain preservatives like BHA and BHT, or ingredients like corn syrups that can contribute to health problems.
Bacterial Contamination: Like any food product, dog treats can be a source of bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella) which can cause illness.
Obesity and Associated Conditions: Treats should account for no more than 10% of a dog's daily calories. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, joint strain, heart disease, and diabetes.
How to Stay Safe
Choose the Right Treat: Select treats that are the appropriate size and a safe hardness for your dog's chewing style and size.
Supervise: Always supervise your dog when they are eating a treat, especially a chew or hard treat. Sage's Snout Snacks does not recommend rawhide chews. They have been known to cause serious intestinal blockages in many dogs.
Check Ingredients: Read the label and avoid treats containing known toxic ingredients, artificial sweeteners, or excessive sugar and preservatives.
Consider Your Dog's Health: Be extra cautious with puppies, senior dogs, or those with health issues, and consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
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