Mishall Rehman
If you’re a pet owner, then you know the wonders pet treats can perform. From training to travelling to showing some extra love to your furry friends, pet treats can do it all.
However, as you journey to the store to pick up your four-legged friend’s favourite treats, there are certain ingredients and products you should know to avoid as a responsible pet owner.
When buying pet treats
If your pet has allergies, be sure to reach for low-fat, low-calorie, and hypoallergenic treats. Become nutrition-label literate by looking out for ingredients like chicken flavour, chicken meal, red dye 40, or foods with high corn content, rice fillers, additives, or meat-like ingredients.
Foreign Could Mean Fatal
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) also recommends that pet owners be wary of jerky treats, especially those manufactured in China, as they can lead to illness and, on some occasions, can be fatal. If you feed your pets jerky, keep a close eye out for decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased water intake.
Avoid large bones
Additionally, as a general rule, be sure to avoid treats composed of large knee and knuckle bones, as they can lead to broken teeth or cause a locked jaw.
Safe Alternatives
So, how do you avoid all the hidden ingredients and stay clear of unhealthy snacks? A safe bet for pet owners is to opt for veterinary treats.
“Studies and testing have been done on treats that are sold exclusively at vet clinics to ensure they are of the highest quality and are safe for particular conditions and to guarantee the quality and ingredients,” said the Gander Veterinary Clinic Team.
Go Fresh
You can also choose to use fresh and raw ingredients to treat your furry friend. The Gander Veterinary Clinic Team recommends apple slices, carrots, green beans, and sweet peppers, all of which are treats that can be used in moderation.
Unsafe Foods
Just be sure to avoid foods like grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, cherries, avocado, rhubarb, chocolate, seeds, and nuts.
Kitchen Creations
If you’re creative and nifty in the kitchen, you can also put in the time to make pet treats from scratch. This way, nothing but the freshest ingredients (and a dash of love) are used, and you know exactly what your furry best friend is consuming.
Watch out for high-fat
The CVMA also recommends that dog owners should steer clear of pig’s ears, as they contain a high-fat content that can lead to obesity and upset stomachs.
Too Much Of A Good Thing
It’s also important to remember that there can be too much of a good thing. Be sure not to overload your pets with treats, as this can lead to weight gain. The Gander Veterinary Clinic recommends that one to two treats a day should be sufficient for an adult pet.
A rule of thumb that many veterinarians suggest is that treats and snacks should only make up 10 per cent of a dog’s daily calories.
