For many people, dogs are much more than pets. They are constant companions who offer unconditional love and affection whenever we want it. In many ways, they offer a level of emotional support that humans cannot. Keeping their canine companion happy and healthy should be the goal of all pet owners, right down to the treats they buy. After all, it is the least we can do in return.
Homemade Versus Store-Bought Dog Treats
If you want to know exactly what is in the dog treats you offer your pet, preparing them at home may be your best option. You can limit specific ingredients and know exactly what you’re eating. Unfortunately, many dog owners don’t have time to make their canine’s favorite cookie. This is where store-bought dog treats can come in handy.
Just because you’re buying treats for your dog instead of making them doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality treat that’s good for your pet. When shopping, beware of misleading labels. Some manufacturers talk about the quality of their treats when in fact they are not as healthy as the label says.
the ingredient list
When you’re looking for dog treats or dog food, there are a few ingredients you need to look out for. Be sure to read the actual ingredient list instead of relying on commercial labeling or featured benefits to tell you what you need to know.
The list should not include corn or wheat gluten meal, which is essentially a cheap filler and, in some cases, can have adverse effects on your pet’s health. Meat by-products should also not be included in the list. The only exception to this rule is if the byproducts are listed as human grade. Artificial preservatives like BHA, Ethoxyquin and BHT should also not be present. In fact, ethoxyquin has been banned from use in most human foods, with very few exceptions.
What you should see on the ingredient list includes USDA-approved ingredients. Meat must be listed in the first two ingredients with the type of meat specified. Grains are fine in small quantities. The fewer grains, the healthier it is for your pet.
Get more out of your dog’s treat
There are a few things you can do to make your pet’s treats last even longer. Consider offering just half or a quarter of a larger cookie instead of the whole thing. You’ll still appreciate the flavor, but you won’t get the full-size fat and calories.
Make the biggest treat using ice! This is an especially popular method during hot summers. Take a small treat (or break a large treat into pieces) and freeze them into ice cubes using a standard ice cube tray. Then, when your dog is outside (or on a surface you don’t mind getting wet), give him an ice cube to play with. Some dogs love the bucket on its own, and once they discover a treat inside, it becomes a game. Not only will you get a treat, but you’ll be busy thinking about how to get your reward back.
Kong toys are specifically designed to hide treats. They come in all shapes and sizes, including variations made for weaker puppy teeth. You can place treats inside the Kong and let your dog spend the afternoon working without reward.
Choosing a healthy treat is almost as important as choosing a healthy dog food. Control what your dog eats to ensure he gets all the nutrients and vitamins he needs for a long and happy life. With a little creativity, you can come up with new ways to present your dog with a treat that will keep him busy for hours!