Giving your dog Best Dog treats occasionally is a fun way to thank them for being a good dog while also making sure they eat a balanced diet.
Treats and toys are a favorite way for many dog owners to spoil their pets, especially whether it’s to reward their loyalty or cheer them up. Treats are also much loved by dogs, mostly because they are a change from their normal diet. According to Caylee Freels, a registered veterinary technician at VCA White Lake Animal Hospital, snacks are appealing because they are different from the ordinary in terms of flavor, texture, or aroma.
But if you find yourself giving your pet leftovers from your own dinner on a regular basis, you should reconsider. As our specialists have shown, even tiny servings of human food converted into treats can quickly increase your pet’s caloric intake and cause unintended weight gain.
Dog-specific treats are labeled with the number of calories clearly visible, which always worries about overfeeding. We’ve sought the advice of doctors and pet enthusiasts to help you choose the ideal treats, and we’ve compiled their suggestions and top choices for your consideration.
What is the healthiest dog treat for a dog?
A healthy dog treat is a snack or incentive for a dog that is made with components that improve general health and well-being in dogs. These snacks are often low in calories, free of hazardous chemicals and preservatives, and frequently contain important components like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Healthy dog treats can benefit dental health, joint support, skin and coat health, and digestive well-being. They are meant to supplement a balanced diet and improve a dog’s overall health and enjoyment.
Best Dog Treat Selection Criteria
Treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s daily food; always use moderation to avoid giving your dog more than their recommended daily intake of calories. When browsing the aisles for dog treats, consider the following considerations, as advised by our experts:
Nutritional Balance: Look for foods that have clear eating recommendations and calorie counts. Not all treats have the AAFCO nutritional adequacy label, however it’s a nice perk.
Ingredients: Steer clear of anything that can make your dog sick to his stomach, such as too much salt, artificial sweeteners, and coloring. Treats with dog-safe fruits and vegetables are a better option because they are high in nutrients and low in calories.
Size: Ensure the treat size corresponds to your dog’s proportions to avert choking hazards. Breaking up larger biscuits can help manage calorie intake, as advised by Dr. Kristen Nelson, a board-certified veterinarian.
The Finest Dog Treats: The Best of the Breed
In keeping with the advice of our experts, every dog treat listed below has a nutrition label that lists the ingredients as well as the amount of calories and fat per serving. To accommodate dogs of different sizes and breeds, the majority are available in multiple sizes or may be separated into smaller parts.
Hill’s Light and Natural Baked Biscuits: These low-fat, chicken-flavored treats won the Select Best for Your Pet Award because they taste good without being overly heavy in calories.
Dog Training Treats – Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe: These wheat and corn-free nibbles are perfect for training sessions since they don’t include artificial or added animal fat, which may irritate sensitive dogs’ stomachs.
Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats: Endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, these treats offer gum health, fresh breath, and ease of digestion.
Kong Easy Treat: With a peanut butter taste, this semi-soft treat adds amusement to chew time owing to its spray cheese dispenser design.
Smart Bones SmartSticks Beef Chews Dog Treats: Low in fat and high in appeal, these chews promote oral health without the risks associated with rawhide snacks.
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Dog Treats. These training treats, infused with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promote skin and coat health while containing no soy, wheat, or other ingredients.
Bacon-flavored dog treats from Pet Botanics Training Reward With only 3 calories per treat, these bacon-flavored pleasures are ideal incentives for obedience training.
Rachel Ray’s Nutrish Burger Bites: These beef-flavored snacks are soft and delicious, making them an ideal snack for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pup-Peroni Rounds, Beef Brisket Dog Treats: These snacks are made with genuine beef and include no artificial ingredients, making them both flavorful and nutritious.
Zuke’s Hip Action Hip and Joint Natural Dog Treats These snacks are ideal for dogs with joint concerns since they include critical nutrients and antioxidant-rich berries.
Old Mother Hubbard Original Mix Oven-Baked Dog Treats These snacks, which come in a variety of tastes, appeal to canine aficionados’ various palates.
Spot Farms Turkey Meatballs Recipe with Cranberries: These sweets, which have a 4.6-star average rating on Amazon, guarantee healthful munching without fillers or artificial ingredients.
SmartBones Pork Stuffed Twistz: Filled with a pork-flavored center, these rawhide-free treats are enriched with vitamins and minerals, ensuring optimal digestion.
Shopping Tips for Dog Treats:
Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian, recommends exercising moderation in treat dispensing, limiting them to no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie consumption. When browsing sweets, look at the ingredients, size, and calorie count. Consider using alternative sorts of treats, such as dental treats and grain-free ones, to improve your dog’s general health and well-being.
Striking Nutritional Balance
Treats are not meant to be nutritionally balanced. As a result, it is critical to introduce them gradually into your dog’s diet. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, a clinical nutrition expert, advises that excessive treat eating might lead to vitamin deficits if kibble intake is restricted. Furthermore, overindulgence in snacks may result in digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, opt for brands that transparently disclose calorie content and feeding recommendations, ensuring informed choices.
While the AAFCO nutritional adequacy label confirms a treat’s nutritional content, it is not required for treats, unlike dog food. Nonetheless, AAFCO standards require treats to prominently display terminology like as “snack” or “treat” on the container, indicating their supplemental function in the diet.
Deciphering Ingredients: Good and Bad
Avoid harmful additions such as artificial sweeteners, extra salt, and syrups, which can endanger your pet’s health, warns Freels. Furthermore, the ASPCA warns against eating poisonous foods such as grapes and raisins. Accept dog-safe fruits and veggies as healthier options that provide flavor and nutrition without the calorie load. Wakshlag pushes for their inclusion, highlighting their value in broadening treatment alternatives without sacrificing health.
Sizing Up the Treats
Choosing the appropriate-sized treat is paramount to your dog’s safety. Nelson underscores the importance of proportionality, underscoring that overly large treats pose choking hazards, especially for smaller breeds. Whether it’s a training treat or a recreational indulgence, size matters. Freels advocates for thumb-sized training treats to facilitate frequent rewards without gastrointestinal upset, contrasting with larger treats reserved for mental stimulation and enrichment. Striking this balance ensures both safety and satisfaction for your canine companion.
In essence, treating your four-legged friend boils down to balance and mindfulness. By heeding expert advice and scrutinizing treat attributes, you can navigate the vast array of options to unearth the perfect indulgence for your beloved pooch. So, the next time you reach for that treat pouch, remember: moderation is key, and a discerning eye ensures tails wag and health thrives.