Natural Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats
Verified Jun 11, 2026
These are crunchy, oven-baked dog treats made with barley, pork liver, and real cheddar cheese as key ingredients. They provide moderate protein and fat for a biscuit-style snack, with flaxseed and sunflower oil contributing additional fats. This formula is designed as a wheat-free, corn-free reward rather than a complete diet, suitable for most adult dogs as an occasional treat.
Nutritionally, this is a solid biscuit-type treat that uses named ingredients like barley, pork liver, and cheese powder instead of vague by-products or artificial colors and flavors. The protein and fat levels are reasonable for a crunchy reward, and the calorie content per treat is clearly stated, which makes it easier to avoid overfeeding. It’s best suited as a small part of an overall balanced diet for dogs that tolerate chicken, pork, dairy, and grains well.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses specific, named ingredients including pork liver, chicken fat, barley, and cheese powder rather than ambiguous by-products or generic animal fats.
- Wheat-free and corn-free formulation, which can be helpful for dogs that don’t tolerate those particular grains well.
- Clearly labeled calorie content per treat (about 13.6 kcal), which helps you control your dog’s overall daily calorie intake.
- Contains flaxseeds and sunflower oil, which provide additional fats and may contribute omega fatty acids compared with very basic biscuit treats.
Considerations
- Contains pork liver, chicken fat, cheese (dairy), and brewers dried yeast, so it is not appropriate for dogs with pork, chicken, dairy, or yeast allergies or sensitivities.
- This is a treat, not a complete and balanced diet, so it should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories to avoid unbalancing their overall nutrition.
- Barley and oats are present, so it isn’t a good choice for dogs that truly need a grain-free or low-grain regimen for medical reasons.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
02
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.
03
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.
04
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
05
Rolled Oat
Rolled oats are a cooked, flattened whole grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber (beta-glucans), with modest amounts of protein, B vitamins and minerals. They can support digestive health and provide steady energy, but should be fed in moderation—especially for cats that require higher animal protein—and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or those on calorie-restricted diets.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Darford is a premium brand of all-natural, oven-baked dog treats crafted from North American ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking healthy, natural, and preservative-free treats for their dogs, with product lines that include Grain Free, Zero/G, and Organic varieties.
Visit DarfordManufacturer
Darford maintains its own production facilities in British Columbia, Canada, and conducts all baking and quality control in-house. The company adheres to stringent food safety standards and follows guidelines similar to those for human-grade food manufacturing.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Darford Natural Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Darford ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Darford. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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