Getting the right treats for your fur baby

Let's discuss how you can help your pup have the best treats.

When it comes to buying dog treats, it might seem like the easiest thing to do, but it's not always the healthiest choice. Finding good quality dog training treats that won't break the bank can be hard. Since we rely heavily on training treats, it's vital to give our furry friends high-quality ones. In this article, we'll talk about getting the right treats for your fur baby and what to avoid, and we'll also give you easy recipes to make at home that will offer healthy options for your dog without costing a fortune.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: Nasty Preservatives

Dog treats, food, and bones are often full of preservatives that give them a more extended shelf life, just like in human food. However, many of these preservatives are known to be carcinogens and can cause liver or kidney failure, or even worse, other serious health issues. The preservatives to avoid include BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Nitrates/Nitrites, Propyl Gallate, Carrageenan, MSG, and Sodium Hexametaphosphate. They are also used in pesticides, anesthesia, and antifreeze, which makes them even more dangerous.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: Corn Syrup, Xylitol, or Food Dyes

Manufacturers often use corn syrup, xylitol, or food dyes to make food and treats taste sweeter. However, our furry friends don't like sweetened food, and these ingredients can be harmful to their health. These additives are often high on the glycemic index and offer no real nutritional benefits for your dog. To reduce your dog's risk of diabetes, it's better to avoid ingredients like corn syrup and food dyes in their bones, treats, and dog food. You can even make some of your treats and food with healthy, simple ingredients. This way, you can keep your pet happy without compromising their health.

It's essential to note that Xylitol is TOXIC to dogs and can cause potentially fatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and/or liver failure even in small quantities.

Avoid treats that contain meat meal.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: Meat Meal

To increase the protein content in dog treats and food, manufacturers often use meat meal. Meat meal is made from the scraps of animals (who may have been diseased) and is heated up to burn off all the fat. Although sometimes meat meal can offer helpful protein, there is no way to tell the nutritional influence it will have on your dog without knowing where it came from. That's why it's best to avoid this ingredient and opt for natural treat, bone, and food options that contain real meat.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: Unhealthy Fats

It's crucial to be aware of the ingredients that should be avoided in dog food, particularly unhealthy fats. Rendered fats are often a source of toxins and harmful microorganisms that can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold. Unfortunately, there are little to no regulations about the source of the rendered fats. Propylene glycol is a type of mineral oil that can trigger allergic reactions and cause damage to the skin, liver, and kidneys. In addition, vegetable oil is an unhealthy and unnecessary ingredient that is commonly added to dog food. It contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation and exacerbate joint and hip pain, making it especially problematic for dogs with arthritis.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: Melamine

It's important to know that some dog food manufacturers use a special type of plastic ingredient called melamine to fake the protein levels in their products. If your dog eats too much melamine, it can cause kidney failure and become toxic. So, make sure to check for this ingredient and avoid giving anything that contains it to your dog.

Also, most dog treats that you find in the market contain harmful ingredients that can harm your furry friend's health. By being aware of these ingredients, you can make better decisions when picking the right treats for your dog.

Your dog will love you longer with a longer & more healthy life.