The Healthiest Dog Treats

Finding food and treats for your dog can be hard if it's finicky or on a special diet. You may need to avoid ingredients common in many dog treat products. How can you streamline the process of buying or preparing treats for your favorite friend? Follow these tips to buy or fix the healthiest dog treats.

The Healthiest Dog Treats

Dog treats tend to be healthier if they follow certain criteria. These guidelines include:

• Minimal ingredients
• Made in the USA
• High protein
• Grain-free
• All-natural

Some treats sourced or made overseas may contain harmful levels of heavy metals. Additionally, dog treats with a long ingredient list often contain chemicals such as:

• Artificial dyes
• Trans fats
• Sugar

Not only do these ingredients lack any nutritional value, but they can also contribute to heart disease and diabetes. The healthiest dog treats are simple and use whole foods.

Fruits and Vegetables

Peas, sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in fiber and vitamins and safe for dogs to eat as long as they're cooked. Many other fruits and veggies can also make healthy snacks for dogs. Just ensure you moderate your furry friend's plant-based food intake, as they require a diet higher in protein than carbs. No matter how healthy a food is, dogs should only consume 10% of their daily calories from treat foods.

Meat and Fish

The best source of protein for dogs comes from animals, as it will contain all the amino acids and other micronutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Chicken, beef and pork are the most popular meat ingredients in dog food and make the healthiest dog treats. While poultry is cheaper than beef and pork, it's more likely to carry Salmonella. If you make your dog's food and treats, always thoroughly cook meat to kill all potential bacteria or parasites.

Nuts

Many nuts, such as macadamias, are toxic to dogs. Other nuts, such as almonds, can be a choking hazard. As a result, it's often best to avoid giving your dog nuts altogether to be safe. However, peanut butter can sometimes save the day if you need to encourage an otherwise fussy eater to take medicine.

Fortunately, it's safe for most dogs to have peanut butter as a treat. If your dog has a history of food sensitivities or obesity, check with your veterinarian before giving it peanut butter. Give your dog a small amount if it's your pup's first time eating peanut butter to ensure it won't cause stomach irritation.

Treat your dog with peanut butter only in moderation. Overuse may cause pancreatic damage or unhealthy weight gain due to its high-fat content. There are also some peanut butter brands containing xylitol as a sweetener. Never give your dog anything containing xylitol, as it's toxic and potentially fatal to dogs.

Find the Healthiest Dog Treats

Shop 2 Dogs Treats for the healthiest dog treats. Our products are sourced and made in the USA using minimal ingredients of the highest quality. The results are human-grade dog treats that are both safe and irresistible for your canine companion.