How to Choose Dog Treats?

We treat our dogs as a part of our family, as our best friend. Naturally, it is our duty to look after their food habits. And this applies for Dog Treats as well.

Dog Treats are important for dogs. These tidbits are something they look forward to each day. Treats are used for different purposes. Sometimes we use them as a reward while training our dogs. At other times we just give our pooch something to chew on just because we love our canine friend.

How you use these doggie Treats is up to you. Although, not all dog Treats are equal or even healthy for your dog. Make sure that any Treat you feed your dog should be nutritious and healthy as it is up to you, how you take care of your dog’s health.

Most dog Treats come in different sizes and attractive shapes. They are available in wide range in your local super store or pet store. Before you make any purchase, always peruse through the ingredients to be certain that your dog is getting the best nutrition from their snack and not a whole lot of junk and harmful chemicals. Read between the lines, if you can.

Below we have provided you with few pointers to help you choose a pack of dog Treats better. The following factors will help you to choose a dog treat that tastes yummy and is good for your dog.

• Make sure the treats contain minimal amount of additives. If the treat is all-natural, then read through the ingredient section and check out what natural components they have used.

• Treats that list meat as the first ingredient with low to no grain content are a safe, healthy choice. Those treats containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains like oatmeal, and peanut butter are also good choices. Now it is on you, which one you will choose for your pet.

• No matter what treat you buy for your dog, they need to be low in calories. Treats containing high calories will tend to make your dog overweight. Senior and light formulas are lower in calories; however, there are certain varieties of treats that are healthy for all life stages and weights. But always keep in mind that Treats should never be more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

• If the package of Treats boasts to contain diet supplements, vitamins and minerals, make a quick comparison. Check whether you include all of them in your regular dog diet. If any of the minerals or vitamins present in those Treats are missing from your dog’s food, then choose that particular Treat.

For example, Amino sugar also known as Glucosamine. This compound is good for your dog’s bones and muscles. However, this particular supplement is not contained in all dog foods, but can be easily found in certain Treats

• Many Dog Treats are great at controlling tarter, gum diseases and preventing tooth decay. Some are specially formulated to control your dog’s bad breath, while others are chewable that encourage your dog to use their teeth. This acts as good teeth cleaners. Like for instance, chew bones or rawhide treats.

• If you are new at buying treats for your dog, buy one pack first. You will want to make sure that the Treat agrees with your dog’s tummy first – get him used to it. With time include different flavors and types.

You can make dog Treats yourself at home. However, store-bought Treats contain balanced proportions of calories, vitamins, minerals and other ingredients that enhance your dog’s diet.

Also, at pet food bakeries, you will find freshly baked doggie donuts, cakes, brownies, and cookies in all shapes, flavors and sizes. However, again make sure they contain all natural ingredients, no preservatives and additives. And most importantly, they are fat-free or low in calories.

In case your dog has weight problems, or is overweight, steer him away from homemade gourmet treats that are high in fat content and calories. Stick to fat-free treats or those that have low calorie content.

As you can see there are many dog treats available for your pet. Always remember that your pet depends on you to help him keep healthy and happy.

However, make sure your dog’s Treats are not made with the following items:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Grapes & Raisins
• Avocados
• Tomato
• Chocolate
• Walnuts
• Fruit Seeds

Given below are a short list of products that are harmful for your dog: Let me clear some of the myths prevailing around:

• Apart from rice, large amount of whole grains may cause indigestion and allergies.


• Wild mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, liver damage, indigestion, diarrhea, coma, or even death.


• Raw egg whites are high in protein called Avidin that can cause hair loss, weakness, growth retardation, or skeleton deformity. (Look for Treats that strengthens bone structure)


• Whole vegetables like lettuce, carrots, beans, yams as they are difficult to digest.


• High fat containing Dairy products that might cause diarrhea or indigestion.


• Vets have strictly told dog owners no to feed even a small amount of nutmeg to their pets. Nutmeg is causes tremors, seizures and death in dogs.


• Caffeine stimulates the central nervous and cardiac systems, and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations, and even death within hours. (Look for Treats that are low in cholesterol)


• Xylitol content diet products can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.


• Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis.

Too much intake of salt, fat, ham, bacon or liver will cause disorders like kidney problems, bloating, pancreatitis, gas, indigestion, deformity of bones, weight loss and anorexia. (Look for Treats that enhances your dog's health)