As dog lovers, we want the best for our four-legged family members. However, we often overlook how big a role treats play in their health. Like our snacks, not all dog treats are created equal. Many conventional options are filled with fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives that offer little to no nutritional value and can even contribute to long-term health issues.
That’s why healthy dog treats are a fantastic choice. They support better digestion, stronger immunity, shinier coats, and even fresher breath. Most importantly, they allow you to reward your pup without guilt, knowing you’re nourishing their body with every bite.
At Jiminy’s, we believe that treating your dog should be a wholesome experience, from the ingredients we use to the environmental impact we avoid.
What Makes A Dog Treat Healthy?
A healthy dog treat goes beyond taste—it fuels your dog’s body and mind. The best treats are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients that support your pup’s well-being without unnecessary fillers or additives.
Look for treats with real, recognizable ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins. Avoid anything with artificial flavors, colors, or by-products. Fiber-rich ingredients aid digestion, while omega fatty acids promote a healthy coat and skin.
At Jiminy’s, we raise the bar by using insect protein – an innovative, eco-friendly protein source that’s not only packed with nutrition but also gentle on your dog’s stomach. Insect protein is highly digestible and rich in essential amino acids, making it perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It’s also a natural source of antimicrobial peptides—tiny, powerful compounds that help defend your dog’s body against harmful bacteria, supporting immune health at a cellular level.
Healthy dog treats should also be portioned appropriately, with low calories per bite, so you can reward often without compromising your dog’s health.
The Jiminy’s Difference: Sustainable, Nutritious & Loved By Dogs
At Jiminy’s, we believe healthy dog treats should nourish your pet and protect the planet. This philosophy informed our creation of a line of treats that are as sustainable as they are nutritious.
Insect protein is a crucial ingredient, and it’s a powerhouse of digestible nutrients, including essential amino acids, omega-3s, and prebiotic fiber. It’s naturally hypoallergenic and easy on sensitive stomachs, making it ideal for dogs of all ages, breeds, and dietary needs.
But what truly sets Jiminy’s apart is our commitment to sustainability. Producing insect protein uses a fraction of the land, water, and greenhouse gases required for traditional livestock. Every bag of treats you buy helps reduce your dog’s carbon pawprint—and that’s a win for everyone.
And yes, dogs love the taste. Whether it’s a crunchy biscuit or a soft training bite, our recipes are crafted to be as irresistible as they are healthy.
Best Healthy Dog Treats From Jiminy’s
Jiminy’s offers a delicious variety of healthy dog treats made with sustainable insect protein and natural, nutritious ingredients. Whether you're rewarding good behavior, training your pup, or just showing some love, these treats are a wholesome way to do it.
This grain-free, crunchy biscuit combines creamy peanut butter with antioxidant-rich blueberries, delivering a flavor dogs love and nutrition you can feel good about. It’s also an excellent option for natural dog treats with no artificial ingredients.
Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, these training treats are made with real pumpkin and carrots, offering fiber for digestion and a taste that motivates. They’re one of our top picks for healthy treats for dogs, especially during training sessions.
Perfectly sized for training or small bites, this soft treat blends peanut butter with tart cranberries. It’s flavorful, functional, and a great example of a healthy treat for dogs who deserve something special and nourishing.
Benefits Of Natural Dog Treats
Natural dog treats offer a variety of long-term health advantages that contribute to your dog’s overall well-being. Unlike heavily processed alternatives, these treats are made from whole-food, nutrient-rich ingredients that support your pet’s physical health, digestion, and immune system, while also being more aligned with eco-conscious living.
Easier Digestion
Natural dog treats formulated with ingredients like oats, pumpkin, and insect protein are much easier for your dog’s digestive system to process. These whole-food components are gentle on the gut, which can help reduce issues like gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances. By avoiding hard-to-digest fillers and additives found in many conventional treats, natural options support more regular bowel movements and less gastrointestinal distress, which makes treat time a joy instead of a risk.
Improved Nutrient Absorption
When your dog consumes natural treats made with real ingredients, they gain access to bioavailable nutrients—that is, nutrients that the body can recognize, absorb, and use effectively. These treats are often rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, zinc, and amino acids, which contribute to energy production, cellular repair, and immune function. Because these nutrients are derived from whole foods and not synthetic additives, your dog benefits more from every bite, supporting long-term vitality and overall wellness.
