Cheap dog treats don’t save you money. They shift the cost somewhere else, your dog’s digestion, skin, behaviour, and long-term health. Sometimes their safety.
This isn’t scare tactics. It’s what happens when price becomes the main selling point and everything else, ingredients, sourcing, processing, gets squeezed to make the numbers work.
Below is a plain breakdown of what “cheap” actually means in the dog treat world, what it costs your dog over time, and how to spot the difference before you buy.
Why are some dog treats so cheap?
Pet treats sit in a high-margin, lightly regulated corner of the pet industry. Compared to pet food, treats face fewer labelling requirements, get purchased more often, and are frequently impulse buys. That creates the perfect environment for ultra-cheap products to thrive.
To hit rock-bottom prices, manufacturers need to reduce ingredient costs, maximise shelf life, increase bag volume with cheap fillers, and simplify sourcing by importing raw materials with minimal traceability.
Something always gives. And it’s almost never the packaging — it’s what goes inside the bag.
What’s actually inside cheap dog treats?
Low-grade protein that isn’t what you think
When a packet says “meat” or “with beef,” that doesn’t guarantee whole muscle meat, single-protein sourcing, or clearly identified animal parts. Cheap treats often use rendered by-products, mixed-species protein meals processed at extreme temperatures, and ingredients sourced from multiple countries and blended together.
These proteins might meet minimum standards on paper. But once heavily processed, they’re harder to digest and often nutritionally hollow. Your dog may eat them eagerly — that doesn’t mean they’re benefiting.
Fillers that add weight, not nutrition
Fillers bulk up bag weight and keep costs down. Common ones include wheat, corn, soy, rice flour, starches, glycerine, and added sugars or sweeteners. These ingredients spike blood sugar, encourage over-eating, contribute to weight gain, and offer almost no functional value to a dog’s body.
This is why some dogs seem addicted to cheap treats — they’re chasing a sugar-and-starch reward, not actual nourishment.
Preservatives and additives that serve logistics, not dogs
If a treat stays soft, shiny, and identical on the shelf for months, that’s not natural. Manufacturers use humectants to retain moisture, artificial preservatives, colouring to look “meaty,” and flavour enhancers to mask poor-quality ingredients. None of these are there for your dog’s health. They exist for shipping, storage, and profit margins.
Are cheap dog treats bad for dogs? The hidden health costs
Cheap treats rarely cause instant problems. The damage is gradual — and often blamed on something else entirely.
Digestive issues are common: loose stools, gas, vomiting, and inconsistent bowel movements that owners attribute to a “sensitive stomach” when the treats are the actual culprit.
Skin and coat problems follow a similar pattern. Itching, excessive shedding, dull coats, and hot spots are frequently triggered by low-grade proteins and inflammatory fillers fed daily.
Behavioural changes are less obvious but just as real. Highly processed treats can disrupt blood sugar and energy regulation, leading to hyperactivity, poor focus during training, food fixation, and unpredictable energy, particularly in small or older dogs.
Then there’s the weight issue. Cheap treats are calorie-dense and nutrient-light. Dogs feel less satisfied, so owners give more — unintentionally driving obesity, joint strain, reduced mobility, and in some cases, shortened lifespan.
“But my dog loves them” — why preference isn’t proof of quality
Dogs going crazy for cheap treats isn’t a sign of quality. Those products are engineered to smell stronger, taste sweeter, and trigger reward responses. It’s the same reason children prefer sweets over vegetables. Preference doesn’t equal nutrition.
The sourcing question most treat brands avoid
Overseas sourcing is one of the biggest cost-cutting measures in the treat industry. Imported treats can be safe — if processing standards are high and traceability exists. But transparency varies wildly.
Common issues include vague country-of-origin labelling, blended ingredients from multiple suppliers, inconsistent processing standards across borders, and slower or more complicated recalls when something goes wrong.
When traceability breaks down, it’s extremely difficult to work out which dog ate what. Cheap treats rarely leave room in the budget for that kind of transparency.
What to look for in dog treat ingredients
A good treat doesn’t need buzzwords. It needs simplicity, transparency, and function. Before you buy, check whether the protein is clearly named (not “meat” or “animal derivatives”), the ingredient list is short and every item is recognisable, the processing method is gentle (air-dried or dehydrated rather than extruded or chemically preserved), the country of origin is stated clearly, and the product relies on facts rather than vague claims.
If the answers feel unclear, that’s usually deliberate.
Why better treats often cost less over time
Here’s the part most people miss. With a genuinely nutrient-dense treat, dogs feel satisfied sooner. There’s no sugar-driven binge cycle. The nutrients actually do something useful. You end up feeding less per session.
That cheap $10 bag that disappears in three days? A well-made natural treat lasts longer, feeds better, and supports health instead of quietly undermining it.
Cheap treats vs natural treats: a side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cheap Dog Treats | Natural, Single-Ingredient Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient list | Long, vague, filler-heavy | One clearly named ingredient |
| Protein quality | Mixed or rendered | Whole, identifiable protein |
| Processing | Highly processed / extruded | Gently dehydrated or air-dried |
| Additives | Preservatives, colours, flavourings | None |
| Digestibility | Low to moderate | High |
| Feeding amount | Larger amounts needed | Smaller, more satisfying portions |
| Long-term cost | Vet visits, waste, overfeeding | Better health, less product needed |
| Sourcing transparency | Limited or vague | Clear origin and labelling |
How Farmer Pete’s approaches this differently
We don’t aim to be the cheapest, and we’re upfront about that. We set out to make treats we’d feed our own dogs every day without hesitation.
That means 100% single-ingredient treats, no fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives, slow dehydration to preserve natural nutrients, and clear Australian sourcing with honest labelling.
Our range includes kangaroo tendons and beef pizzle for long-lasting chewing, chicken and emu jerky for lean protein, salmon skins for skin and coat support, and novel proteins like crocodile for dogs with sensitivities.
No ingredient confusion. No marketing tricks. Just real food for real dogs.
Frequently asked questions About Cheap Dog Treats
Are cheap dog treats dangerous?
Not always immediately dangerous, but often harmful over time. Regular consumption of treats loaded with fillers, preservatives, and low-grade protein can contribute to digestive issues, skin problems, weight gain, and behavioural changes that build up gradually.
What dog treat ingredients should I avoid?
Watch for unnamed “meat” or “animal derivatives,” fillers like wheat, corn, soy, and glycerine, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), added sugars or sweeteners, and artificial colours. If the ingredient list reads like a chemistry textbook, put it back.
How can I tell if a dog treat is good quality?
Look for a short ingredient list with clearly named proteins, transparent sourcing information, gentle processing methods like air-drying or dehydration, and no reliance on vague marketing claims. A good treat should be explainable in one sentence.
Are more expensive dog treats always better?
Not automatically. Price alone isn’t a quality guarantee. But treats that use single-ingredient proteins, traceable sourcing, and minimal processing do cost more to produce, and that’s usually reflected in the price. The key is reading the label, not just the price tag.
