Image Credit - Wikimedia.org/
Providing treats is one of the ways pack leaders enjoy rewarding
their pups – whether for maintaining calm and submissive energy,
learning a command, or for being a good companion. While a lot of
pack leaders spend a lot of time in selecting the right food,
there are just as many who are less choosy when it comes to
selecting treats. Poor quality of treats leads to health issues
like obesity, especially if the treats are fatty and full of
empty calories. So what are the properties you need to look for
when
selecting a healthy treat
?
-
No added sugar – Sweetener may appear under
different names, such as caramel, sucrose, or corn syrup, but
whatever the name, they are unnecessary for your dog's
nutrition. Regular consumption can cause tooth decay,
hypoglycemia, obesity, arthritis, cataracts, nervousness and
allergies.
-
No added salt – This ingredient is also listed
as sodium chloride, sea salt or iodized salt. Salt is an
essential nutrient, but just like in human beings, excess
intake can lead to health issues, such as increased intake of
water, hemoglobin concentration, and heart rate, as well as
restlessness and dry mucous membranes.
-
No soy – This is often added in treats as it
is a cheap substitute for meat protein. Unfortunately, its
health benefits are fewer and it is also a common allergen for
dogs.
-
Corn-free – Corn is also a cheap replacement
for meat with much less nutritional value. It is not a complete
protein source and has known to cause muscle loss when used
exclusively.
-
Grain-free – Ideally, you should look for a
treat that is completely grain-free. Dogs are natural
carnivores and they need their protein. Dogs that consume high
amounts of grain suffer a number of ill effects over time, such
as irritable bowel syndrome.
-
No dairy – Dairy products are one of the most
common sources of food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. If
your dog is experiencing symptoms of allergy, you should
consult the vet on whether or not it makes sense to eliminate
dairy from the diet.
-
Gluten-free – Gluten is a protein that is
found in wheat. It is used as a binder, which means that it
essentially binds the food together. But unfortunately, it also
offers little nutritional value and should be avoided
completely.
-
Made in the United States – While this is not
a deal breaker, it is something definitely worth considering
when selecting dog food. With rigorous standards of quality
control, you would be hard pressed to find better quality dog
food from any other country.
Remember to go for healthy treats with
no artificial ingredients. Of course, every dog is different;
so make sure you consult with your vet, especially if your dog
has any ongoing health concerns.
FDA: Don’t Feed Certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats
photo by FDA
December 6, 2012 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is
warning pet owners and caretakers not to feed their pets
Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky
Dog Treats with a lot code of BESTBY061913DEN
because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The treats are made, packaged and distributed in the United
States by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. (Kasel) and were sold
at Costco stores in the Denver, Colo., area. Kasel has declined
to perform a voluntary recall at this time. However, Costco is
working with FDA and has removed all of the affected products
from its shelves. The company will also contact customers who may
have purchased the product to provide additional
instructions.Read full
release from FDA.PetCareRx does not currently sell this
product.
