Choosing the Right Dog Treats: What to Look for

Choosing the right dog treats is crucial for your furry friend's health and happiness. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what's best for your pup.

First and foremost, consider the ingredients. Look for treats made with wholesome, easily digestible ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

Some treats are designed to address specific health issues, such as joint pain or allergies. For example, treats containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health.

When selecting treats, also think about your dog's age and size. Puppies, for instance, require more protein and calories than adult dogs.

Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies should opt for treats made with novel protein sources like venison or duck.

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If you're looking for healthy protein-based dog treats, there are many great options available. Real Dog Box, for example, offers an affordable subscription service for high-quality protein treats.

Some popular brands include SmallBatch, known for their jerky treats, and Farm Hounds, which offers a variety of jerky treats. You can also try Mosaic, which offers wild-caught octopus and dehydrated quail feet.

Here are some other brands to consider: Vibrant K9 – grass-fed freeze-dried dog treatsGreen Juju Kitchen – freeze-dried dog treats in various cooling and neutral proteinsZiwiPeak – often orders the green tripe and trachea treatsBarkworthies – duck feet, kangaroo treats, rabbit treats, alligator treats, and more.The Natural Dog Company – a wide variety of proteins, a chew or treat for every dog.

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If you're looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your dog, consider protein-based options. These treats are made from high-quality protein sources and are often freeze-dried or dehydrated to preserve their nutrients.

Some popular protein-based dog treat brands include Real Dog Box, SmallBatch, and Vibrant K9. These companies offer a range of protein sources such as beef, chicken, and fish.

If you're looking for specific protein sources for your dog, consider the following:

These brands and products are all great options for your furry friend, and can be a great addition to their regular diet.

Cookies are a favorite among dogs, and there are many healthy options available.

Ava's Pet Palace offers a range of healthy cookies for dogs.

If you're looking for a special treat, Canna-Pet CBD Oil Dog Treats are a great choice.

Local brands like City Bones can also provide a unique and tasty option.

Other options include CocoTherapy and Einstein Pets, all of which are great alternatives to traditional treats.

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If you're looking for chews that can withstand your dog's strong chewing, there are several options to consider.

Monster Himalayan Dog Chews are a popular choice, made from natural yak and cow milk that's rich in protein and minerals.

Braided Bully Sticks are another option, offering a long-lasting chew that's perfect for dogs who love to chew.

If you want to make chews a part of your dog's regular routine, consider a subscription service like Real Dog Box.

You can also shop at online retailers like PawStruck.com, which offers a wide range of chews, bully sticks, and other dog treats.

The Natural Dog Company is a great resource for finding chews made from a variety of proteins, ensuring you can find something that suits your dog's taste.

Fish treats are a great option for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and tasty snack. Real Dog Box offers air-dried sardines, green-lipped mussels, anchovies, salmon, and more.

Some popular brands for fish treats include Northwest Naturals, which offers freeze-dried green-lipped mussels that I order by the case. I've found them to be a hit with my furry friends.

If you're looking for a specific type of fish, Mosaic offers wild-caught octopus, while PolkaDog provides dehydrated cod skin and Alaskan salmon chips. These treats are a great way to add some variety to your dog's diet.

For a more exotic option, try Plato's wild-caught Baltic sprat. This fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for your dog.

If you want to offer a mix of fish and other protein sources, consider Vital Essentials' freeze-dried minnows, which are a favorite among cats and dogs alike.

Soft and stinky dog treats are a game-changer for training sessions. They're easier and faster for your dog to eat compared to crunchy ones.

Waiting for your dog to find every piece of crumbled biscuit on the floor can be time-consuming and take away from teaching.

Soft treats are smellier, which is a major draw for most dogs. They'll put smelly items like cheese or bacon at the top of their hierarchy of rewards.

Overfeeding your pup can lead to health issues, so it's essential to learn how many and what type of treats are best to offer your furry companion.

These biscuits contain only four ingredients and are free of fillers, making them a great option for pet parents.

They're a great source of protein because they contain peanut butter, which is a nutritious and healthy ingredient for dogs.

