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Healthy feeding

How to choose the right dog treats

08/10/2023 by Eulalia Gronkowski

Today, my plan is to focus on dog treats and how to choose the right treats and keep your dog safe in a market that is flooded with products threatening your beloved dog’s health.

  1. Avoid fish-based treats -Fish treats come with three separate issues. If they are made from farmed fish, they may contain chemicals and antibiotics used in fish farms. Unfortunately, it is not required to be listed on the label whether the fish is sourced from a farm or not. The second issue is the accumulation of toxins and heavy metals in fish. I have repeatedly seen elevated mercury levels in dogs that are on a fish-based diet.
  2. Be cautious of milk-based treats as many dogs are lactose intolerant. In sensitive dogs, milk can compromise the digestive tract and cause overall immune system depletion.
  3. Avoid grain and rice-based treats as they are hard to digest for dogs who, by the nature of their digestive tract, can be gluten intolerant. The grain in dog food and treats is one of the causes of pancreatitis and is known to be high in arsenic
  4. Processed meats such as ham, sausages and jerky contain nitrates and other preservatives, which can compromise your dog’s health.
  5. Avoid any treats made in China and developing countries because the pet food quality control is often poor or none at all. Recall after recall throughout the past decade is a good reason to go local. I am certain that you value your dog more than the few dollars that you save on buying cheaper treats.

I would highly recommend to use these as treats for your dog:

  1. Fruit
  2. Veggies
  3. Freeze-Dried Treats
  4. Coconut Yogurt
  5. Homemade treats

Remember that treats should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily diet. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances. Always provide fresh water, and if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, consult with a canine nutritionist for personalized guidance. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities your dog may have when choosing treats.