Your Questions, Answered
-
Our treats and chews are made with one simple goal: feed dogs the way nature intended. Every product is made from a single ingredient with no fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, or additives. We raise many of our own animals on our Wisconsin homestead and personally know the farms and families we source from, so you can feel confident about exactly what's in your dog's treats.
-
Many of our ingredients are raised right here on our Wisconsin homestead. For products we don't raise ourselves, we source from trusted farmers, homesteaders, and small family businesses that we know personally, most of which are in Wisconsin. Every supplier shares our commitment to ethical animal welfare, responsible farming, and using the whole animal whenever possible.
-
Yes! Every treat and chew contains just one ingredient, nothing more. We never use fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or added chemicals.
Learn more in our Blog article - The Benefits of Single-Ingredient Dog Treats: Why Simplicity is Better for Your Dog’s Health
-
Yes. Every H&N Homestead product is proudly made in Wisconsin using responsibly sourced ingredients from the United States.
-
Both freeze-dried and dehydrated treats are excellent ways to preserve natural ingredients without the need for preservatives or additives. The main difference is the process used to remove moisture.
Freeze drying removes moisture through a low-temperature process that helps preserve the ingredient's natural nutrients, flavor, and texture. Freeze-dried treats are lightweight, crunchy.
Dehydration uses gentle heat over a longer period to remove moisture, creating a denser texture that is often ideal for long-lasting chews. Both options provide a simple, natural way to add variety to your dog's diet.
Learn more about freeze dried vs. dehydrated bones in our Blog article - Freeze Dried vs. Dehydrated Bones for Pets
-
Store your treats in a cool, dry place in their original resealable bag or another airtight container. Most products stay fresh for about 6 months at room temperature. For even longer storage, you can freeze them without affecting quality.
-
When stored properly, our treats typically stay fresh for about 6 months at room temperature. Because they contain no preservatives, keeping them sealed and dry is the best way to maintain freshness.
-
Introduce fur-on treats gradually, just like any new food. Start with small amounts and increase slowly while monitoring your dog's stool. Every dog is different, so feed the amount that works best for your individual pet.
Learn more in our Blog article - Is my Dog Supposed to Eat the Whole Thing… Fur and All?
-
Because our products come from real animals, every piece is naturally unique. Fur color, hide thickness, and overall size vary based on breed, season, age, and the part of the animal used. These natural differences are completely normal and never affect the quality or safety of the product.
-
Yes. Rabbit ears and rabbit hide are highly digestible natural chews for most dogs when fed appropriately. As with any chew, always supervise your dog and choose a size that matches their chewing style. If your dog is new to natural chews, introduce them gradually.
Learn more in our Blog article - Is my Dog Supposed to Eat the Whole Thing… Fur and All?
-
Natural chews can support your dog's dental health by encouraging chewing, which creates gentle abrasion that may help remove plaque and buildup from the surface of the teeth. Chewing also provides mental enrichment and satisfies a dog's natural urge to gnaw.
While natural chews can be a helpful addition to your dog's dental routine, they are not a replacement for regular veterinary dental care or brushing.
Learn more in our Blog article - The Dental Benefits of Natural Chews for Dogs
-
Freeze-dried bones can be a great natural chewing option for dogs when they are appropriately sized and given under supervision. At H&N Homestead, we only offer freeze-dried bones because freeze drying preserves the raw bone without exposing it to the high heat used in many dehydrating and “air drying” processes.
We choose freeze-dried bones because we want to keep our products as close to their natural state as possible. Heat processing can change the structure of bones, which is why we do not offer heat-treated or dehydrated bones.
As with any chew, always supervise your dog and choose a bone that is appropriate for their size and chewing style. Remove the bone once it becomes small enough to swallow.
Learn more in our Blog article - Freeze Dried vs. Dehydrated Bones for Pets
-
Most of our treats can be enjoyed by puppies once they are comfortably eating solid food. Softer treats and freeze-dried products are excellent options for younger dogs. Always supervise chewing and choose products that are appropriate for your puppy's size and chewing ability.
-
Many of our products, especially freeze-dried organs and rabbit ears, are enjoyed by both dogs and cats. Rabbit hide products are often used more as enrichment toys for cats than edible treats. If your cat is prone to hairballs, supervise them during play and remove the chew if they begin consuming large amounts of fur.
Learn more in our Blog article - Rabbit Chews for Cats? Yes! Here’s Why They Love Them
-
Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can feed your dog. Freeze drying helps preserve their natural vitamins, minerals, and flavor while creating a lightweight, shelf-stable treat. They're an excellent choice for rewards, training, or adding variety to your dog's diet.
-
Absolutely! Simply crumble or break the treats over your dog's regular food for an easy way to add flavor and nutrition. Freeze-dried organs make excellent meal toppers for both dogs and cats.
-
The best chew depends on your dog's size, chewing style, and experience with natural chews. Rabbit ears are a great introduction for many dogs, while rabbit hide braids, twists, and beef hide chews offer longer-lasting chewing experiences. If you're unsure where to start, feel free to contact us, we're always happy to help you choose!
learn more in our Blog article - Mental Enrichment for Dogs: Natural Boredom Busters That Actually Work
-
Since every product contains only one ingredient, it's easy to choose a protein that fits your dog's dietary needs. Rabbit and lamb are excellent novel proteins that many dogs with food sensitivities tolerate well. If your dog has specific allergies or you're unsure where to begin, we'd be happy to help you find the best option.