The Dangers of Bad Dog Treats and How to Choose Wisely

Some dog treats are made with unhealthy ingredients that can harm your furry friend. Many commercial dog treats are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Choosing the right dog treats can be overwhelming with so many options available. According to our research, some dog treats contain artificial preservatives and colors that can cause allergic reactions and other health issues.

Some dog owners unknowingly expose their pets to toxic ingredients by giving them bad dog treats. For example, some treats contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be fatal to dogs.

Your dog's health and happiness depend on the quality of their treats. By making informed choices, you can give your furry friend the best possible life.

Recommended read: Sugar Cookies Bad

Some dog treats are made with unhealthy ingredients that can harm your furry friend. Milk Bones, for example, can contain sugar, which is incredibly attractive to dogs and can lead to overeating and health problems.

Milk Bones also contain BHA, a preservative that's a known carcinogen and has been linked to tumors in lab animals. This is alarming, especially since dogs are often fed these treats daily.

Feeding your dog too many treats can lead to health issues, such as obesity. According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53.9% of dogs in the US are overweight.

Some dog treats contain artificial colors and preservatives, like Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor Dog Treats, which pose a health risk every time they're given.

The worst ingredients in dog treats are inexpensive fillers, like corn, soy, and wheat, which are nutritionally incomplete and often accompanied by synthetic ingredients.

Here are some common unhealthy ingredients found in dog treats:

These ingredients have been linked to cancer in dogs and should be avoided. Instead, look for treats that use vitamins E, C, and plant extracts as preservatives.

Dried treats that are not chemical or preservative-free should be avoided, as they can introduce toxins into your pet's body and lead to high-risk diseases like organ failure and premature death.

You can substitute dog treats with healthy alternatives like green beans, carrots, blueberries, and bananas. These options are a great way to add some variety to your dog's diet.

Some dogs may even accept their regular dog food as treats throughout the day, which can be the healthiest option for them.

To do this, simply reduce the amount of kibble being offered at mealtimes. For example, if you give ¼ cup of kibble throughout the day as treats, then reduce breakfast or dinner by ¼ cup.

Here are some healthy alternatives to dog treats:

Remember to always give these alternatives in moderation, as no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric needs should come from food outside of their regular meals.

Some pet parents find that giving their dogs regular kibble as treats throughout the day can be a healthy option. This is especially true for dogs that accept their regular dog food as treats.

It's generally recommended that no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric needs come from food other than their regular meals. This includes treats and snacks.

You can give your dog a variety of healthy alternatives as treats, such as green beans, carrots, blueberries, and bananas. These options are nutritious and can be a nice change of pace for your dog.

Some examples of healthy alternatives to dog treats include:

If you do decide to give your dog kibble as treats, be sure to reduce the amount of kibble at mealtimes. For example, if you give ¼ cup of kibble as treats, then reduce breakfast or dinner by ¼ cup.

All-natural treats are a great option for pet parents who want to give their furry friends the best. They avoid heavy processing and don't contain chemicals or additives, which means all the nutrients are kept intact.

Puppies need treats that are natural and free from preservatives or artificial colors to learn obedience and promote healthy development. They should also contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat.

Here's an interesting read: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy

Gluten and grains are common allergens that can cause indigestion and damage the intestinal lining in dogs. Switching to gluten and grain-free treats can make digestion easier and provide balanced nutrition.

Healthy dog treats should contain as few ingredients as possible and no unhealthy fillers that don't add nutritional value. Biscuit-derived treats are a good option because they are lower in salt and fat content.

Treats can be a great way to promote healthy skin and shiny coats in dogs. All-natural treats can aid in the formulation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, and fight plaque and tartar.

Pup Corn is a treat option that's not ideal for every dog. Some dogs are susceptible to corn allergies.

Be aware that Pup Corn contains artificial colors, which can be a concern for pet owners who prioritize natural ingredients.

Pup Corn is mostly made of corn, making it a less-than-ideal choice for dogs with dietary restrictions.

Some dog treats are made with unhealthy ingredients like corn syrup, which can cause digestive issues in dogs.

Peanut butter-based treats are often high in fat, which can lead to obesity and other health problems if overconsumed.

Many popular dog treats contain artificial preservatives like BHA, which have been linked to cancer in animal studies.

Milk-Bone Original dog treats have been around for a long time, but their ingredients are less than impressive. The main ingredient is wheat, which provides very little nutritional value for your dog.

Wheat is difficult for dogs to digest, and it's not the only problem. Milk-Bone Original treats also contain artificial dyes, which have been linked to health issues in dogs, including cancer.

The ingredients list is dominated by wheat, glycerin, ground corn, brewer's rice, and wheat filler. These ingredients are prone to causing digestive issues in dogs.

Milk-Bone Original treats may look healthy on the packaging, but they're actually full of things that can harm your dog.

