Are Dog Treats Bad for Dogs and What to Avoid

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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Close-up Photo of Dog Treats
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up Photo of Dog Treats

Dogs love treats, but are they bad for them? The answer is not a simple yes or no. Some dog treats can be nutritious and healthy, while others can be detrimental to your furry friend's well-being.

Many commercial dog treats are high in sugar and salt, which can lead to obesity, dental problems, and other health issues. For example, some popular dog treats contain up to 50% sugar.

Some dog owners may not realize that even healthy-sounding treats can be problematic. For instance, a treat labeled as "all-natural" may still contain unhealthy ingredients like xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.

A good rule of thumb is to check the ingredient list and look for treats that are low in added sugars, artificial preservatives, and fillers.

A unique perspective: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy

Ingredients to Avoid

Dog treats can be a tasty addition to your furry friend's meal, but some ingredients can be detrimental to their health.

Credit: youtube.com, What Dog Food Do Vets NEVER Feed Their Pets? (The Surprising Truth)

Treats from China have been known to be contaminated with various substances, making them a no-go.

Some common ingredients to avoid in dog treats include sugar, corn, soy, and wheat. These can cause digestive issues and even lead to allergies in some dogs.

Treats with unnatural coloring are also something to steer clear of. These can be toxic to your dog and cause a range of health problems.

Here are some specific ingredients to avoid in dog treats:

  1. Any treats that contain sugar
  2. Treats that are high in corn, soy, or wheat
  3. Treats with unnatural coloring

Types to Avoid

When choosing treats for your furry friend, it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients. Any treats from China should be avoided due to potential quality control issues.

Treats with unnatural coloring are another no-go. These artificial additives can be detrimental to your pet's health. I've seen pets with skin allergies and sensitivities, and artificial coloring can exacerbate these issues.

Rawhide treats are a common culprit, and they're best avoided. Cooked or raw bones can also cause problems, as they can splinter and cause internal damage.

Credit: youtube.com, FDA Approved Toxic Food - AVOID These!

Some treats are high in corn, soy, or wheat, which can be problematic for pets with food sensitivities. Treats that contain sugar should also be avoided, as they can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Treats that appear on the recall list are a definite no-no, so be sure to check the list regularly. Here are some types of treats to avoid:

  • Any treats from China
  • Cooked or raw bones
  • Rawhide treats
  • Treats with unnatural coloring
  • Treats that contain sugar
  • Treats that are high in corn, soy, or wheat
  • Treats that appear on the recall list

Brands to Avoid

Milk-Bone makes a range of treats, including biscuits, dental chews, and gnaw bones, but they often contain low-quality ingredients.

Some big brands' popular products aren't the healthiest choices for your dog.

Treats imported from China are a concern, as they frequently end up on recall lists.

Milk-Bone Biscuits

Milk-Bone treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.

Milk-Bone recommends giving 1-3 biscuits per day, and also suggests feeding 1 biscuit per 33 pounds of your dog's body weight as a more precise guideline.

Credit: youtube.com, Milk Bone Medium Dog Biscuits Review

If given in moderation, Milk-Bone treats should not have adverse effects on your dog's health, and even contain added vitamins and minerals.

Milk-Bone's three main ingredients (wheat, beef, and milk) are generally not harmful to dogs in moderate quantities.

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to Milk-Bones include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Itching
  • Licking or chewing feet
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shaking head
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling and hives
  • Nausea and drooling
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Anaphylactic shock

A rumor spread that Milk-Bones contained toxic preservatives that caused cancer in dogs, but it has been debunked and the company confirmed that all their ingredients are canine-friendly.

Treat Alternatives

If your dog has a wheat allergy or protein allergy, don't worry, there are plenty of alternatives to Milk-Bones. Hundreds of choices are available to suit their exact needs.

Some popular options include BarkBox and Super Chewer subscriptions, which allow you to customize every bag of treats to ensure your dog's tummy is happy. Every recipe contains only all-natural ingredients and never any wheat, corn, or soy.

In Treats

Let's take a closer look at the ingredients found in some popular dog treats. Milk Bones, for example, can contain a whopping third ingredient of sugar, which is not only unhealthy for dogs but also highly addictive. This can lead to owners giving their dogs more treats, resulting in a vicious cycle of overfeeding.

Credit: youtube.com, Toxic Dog Treats

Some brands of Milk Bones also contain BHA, a preservative linked to cancer in lab animals. While the FDA claims it's safe in low doses, dogs are fed these treats day in and day out, making it a risk worth considering.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 53.9% of dogs in the US are overweight, and it's no wonder why when treats like Milk Bones are so widely available. These treats can account for up to 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake, which is a significant portion of their diet.

Many dog treats contain artificial flavors and synthetic scents, which can mask subpar ingredients. Some common unhealthy ingredients include corn, wheat, and soy, all of which are nutritionally incomplete.

Here are some dog treats that are best left at the grocery store:

  1. Milk-Bones: contain artificial colorings, Red 40 and Yellow 5, which have been linked to health issues, including cancer
  2. Alpo Snaps: high in wheat and sugar, and contain artificial colorings Red-40, Yellow-5, and Yellow-6
  3. Pup-peroni treats: contain sugar, salt, and artificial coloring Red-40
  4. MarroBones: top ingredient is wheat flour, and contain sugar and artificial ingredients
  5. Baked Delights: first five ingredients are brewer's rice, ground wheat, glycerin, ground yellow corn, and wheat flour, all of which are inexpensive fillers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to give dogs treats everyday?

For healthy-weight dogs, 2-4 treats per day are acceptable, but excessive treat-giving can hinder training and lead to weight issues. Limiting treats to special occasions or training milestones can help your puppy learn faster and stay healthy.

What are the healthiest dog treats?

For a healthy and safe treat option, consider giving your dog fruits and vegetables like watermelon, bananas, and broccoli, which are easily digestible and rich in nutrients. Always introduce new treats in small portions to monitor your dog's response.

Are pupperoni sticks bad for dogs?

Pup-Peroni sticks are not inherently bad for dogs, but overfeeding can be detrimental to their health. Treat responsibly and follow the recommended guidelines to ensure your dog's safety and well-being.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.

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