How to Choose Dog Treats

Treats are an important part of a dog’s life and something they look forward to each day. However, not all dog treats are equal or even healthy for your dog. The following steps will help you to choose a dog treat that tastes good and is good for your dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose treats with minimal additives. The fewer ingredients, the better. Treats that list meat as the first ingredient with low to no grain content are a safe, healthy choice. Treats containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains such as oatmeal, and peanut butter are also good choices.

2. Select treats that are low in calories, sugar and fat. Senior and light formulas are lower in calories; however, there are certain varieties of treats that are healthy for all life stages and weights.

3. Look for treats that can control tartar build-up to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. There are some that freshen breath as well as control tartar. Charcoal dog biscuits are recommended for controlling bad breath, as they help absorb toxins in the intestines.

4. Read the package to see what vitamins, minerals and supplements are contained in your dog’s regular food and choose treats that supplement whatever is missing. For instance, glucosamine for joint support is not contained in all dog foods, but can be found in certain treats.

5. Try out different types and flavors, because not all dogs like all treats and prefer some to others. You will also want to make sure the treats agree with your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Many dogs like veggies such as carrots, broccoli and green beans, which are low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber. You might try freezing the vegetables for a crunchy treat.
• Fish is a healthy, tasty, low-cal treat for dogs. You can purchase quality fish-flavored dog treats or bake unbreaded fillets, keep them refrigerated and break off pieces to serve cold or pop in the microwave.
• If you have a dehydrator for making jerky or dried fruits and vegetables, you can also use it to make jerky treats for your dog. Beef, chicken breasts or turkey, for instance, make a healthy treat and are free of the additives that are contained in packaged jerky.
• Only use treats to supplement your dog’s regular diet. Treats shouldn’t comprise more than 10 percent of their total intake.
• Avoid the standard treats you find at the grocery store. These are for the most part not healthy for your dog because they contain fillers, preservatives and dyes.
• All natural does not necessarily mean healthier. Whole grains, for instance, can cause allergies and weaken your dog’s immunity toward certain illnesses and diseases.
• Greenies (a popular treat for cleaning teeth) changed their formula after reports of it getting lodged in the esophagus and intestines. The current formula breaks down more easily, however, certain dogs still tend to have digestion problems from Greenies.
• Never give your dog rawhide bones and chews, pig ears or cow hooves. These can cause choking and intestinal blockage.

[tracey6323]

on 8/28/2007 Good info. I didn't know that "whole grain" doesn't necessarily mean healthy.