Nutritious Dog Treats

No Junk Food For My Dog!
By Karin Bull

Dog treats come in so many varieties it can be overwhelming. There is fake bacon and pepperoni and even imitation cheese. It is very easy to get into the habit of canine junk food. Instead you may think about the health aspects of the snack, the quality of the ingredients, whether it is natural and where it’s made. Just as some nutritionists are recommending a diet for humans which goes back to nature, the same theory could benefit your dog. If you don’t recognize the ingredients then you may want to reconsider.

In order to simplify, let’s take a closer look at some healthy options.

Grain-free: There are various reasons that this choice might suit you and your dog. It compliments a raw food diet or home cooked food. Proteins and vegetables offer your dog more nutrients than grains. Commercial dog foods already contain too many grains. Allergy sufferers need as short an ingredient list as possible and could have a wheat gluten intolerance or allergy to other grains. You will find biscuits made from vegetable flours, dehydrated yams and protein treats such as dehydrated liver, lung, pig ears, chicken and fish treats that dogs will naturally be attracted to.

Organic: Choose from a variety of flavours and types. Some will be handmade locally or look like gourmet bakery cookies. Organic ingredients can reduce the amount of toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides your dog is consuming. Generally these treats will not contain synthetic preservatives.

Bones: Natural beef bones or marrow bones are available at most butchers and grocery stores. You may have to ask for them, they could be in the freezer and may be labelled as soup bones. Your dog will get a great deal of satisfaction from chewing on a bone, as this is a natural activity for canines and supports healthy teeth and gums. Bones provide nutritious marrow, amino acids/protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, enzymes, antioxidants and a vast array of vitamins and minerals. Bones should never be cooked.

Chews: Many types are available now as alternatives to rawhide. Rawhide is not recommended as large chunks that are swallowed can cause obstructions of the intestinal tract. Look for bully sticks (aka Pizzles), beef tendon chews, pork hide and hooves. These products offer a long-lasting chewing activity to keep your dog occupied and happy. Generally they have nothing else added, are low in fat and provide your dog with added nutrients to their diet.

Nutraceutical Treats: Choose biscuits with added nutrients that benefit specific conditions. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM may be added to a treat that is said to help arthritis or senior dogs. Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils may be added to aid allergies, shedding or skin and coat. Support your dog’s health with a snack!

Most of us enjoy giving our dogs treats as much as they enjoy getting them. So go ahead and make a healthy choice for them but, ensure treats do not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.