If you’ve ever flipped a bag of dog treats around and squinted at a paragraph of unpronounceable additives, you already know why “natural” is no longer a buzz-word—it’s a baseline. Simply Nourish has built a reputation for recipes that read like a grocery list rather than a chemistry exam, but not every pouch in their line-up fits every pup’s unique needs. In this deep-dive we’ll unpack exactly what sets the brand apart, how to decode their labels like a veterinary nutritionist, and which features matter most when you’re hunting for a reward that’s as healthy as it is irresistible.
By the end of this guide you’ll be able to walk into any pet store—or scroll through any e-commerce page—and confidently spot the Simply Nourish treats that align with your dog’s life stage, activity level, and dietary quirks, all while side-stepping the marketing traps that waste money and valuable calories.
Top 10 Simply Nourish Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. SIMPLY NOURISH Freeze Dried Chicken Dog Treat – 5 Ounce Bag
Overview:
Simply Nourish Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Treat is a 5-ounce bag of grain-free, protein-rich morsels intended for health-conscious pet parents. The formula combines chicken, egg, turkey, vegetables, glucosamine, and chondroitin into a lightweight, shelf-stable cube that can be fed whole or crumbled over meals.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The joint-support blend (glucosamine & chondroitin) is rarely found in treats, giving this snack a functional edge. Freeze-drying locks in aroma without preservatives, and the single-source poultry recipe stays free of corn, soy, dairy, and grains—ideal for dogs with common allergies.
Value for Money:
At $5.60 per ounce ($27.99 per 5 oz), the price sits at the premium end of the treat aisle. You’re paying for functional ingredients and a U.S.-sourced protein mix; owners of senior or active breeds may justify the cost as a combined treat-and-supplement.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high-protein, limited-ingredient, soft enough for seniors, supports hips & joints, resealable bag keeps cubes fresh.
Cons: expensive daily habit, cubes crumble easily in pocket, strong poultry smell may deter some humans, bag size runs out quickly for multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line:
If you already buy separate joint supplements, swapping in these freeze-dried cubes consolidates costs while spoiling your dog. For casual rewarding, the price is tough to swallow—reserve for training high-value behaviors or senior spoiling.
2. SIMPLY NOURISH Soft Chews (1) Real Bacon & Cheese Recipe Sticks 1-6 OZ (170g) Bag
Overview:
Simply Nourish Soft Chews Bacon & Cheese Recipe Sticks arrive in a 6-ounce resealable pouch, promising tavern-style flavor without artificial colors. The sticks are pliable, allowing owners to tear off bite-size pieces for training or feed full batons as a chewy snack.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Real bacon and cheddar appear high on the ingredient panel—not typical “bacon flavoring.” The soft-baked texture is gentle on puppy or senior teeth, and the 6-inch sticks fit most treat holders to reduce rapid gobbling.
Value for Money:
Sticker shock is real: $44.80 per pound ($16.80 per 6 oz) puts these among the priciest soft treats. You’re funding recognizable grocery-store ingredients and a U.S. baked process; budget shoppers can replicate portions by breaking sticks into 30-plus pea-size rewards.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: irresistible smoky aroma, wheat-free recipe, easy to portion, stays soft to the bottom of the bag.
Cons: high fat content (10% min) limits use for weight-managed dogs, grease can stain pockets, price-per-treat climbs quickly when dogs demand whole sticks.
Bottom Line:
Perfect for picky eaters, medication wrapping, or high-distraction environments where only “people food” scent will do. Buy sparingly—use tiny torn pieces to stretch the bag and protect both wallet and waistline.
3. SIMPLY NOURISH (1 Chicken & Cheese Recipe Soft Chews Bone Shaped (1-6 oz) Bag
Overview:
Simply Nourish Chicken & Cheese Recipe Soft Chews come in cute bone shapes inside a 6-ounce bag. Marketed for everyday rewarding, the treats marry chicken broth, cheese powder, and vegetable glycerin into a chewy morselle that stays moist without refrigeration.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The bone cutout is sized right for small to medium jaws, eliminating choking risk common with larger bars. Chicken broth delivers natural umami, so even finicky dogs take these without coaxing—helpful for post-medicine spoiling.
Value for Money:
At $45.12 per pound ($16.92 per 6 oz), the cost rivals boutique bakery biscuits. The reseal works well; the last treat is as pliable as the first, so you don’t lose money to staleness.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: appealing dual flavor, breaks cleanly for training, no corn or soy, low crumb mess indoors.
