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Why Functional Pet Treats Are More Than “Just Treats”

Pet Diet & Nutrition 4 min read

For a long time, pet treats were mostly artificial flavors and empty calories, not much more nutritious than the packaging they came in. But now that pet parents want the same options for healthy treats that they’d expect for themselves, where can they look? Enter: functional pet treats.

You may already make sure they’re up to date with their vet visits, take their supplements, and make sure they’re active. But when you reach into the treat drawer, a healthy, functional treat can play a part in their overall wellness!

What Are Functional Pet Treats?

Functional pet treats are snacks that think beyond the basic reward. They’re still rewarding; they just seek to accomplish more than just being gobbled down. Instead, they focus on what the contents of the treat can do for a fur kid (and what it doesn’t do).

Functional treats look into an ingredients list and ask how each ingredient can benefit your pet’s body – while staying tasty. That’s why functional treats skip fillers and artificial ingredients, often opting for wholesome and natural ones instead. If they don’t serve a specific benefit, then they shouldn’t make it into the recipe.

Because there are often fewer ingredients, the quality of those ingredients matters. So functional treats often focus on not just the ingredient’s quality but also its source. That’s why, for example, NHV Wild Pacific Salmon Crunch uses only wild-caught salmon that hasn’t been exposed to growth hormones or antibiotics, instead enjoying a diverse natural diet that helps to make them more nutritious.

What a functional treat doesn’t include is artificial ingredients. These chemicals can cause sensitivities in some fur kids, so including them defeats the purpose.

By choosing functional treats over pet “junk food,” you’re taking care of multiple areas of pet wellness at once: their need for treats as fun, rewards, or stimulation, AND their health and wellness through nutrition. It’s all part of the holistic pet care approach.

Why Holistic Care Matters

Every little piece of wellness matters when it comes to our fur kids. All those little things build up. From daily exercise to healthier treat choices, a holistic approach can make a difference when our pets become sick or enter old age.

By adding clean, functional pet treats, we help pets build a better foundation of nutrition than if they’re eating the pet equivalent of junk food. Those highly processed treats often lack the living, cellular nutrients that come from minimally processed ingredients. And even worse, they introduce artificial ingredients and fillers that can clog up a fur kid’s digestive tract.

If a fur kid is already sick, nutrition becomes even more important. The naturally occurring nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories that come from food can and do make a difference to health and wellness. Like us, a pet’s immune system relies on a steady source of absorbable nutrients to help fend off sickness.

Functional Treats by NHV Natural Pet Products

At NHV, we’ve been busy innovating in our industrial CFIA-certified kitchen, where our pet-loving chefs have been crafting natural and functional treats.

Our philosophy is that treats should never contain anything that could harm a pet, especially since many of our furry little customers often have an existing health condition. Instead, our treats offer specific benefits. Need some fiber? Try NHV Pumpkin Treats, made from rescued produce. How about protein for muscle recovery? Try NHV Ocean Cod Crunch for an after-walk snack.

Our treats don’t use artificial preservatives, relying on one of the oldest and most trusted preservation techniques: dehydration. Through a process of gentle dehydration, we preserve the nutrients in our treats while keeping them fresh until they’re ready to be enjoyed.

How Can You Use Functional Treats?

The NHV line of treats can be used just like ordinary ones. Here are some everyday ways to fit a little nutritional goodness into their day:

  • Bring them on your walks to reward them when they stop at the curb
  • Crumble them into their food as a natural food topper
  • An after doggy day care snack
  • And just sharing them when you just want to show a little love!

For pets, treats are one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether it’s just a bonding moment or you’ve wrapped up some wholesome NHV treats in an enrichment toy, functional treats can help sneak extra goodness into their diet.

However, always remember: no treat can substitute for a complete and nutritional diet. Always be sure to keep treats to less than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. And when you give treats, providing fresh water and supervising your fur kid is a good practice for all pet parents.

An Option For Every Fur Kid

Curious about which of our functional treats do what? Take a look at some of our current faves:

  • NHV Dried Sweet Potato Chips: Rich in dietary fiber, beta-carotenes, and antioxidants to naturally support healthy digestion and eye health for pets with sensitive tummies.
  • NHV Nutty Paw-Nanas: This wholesome peanut butter and banana blend delivers muscle-building protein, healthy fats for skin and coat health, and a probiotic boost from goat yogurt to keep active pets full of healthy energy.
  • NHV Ocean Cod Crunch: Crafted entirely from 100% wild-caught cod, this single-ingredient crunchy treat is loaded with omega-3s and lean protein to fight inflammation, ease joints, and soothe dry skin.
  • NHV Beef Liver Jerky: Made from pure, nutrient-packed beef liver, these single-ingredient bites serve as a high-reward training treat that keeps your pet highly engaged while boosting their iron and protein intake.
  • NHV Only Beets: These dehydrated beet chips act like a vibrant, single-ingredient multivitamin that delivers essential antioxidants and fiber to help fight free radicals and nurture healthy gut flora.

There’s a treat for each pet, like those who need plant-based options – and each situation, like for pups who need some protein after a long day of exercise! If you’re wondering about which functional treat is best for your fur kid, feel welcome to reach out to us using the chat box below. The NHV Pet Experts are happy to make personalized suggestions just for your little one.

Happy snacking!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: June 9, 2026

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