Golden Retrievers, like pretty much every dog, LOVE treats. And to be honest, we love giving them. Those happy tail wags, the sparkle in their eyes, the gentle “sit” they do without being asked, it’s hard to resist spoiling them just a little.
But here’s the thing about treats… they add up. A nibble here, a crumb there, it doesn’t seem like much at the moment. Yet over time, those “just because” snacks can have a real impact on your dog’s health, weight, energy, and even their lifespan.
In our program, treats are part of your Golden’s diet. Every bite that goes into their mouth, whether it’s a full meal or a quick reward, should be something that supports their health and well-being, not works against it.
And while we’ll never be the people who tell you not to treat your dog (that’s just not realistic or fun), we will tell you the top three ingredients we never let sneak into our treat jar, and what we choose instead, so you can spoil your Golden without compromising their health.
1. Artificial Colors and Dyes
That bright red, neon green, or perfectly golden biscuit is usually not from real food. It’s from synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2. While they might make treats look more appealing to humans, they do nothing for your dog’s nutrition and can contribute to hyperactivity, allergies, or digestive upset in sensitive pups.
Instead, we only use treats colored naturally with ingredients like beet powder, turmeric, or spinach. These not only look appealing but also add a little boost of natural vitamins and antioxidants. If you haven’t tried these yet, we HIGHLY recommend PawTree’s Soft and Chewy’s Chicken and Apple Meaty Bites.
2. Artificial Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin)
Artificial preservatives are often used to give treats a longer shelf life, but they’re linked to potential long-term health concerns. Dogs have a harder time detoxing synthetic chemicals than humans do, so we keep them out of their diet entirely.
Natural preservation methods, like treats made fresh in small batches or preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and rosemary extract. These options keep treats fresh without compromising your dog’s health.
One of our go-to options is PawTree’s Surprise Me! Treats. They’re made with limited ingredients, gently freeze-dried to lock in nutrients, and completely free of artificial preservatives. Plus, they’re highly digestible, perfect for Goldens with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
3. Excess Fillers (Corn, Wheat, Soy)
Fillers are cheap ingredients that bulk up treats without adding much nutritional value. While some dogs tolerate them fine, we’ve seen how a filler-heavy diet can lead to weight gain, itchy skin, and lackluster coats.
Single-ingredient or limited-ingredient treats, often made from whole foods like freeze-dried beef liver, salmon, or sweet potato. They’re nutrient-dense, more digestible, and pack a flavor punch dogs love.
Why This Matters for Your Golden
Goldens are prone to certain health issues like allergies, joint problems, and obesity. By being picky about treats, you’re taking an easy but powerful step toward keeping your dog healthier for longer. Every treat you give is either helping or hurting, and we think your pup deserves the “helping” kind.
We practice what we preach in our program. Every puppy here is raised on a diet free from these questionable ingredients, including in their training rewards.
Make sure you check out our website to learn more about our program.