Cons: calorie-dense (18 kcal/treat), cheese can exacerbate allergies, bag holds only ~28 bones, pricing borders on gourmet human snacks.
Bottom Line:
Keep a bag on hand for photo sessions, vet visits, or any moment you need guaranteed compliance. Feed in halves or thirds; otherwise you’ll burn through the pouch—and your budget—in a weekend.
4. SIMPLY NOURISH Soft Chews Dog Treat Sticks, 6oz (Bacon and Cheese: Pack of 2) (Bacon and Cheese)
Overview:
This listing bundles two 6-ounce pouches of Simply Nourish Bacon & Cheese Soft Chew Sticks, delivering 12 ounces total of smoky, cheddar-laced batons. The formula mirrors the single pack but offers a slight bulk discount for multi-dog households or heavy trainers.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Buying in twos cuts price per pound from $44.80 to about $46.60—not a huge saving, yet it halves shipping frequency. The sticks stay uniform in moisture, so you can stash one pouch in the car and one in the kitchen without quality drop-off.
Value for Money:
Even at volume, these remain luxury treats. Cost per stick hovers near $0.90; owners of large breeds may see a single training session consume $5–$7 in product. You’re paying for ingredient transparency and soft texture rather than economy.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: convenient two-pack, U.S.-sourced pork and cheese, easy to tear, dogs rate flavor 10/10, resealable pouches prevent freezer burn if you choose to stockpile.
Cons: still one of the highest per-pound prices, fat content may upset sensitive stomachs, bacon aroma transfers to hands.
Bottom Line:
Splurge purchase for special occasions—birthdays, conformation shows, or counter-conditioning work where only top-value currency succeeds. Average households should ration; otherwise the double pack disappears as fast as a single.
5. Nutrish Rachael Ray Dog Treats Savory Roasters Chicken Recipe, 12 oz. Pouch
Overview:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters Chicken Recipe is a 12-ounce pouch of soft, grill-marked strips made with U.S. farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. The roasters are grain-free, contain no artificial flavors or by-product meals, and can be torn into smaller bits for training.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Celebrity chef branding aside, the product delivers restaurant-style appeal: the strips resemble miniature flank steaks, making them photo-worthy for social pup posts. A 12-ounce supply doubles the typical 6-ounce boutique bag, giving multi-pet homes breathing room.
Value for Money:
At $29.17 per pound ($21.88 for 12 oz), Nutrish undercuts Simply Nourish by roughly 30% while still offering recognizable meat and a soft chew texture. Periodic Amazon coupons drop the price into true mid-range territory, increasing bargain appeal.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: real chicken leads, grain-free, easy to portion, larger bag lasts longer, widely available in grocery stores.
Cons: contains added sugar (molasses), strips dry out if pouch stays open, smoky smell lingers on fingers, calorie count (33 kcal/strip) requires moderation for small dogs.
Bottom Line:
A wallet-friendly upgrade from biscuit bones. Tear strips into training tidbits or feed whole for a “street-meat” experience your dog will drool over. Just reseal tightly and subtract calories from dinner to keep waistlines in check.
6. Simply Nourish Soft Chews Chicken & Cheese Sticks 2-Pack
Overview: Simply Nourish Soft Chews Chicken & Cheese Sticks offer a premium treat experience for medium to large adult dogs, combining real chicken with cheese flavor in a convenient 2-pack totaling 12 ounces.
What Makes It Stand Out: The dual-flavor profile of chicken and cheese creates an irresistible taste combination that appeals to even picky eaters. The soft, chewy texture makes these treats ideal for training sessions or as special rewards, while the resealable packaging ensures long-lasting freshness without refrigeration.
Value for Money: At $44.17 per pound, these treats sit in the premium price range. The 2-pack configuration provides modest savings over individual purchases, though the cost remains steep compared to standard dog treats. The quality ingredients partially justify the premium pricing for health-conscious pet owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include high-quality protein sources, appropriate sizing for larger breeds, and convenient storage. However, the high price point may deter budget-conscious shoppers, and the soft texture might not appeal to dogs who prefer crunchy treats. The treats may also crumble if roughly handled.
Bottom Line: These gourmet soft chews deliver on taste and quality but demand a premium investment. Best suited for pet parents willing to splurge on high-quality treats for occasional use rather than daily training rewards.
7. Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites Dog Treats, Beef Recipe With Bison, 12 oz. Pouch
Overview: Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites present grain-free dog treats featuring real beef as the primary ingredient, complemented by bison flavor in a 12-ounce pouch.
What Makes It Stand Out: The celebrity chef endorsement brings brand recognition, while the grain-free formula caters to dogs with sensitivities. The soft texture makes these treats suitable for dogs of all ages, and the USA-cooked manufacturing ensures quality control.
Value for Money: Without a listed price, value assessment is challenging. However, Rachael Ray products typically position themselves in the mid-range category, offering reasonable quality at accessible price points compared to premium competitors.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Major strengths include real beef as the first ingredient, absence of artificial flavors, and USA manufacturing. The soft texture appeals to many dogs, and the bison addition provides variety. Weaknesses include vague “no added grain ingredients” wording (allowing for trace amounts) and limited size options for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: These treats represent solid middle-ground quality with trustworthy ingredient sourcing. While not revolutionary, they provide reliable, USA-made treats that most dogs enjoy. The brand recognition and grain-free formula make them worth trying for health-conscious pet owners.
8. Simply Nourish Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats 5 Ounces (Pack of 2)
Overview: Simply Nourish Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats come as a 2-pack totaling 5 ounces, offering single-ingredient protein treats for dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Freeze-dried beef liver represents the pinnacle of minimal processing, preserving nutrients while creating an intensely flavorful treat that dogs naturally crave. The single-ingredient formula eliminates concerns about fillers or artificial additives.
Value for Money: At $57.39 per pound, these treats command ultra-premium pricing. The freeze-drying process and single-protein sourcing justify some premium, but the cost-per-treat ratio remains exceptionally high for budget-minded shoppers.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The pure beef liver composition provides exceptional protein content and palatability. Freeze-drying maintains nutritional integrity while creating a lightweight, non-greasy treat. However, the minimal packaging information raises concerns about sourcing and quality standards. The tiny 2.5-ounce individual packages seem wasteful for the price.
Bottom Line: These treats deliver unmatched ingredient simplicity but at a luxury price point. Best reserved for special rewards or training high-value behaviors rather than everyday treating. The lack of detailed product information makes full endorsement difficult despite the promising single-ingredient formula.
9. Wiggles & Wags Meaty Sticks, Also Known as Bacon & Cheese Soft Chews, Soft & Chewy Dog Treats for Adult Dogs, Made with Real Beef, 2-6 Oz Packs Bundled with Dog Poop Bag by Gokul Brands
Overview: Wiggles & Wags Meaty Sticks, marketed as Bacon & Cheese Soft Chews, offer real beef-based treats in a bundled package including two 6-ounce packs plus bonus dog waste bags.
What Makes It Stand Out: The bundled approach combining treats with practical accessories creates immediate value-add appeal. The bacon-cheese-beef flavor trifecta targets dogs’ strongest taste preferences, while the soft texture accommodates various dental conditions.
Value for Money: At $79.92 per pound, these treats rank among the most expensive options available. The included poop bags provide minimal value offset, making this primarily a premium treat purchase with questionable cost-effectiveness.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The multiple protein sources (bacon, chicken, beef) create complex flavors dogs love. The soft texture works well for senior dogs or training purposes. However, the astronomical price per pound cannot be justified by ingredient quality alone. The vague “premium quality” claims lack substantiation, and the bundled poop bags feel like a distraction from the treat cost.
Bottom Line: Despite appealing flavors, the price-to-value ratio makes these treats impossible to recommend. Pet owners can find equally palatable options at half the cost. Only consider if money is no object and your dog has demonstrated particular preference for this specific brand.
10. Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade Made in USA 26 oz
Overview: Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders deliver human-grade chicken treats made in USDA-certified facilities, offering 26 ounces of all-natural jerky strips.
What Makes It Stand Out: The human-grade certification represents the gold standard in pet treat safety, ensuring production in facilities meeting human food standards. The simple ingredient list (chicken, cassava root, rosemary extract) provides transparency rarely matched in the pet treat industry.
