Now more than ever, people are concerned about what they feed their dogs. Dogs have become an integral part of our families, and most people want to provide them with healthy food. The same applies to dog treats. Most of us give our dogs treats for various reasons: as a reward for good behavior, for training purposes, or simply because we love them!
For many years, the old-fashioned sugar bone was the only choice for most dog owners. Nowadays, when it comes to choosing treats, the options are vast. You can now find gourmet treats that are both tasty and healthy, made with ingredients that are beneficial for your dog. These treats will likely cost more than regular bones but can save you money in the long run. Feeding your dog healthy food and treats can lead to fewer health problems and reduce veterinary bills. The principles of proper dog nutrition are not so different from human nutrition. The food we consume and its variations significantly affect our health. The same goes for our beloved furry friends!
With the abundance of great choices, it can be overwhelming. So, how do you choose the suitable treats for your dog? How can you determine which ones are the least harmful and beneficial?
Here are a few tips for selecting healthy treats for your dog
Carefully Read the Ingredients
This is the most crucial step. Don't assume you can ignore the ingredients because they're "just treats." Treats play a significant role in most dogs' diets.
Treats should also be made from natural or organic ingredients. Look for treats made from whole grains like oats or brown rice and single-source proteins like chicken or beef. These few ingredients are the most critical and form the basis of the treats.
Make sure the treats do not contain sugar, artificial flavor enhancers, artificial colors, or high-fat concentrations. These are vital components that are not suitable for your dog.
Don't overlook the word "by-product" with chicken or beef. They are often found in many dog foods and treats. For pets not adapted to consuming by-products, this can cause allergic reactions. This frequently happens to dogs fed with dry kibble! But it's essential to remember that in raw feeding, by-product is considered one of the primary ingredients.
In addition to single-source protein and whole grains, look for treats that contain vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as spinach, peas, or greens. Vegetables, in general, are great for your dog. Other ingredients, such as Omega-3 for healthy skin and fur and Vitamins A and E for healthy eyes and skin, are also essential.
Calorie Count
Make sure you've considered the calories. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog, and you'll end up spending more on vet bills if you indulge your dog with high-fat foods. Fortunately, most healthy dog treats take calorie counts into account and are, therefore, lower in fat and calories.
Texture
This may not seem very important, but ingredients and calorie counts are more critical when choosing healthy or organic dog treats. However, the texture is worth mentioning.
More complex or chewier treats are much better for your dog's dental health than soft treats. When dogs chew vigorously, they also reduce the formation of dental plaque around their teeth. This applies to both young and adult animals, and older generations should be given softer treats. Softer treats are also suitable for training as reinforcement and motivation for correctly executed commands.
Remember, make sure the treats are made from natural or organic ingredients and do not contain by-products.
With the abundance of great choices, it can be overwhelming. So, how do you choose the suitable treats for your dog? How can you determine which ones are the least harmful and beneficial?
Here are a few tips for selecting healthy treats for your dog
Carefully Read the Ingredients
This is the most crucial step. Don't assume you can ignore the ingredients because they're "just treats." Treats play a significant role in most dogs' diets.
Treats should also be made from natural or organic ingredients. Look for treats made from whole grains like oats or brown rice and single-source proteins like chicken or beef. These few ingredients are the most critical and form the basis of the treats.
Make sure the treats do not contain sugar, artificial flavor enhancers, artificial colors, or high-fat concentrations. These are vital components that are not suitable for your dog.
Don't overlook the word "by-product" with chicken or beef. They are often found in many dog foods and treats. For pets not adapted to consuming by-products, this can cause allergic reactions. This frequently happens to dogs fed with dry kibble! But it's essential to remember that in raw feeding, by-product is considered one of the primary ingredients.
In addition to single-source protein and whole grains, look for treats that contain vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as spinach, peas, or greens. Vegetables, in general, are great for your dog. Other ingredients, such as Omega-3 for healthy skin and fur and Vitamins A and E for healthy eyes and skin, are also essential.
Calorie Count
Make sure you've considered the calories. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog, and you'll end up spending more on vet bills if you indulge your dog with high-fat foods. Fortunately, most healthy dog treats take calorie counts into account and are, therefore, lower in fat and calories.
Texture
This may not seem very important, but ingredients and calorie counts are more critical when choosing healthy or organic dog treats. However, the texture is worth mentioning.
More complex or chewier treats are much better for your dog's dental health than soft treats. When dogs chew vigorously, they also reduce the formation of dental plaque around their teeth. This applies to both young and adult animals, and older generations should be given softer treats. Softer treats are also suitable for training as reinforcement and motivation for correctly executed commands.
Remember, make sure the treats are made from natural or organic ingredients and do not contain by-products.