When looking for a healthy treat to give your dog, Newman’s Own dog treats may catch your eye. As a brand known for donating 100% of profits to charity, Newman’s Own has a reputation for being a company that cares. But are their dog treats as good for your pup as their human snacks are for people? Here’s what you need to know about Newman’s Own dog treats and whether they make a nutritious choice for your furry friend.
An Overview of Newman’s Own Dog Treats
Newman’s Own offers a variety of dog treats made with all-natural ingredients. Their product line includes treats like:
- Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Bacon Flavored Dog Treats
- Chicken & Rice Dog Treats
- Sweet Potato Chewy Dog Treats
- Pumpkin & Chicken Dog Treats
The ingredients in Newman’s Own dog treats are simple and easy to recognize. Most recipes contain just a single source of protein like chicken or peanut butter along with whole food ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, rice, oats, and coconut oil. The treats are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Here’s a look at some of Newman’s Own dog treat ingredients:
- Chicken
- Peanut butter
- Bacon
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Rice
- Oats
- Flaxseed
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
The limited ingredient recipes make Newman’s Own a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities. The treats are also free from corn, wheat, and soy.
Are the Ingredients Healthy for Dogs?
For the most part, the ingredients found in Newman’s Own dog treats are healthy and nutritious for dogs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main ingredients:
Chicken
Chicken is a lean source of protein for dogs. It provides amino acids that help build and maintain muscle. Chicken is one of the most widely available and affordable proteins for pet treats.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. Look for treats made with all-natural peanut butter without added sugar. Newman’s Own uses organic peanut butter in their treats.
Bacon
Lean cuts of bacon can be a good source of protein for dogs. Too much bacon or fatty bacon can be problematic, so treats with just a bacon flavor are best.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious carbohydrate source for dogs. They are high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Sweet potatoes are a low glycemic index food for stabilizing blood sugar.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs! It’s high in fiber to promote regularity and rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. Many owners give dogs pumpkin to ease digestive upsets.
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate used in many dog treats and formulas. White or brown rice provides B vitamins and minerals for dogs. Look for whole grain rice over refined rice flour.
Oats
Oats are another healthy whole grain for dogs. They are high in fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus. Oats give treats a pleasing chewy texture.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a superfood packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3s. It supports skin, coat, heart, brain, and joint health in dogs.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains beneficial MCTs that provide dogs with energy. It also supports cognitive function and the immune system. Look for organic virgin coconut oil.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It helps dogs with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Turmeric also provides antioxidants to fight disease.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects in dogs. It may help with bad breath and digestive issues. Only small amounts are needed in treats.
Quality of Ingredients
Newman’s Own states that they use high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. However, some ingredients seem to be better quality than others.
The chicken, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, rice, oats, and coconut oil are good quality ingredients. The peanut butter is organic. These components are healthy and nutritional for dogs.
On the other hand, the bacon and turmeric may be lower quality. The bacon is just a flavor rather than real bacon to keep the fat content down. The source of the turmeric is unknown. Higher quality options include organic turmeric or turmeric with black pepper to increase absorption.
Pros of Ingredients
- Mainly whole food ingredients
- Good sources of protein
- Some superfood ingredients like sweet potato, pumpkin, oats
- Organic peanut butter
Cons of Ingredients
- Bacon is just a flavor, not real bacon
- Source of turmeric is unknown
- Could use more superfoods like blueberries, chia seeds
Newman’s Own Dog Treat Reviews
Most Newman’s Own dog treats get very positive reviews online. Here’s a summary of what owners say about their products:
Positive Reviews
- Dogs love the taste
- Crunchy texture promotes dental health
- Good value for the price
- Ingredients are high quality
- Treats are low calorie
- Company has ethical values
Negative Reviews
- Some dogs didn’t like the flavor
- Treats crumbled easily
- Difficult to break into smaller pieces
- Packages arrived open or treats spilled
Most of the negative reviews seem to come down to individual dog preferences. Some picky pups may not like the peanut butter or pumpkin flavors. Breaking the treats can be tricky due to their crunchy texture.
Nutritional Analysis of Newman’s Own Dog Treats
Let’s take a look at the nutritional profile of a few Newman’s Own treats varieties:
Peanut Butter Formula Dog Treats
| Calories | 3.5 kcal per treat |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6% |
| Fat | 7% |
| Fiber | 2% |
| Moisture | 3% |
Pumpkin & Chicken Formula Dog Treats
| Calories | 3.7 kcal per treat |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7% |
| Fat | 5% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 5% |
These Newman’s Own treats provide about 3.5 to 3.7 calories per treat. The low calorie count makes them a healthy choice for weight management. The treats contain 5% to 7% protein and limited fat content.
Fiber makes up 2% to 3% of the treats. Higher fiber treats include the sweet potato and pumpkin recipes. These support digestion. moisture content is 3% to 5%.
Feeding Guidelines
Newman’s Own provides the following feeding guidelines for their dog treats:
- Small Dogs: 1 treat per day
- Medium Dogs: 2 treats per day
- Large Dogs: 3 treats per day
The company recommends adjusting amounts based on your dog’s unique calorie needs. You can offer the treats during training, in food puzzles, or as snacks between meals.
Break treats into smaller bits if needed to meet portion guidelines. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust treat amounts if gaining or losing is noticed.
Tips for Feeding Newman’s Own Treats
- Supervise your dog when feeding to prevent choking
- Break treats into smaller pieces if your dog gulps treats
- Reduce kibble at meals to account for treat calories
- Use treats to reward training and enrichment activities
- Always provide fresh water with treats
Conclusion
Overall, Newman’s Own dog treats appear to be a healthy choice with good quality ingredients. The ingredients include premium proteins, superfoods, and antioxidant spices. The treats provide a nutritious balance of protein, fat, and fiber.
Newman’s Own dog treats receive mainly positive reviews. The main drawbacks seem to be difficulty breaking the treats for small dogs and some picky eaters not liking the flavors. Use the feeding guidelines provided and adjust as needed for your dog.
While not the highest quality treats on the market, Newman’s Own dog treats are a good option for an affordable, nutritious treat made by an ethical company. The ingredients and nutrition information support them as a healthy component of your dog’s diet when fed in moderation. Just be sure to supervise your dog when feeding to prevent choking.