Feeding your dog treats is a great way to show them love and affection, but it's essential to do so in moderation. Treats can add up quickly, so be mindful of the calories you're giving your furry friend.

You should base the amount of treats on the calories, not the volume. Think of it like eating six pounds of celery versus six pounds of ice cream – one is essentially calorie-free, while the other is a calorie bomb.

A general rule of thumb is to subtract the calories from the treats from the food you're feeding your dog. For example, if you're giving 300 kcal in dog treats every day, decrease the daily food by 300 kcal to maintain a steady intake. This is especially crucial for inactive dogs that are prone to gaining weight.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

Giving treats to your dog can be a healthy part of training, especially when done in moderation. Treats can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

It's essential to be mindful of the number of treats given during each training session. Using small treats while training can be helpful.

For example, if you give 200 calories of treats during the day, you should reduce the amount of food at each meal by 200 calories to avoid unintended weight gain. This ensures daily caloric intake stays consistent.

Giving too many treats can lead to obesity in dogs, especially those who lead inactive lifestyles. Obesity can cause strain on a dog's joints, which can worsen arthritis and cause significant pain, especially in senior dogs.

Treats like leftover chicken won't work for on-the-spot training because they're perishable. Look for nonperishable treats like freeze-dried liver or jerky treats cut into tiny pieces instead.

You can also use long-lasting treats like bully sticks to keep your dog occupied while you're out of the house.

As you consider the treats you'll give your furry friend, there are some clear no-nos to keep in mind.

Foods high in fat or sodium, like jerky treats and meat-like treats, should be avoided.

Table scraps are a big no-no, as they can be toxic or highly fattening. I've seen pets get into trouble with scraps from the dinner table, so it's best to keep them out of reach.

Garlic, onion, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are all off-limits, as they can cause serious health issues in dogs.

Fried foods, bread, and baked goods are also best avoided due to their high sugar and fat content.

If you're ever unsure about a specific treat, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for guidance.

As you're shopping for treats for your furry friend, it's essential to know what ingredients to avoid. Chocolate is a no-go, as it can be life-threatening to dogs. Grapes and raisins are also toxic, and even one grape can cause kidney failure.

High carbohydrate content in treats can lead to obesity in dogs, so it's best to opt for low-carb options. High-fat treats can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis, so choose wisely. Macadamia nuts are particularly high in fat and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Ingredients sourced in China can be contaminated with toxins, so it's best to stick with domestic sources. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs and can be found in many peanut butters, yogurts, and honeys.

Meat by-products, or what's leftover of the slaughtered animal, can be tricky to avoid, but it's best to steer clear of them. If you can't pronounce an ingredient, it's probably best to avoid it. Many products have additives that add flavor or prolong shelf life, but the simpler the better.

Here are some ingredients to avoid in dog treats:

If you're unsure about a specific treat, always consult with your veterinarian for guidance. They'll be happy to provide recommendations to meet the specific needs of your pup.

Giving your dog treats can be a great way to strengthen your bond and show affection, but it's essential to do so in moderation. Treats can be healthy for dogs if given in moderation.

Some recommended treats include those used for obedience or potty training, which can be small and help with training sessions. Using small treats while training can be helpful.

However, giving too many treats can lead to obesity in dogs, especially those who lead inactive lifestyles. Obesity can cause strain on a dog's joints, which can worsen arthritis and cause significant pain, especially in senior dogs.

Excessive treat intake may also contribute to the development of serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis.

To avoid these problems, it's crucial to consider the calorie content of treats. Your dog needs to maintain a consistent daily caloric intake, which means reducing their regular meals by the amount of calories given in treats.

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For example, if you give 200 calories of treats during the day, breakfast or dinner for your dog should be reduced by 200 calories. This will help prevent unintended weight gain.

Here's a general rule to keep in mind: if you're giving 300 kcal in dog treats every day, you need to decrease the daily food by 300 kcal to maintain a steady intake.

It's also essential to consider your dog's activity level when deciding on treats. If your dog runs 10 miles a day with you, they can handle some extra calories, but if they lay on the couch all day, they need to be strictly regulated to avoid becoming overweight or obese.

If your pet is overweight, they will be much more prone to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and increased wear and tear on joints leading to arthritis.

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