Not all dog treats are created equally. When choosing the right treats for your dog, remember that things such as country of origin and ingredients are important. Here is a simple overview of healthy treats for your dog vs. not so healthy ones.
Healthy Treats
Meat Treats – All natural meat treats are an excellent source of protein for your dog. All dogs are carnivores and a diet rich in high protein, low fat foods such as all meat treats made with 100% chicken, duck, or pork will help them to maintain good health.
Compressed Rawhide – Not only are natural rawhide bones low in calories, but they are also very helpful in eliminating plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth.
Liver Snacks – As another low calorie treat, liver snacks offer high protein, as well as promote healthy red blood cell growth, and strong muscle development.
Unhealthy Treats
Table Scraps- It may seem harmless to give your four-legged friend a few scraps from the table. However, table food does not offer the nutrition that dogs need. Once fed from the table, it is hard to break a dog from the habit. They become accustomed to table food and eat less and less of their food which is packed with the vitamins and nutrients that they do need. Table food is high in calories and low in nutritional value for your dog.
Chicken Jerky- Some chicken jerky products made in other countries, namely China, may be linked to diseases similar to Fanconi syndrome. Although it may not be true that all chicken jerky products from overseas are unhealthy, it is always best to be cautious. Symptoms of Fanconi syndrome are: vomiting, listlessness, and lack of appetite. If your dog has eaten chicken jerky treats from China and displays these symptoms, please seek assistance from your veterinarian.
High Calorie / Low Nutritional Value – Many dog treats may be high in calories and have very little to offer nutritionally. One rule of thumb for consumers who would like to buy the most nutritional treats for their dogs would be to check the ingredients. Real meat should be the very first ingredient on the list.
Information provided by: www.drsfostersmith.com and www.animalhealthfoundation.net