The Finest range: handcrafted treats for the finest moments
The Finest range is ESSENTIAL FOODS' collection of handcrafted treats, made in England with carefully selected local ingredients. Every single treat is grain-free, air-dried and made with 60 to 70 per cent meat or fish, giving your dog an intense, pure taste experience without unnecessary fillers. The collection comprises nine products, from Finest Sliced Venison & Duck and Finest Salmon & Parsley Small Sausages to Finest Beef & Herb Squares and Finest Pork & Sage Squares, each one created as a special reward rather than everyday fare.
It is the air-drying that makes all the difference. Slow drying preserves the natural aroma of the raw ingredients, and the result is a firm, concentrated treat that dogs will happily work for. Herbs such as sage, parsley, thyme, oregano and basil are not there for decoration but form a genuine part of the recipe, while fruits like apple and blackberry lend a gentle tartness that lifts the flavour of lamb and duck.
How to choose the right variety for your dog
Start with the protein. If your dog has a known sensitivity to particular ingredients, single animal protein varieties such as Finest Sliced Lamb & Blackberry or Finest Pork & Sage Squares are an obvious place to begin, while Finest Duck, Herb & Apple Sausages, with 70 per cent duck, are ideal for dogs who count duck among their favourites. Every variety in the range is grain-free, making them easy to pair with the rest of your dog's grain-free meals.
Next, think about how you will use them. The small sausages and slices are perfect for training and life's little rewards, as they can be broken into smaller pieces, while the bars and squares work better as the treat your dog settles down with in the evening. If you are unsure where to begin, THE FINEST BOX lets you choose three favourites and leave the rest to your dog.
Treats as a natural part of the diet
Treats should be counted as part of the total daily intake. A good rule of thumb is that rewards and snacks should make up no more than around ten per cent of your dog's daily energy, and that you adjust the meal portion slightly on days with plenty of training. Precisely because the Finest range is so concentrated in meat and fish, small pieces go a long way.
If you use the treats as motivation during training, the small sausages and slices are easy to portion out, and if your dog leads a more sedentary life, a single treat as a daily ritual is often what brings the greatest pleasure. If your dog needs something to chew on for longer, you will find other options among our long-lasting chews, and a complete overview of the whole selection can be found under all treats. If the foundation of the diet needs sorting first, the best place to start is with one of our dog meals.