Dog treats have long become a familiar part of many pets’ diets. The assortment available in pet stores continues to grow, while manufacturers increasingly emphasize “natural” ingredients and minimal compositions. This creates a sense of safety for owners, which often leads to product information on the packaging being overlooked or insufficiently analyzed.
This raises a logical question: are such treats truly safe for dogs? The results of a recent independent study conducted in Germany suggest that this is not always the case.
This raises a logical question: are such treats truly safe for dogs? The results of a recent independent study conducted in Germany suggest that this is not always the case.
The study was carried out by Stiftung Warentest, a German non-profit consumer protection organization. Experts tested 20 popular natural chew treats sold in major pet store chains and online platforms, including Fressnapf, Das Futterhaus, Zooplus, as well as products from Vitakraft and private-label brands of the Edeka retail chain.
The tested products included treats made from chicken hearts, rabbit ears, beef tripe, bovine scalp skin, and pig ears. All of them were marketed as natural, single-ingredient products suitable for regular feeding. According to the results, only two products were deemed suitable for dogs of all sizes. More than half of the samples failed the test, while the remaining products received a rating of “suitable with limitations.”
The tested products included treats made from chicken hearts, rabbit ears, beef tripe, bovine scalp skin, and pig ears. All of them were marketed as natural, single-ingredient products suitable for regular feeding. According to the results, only two products were deemed suitable for dogs of all sizes. More than half of the samples failed the test, while the remaining products received a rating of “suitable with limitations.”
One of the key issues identified was high caloric density. In some cases, a single piece of a treat provided more than 10% of a dog’s recommended daily caloric intake, particularly for small breeds. Given that approximately 60% of dogs in Germany are overweight, such products can significantly affect a dog’s overall energy balance.
Additional concerns were raised regarding fat quality. Signs of fat rancidity were detected in seven products, which may negatively affect digestion and the general health of the animal.
Additional concerns were raised regarding fat quality. Signs of fat rancidity were detected in seven products, which may negatively affect digestion and the general health of the animal.
The most serious finding was the detection of salmonella in several samples. Even if an adult dog shows no clinical symptoms, it can remain a carrier of the bacteria for an extended period and shed it into the environment. This poses a risk to people, particularly children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Experts emphasize that such violations are not isolated incidents. This is confirmed by data from the German official product safety warning system Produktwarnung.eu, which regularly publishes notices about recalls of animal treats and pet food.
Experts emphasize that such violations are not isolated incidents. This is confirmed by data from the German official product safety warning system Produktwarnung.eu, which regularly publishes notices about recalls of animal treats and pet food.
At the end of 2025 alone, several cases of natural chew treats for dogs being withdrawn from sale were recorded in Germany. These involved products from Dog’s Nature GmbH, sold under various brands. The reasons included the detection of salmonella and other microbiological contamination, indicating systemic deficiencies in quality control. Some of the affected products had expiration dates extending to 2027 and could have remained on the market for a prolonged period.
Similar incidents are reported not only at the national level but also across the European Union through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). This system regularly publishes notifications concerning bacterial contamination of pet food and treats, discrepancies between declared and actual composition, and labeling errors. Although such information rarely receives widespread public attention, it is directly related to the safety of both animals and humans.
Similar incidents are reported not only at the national level but also across the European Union through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). This system regularly publishes notifications concerning bacterial contamination of pet food and treats, discrepancies between declared and actual composition, and labeling errors. Although such information rarely receives widespread public attention, it is directly related to the safety of both animals and humans.
The study also paid particular attention to labeling practices. Stiftung Warentest noted that manufacturers’ feeding recommendations are often misleading: portion sizes may be overstated, while warnings are either absent or insufficiently clear. Only one manufacturer fully met the requirements for transparent and accurate consumer information.
In conclusion, labels such as “natural,” “additive-free,” or “single-ingredient” do not, by themselves, guarantee the safety of dog treats and require a more attentive and critical approach from pet owners.
In conclusion, labels such as “natural,” “additive-free,” or “single-ingredient” do not, by themselves, guarantee the safety of dog treats and require a more attentive and critical approach from pet owners.