Key Takeaways
- All three flavors contain oat flour and koji, a cultured ingredient used for more than 3,000 years in foods such as miso, soy sauce, and sake.
- Every flavor contains peanut butter, organic reishi mushroom, dried kelp, cranberry or cranberry flavor, and natural preservatives.
- Each treat contains 9.5 to 11 calories, depending on the flavor.
- Peanut Butter has the highest minimum crude protein content at 20%. Strawberry & Beet has the fewest calories at 9.5 per treat.
- Banana & Cinnamon contains honey, while Peanut Butter and Strawberry & Beet are fully plant-based.
If you've enjoyed miso soup or soy sauce, you've encountered koji, a cultured ingredient with a long history in East Asian cooking. It's also one of the first three ingredients in every flavor of Wild Earth's Superfood Dog Treats.
But what does koji do in a dog treat? And are the other ingredients, including peanut butter, cinnamon, honey, strawberries, and beets, safe for your pup? Here's a closer look at all three recipes, their ingredients, and how to choose the right flavor.
Shop Superfood Dog Treats with Koji
Peanut Butter, Banana & Cinnamon, and Strawberry & Beet, all made with koji.
Explore all three flavorsCurious about what these treats look like? Take a closer look at Wild Earth’s Superfood Dog Treats with Koji in action.
What Is in Wild Earth Superfood Dog Treats?
Every flavor starts with oat flour and koji, followed by ingredients that give it a distinct flavor. All three also contain peanut butter, organic reishi mushroom, dried kelp, cranberry or cranberry flavor, and mixed tocopherols, green tea extract, and rosemary extract.
| Flavor | Flavor Ingredients | Crude Protein (Min.) | Crude Fat (Min.) | Calories per Treat | Contains Honey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Peanut butter, sweet potato, pumpkin, dried asparagus | 20% | 10% | 11 | No |
| Banana & Cinnamon | Banana, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon | 16% | 11% | 10 | Yes |
| Strawberry & Beet | Strawberry, beet powder, peanut butter, dried asparagus | 14% | 10% | 9.5 | No |
Protein and fat percentages are minimum guaranteed-analysis values. The calorie figures are per treat, not per serving.
What Is Koji, and Why Is It in Dog Treats?
What is koji?
Koji is a cultured fungus called Aspergillus oryzae, traditionally used in East Asian food production to make miso, soy sauce, and sake. Wild Earth uses a dried fermentation product derived from this culture as a protein source.
Koji provides all 10 essential amino acids dogs need, along with a savory, umami flavor.
Is koji safe for dogs?
Food-grade koji is produced under controlled conditions and has a long history of use in food production. It is different from mold growing on spoiled food, which should never be fed to dogs.
As with any treat, introduce it gradually and watch for signs of digestive upset or an adverse reaction.
Why use koji instead of meat?
Koji provides protein and savory flavor without using meat as the protein source. Its production can also require substantially less land and water than conventional meat production.
This makes koji an alternative for pet parents interested in plant-based treats and more resource-conscious food choices.
The Ingredients All Three Flavors Share
Each recipe contains several common ingredients alongside its signature flavor components.
- Oat flour: The first ingredient in all three recipes. The ingredient lists do not include wheat or corn.
- Peanut butter: Adds flavor, protein, and fat. All three flavors contain it, so none is suitable for dogs with a peanut allergy.
- Organic reishi mushroom: A mushroom with a history of traditional use. It contains compounds such as beta-glucans, although the product label does not specify their amounts.
- Dried kelp: Provides iodine and trace minerals.
- Cranberry or cranberry flavor: Every recipe includes either dried cranberry or natural cranberry flavor.
- Mixed tocopherols, green tea extract, and rosemary extract: All three appear in each recipe’s ingredient list.
If your dog has a known food sensitivity or follows a veterinarian-recommended diet, check the complete ingredient list before offering a new treat.
Peanut Butter Flavor
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, most dogs can eat plain peanut butter in small amounts. However, peanut butter is calorie-dense and high in fat, so portion sizes matter.
The major safety concern is xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. It may also appear on labels as birch sugar. Wild Earth's listed treat recipes do not contain xylitol.
What peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter without xylitol is the safest choice to share at home. Unsalted varieties without added sugar are preferable.
What else is in the Peanut Butter treats?
Sweet potato and pumpkin add plant-based ingredients, while dried asparagus provides inulin, a prebiotic fiber. This flavor has the highest minimum crude protein content at 20% and contains 11 calories per treat.
Explore Peanut Butter Superfood Dog Treats
Banana & Cinnamon Flavor
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat small portions of plain banana. Bananas contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
They also contain natural sugars, so moderation is important. Remove the peel before serving the banana to your dog because it can be difficult to digest.
Is cinnamon bad for dogs?
No, cinnamon is generally considered non-toxic to dogs in small, food-level amounts. However, large quantities can cause digestive upset, and inhaling cinnamon powder can irritate the respiratory tract. Cinnamon essential oil is a separate concern because concentrated oil can be harmful to dogs.
In this recipe, cinnamon is a flavoring ingredient, not a treatment for a health condition. For more information, read Dogster's guide to cinnamon and dogs.
Can dogs have honey?
Yes, small amounts of honey are generally suitable for healthy adult dogs. However, honey is mostly sugar, so it may not be appropriate for dogs with diabetes or weight-management concerns without veterinary guidance.
Banana & Cinnamon is the only flavor in this range that contains honey. Peanut Butter and Strawberry & Beet are fully plant-based options. Each Banana & Cinnamon treat contains 10 calories.
Explore Banana & Cinnamon Superfood Dog Treats
Strawberry & Beet Flavor
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, dogs can eat plain strawberries in moderation. Strawberries contain vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
They also contain natural sugar, so keep portions small. Avoid strawberry jam, syrup-coated fruit, and products containing sweeteners that may be unsafe for dogs.
Are beets good for dogs?
Yes, small amounts of plain, properly prepared beets can be suitable for many dogs. Beets contain fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, and copper.
Eating beets can sometimes give a dog's urine or stool a reddish tint. Although this can be food-related, don't assume every color change is harmless. Contact your veterinarian if the discoloration persists or appears alongside other symptoms.
What else is in the Strawberry & Beet treats?
Dried asparagus adds another plant-based ingredient to the shared base of oat flour, koji, peanut butter, reishi mushroom, kelp, and cranberry.
Strawberry & Beet is the lowest-calorie option, with 9.5 calories per treat and a minimum crude protein content of 14%.
Explore Strawberry & Beet Superfood Dog Treats
How Many Treats Can My Dog Have in a Day?
Treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. Wild Earth's general feeding guidelines for these treats are:
| Dog Size | Suggested Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| Small, under 20 lbs | 1 to 2 treats |
| Medium, 20 to 60 lbs | 2 to 4 treats |
| Large, over 60 lbs | 4 to 6 treats |
These are general guidelines, not a guarantee that every dog should receive the maximum amount. Your dog's age, activity level, weight, health, and regular food intake all affect the appropriate portion.
For example, four Strawberry & Beet treats contain approximately 38 calories. You can also break treats into smaller pieces for training and rewards. If your dog needs a calorie-restricted diet, ask your veterinarian how treats fit into their daily allowance.
Which Flavor Should I Pick?
The best flavor depends on your dog's preferences and dietary needs.
- Highest minimum protein: Peanut Butter, at 20% crude protein.
- Fewest calories: Strawberry & Beet, at 9.5 calories per treat.
- No honey: Peanut Butter or Strawberry & Beet.
Want to try all three? Choose the 3 Flavor Variety Pack.
Remember that every flavor contains peanut butter, so none is suitable for dogs with a peanut allergy.
Final Takeaway
Koji may be best known for its role in miso and soy sauce, but it also serves as the cultured protein source in Wild Earth's Superfood Dog Treats. Each recipe combines oat flour and koji with peanut butter, fruit or vegetables, reishi mushroom, kelp, and cranberry or cranberry flavor.
Bananas, strawberries, beets, and small food-level amounts of cinnamon are generally suitable for many dogs. Honey can also be appropriate for healthy adult dogs in moderation, but it isn't right for every dog.
Check the ingredients, keep portions sensible, and consider your dog's individual needs before choosing a treat.
Ready to find your dog's favorite? Explore Wild Earth Superfood Dog Treats With Koji.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cinnamon good for dogs?
Cinnamon is generally non-toxic to dogs in small, food-level amounts, but it isn't a necessary addition to their diet. Large amounts can cause irritation and digestive upset.
Is cinnamon oil safe for dogs?
Cinnamon essential oil can be harmful if a dog ingests it or gets it on their skin. Keep concentrated cinnamon oil away from your dog and contact a veterinarian if exposure occurs.
Are cinnamon rolls bad for dogs?
Cinnamon rolls aren't a suitable treat for dogs. They often contain added sugar and rich ingredients, and some recipes may include raisins or other unsafe ingredients. If your dog eats a cinnamon roll containing a potentially toxic ingredient, contact your veterinarian.
How should I prepare beets for my dog?
Serve plain, cooked beets in small, bite-sized portions. Avoid added salt, butter, seasonings, and sauces. Introduce them gradually, and consult your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition that requires dietary restrictions.
Is kelp good for dogs?
Kelp provides iodine and trace minerals, but too much iodine can be harmful, particularly for dogs with thyroid conditions. Use kelp-containing products in appropriate portions and consult your veterinarian before adding separate kelp supplements.
Can dogs be allergic to peanut butter?
Yes, dogs can have an adverse reaction to peanuts or other ingredients in peanut butter. Since all three Wild Earth treat flavors contain peanut butter, avoid them if your dog has a peanut allergy.
Can dogs have freeze-dried strawberries?
Yes, plain freeze-dried strawberries can be suitable for dogs in small portions. Choose products without added sugar, sweeteners, or other ingredients that may be unsafe for dogs.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Banana peels aren't considered toxic to dogs, but they can be difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Remove the peel before offering the banana as a treat.