Why I Don’t Make a Fully Plant-Based Chew (Your Dog Will Thank Me Later)

🐾 Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot when people peek at my ingredient list:

“Wait… you say your chews are mostly plant-based but they still have pork gelatin? Why not just make them 100% vegan?”

Grab a coffee — or a leash — and let’s unpack this honestly, because I promise I’m not sneaking pork in for fun.

🌱 First things first: I love plants.

If you know me, you know I load my dog treats with whole cooked quinoa, real pumpkin, gentle oat fiber, and other easy-on-the-belly plants. Not fillers. Not cheap flours. Actual nourishing plant bulk that supports digestion.

 

So yes — my treats are plant-forward. I do this on purpose. Your dog’s gut loves good fiber and natural carbs.

 

🐶 But here’s the truth: dogs are not tiny vegans.

Unlike humans, dogs didn’t choose domestication or farming ethics. They don’t sit around worrying about carbon footprints or slaughterhouse exposés. They rely on us to feed them what keeps them healthy — not what makes us feel righteous.

 

Dogs are what’s called facultative carnivores. Fancy term for: they thrive on a mix of plants and animal protein. Their gut is built for it.

 

🧪 What happens if I skip the pork gelatin?

Good question. If I made my chews with only plant binders — agar, konjac, psyllium, a sprinkle of starch — here’s what you’d see:

 

✅ A crumbly, weird chew that falls apart or turns slimy

✅ A fermentation festival in your dog’s colon

✅ Cue the super farts and suspicious stools

Not cute. Not functional. Not fair to your dog.

🍖 Why pork gelatin?

I use a tiny, carefully measured bit of high-quality pork gelatin because it does three magical things:

 

1️⃣ It binds my gentle plants into a chewable, sturdy shape.

 

2️⃣ It adds natural collagen and protein — both good for joints and digestion.

3️⃣ It helps keep your dog’s poop firm and your house less… fragrant.

This means no synthetic binders. No shady gums. No “flour paste.” Just an old-school, gut-friendly trick that your dog’s belly naturally handles well.

❤️ My promise: I care more about your dog’s health than a human label.

I get it: the meat industry is gross. I source as responsibly as I can, use the smallest amount possible, and balance it with plants.

 

But I will never sacrifice your dog’s digestion to win a trendy hashtag.

If you want a crunchy treat that’s mostly plants but keeps your dog happy inside and out — you’re in the right place. If you want a chew that’s 100% vegan no matter the cost to your dog’s belly… I’m not your brand. And that’s OK.

🐾 No farts. No runny poops. No gimmicks.

That’s the real Tobey Crafted promise.

 

👉 Curious? Try an Intro Pack. Your dog’s stomach will thank me — and maybe you will too.

P.S.

If you see me drop this link in my stories, you’ll know exactly who inspired it. 😂