The Hidden Ingredients in Dog Treats — And Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever
Have you ever looked at the back of a bag of dog treats and thought, “What on earth is that?”
You are not alone.
At K9 Prime Cuts, we have spent years in the dog training and canine performance world, and one thing became clear early on: many so-called natural dog treats are not as natural as they seem. We have seen dogs struggle with digestion, dull coats and behavioural dips, all linked to poor quality nutrition hidden behind clever wording.
That is why we founded K9 Prime Cuts: to strip away the jargon and return dogs to the nutrition nature intended. Real meat. Real parts. Real results.
The Science of Additives: why “natural” does not always mean safe
Dog treat manufacturers often rely on chemical additives and binders to make products cheaper, longer lasting and more visually appealing. What does that really mean for your dog’s health
Common culprits and their biological impact:
- Propylene glycol – a synthetic humectant used to keep treats soft. In high amounts, it can alter red blood cells and cause digestive irritation.
- BHA and BHT – synthetic antioxidants designed to stop fats from turning rancid. Both are under review for potential long term effects on liver and kidney function.
- Ethoxyquin – originally developed as a pesticide. It stabilises fats but has been linked to allergic and organ stress reactions in sensitive animals.
- Artificial colourings – such as Red 40 and Yellow 5. They offer no nutritional value and can trigger hyperactivity or intolerance.
The result: treats that look pretty, smell intense and last a long time, but do your dog no favours nutritionally.
Binders, thickeners and the texture trick
Ever wondered why some natural treats hold their shape perfectly even after months in a cupboard That is thanks to binders and thickeners that glue everything together.
These are often hidden under vague terms like technological additives or vegetable derivatives. Here is what is really inside:
- Carrageenan and xanthan gum – give wet treats a jelly like texture but can cause intestinal inflammation in sensitive dogs.
- Starches and flours (pea, potato, corn) – cheap fillers that bulk out products without adding nutrition.
- Gelatin and collagen powders – create chewiness in reconstituted treats, with highly variable quality.
Many of these do not have to be individually listed on the label.
That is why we skip the chemistry and go straight to the source. Our Hairy Beef Nose and Prime Exclusives 30 cm Beef Head Chews are made from whole animal parts, naturally air dried, rich in protein and free from synthetic binding agents.
How manufacturers hide the truth
The pet food industry does not technically lie. It often omits. Here is how:
- Umbrella terms like meat and animal derivatives conceal which species or organs are used.
- Functional categories such as stabilisers or technological additives group multiple compounds under one label.
- E numbers like E407 (carrageenan) or E415 (xanthan gum) sound harmless, but most dog owners do not recognise what they represent.
- Proprietary blends: a legal way of saying we are not telling you what is in it.
Transparency is not yet standard practice. That is the real problem.
Why transparency is our foundation
Honesty should not be a selling point. It should be the baseline. Our director’s long established background in dog training and nutrition taught us how vital genuine, species appropriate food is to every dog’s wellbeing. Feed clean, balanced nutrition and everything improves: coat shine, muscle tone, focus and behaviour.
Every product at K9 Prime Cuts is:
- Made to our own specification, not mass produced formulas.
- One hundred percent natural, with no synthetic preservatives, colourings or fillers.
- Produced using traditional methods like air drying or freezing to lock in nutrition naturally.
- Species appropriate, designed around BARF and whole prey feeding principles.
For a balanced staple, try our Prime Performance 80 10 10 Chicken Box which provides 80 percent muscle meat, 10 percent bone and 10 percent organ. No fillers and no fluff.
For training, our Wild Venison Training Treats offer a high value, single protein reward that supports motivation and recovery without anything artificial.
The science of raw feeding: why dogs thrive on whole foods
Dogs are facultative carnivores. Their digestive systems are designed primarily for meat, organs and bone, not carbohydrates or synthetic binders.
- Enzyme profiles show strong protease and lipase for proteins and fats and relatively little amylase for starches.
- Microbiome studies associate raw, high protein diets with more beneficial bacteria and better nutrient absorption.
- Behaviour research links stable blood sugar from meat based diets with improved focus and reduced hyperactivity.
Biology is consistent. A diet rooted in natural, unprocessed animal matter supports joint function, coat health and behavioural balance. That is the science behind everything we do at K9 Prime Cuts.
Final thoughts: what is on the label should be what is in the bag
Dog owners deserve honesty. You should not need a chemistry degree to feed your dog safely.
At K9 Prime Cuts, we do not hide behind fancy names or vague labels. What you see is what you get: fresh, traceable, species appropriate nutrition, made with care and transparency.
Whether it is a hearty 80 10 10 Chicken Sausage Box, a Beef Head Chew, or our Wild Venison Training Treats, it is real food for real dogs.
We do not believe in pet food. We believe in dog nutrition, the way nature intended.