It took us a long time to formulate and refine our recipes. We knew we wanted to use only ingredients that even people could eat. We wanted to offer treats that have holistic benefits and taste good. There have been many happy dogs (and horses), who have taste tested our various stages of product development. We are delighted with what we arrived at and are proud to be able to offer them to you.

Just like when you make cookies in your kitchen, you mix the dry ingredients, the wet ingredients, combine them, and then get to add the flavorings that make them tasty and special. We have listed our pantry ingredients the same way.

Dry Ingredients

Whole Wheat Flour, Bran

A wheat kernel is made of three main components. The endosperm accounts for most of the flour's weight and contains most of the kernel's protein and carbohydrates. The bran contains most of the fiber and minerals, including vitamin B and E. And the germ contains healthy polyunsaturated fat. Since whole wheat flour contains all three of these components it retains all the nutrients contained in them. The flour is coarse, brown flour with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Because of its less refined and more natural state, whole wheat flour has more health benefits than white flour. This is important to the nutritional component as naturally occurring elements are easier for the body to assimilate. Whole wheat flour is 80% higher in nutrition than white flour. The fiber present in the flour helps to keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally. Whole wheat flour may also reduce the risk for diabetes and coronary disease. It also contains healthy phytochemicals, including antioxidants, which may help ward off cancer.

The bran present in whole wheat flour reduces the development of gluten and hinders rising in the baking process. Hence, North Woods Animal Treats are heavier and denser than the average dog and horse treat.

Rye Flour

Ground from the whole kernel. Rye Flour is lower in gluten than wheat flour; it also is higher in soluble fiber. Rye flour is heavier and darker in color than most other flours which is why it produces a dark, dense cookie.

Rice Flour

Made from brown rice. The husk is removed, and the raw rice is ground. Rice flour is a particularly good substitute for wheat flour when allergies prevent its use. It helps to lighten baked goods when used with other non-wheat flours.

Potato Flour

Potato Flour is ground from whole peeled and trimmed potatoes. Potato Flour has no fat, sodium or cholesterol. It is a great source of vitamin C. Has more potassium than a banana and is good source of vit. B6, magnesium and antioxidants.

Pea Flour, Peas

Green peas offer significant health benefits. For starters, peas are a nutrient-dense complex carbohydrate and rich in antioxidants. Peas provide amino acids such as lysine, and are a source of essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Peas also act as a pre-biotic; including pre-biotics in your pet’s diet helps the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system thrive.

Tapioca Flour

Tapioca flour is a very fine, white powder that works well in grain free baking. It helps thicken dough and aids in creating a crisp cookie. 

Corn Meal

(In the horse treats only.) Nutritionally, corn is high in digestible energy and provides dietary fiber as well as protein. Yellow corn meal is a good source of vitamin A and horses love corn.

Flax

There is a world of benefits when dogs, (or people), consume Flax. Flaxseed is known for its phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are natural cancer-protective compounds. Flax seed is also high in alpha linolenic acid, which has also found to be promising as a cancer fighting agent. Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Flax promotes regular bowel movements because it is high in insoluble fiber. The all-natural fiber helps to absorb water, softening the stool, allowing food to pass through the colon easier. Flax is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. One of the great things about Omega 3's is its ability to reduce inflammation. Your active dog will appreciate the help if he or she is feeling some arthritis. Flax is also known for its ability to help fight heart disease and support the immune system.

Oat Meal, Bran

Oats are a historical and common ingredient in horse feeds. Oat Meal contains protein, B vitamins, Vitamin E, and plenty of minerals. Oat Meal also promotes a healthy digestive tract. Oat Bran is the edible, outermost layer of the oat kernel. Oat Bran contains B Complex Vitamins, Protein, fat, minerals and soluble fiber. This is a nutritional power house of an ingredient!

Barley Flakes

Barley Flakes are one of the oldest known cereal foods and has a sweet nut-like flavor. It has impressive health benefits. A very high fiber content, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, heart health and diabetes protection are just some of the barley nutrition benefits that make it one of the best whole grain choices.

Dried Whole Eggs

One egg has 13 essential nutrients in varying amounts including high quality protein, folate, iron and zinc. All important for many things, but a dog's coat will benefit!

Whey

Whey protein contains an incredible range of essential amino acids, the building blocks of so many parts of the body. This is just a powerhouse ingredient!

