Guide
How to Choose Single-Protein (LID) Dog Treats: Reading the Label in 4 Steps
In shortA single-protein (limited ingredient, LID) treat has only one animal-based ingredient. Read the ingredient list on the back, not the name on the front: look for hidden proteins and additives, and check where it is sourced and made.
What is a single-protein (LID) treat?
LID stands for Limited Ingredient Diet — keeping the number of ingredients to a minimum. For treats it usually means one animal protein source. The simpler the ingredient list, the easier it is to spot and avoid anything that doesn't agree with your dog.
How to read the ingredient list
- One animal ingredient — a "duck treat" can still list chicken or beef further down.
- Hidden proteins — watch for vague terms such as extracts, broth, meal, natural flavor or hydrolyzed protein.
- Additives — check for glycerin, colorants, artificial preservatives and sugars.
- Origin and maker — the label should say where the raw material comes from and who made it.
Introduce one new treat at a time
Start one new treat at a time, in small amounts. Watching skin, stool and energy for a few days makes it easy to tell what doesn't suit your dog. Switching several treats at once hides the cause.
Choose the right form and size
- Jerky — snaps crisply, so portions are easy to control; great for training.
- Chews (tendon, cartilage, hoof) — long-lasting. Match the size to your dog and its chewing style, and always supervise.
- Organs (liver, lung) — crunchy and strongly aromatic; crumble them as a meal topper.
If your dog has a diagnosed allergy, choose treats with your veterinarian. During an elimination diet, treats must match the diet's protein.
Belcher's ingredient list
A Belcher label has one line: horse Achilles is horse Achilles; yak jerky is yak meat. Free-range Mongolian raw material is trimmed, dried and packed in our own facility in Mongolia, with no gluten, colorants or artificial preservatives.