Value for Money: At $11.32 per pound, these treats offer exceptional value for the quality delivered. The human-grade certification typically commands premium pricing, making this price point surprisingly accessible for health-conscious pet owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Major strengths include cage-free USA chicken, absence of common allergens (grain, corn, wheat, soy), and rigorous quality standards. The jerky texture provides dental benefits while remaining chewy enough for most dogs. The large 26-ounce package offers excellent quantity value. Minor drawbacks include the cassava root addition (unnecessary filler) and strong rosemary scent that might deter picky eaters.
Bottom Line: These treats represent the sweet spot of premium quality at reasonable pricing. The human-grade certification provides peace of mind unmatched by competitors, making them ideal for daily treating or training. Highly recommended for pet owners prioritizing safety and quality without breaking the budget.
Why “Natural” Dog Treats Matter More Than Ever
From rising allergy rates to the nationwide pet obesity epidemic, the stakes for every bite have never been higher. Natural treats minimize synthetic preservatives, artificial colors, and filler grains that can trigger inflammation or empty calorie consumption. When the average Labrador consumes 10 % of her daily calories through training tidbits, those morsels should pull nutritional weight, not pad the waistline.
Understanding the Simply Nourish Brand Philosophy
Simply Nourish was conceived under PetSmart’s private-label umbrella to deliver “what you’d cook at home if you had the time.” That means identifiable proteins, low-glycemic carbs, and superfood inclusions like pumpkin or blueberries—without corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meal. Their manufacturing facilities are NSF-certified and submit to third-party audits, a transparency level that mainstream grocery brands rarely match.
Key Ingredients to Look For on the Label
Scan for named meats (e.g., “deboned salmon” instead of “fish meal”), organic botanicals, and natural sources of joint-supporting compounds such as glucosamine derived from green-lipped mussel. Prebiotic fibers like dried chicory root and pumpkin promote microbiome balance, while turmeric and rosemary offer antioxidant synergy without synthetic additives.
Red-Flag Ingredients You’ll Never See in Premium Batches
BHA, BHT, and TBHQ preservatives, artificial smoke flavor, and generic “digest” sprays are textbook cost-cutters. Simply Nourish voluntarily bans propylene glycol and titanium dioxide—common in soft chews elsewhere—because of potential links to red-cell oxidative damage and gut permeability, respectively.
Decoding Marketing Terms: Natural, Organic, Grain-Free & Limited Ingredient
“Natural” simply means no chemically synthesized ingredients; it doesn’t guarantee human-grade sourcing. Certified-organic components must meet USDA standards, but the bag can be 70 % conventional and still sport an organic seal. Grain-free treats swap corn for lentils—helpful for allergy dogs, yet not automatically lower in calories. Limited-ingredient diets (LID) restrict protein plus carbohydrate sources to under eight total, aiding elimination trials.
Protein Sources: From Cage-Free Chicken to Wild-Caught Salmon
The amino-acid profile matters more than the marketing moniker. Cage-free chicken offers complete proteins with high bioavailability, while salmon adds omega-3 EPA/DHA for skin barrier support. Novel proteins like rabbit or venison shine for pups battling chicken or beef intolerance, but check that the bag isn’t dusted with chicken fat for palatability—a loophole that can sabotage an elimination diet.
Functional Additions: Glucosamine, Probiotics & Superfoods
Simply Nourish folds glucosamine hydrochloride into several soft-chew recipes at clinically relevant 5–7 mg per kcal, enough to complement a joint diet without over-supplementing. Bacillus coagulans spores survive extrusion, delivering 100M CFU per treat to potentially crowd out pathogenic gut flora. Superfoods aren’t window dressing; blueberries provide anthocyanins that neutralize free radicals generated during exercise.
Calorie Density & Portion Control Guidelines
A single crunchy biscuit can pack 50 kcal—equal to a quarter-cup of kibble for a small breed. Use the “10 % rule”: treats should supply ≤10 % of daily calories. Simply Nourish lists kcal per treat on every pouch; divide your dog’s RER (resting energy requirement) by the number of training reps you do daily to stay within budget without diluting micronutrients.
Allergies & Food Sensitivities: Choosing Hypoallergenic Options
Adverse food reactions are usually protein-driven. Start with an LID treat that mirrors your dog’s therapeutic kibble protein source to avoid cross-contamination. Look for phrases like “single-animal protein” plus “made in a dedicated line” to minimize carry-over. Hydrolyzed proteins—where amino-acid chains are enzymatically split—are gold-standard but rarely appear in treat form; instead opt for novel proteins paired with a veterinarian-monitored trial.
