We all love a treat from time-to-time, don't we? Whether it is ice cream or a chocolate bar, something is satisfying about treating ourselves to a delicious and comforting snack! Dogs love treats just as much as we do as well. However, it's up to us to make sure that our dogs enjoy healthy treats. The last thing you want to do is give them something that will be damaging to their health. This is why it is essential to identify healthy dog treats, and we will provide you with some useful tips on doing so below.
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Check out the ingredients list
The first thing that you need to do is take a look at the list of ingredients. Ingredients are typically listed on the label based on the weight. Hence, the treat's first ingredient listed heavily features in it. This means that the most significant ingredients are listed first because they make up most of the content.
When you determine whether an ingredient is of good quality or not, you should approach reading the label in the same way as you would if you were shopping for a healthy treat for yourself. You want to find minimally processed foods, as well as pure and fresh ingredients. It is better to choose whole ingredient foods, as opposed to food "fractions" or by-products.
What do we mean by this? Well, rather than opting for something that has wheat flour as an ingredient, it is better to choose food that has wheat listed as the ingredient. At the same time, it would be better to opt for a treat with wheat flour listed as opposed to wheat bran and wheat germ. The higher the reconstitution and processing of an ingredient, the more opportunity for contamination and adulteration, resulting in greater nutrient loss.
Related: 10 High Fiber Foods for Your Dog
Look for treats that are sourced in the U.S.
Why does this matter? Well, products that are sourced in the United States are going to be a lot fresher.
Dope Dog is an excellent example of this. They are one of many suppliers that sell CBD products for dogs, including delicious peanut butter biscuits for your pup! However, with the CBD market being unregulated, you need to be extra cautious when purchasing these treats for your pet. Companies like Dope Dog, come highly recommended because all of their ingredients are sourced in the U.S., they're incredibly transparent, and all of their products are tested independently in a lab as well, giving you full peace of mind.
It is always good to look for ingredients that are sourced as close to the manufacturer as possible. Not only are these ingredients a lot fresher, but this is better for the environment as well.
The only excuse for purchasing treats with ingredients from another country would be if you could not get those ingredients in the United States. However, there is no need to go down this route with so many different ingredients available today.
Looking to see what ingredients are right for your pup? Check out Dope Dog’s Dog Treats Store!
Can you recognize the ingredients?
This is one of the best tests to determine whether you should purchase a treat for your dog. When you look at the ingredient list, do you recognize everything that is on there? If you cannot identify some of the ingredients, this is likely because they are not natural.
When sweeteners are used in dog treats, we always recommend looking for sweeteners that are food-based and natural. Even still, they should still be used in moderation as well. Honey, molasses, and apple sauce are all better than artificial sweeteners. Remember, moderation is key! We are talking about treats here, and so your dog should only be getting a small number of natural sweeteners every so often. | How To Identify Healthy Dog Treats
Natural preservatives should also be used if the treat is preserved. Vitamins E and C are safe and effective preservatives. Some treats do not have any chemicals at all.
Related: Chow Down! Top 10 Best Fruits Safe for Dogs
Check the calorie content
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to check the calorie content, and this is because manufacturers of dog food are not actually obligated to place the caloric content of their items on their labels. This is frustrating when you consider how critical this information is in terms of maintaining your dog’s health.
The good news is that many manufacturers display calorie information on their products, even though this is not a requirement. | How To Identify Healthy Dog Treats
This is important, especially when shopping for treats for your dog. After all, treats are, by their very definition, more delicious and desirable when compared with regular food. It would, therefore, make sense that they would contain a greater number of calories. If you are going to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy diet that is right for his breed and weight, you will need information regarding the number of calories incorporated.
Related: How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Final words
There you have it: some of the different tips you can follow when it comes to finding healthy treats for your dog. There is no denying that there are many different companies selling dog treats today. However, the last thing you want to do is give your dog something that will not be good for them. You want to make sure that the treats are going to be enjoyable yet healthy at the same time. The information provided above should help you ensure that this is the case so that your dog can enjoy tasty yet healthy treats.
Related: Foods Your Dogs Should NEVER Eat