 Wet Ingredients

Canola Oil

Canola oil has the lowest saturated fat of any oil. Canola oil has 6% saturated fat. Canola contains a high level of omega 3 fatty acids, which promotes a shiny and healthy coat. It also contributes to brain growth and development.

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is low in saturated fat, contains no trans-fat, and is high in poly- and monounsaturated fats. It's also the principal source of omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of vitamin E, also promoting a shiny and healthy coat.

Water

We use filtered, pure spring water.

Raw Honey

Not only is honey a great tasting all-natural sweetener, but research has shown it contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. It is a power packed ingredient.

Maple Syrup

(In horse treats only) Horses love the sweet, natural taste of pure maple syrup. It is an expensive ingredient choice, but we want our animals to have the best and we know you do to!

 Pumpkin

Digestive Health is the first benefit of pumpkin. Natural pumpkin is a great source of fiber and helps with digestive regularity. In addition, Pumpkin is choc-full of nutrients. It contains loads of vitamin A, respectable amounts of vitamin C, and good quantities of other enriching minerals like potassium. Happily, it’s also low in fat and calories.  And, dogs love the taste!

Apple Sauce

Apples contain soluble fiber, which is great for the digestive system. They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. We use apples in a sauced form so we can use it as a wet ingredient, keeping the recipe strong and un-diluted.

Yogurt

Yogurt provides probiotic benefits and serves as an excellent source of calcium. We all know probiotics are great help in the digestive system, helping nutrients get absorbed, keeping the system running smoothly and a healthy gut is a must for a healthy dog!

Treat Flavorings

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is one of America's Favorite Foods, and America’s most popular flavor of dog treat. Peanut Butter is naturally high in folate; a form of vitamin B. Folic acid lowers the risk of heart disease. It is also a vegetarian source of protein. And, it just tastes good!

Parmesan, Cheddar Cheese

Cheese is a complete, nutritious food and excellent concentrated source of many key nutrients vital for a well- balanced diet. Cheese is rich in vitamins A, B, and D. The proteins found in cheese are digested more easily than meat proteins. Cheese is rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, important for the health of muscle tissue, etc. We choose these cheeses because of their great taste and strong aroma, (dogs eat with their noses first!)

Roasted Duck

Duck, like other types of poultry, are a good source of protein, iron, selenium, B vitamins, and zinc. We choose duck for our grain free flavoring because it is a special treat for us, and for our dogs also!

Poultry Liver

Poultry Liver contains 10 to 100 times the nutrients of muscle meat. It has a large amount of vitamin A, several B vitamins, iron, trace minerals, and CoQ10. It’s also a good source of protein. And, dogs love liver!

Bacon Flavoring

Our bacon flavoring is made with human grade, all natural applewood smoke flavoring and water.

Orange Pieces

Oranges have over 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids. Many of these have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects. And, orange is a natural partner for duck.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent course of antioxidant compounds. It is the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. We all know they promote good vision, especially night vision. Did you know, they also help provide protection against macular degeneration and the development of cataracts? Plus, it is our experience, that dogs love carrots!

Parsley

Parsley is loaded with vitamin K. It is also a great source of vitamin C, A, folate, and iron. Parsley has been shown to aid in the prevention of cancerous tumors. It has potent anti-oxidant capabilities as well as having cardio-protective nutrients. It has also been shown to protect against rheumatoid arthritis. It is an ingredient that all our pets should be consuming.

Peppermint Oil, Leaves

Peppermint is the most commonly used herb for breath freshening. It is also an excellent digestive aid. It releases a very pleasant odor when consumed. Your dog's breath will improve after eating a Peppermint Pine.

Cranberries

Cranberries are rich in flavonoids. These phytonutrients have been shown to inhibit certain kinds of cancer. If your dog is stressed, cranberries may help, by inhibiting ulcer-causing bacteria from sticking to the stomach wall. Cranberries are an anti-aging tool. They help protect against neurodegenerative diseases, and the coordination loss often associated with an aging dog. We all know cranberries can prevent urinary tract infections. This is because it inhibits E. coli bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to slow or stop bacteria growth. It can also help regulate blood sugar.

Ginger

Inflammatory disease, arthritis, is greatly helped by ginger, as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is also good for digestive upset.

Allspice

Allspice helps to increase the production of digestive enzymes. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, is an antioxidant and has many minerals.

Clove

Cloves are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are antibacterial, help regulate blood sugar, may help with ulcers, and help keep bones healthy.

Natural Coloring

Our colored treats are made using human grade, all natural colorings made of vegetables and water.