All about natural dog snacks, nutrition, chewing behaviour and health
Why is chewing important?
Chewing is natural behavior for dogs. It can help with:
- Mental stimulation
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Dental care
- Combating boredom
Not every snack is suitable for every dog
The ideal snack depends on:
- Age
- Weight
- Chewing power
- Any food sensitivities
A 5-month-old puppy, for example, has different needs than an adult Labrador weighing 35 kg.
Natural snacks can vary in shape and color
Because our snacks are 100% natural, color, shape, smell, and size may vary per batch. This is normal and precisely a sign that no artificial colors, fragrances, or flavorings have been added.
What does "100% natural" mean?
Our natural snacks contain no:
- Artificial colorings
- Artificial flavorings
- Artificial preservatives
Why are natural snacks often more expensive?
Natural dog treats typically contain only one ingredient and are minimally processed. At Santos, no cheap fillers, artificial flavors, or colorings are added to make the product cheaper.
Furthermore, drying high-quality raw materials takes time and energy. For some treats, a large amount of fresh meat or hide is needed to ultimately yield a relatively small amount of dried product.
Although natural treats may sometimes seem more expensive to purchase, many dog owners choose them for their pure composition and transparency about what their dog is actually eating. An investment now is a saving later.
Monoprotein: what does that mean?
A monoprotein snack contains only one animal protein source. This makes it easier to determine what a dog reacts well or poorly to, and is therefore popular with dogs with food sensitivities.
Hypoallergenic snacks: what are they?
Hypoallergenic snacks contain protein sources that dogs are less often allergic to, such as horse, deer, rabbit, or goat. However, this does not mean that every dog will automatically tolerate these snacks. Every dog is unique and can develop a reaction to any protein source.
Which snacks are suitable for puppies?
Puppies often need softer chews while teething. Suitable options include:
- Rabbit ears
- Lamb strips
- Trainers
- Softer rawhide treats
My dog swallows everything whole!
Some dogs barely chew. In that case, opt for larger or tougher treats that cannot be swallowed immediately, and always supervise them while chewing.
When is it better not to give a chew snack?
It's best not to give new snacks:
- If your dog has diarrhea or stomach problems
- Immediately after surgery
- If your dog is on a special diet without consulting the vet
How do I recognize a food allergy in my dog?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific ingredient. The symptoms can vary and do not always appear immediately after eating a product.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching of paws, ears or skin
- Frequent licking or biting of the paws
- Red or irritated skin
- Recurrent ear infections
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Excessive scratching
- Watery eyes
If your dog occasionally has diarrhoea after a new snack, it doesn't necessarily mean they have an allergy. It could simply be that their stomach and intestines need to get used to a new protein source.
If you suspect a food allergy, please contact your veterinarian. An elimination diet can help determine which ingredients your dog reacts to.
Dog allergic to chicken: what snacks now?
Preferably choose snacks with a single protein source (monoprotein). This way, you know exactly what your dog is consuming.
Popular alternatives include:
🐴 Horse
Horse is relatively uncommon in dog food, making it a popular choice for sensitive dogs.
🦌 Deer
A lean, easily digestible protein source often chosen for food sensitivities.
🐰 Rabbit
Rabbit is easily digestible and often well-tolerated by dogs with allergies.
🐑 Lamb
Many dogs thrive on lamb, although lamb allergies do occur.
🦆 Duck
Duck is regularly used as an alternative to chicken and has a rich flavor that many dogs find appealing.
🐟 Fish
Fish naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids and can be a good choice for dogs with skin or coat problems.
Why does my dog eat so fast?
Some dogs can spend hours on a chew, while others seem to devour a treat in minutes. This is usually normal behavior and doesn't directly say anything about the quality of the treat.
Why do some dogs eat so fast?
🦴 Natural Instinct
In the wild, dogs and their ancestors often had to eat quickly before another animal took their food. That instinct is still present in many dogs.
🦴 Enthusiasm
Some dogs are simply fond of chews and can become a bit impatient as a result.
🦴 Past Competition
Dogs who used to eat with other dogs sometimes learned to eat quickly to avoid losing their food.
🦴 The treat is too small
A treat that is relatively small for your dog's size can be eaten faster than intended.
