Guide to Choosing Healthy Treats for Your Dog
When it comes to choosing the right treats for your pup, you’ll want a treat that is rewarding in flavor and texture, yet has the healthy goodness your pup deserves.
Here are some things we recommend you look out for when choosing healthy treats that are also enjoyable to eat.
In this article:
1. All natural and nothing artificial
2. Limited ingredients with real meat, vegetables and fruits
3. Oven baked, not over processed
4. No added salt, sugar, corn or soy
5. With added functional benefits
1. All Natural and Nothing Artificial
A healthy treat should be free from any artificial flavor, colors, preservatives or chemicals. If the ingredient list contain lots of words that you don’t recognize or don’t know what they are, it is best to steer clear from them!
2. Limited Ingredients With Real Meat, Vegetables and Fruits
Look for treats that are made with a simple list of ingredients. A simple or ‘limited’ ingredient list means the treats are not bulked up with unnecessary fillers. Treats that are made with real meat, vegetables or fruits are more wholesome and naturally healthy.
3. Oven Baked, Not Over Processed
Typically, most dry treats or kibbles, go through a manufacturing extrusion process of high pressure and intense heat. This kind of over-processing is generally not a good thing as it can damage delicate nutrients and create unwanted by-products. The high temperature used in extrusion also alters the natural texture and flavour of the food. On the other hand, treats that are gently oven baked tend to retain all the natural goodness of the ingredients, locking in the flavors, nutritional and antioxidants benefits.
Shop Dog Parents' Favorite Oven Baked Treats
4. No Added Salt, Sugar, Corn or Soy
While it is generally safe for dogs to eat foods with salt, sugar, corn or soy, it is healthiest to have these ingredients in moderation. And in some dogs, it may be prudent to avoid ingredients like corn or soy altogether to reduce risk of canine allergies and digestibility issues. For the healthiest of treats, look for treats that do not have these ingredients added but rather naturally occurring from whole ingredients of real meat, fruits and vegetables.
5. With Added Functional Benefits
Depending on your dog’s nutritional and health needs, feeding treats with added functional benefits is a great way to give them that extra boost in their every day well being. Here are some to consider:
• With added Omega-3 & Omega-6: to support shiny skin & coat
• With added Probiotics: to help maintain healthy digestion & gut health
• With added Glucosamine & Chondroitin: to foster mobility with healthy hip & joints
Shop Dog Parents' Favorite Oven Baked Treats
Article links and references:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-treats-good-for-dogs
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-treats/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-corn