You might like: Treat Milk Fever

Pedigree Marrowbone Dog Treats are full of fillers and artificial colors, making them an unhealthy choice for your furry friend.

They're also a tempting option due to their affordability, but it's usually not worth it in the long run.

You might be thinking, "What's the big deal about a few artificial colors and fillers?" Unfortunately, these ingredients can have negative effects on your dog's health and well-being.

The cheap price of Pedigree Marrowbone Dog Treats might be enticing, but it's essential to consider the potential risks to your dog's health.

Explore further: What to Do for Your Dog's Birthday?

Gravy Train Dog Treats are made up primarily of wheat flour and soy flour. These ingredients are often fillers that don't provide much nutritional value.

The company claims these treats are specially formulated for your dog's health, but they're actually full of wheat flour, canola oil, and corn starch. These ingredients can be detrimental to your dog's health in large quantities.

Take a look at this: What to Do with Your Dog's Ashes?

Artificial colors and preservatives are also used in Gravy Train Dog Treats. These additives can be detrimental to your dog's health and are often unnecessary.

These treats are a prime example of clever marketing and green-washed packaging. The company is trying to make you think their products are healthy when they're actually full of unhealthy ingredients.

Healthy Centres Salmon dog treats are a great option for pet owners who want to give their furry friends a tasty and nutritious snack. They're made with salmon, a high-quality protein source that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Salmon is an excellent choice for dog treats because it's easy to digest and can help support healthy skin and coat. Many dog owners have reported improved skin health and a shiny coat in their dogs after feeding them salmon-based treats.

One thing to note about Healthy Centres Salmon dog treats is that they contain animal by-products. This might be a concern for some pet owners, but it's worth noting that animal by-products can be a nutritious addition to dog food when used properly.

If this caught your attention, see: Treat Black Skin Disease

Beef Flavor Dog Treats can be a health risk for your furry friends. Pup-Peroni dog treats, for example, contain beef, but also sugar, salt, and red-40, as well as unnamed by-products.

They're often made with mostly rice flour and wheat flour. Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor Dog Treats are arguably one of the worst out there, with corn syrup as the second ingredient.

Artificial colors and preservatives are also present in these treats. They pose a health risk every time they're given, making it best to avoid them altogether.

Smart Bones Rawhide-Free Chicken Mini Chews are not the best option for dogs. They contain maltodextrin, artificial flavorings, and colorings.

These ingredients are a far cry from natural, healthy treats that dogs truly need. Many dogs can't even tolerate maltodextrin, which can cause digestive issues.

The FDA has not specifically recalled Smart Bones Rawhide-Free Chicken Mini Chews, but it's essential to be cautious with dog treats. Always check the ingredient list and potential recalls before giving your dog any new treats.

Some dogs can have too many Smart Bones, which can lead to overindulgence and weight gain. It's crucial to monitor your dog's treat intake and adjust accordingly.

Rawhide and Chews are a major no-no. They don't break down in your dog's stomach and can lead to blockages.

Rawhide treats are a choking hazard, as your dog can tear off bits of it and swallow them. This is a serious risk that can be prevented by choosing alternative treats.

Paddywhacks and other chews, like rawhide, are often marketed as long-lasting treats that improve dental health. But in reality, they don't contain any nutritional benefits and can cause harm to your dog's teeth and gums. They're essentially like giving your dog a piece of wood or leather to chew on.

Rawhide is a major no-no. Unlike many treats on this list, rawhide doesn’t simply contain unhealthy ingredients that may lead to cancer at some point. Rawhide doesn’t break down in your dog’s stomach which can lead to blockages. It’s a choking hazard since your dog can tear off bits of it.

Try instead of rawhide: Pet Botanics Freeze Dried Training Rewards Dog Treats.

Paddywhacks and other chews are popular treats that claim to improve your dog's dental health. They're often given to aggressive chewers or busy pet parents as a way to keep their little ones occupied.

Most of these hard chews don't contain any nutritional benefits. They're essentially just pieces of wood or leather for your dog to chew on.

They don't break down as easily as you might think, which can lead to choking hazards. The constant scraping against their surface can cause broken teeth and swollen gums.

These treats are not a safe or healthy option for your dog's dental health. They're more likely to cause harm than good.

Table scraps can be extremely toxic to dogs, even though they're beneficial to humans. Giving your dog onions, garlic, chives, and other flavorful ingredients can rupture red blood cells and cause anemia.

Some human foods can lead to serious health risks, including organ failure and gastrointestinal issues. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death.

Giving your dog table scraps creates an unhealthy dependency on human food, leading to begging. Your pet may refuse to eat their own food until you give them some of yours.

It's best to save human food for yourself and stick to pet food. This will help prevent behavioral problems and keep your dog safe.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Dog Food