Are Dog Treats Bad for Dogs and What to Avoid

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.

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

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:

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.

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:

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 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.

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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:

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.

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.

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.

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: