5 Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats in USA 2025

Dogs are enthusiastic about all kinds of foods, and few things grab their attention quite like the crinkling of a treat bag or the sound of the cookie jar opening!

Many dog owners enjoy giving their dogs treats daily, but it’s crucial to control portion sizes and keep track of treats to prevent unwanted weight gain or unbalanced nutrition from their main diet.

Dog treats serve as excellent motivators during training, help capture your dog’s focus for commands, and are a loving way to communicate affection they understand deeply.

However, not all treats are equal. Beyond the risk of overfeeding, the ingredients used in dog treats can vary widely. Certain components should be avoided as they offer no nutritional benefit, might cause health issues, or are undigestible fillers added solely to prolong shelf life or enhance appearance.

This article highlights five ingredients common in commercially available dog treats in the US that you should watch out for and steer clear of, along with reasons why. Keep reading to protect your pup's well-being.

1. Artificial Colorants Such as Yellow 5 and Red 40

Many foods marketed for both humans and dogs contain artificial dyes to create a specific look or appeal to human buyers. For example, brightly colored sweets or snacks catch our eyes, but dogs perceive colors quite differently, seeing only within the blue, yellow, and grayscale spectrum. Color does not influence their food preferences.

Therefore, adding colorants to dog treats is unnecessary. It's especially wise to avoid treats with synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 (tartrazine) and Red 40, which have been linked to allergic reactions, behavioral changes, and even potential carcinogenic effects in animals.

2. Synthetic Preservatives Including BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin

Preservatives are common in commercial dog treats to prolong freshness. If you do not bake treats yourself or buy from specialty bakeries that supply fresh batches, your dog’s treats likely contain some preservatives.

Among these, look out for artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), ethoxyquin, sodium nitrate, potassium sorbate, and calcium propionate. These compounds have been associated with risks including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and immune system problems in dogs.

3. Artificial Humectants Like Propylene Glycol

Humectants help maintain moisture in treats. While these agents keep products like packaged muffins or cakes soft and fresh over time, not all are safe for dogs.

Avoid artificial humectants such as propylene glycol in dog treats. Instead, opt for treats that use natural moisture-retaining ingredients like molasses or vegetable glycerin, which are safer alternatives.

4. Corn Syrup and Other Excess Sugar Sweeteners

Sweets and sugary treats might seem appealing to us, but dogs don’t need added sugars for flavor. A protein-rich snack is healthier and just as enjoyable for your pet.

If sweeteners are present, steer clear of high-fructose syrups like corn syrup, which offers zero nutritional value and can contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Excess sugar intake may also cause spikes in energy leading to hyperactivity followed by lethargy—similar to sugar crashes seen in children.

5. Wheat and Other Grain Fillers

Wheat is often used in dog treats as an inexpensive filler, but it offers no nutritional benefit to dogs as they can’t properly digest it. Instead, it passes through the digestive system mostly unused.

Additionally, wheat is a common allergen in dogs and may cause digestive upset or increased stool volume, especially in sensitive breeds like the English Bulldog puppies. Avoid fillers like wheat, brewer’s rice, and corn gluten, which can provoke allergies and provide little nutrition.

Other Harmful Ingredients to Steer Clear of in USA Dog Treats 2025

In 2025, American dog owners should also be alert to additional ingredients flagged by veterinarians and health experts:

• Xylitol (Birch Sugar): Extremely toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts, xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or death. This sweetener is found in some sugar-free peanut butters and dental products, so always check labels carefully.
• Artificial preservatives: Chemicals like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate, TBHQ, and potassium sorbate have links to increased cancer risk and organ damage and should be completely avoided.
• Artificial sweeteners and additives: Beyond xylitol, steer clear of synthetic sweeteners, dyes, and high fructose corn syrup which harm teeth and contribute to obesity and energy imbalances.
• Low-quality grain by-products: Fillers such as wheat gluten, corn gluten, brewers rice, and soybean meal offer minimal nutrition and may trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
• Rawhide treats: These pose choking dangers and digestive blockages and are sometimes treated with chemicals that raise safety concerns.

While the US FDA regulates dog food for safety and nutrition, treats don’t always undergo the same rigorous standards. As a responsible pet owner, choosing brands that focus on natural, wholesome ingredients and transparent labeling is essential to your dog’s health and safety.