Sustainability Claims on Dog Treats: What to Look For
Sustainability words are everywhere on pet food. Some are specific and checkable; others are marketing. Here is how to tell the difference.
Terms that mean something specific
- Wild-caught means the fish was caught in the wild, not farm-raised. Ask where.
- Organic on a food label is regulated in the United States, and a USDA Organic seal means the ingredient or product was certified.
- Non-GMO means the ingredients were not made from genetically modified crops.
- Locally or state grown tells you where a crop came from, which you can ask a brand to confirm.
Terms to question
Words like "sustainably sourced," "eco-friendly," and "natural" are not defined on most pet treat labels. Ask the brand what it means in practice.
Questions to ask any treat brand
- Where is the main protein from?
- Where is the produce grown?
- Where are the treats made?
- Can you show me the full ingredient list?
What we can tell you
- Our salmon is wild-caught in Alaska.
- Our sweet potatoes and pumpkin are grown in Texas.
- We use human-grade, non-GMO ingredients.
- We bake in small batches in Texas.
- We donate a portion of profits to local animal shelters.
See more on our ingredient sourcing page, or contact us with questions.