Are Trader Joe’s Dog Treats Healthy? A Full Review
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Ingredient Review
Pet Parent Guide
Are Trader Joe’s Dog Treats Healthy? A Full Review
Trader Joe’s dog treats are easy to grab while shopping for groceries. But are they the healthiest choice for your pup? Let’s break down what’s inside — and compare them to meat-first, limited ingredient treats from Owa Owa.
What’s inside Trader Joe’s dog treats
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of dog treats — from biscuits to jerky-style snacks. But a look at the ingredient lists shows a different story. Many include:
- Wheat or rice flours
- Glycerin or starches as binders
- “Natural flavors” (undefined catch-alls)
- Colorings or preservatives in some recipes
While safe in moderation, these ingredients are fillers that provide calories without functional benefits.
Are they actually healthy?
They’re not the worst treats on the shelf, but they’re also not the best. Dogs thrive on animal protein and functional, purposeful ingredients. Trader Joe’s treats lean more toward convenience and cost than nutrition.
If your dog has food sensitivities, the long ingredient panels can make it harder to spot triggers compared to limited ingredient recipes.
Trader Joe’s vs Owa Owa treats
| Factor | Trader Joe’s Dog Treats | Owa Owa Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Wheat, starches, glycerin, added flavors | Short, transparent lists with real meat first and functional add-ins |
| Protein Focus | Often plant-based fillers with meat flavoring | Pup Noodles, Pup Noodles Beef, Meatzapawn all start with whole animal proteins |
| Digestibility | May cause sensitivities in dogs with allergies | Conchitas (turkey + cranberries) and Puerquitos (pork + pumpkin) are gentle and functional |
| Added Benefits | Mostly calories from carbs | Gold Fishies provide omega-3s, turmeric, and eggshell membrane for joints and skin |
| Chew Options | None | Air-dried Chews Collection: duck feet, rabbit ears, beef aorta, lamb trachea |
Better options from Owa Owa
If you love Trader Joe’s but want the same convenience with healthier ingredients, try:
- Puerquitos : pork and pumpkin, gentle on digestion
- Conchitas : turkey and cranberries for antioxidant support
- Gold Fishies : salmon-based omega-3 support
- Chews Collection : single-ingredient options for dental health
FAQs
Are Trader Joe’s dog treats healthy?
They’re safe for most dogs but not the most nutritious. Many contain fillers and added flavors instead of meat-first recipes.
What are better alternatives?
Choose treats with limited ingredients and real meat, such as Owa Owa’s treat lineup.
Do dogs like Owa Owa treats?
Yes! From Pup Noodles to Meatzapawn, our recipes are designed to be both healthy and irresistible.
Key takeaway
Trader Joe’s dog treats are convenient and affordable, but they’re not the gold standard for pet nutrition. If you’re looking for meat-first, functional, limited ingredient recipes, Owa Owa has you covered.