Functional Treats 101: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)

5 Feb

Functional treats have become a popular way to support everyday pet wellbeing — from calmer car rides to fresher breath and happier tummies. The challenge is that not all “functional” claims are created equal…Some treats genuinely deliver thoughtful nutrition whilst others are mostly marketing, with fillers and vague promises.

If you’re choosing treats for your dog, cat, horse, bird, fish…no matter what form your beloved pet takes - they all deserve the same quality we as humans would look for.

This guide will help you spot the difference — and feel confident you’re picking options that are good for your pet, your household, and the planet.

What are functional treats, really?

A functional treat is more than a “reward snack.” It’s designed with a purpose: to support a specific area of wellness, such as digestion, skin and coat, dental hygiene, mobility, or calm behaviour.

The key word is support. Treats aren’t medicines, and they won’t replace veterinary care. They also still fit in the same bucket as sweet treats we like to enjoy - moderation, but functional treats sit in the everyday wellness lane — small, consistent choices that can make a meaningful difference over time, especially when paired with a balanced diet and healthy routines.

What to look for in a truly functional treat

1) Clear purpose + clear ingredients

If the front of the pack says “calming” or “gut health,” the ingredient list should actually reflect that goal.

Look for:

Specific functional ingredients (not just “natural flavours” or “botanical blend”)
Ingredients you recognise and can pronounce
A brand that explains why each ingredient is included

Treats that are genuinely functional usually make it easy to connect the dots: goal → ingredient → benefit.

2) Human-grade or food-grade quality where possible

This one matters more than many people realise. Pets deserve the same care and transparency we expect from our own food.

Human-grade (or food-grade) standards often signal:

Better ingredient sourcing
Higher production standards
Greater consistency between batches
A brand that treats trust seriously

At My Pet Life, our treats are crafted with human-grade ingredients and a “Wellness in Every Bite” philosophy — because what you feed your pet should feel as thoughtful as what you feed your family.

www.mypetlife.com.au/store

3) Minimal fillers and unnecessary extras

Some treats are packed with cheap fillers to keep costs down or create a certain texture. Fillers aren’t always “dangerous,” but they can reduce the quality and usefulness of a treat — especially for pets with sensitive stomachs or itchy skin.

Look for treats with:

A shorter, simpler ingredient list
Protein and functional ingredients that lead the list
No obvious “bulk-up” ingredients dominating the formula

A good rule of thumb: if a treat has a long list of vague ingredients and the functional ingredients are tiny add-ons at the end, it’s probably more snack than support.

4) Function that fits your pet’s real life

The “best” functional treat is the one that suits your animal’s needs and routine.

A few common examples:

Calming support: helpful for thunderstorms, visitors, travel, or separation stress
Gut support: ideal for dogs with occasional tummy upsets, diet changes, or sensitive digestion
Dental support: good for daily mouth care, especially when paired with brushing
Skin + coat support: great for dryness, seasonal itchiness, or coat dullness

If you’re unsure what’s most relevant, start with what you notice most often day-to-day (tummy, teeth, skin, stress) and build from there.

5) Transparency from the brand

A trustworthy brand will happily share:

Where ingredients are sourced
How the treats are made
What the functional ingredients are doing
How sustainability is handled (packaging, waste, sourcing)

This matters because “functional” is not a tightly controlled marketing term. Brand transparency is one of the best ways to separate genuine wellness products from buzzwords.

www.mypetlife.com.au/products

What to avoid (or at least question) before buying

1) Vague claims with no ingredient proof

Be cautious of packaging that promises big results without explaining how. If the treat says “supports mobility” but doesn’t mention any joint-supporting ingredients, it’s fair to be sceptical.

What to watch for:

“Miracle” style language
No clear explanation of function
Ingredient lists that don’t match the promise

2) Hidden sugars, artificial colours, or flavour boosters

Some treats rely on sweetness or strong artificial flavours to drive repeat snacking. Pets may love them, but they’re not ideal for everyday wellness.

Look out for:

Added sugars or syrups
Artificial colours
Unnecessary flavour enhancers

The goal is a treat that supports health without relying on “junk food” tactics.

3) Extremely long ingredient lists

Long ingredient lists aren’t automatically bad, but they can be a red flag if they’re full of:

Generic terms (“meat derivatives,” “animal digest”)
Multiple starches and binders
A long run of additives and preservatives

Simple and purposeful is usually a better sign.

4) Treats that don’t match your dog’s sensitivities

Even high-quality treats can be wrong for an individual pet. If your dog has known sensitivities, check for:

Common trigger proteins
Grains or legumes your dog doesn’t tolerate well
Rich ingredients that can overwhelm a sensitive stomach

If your dog has allergies or medical needs, it’s always worth chatting with your vet for personalised advice.

How to use functional treats for best results

Functional treats are most effective when they’re:

Consistent (small daily habits add up)
Part of a routine (after meals, during training, before stressful moments)
Portion-aware (treats should complement, not replace, balanced meals)

A practical approach:

Choose one main wellness goal for 2–4 weeks
Track changes in behaviour, digestion, coat, or breath
Adjust based on what you notice

Small shifts are often the most sustainable.

Why sustainability belongs in the conversation

Pet wellness doesn’t exist in a vacuum. More pet parents are looking for choices that are kinder to the planet — and it’s a good thing. Packaging, sourcing and production all add up.

If you care about eco-conscious choices, consider:

Compostable or recyclable packaging
Local sourcing (when possible)
Brands that are transparent about their footprint

At My Pet Life, we keep sustainability front of mind with compostable packaging and responsible sourcing — because “Good for Pets, People & the Planet” is part of what we stand for.

www.mypetlife.com.au/about

FAQ: Functional treats

Are functional treats the same as supplements?

Not exactly. Supplements are usually designed for more targeted nutritional support and may be given in specific dosages. Functional treats can offer supportive benefits, but they’re generally milder and designed for everyday use.

How long do functional treats take to work?

It depends on the goal and your dog. Some calming support can be noticed relatively quickly in certain situations, while skin, coat, and digestion support may take a few weeks of consistent use.

Can I give functional treats every day?

Often, yes — as long as you follow feeding guidelines and keep treats within a healthy portion of daily calories. If your pet has medical conditions or is on medication, check with your vet.

What’s the biggest red flag when buying treats?

Vague health claims with no ingredient explanation is a big one. If the product can’t clearly connect “function” to “ingredients,” it may not be genuinely functional.

Do functional treats replace dental brushing or a balanced diet?

No. Think of functional treats as part of your wellness toolkit. They can complement good nutrition, daily movement, enrichment, and vet care.

The bottom line

The best functional treats are simple, transparent, and purpose-driven. Look for clear functional ingredients, minimal fillers, and a brand that’s open about quality and sustainability. When you choose thoughtfully, treats become more than a reward — they become part of your pet’s wellbeing routine.

If you’d like to explore functional, human-grade treats made with care (and packaged with the planet in mind), you can browse the My Pet Life range here.