Is Feeding Dog Treats a Blessing or Poison?

Today, we've been treated to a feast of dog treats. Let's delve into the world of these delightful snacks for our furry friends.

Dog treats come in a myriad of varieties, each with its unique characteristics and pros and cons. From flavors to functions and quality, there's a vast array to choose from.

Dried Meat Snacks

Dried meats are typically made from chicken, duck, or beef and come in two forms: dry and wet. The dry version has a low moisture content, making it hard and crunchy, perfect for adult dogs with strong teeth. The wet version, on the other hand, has a higher moisture content and is more palatable. However, the dry version tends to have a longer shelf life.

Almost all dogs love meat snacks, as it's hard to resist the allure of meat. When shopping for these treats, keep in mind that drier meats have a longer shelf life. Additionally, opt for highquality ingredients and choose treats with proper packaging, including brand information, production date, expiration date, and nutritional content.

Functional Treats

Functional dog treats include dental treats and chew toys. Dental treats, such as those with deodorizing ingredients or hardtextured bones, are designed to clean teeth. While these treats focus on dental hygiene, chew toys offer more benefits, such as teeth cleaning, dental grinding, and timewasting.

Chew toys are usually made from materials like pork skin, cowhide, or plant protein, providing a satisfying chewing experience for dogs and helping to reduce the formation of tartar. When selecting chew toys, consider the size and texture, ensuring they are appropriate for your dog's size and preferences.

Dairy Treats

Dairy treats come in various forms, including milk drinks, cheese, and pudding. The most crucial factor when choosing dairy treats is lactose tolerance. Since many dogs lack lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose, they may experience lactose intolerance. If your dog can tolerate dairy, be cautious with the amount, and always check for 0lactose products, especially when selecting from reputable brands.

Natural Treats

Natural treats have gained popularity in recent years, with simple processing that retains the original taste and appearance of the ingredients, such as beef bones, lamb hooves, and rabbit ears. While these treats are often appealing to dogs, they are not preserved and should be consumed in moderation.

Brands

Dog treats are not as regulated as dog food, so it's essential to choose reputable brands. Just like with human snacks, you wouldn't want to give your child an unknown brand. Established brands have safer production and quality control processes, ensuring better quality.

Shelf Life

Whether it's a massproduced brand or a homemade treat, always check the production date and expiration date. After all, what goes into your dog's belly should be safe and of high quality, and you can easily monitor the expiration date.

Labels

The labels on dog treat packaging contain valuable information, including the expiration date, food ingredients, and nutritional content. Just like when choosing dog food, the more specific the meat name and the clearer the additives, the safer and more reassuring the treat is.

The Difference Between Main Meals and Treats

To distinguish between main meals and treats, remember that the main meal is something your dog can eat exclusively, while treats are meant to be an occasional indulgence. Overindulging in treats can lead to picky eating, which is difficult to correct. Therefore, it's best to control the frequency and quantity of treats for dogs prone to pickiness.