Life-Stage Considerations: Puppies, Adults & Senior Dogs
Puppies need DHA for neural development and softer textures for deciduous teeth—aim for <8 % crude fiber to protect immature guts. Adults benefit from dental ridges that reduce tartar, while seniors require lower sodium and added EPA for arthritic joints. Simply Nourish puppy bites are calcium-restricted to 1.2 % DM, guarding against developmental orthopedic disease in large breeds.
Texture & Chew Type: Crunchy Biscuits vs Soft Chews vs Freeze-Dried
Crunchy biscuits create mechanical abrasion that scrapes plaque, but can fracture teeth if baked rock-hard. Soft chews deliver medication concealment and are easier on senior jaws, yet stick to molars and can accelerate tartar if not balanced with brushing. Freeze-dried retains 97 % nutrient bioavailability and can be rehydrated for crumble-over-kibble palatability, though pieces may be swallowed whole by gulpers—monitor accordingly.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Practices
Simply Nourish sources whitefish from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries and uses cage-free eggs certified by Certified Humane. Packaging is transitioning to 30 % post-consumer recycled PET; the brand publishes an annual impact report detailing greenhouse-gas reductions per pound of treat produced—data you can request via customer care for eco-audits.
Price vs Value: Budgeting for Premium Treats Without Breaking the Bank
Premium treats average $0.25–$0.40 per ounce versus $0.10 for grocery brands. Offset cost by repurposing freeze-dried nibs as meal toppers, reducing kibble volume proportionally. Buying 24-oz resealable tubs lowers per-ounce price by 18 % compared with 6-oz pouches, and subscribing through auto-ship knocks off another 10 %—often beating generic brands when amortized over a month.
Storage & Safety Tips to Maximize Freshness
Oxidation is the enemy of omega-3s. After opening, squeeze out excess air, seal, and store below 80 °F; use within six weeks for soft chews. Freeze-dried cubes can be vacuum-portioned and frozen for up to a year. Always wash hands after handling any animal protein treat to prevent cross-contamination of human food surfaces.
Transitioning Treats: How to Introduce New Flavors Without Tummy Upset
Follow the 25 % rule: swap a quarter of the old treat volume for the new every three days. For dogs with IBD, extend the transition to 14 days and log stool quality using a 1–7 scale; retreat to the previous ratio if you drop below 3. Pair new treats with a probiotic paste to ease microbiome adaptation.
Vet-Approved Feeding Strategies for Training, Rewarding & Enrichment
High-rate reinforcement sessions (30 treats per minute) demand tiny, 1-kcal pieces; Simply Nourish freeze-dried can be finger-crumbled to 0.3 g fragments. For scent-work, smear soft chews inside puzzle toys to extend lick time, triggering calming endorphins. Alternate protein flavors weekly to prevent neophobia and broaden amino-acid exposure, a tactic endorsed by veterinary behaviorists to reduce picky eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Simply Nourish treats safe for dogs with pancreatitis?
Choose low-fat options (<9 % DM) and clear any new treat with your vet; portion into single-digit kcal pieces to avoid fat spikes.
2. Can I use these treats for a diabetic dog?
Look for grain-free, low-glycemic bases and no molasses; double-check total daily carb allowance with your veterinary nutritionist.
3. Do they contain any artificial smoke flavor or MSG?
No—the brand explicitly bans both, relying on roasted chicken fat for palatability instead.
4. How long do freeze-dried bites stay fresh after opening?
Six weeks in the original resealable bag, up to 12 months if vacuum-sealed and frozen.
5. Is there a money-back guarantee if my dog refuses them?
PetSmart offers a 60-day “Love It or Return It” policy—even if the bag is half empty.
6. Are the bone-shaped biscuits hard enough to clean teeth?
They provide moderate abrasion; pair with daily brushing for full dental efficacy.
7. Can cats sneak a bite?
While not toxic, feline nutrient requirements differ; stick to feline-specific treats to avoid taurine deficiency.
8. Where are Simply Nourish treats manufactured?
All dry and freeze-dried varieties are made in the USA; some organic ingredients are ethically imported.
9. Do they expire, or just lose crunch?
They expire; rancid fats can upset guts—always adhere to the “best by” date printed on the seam.
10. How do I report an adverse reaction?
Call PetSmart customer care at 1-888-839-9638 and file a report with FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal to help track lot-specific issues.