Healthy Dog Treats

Many dog owners are unaware that they are feeding their dog unhealthy dog treats. Some common treats that are hurtful for your canine are: rawhides, pig ears, leftover table food, and chicken/pork bones.

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Rawhides and pig ears are loaded with fat. Rawhides can also cause digestion issues such as blockage in the intestines, stomach, and throat. Most table food is not a good choice, if the food is high in carbs, fat, sodium, or sugar do not feed your dog that food. Chicken and pork bones are unhealthy for your dog because they easily splinter and can cause intestinal problems. They are also easy for your dog to swallow which could result in your dog choking. Alternatives to chicken and pork bones are a joint bone such as a slow-roasted beef knuckle or a raw beef bone with no excess fat. A great benefit to these bones are they are less likely to splinter.

What things should a dogowner look for when purchasing a healthy dog treat? When it comes to choosing a healthy dog treat, you should check the product label. You want to check the label for unhealthy ingredients and healthy ingredients. Some unhealthy ingredients are: artificial colors/flavors, excessive sodium/sugar/saturated fat/trans-fats, and propyl gallate-a preserving agent that possibly causes cancer. However, you want to find labels that have a high amount of protein. Protein is the essential element to a dog's overall diet. Some of the best fresh treats that are high in protein are chicken, omega-3 eggs, sardines, and turkey. Try to avoid dog biscuits as a daily treat because they contain a high amount of carbs which can cause your dog to become obese.

Keep in mind that not only are treats a great way to reward your dog for being so great, but lots of attention and affection are the healthiest treat you can every give your dog. The best thing about it, it's free!