Is fast chewing dangerous?
Not necessarily, but it can carry risks.
When a dog bites off and swallows large pieces, this can lead to:
- Choking
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Intestinal problems
Therefore, supervision during chewing is always important.
What can you do if your dog swallows everything?
Choose larger treats: a larger treat is harder to swallow whole.
Choose a harder chew: some chews are specifically designed for long-lasting chewing, such as:
- Horsehide
- Cow head skin
- Yak bars
Supervise: remove small remnants when they can be swallowed whole.
Let your dog chew calmly: preferably give a treat in a quiet environment without distractions or competition from other dogs.
Should a dog chew on a treat for hours?
That varies per dog. Age, teeth, size, and chewing strength all play a role. The most important thing is that the treat is eaten safely and suits your dog's chewing style.
💡 Santos Tip: Does your dog tend to swallow everything immediately? Then opt for larger, sturdy chews and always introduce new products under supervision. 🐾
Why do some snacks contain fat?
Fat is an important energy source for dogs. Very active dogs often need more high-fat snacks than dogs that exercise little.
What is crude protein?
Crude protein is a measure of the total amount of protein in a product. Proteins are essential for the building and maintenance of your dog's muscles, organs, skin, coat, and immune system.
On dog snack packaging, the protein content is indicated as crude protein (%). The higher this percentage, the more protein the snack contains. Natural snacks such as horsehide, beef scalp, and dried fish often have a high protein content.
However, the percentage does not say anything about the quality or digestibility of the protein. Therefore, it is important to also look at the ingredients.
What does "analytical constituents" mean?
These are the average nutritional values of a snack, such as:
- Crude protein
- Crude fat
- Crude ash
- Crude fiber
These values help compare products.
Are snacks with fur healthy?
Yes, furry treats can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet. Think, for example, of rabbit ears with fur.
The fur is not fully digested and can act as a natural source of fiber, contributing to healthy bowel function. Additionally, eating furry treats aligns well with dogs' natural eating behavior.
Not every dog is immediately accustomed to furry treats. Always introduce them gradually and give a limited amount the first time.
As with all chew treats: give them under supervision and ensure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water.
How do I store natural snacks?
Storing snacks:
- In a cool, dry place
- Out of direct sunlight
- In a well-sealed container
Dried versus raw
Dried snacks have a longer shelf life and are more convenient to use. The drying process preserves a large portion of the nutrients.
Why do natural snacks sometimes have a strong smell?
Precisely because they are natural. A rawhide scalp or horse hide often smells stronger than a processed supermarket snack. Dogs usually find this scent attractive.
Why do dogs eat grass?
Many dog owners have seen their dog eat grass during a walk. While this sometimes seems strange, in most cases it is completely normal behavior.
Does a dog eat grass because it's sick?This is often thought, but it is not always the case. Some dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach, but many dogs regularly eat grass without getting sick or vomiting afterwards.
Research even shows that most dogs that eat grass show no signs of illness beforehand.
Possible reasons why dogs eat grass:
🌿 Curiosity
Dogs explore the world with their nose and mouth. Puppies, in particular, like to taste different materials, including grass.
🌿 Instinctive behavior
The ancestors of our dogs often ate their prey whole, including stomach contents and plant material. Eating grass can therefore be a natural remnant of this behavior.
🌿 Extra fiber
Some dogs seem to eat grass because it contains fiber. Fiber can contribute to healthy digestion and bowel movements.
🌿 Boredom
A bored dog may look for ways to occupy itself. Eating grass can then be a form of self-entertainment.
🌿 Because they like it
Yes, it can be that simple. Some dogs simply find the taste or texture of fresh grass appealing.
When should you be concerned?
Eating grass occasionally is usually not a problem. Contact your veterinarian if your dog:
- Eats grass excessively
- Vomits regularly
- Suffers from diarrhea
- Has a reduced appetite
- Shows other health problems
Can I let my dog eat grass?
In principle, yes, provided the grass has not been treated with pesticides, fertilizers or other chemical substances.
💡 Santos Tip: Provide sufficient mental challenge, exercise and suitable chew snacks. Some dogs eat less grass when they have enough activity during the day. 🐾