Allergy-Friendly
Many dogs suffer from food allergies or intolerances that can lead to chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset. Natural treats are often free from common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, and meat by-products, making them a much safer choice for dogs with sensitivities. Treats featuring novel proteins like crickets are hypoallergenic and ideal for elimination diets, offering a complete source of protein without triggering typical allergic reactions. This allows pet owners to reward their dogs without the worry of flare-ups or adverse reactions.
Stronger Immune System
Ingredients commonly found in natural treats—such as carrots, blueberries, and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables—play a vital role in strengthening your dog’s immune system. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate aging or disease. Over time, feeding your dog antioxidant-packed treats can lead to reduced inflammation, better resistance to illness, and improved long-term health outcomes, keeping your furry friend happy and active for years to come.
Healthier Skin & Shinier Coat
One of the most visible benefits of natural treats is the improvement in skin and coat health. Insect protein, for instance, is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity, reducing dryness, and curbing inflammation. When paired with naturally occurring vitamins like A and E, these fatty acids help promote a shiny, soft coat and relieve common issues like itching or hot spots. Regular consumption of such treats leads to a more radiant appearance and increased comfort for your pet.
Cleaner Ingredient List
Jiminy’s natural dog treats are made without the use of artificial preservatives, fillers, or synthetic chemicals, which not only benefits your dog’s health but also offers peace of mind to pet parents. You’ll recognize every ingredient on the label—from chickpeas and flaxseed to pumpkin and cricket protein—so you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body. This transparency is key to making informed decisions about your dog’s nutrition and avoiding the potential risks posed by questionable additives.
Eco-Friendly Nutrition
Beyond personal health, natural dog treats like those from Jiminy’s contribute to environmental sustainability. Treats made with cricket or grub protein use a fraction of the land, water, and feed resources compared to traditional livestock. Crickets, for example, require 2,000 times less water than beef and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases. By choosing eco-conscious treats, you’re reducing your dog’s carbon pawprint and supporting a more sustainable future for both your pet and the planet.
Why Jiminy’s Is Great For Puppies Too
Puppies need treats that are not only tasty but also gentle on their developing digestive systems, and Jiminy’s delivers on both fronts. Our treats are crafted with easily digestible insect protein, making them ideal for young pups who are still building tolerance to different foods.
Soft, bite-sized options like our healthy puppy treats are perfect for training and rewarding good behavior without overwhelming their tiny tummies. Plus, our treats are low in calories and packed with beneficial nutrients that support growth and development.
Our commitment to clean, natural ingredients makes Jiminy's especially puppy-friendly. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives—just simple, real food your pup can thrive on from the very beginning.
Choosing The Right Healthy Treat For Your Dog
Every dog is different, and choosing the best healthy treat means matching their unique needs with the right texture, size, and nutritional benefits. Here’s how to make the right choice:
Consider Your Dog’s Size And Chewing Style
Smaller dogs or puppies often do best with soft, breakable treats that are easy on tiny teeth. Jiminy’s Pumpkin & Carrot and Peanut Butter & Cranberry options are perfect for bite-sized rewards during training or daily positive reinforcement.
Match Treat Type To Activity Level
Active dogs may benefit from more nutrient-dense snacks that replenish energy without overfeeding. Chewy training treats are ideal for repeated rewards, while crunchier biscuits serve well as occasional snacks between meals.
Pay Attention To Dietary Needs And Sensitivities
If your dog has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, choose treats with limited ingredients and novel proteins. Jiminy’s insect-based treats are hypoallergenic and free from common allergens like chicken, beef, or wheat.
Think About Treat Functionality
Are you rewarding a new trick, soothing anxiety, or showing affection? Soft treats work best for training, while crunchy biscuits like our Peanut Butter & Blueberry biscuits provide a satisfying chew when your dog needs something more substantial.
Check Calorie Content For Portion Control
Low-calorie treats, especially for small or weight-conscious dogs, allow you to reward more often without worrying about overfeeding. Jiminy’s treats are formulated with moderate calorie counts to keep your pup on track.
Keep Storage And Shelf Life In Mind
If you treat infrequently or need something longer-lasting, a crunchy option with a longer shelf life may be more practical. Resealable soft treats are ideal for on-the-go or frequent training sessions.
Better Treats For A Better World
Choosing the right treat for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. With Jiminy’s, you’re giving your pup something they’ll love while also supporting their health and positively impacting the planet.
Our line of healthy dog treats is made with sustainable insect protein, natural ingredients, and zero compromise on flavor or quality. Whether you're looking for healthy treats for dogs, healthy puppy treats, or simply better healthy dog snacks, we’ve got you covered.
Because at Jiminy’s, we believe that doing good for your dog and the Earth should be as easy as giving a treat.
Read also: