Guide to choosing the Best Natural Treats for your Dog
From tail-wagging excitement to those soulful eyes fixed on you, the love your furry friend shows is unconditional. One way to reciprocate that affection is through healthy, delicious treats. With the myriad options available, navigating the world of natural dog treats is essential to find the best for your beloved companion.
We all want to reward our dogs in the healthiest way possible as responsible pet owners. But there arises the big question — How to choose treats that are healthy as well as taste good? What are the ingredients that we should look out for, and how do we know that our dog is not allergic to them?
We have answers to these and much more. This comprehensive blog is a guide to help you choose the best natural treats for your dog. Let’s get started!
UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENCE OF NATURAL TREATS
Let us get to understand what the term ‘natural’ actually means before we proceed further. Natural treats are those that are sourced or crafted directly from natural ingredients that are devoid of artificial flavors, preservatives, additives, added sugars, and preservatives. Natural treats bring a horde of benefits, such as:
Nutritional Value
Natural treats are rich in protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that contribute significantly to your dog’s health.
Digestive Health
They’re gentle on the digestive system, minimizing the risk of allergies or stomach upsets compared to other treats that are loaded with synthetic components.
Weight Management
Natural treats tend to have fewer empty calories, aiding in weight management and ensuring your furry friend maintains a healthy physique.
THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT TREAT
The journey to finding the ‘perfect treat’ for your dog might be a long one, but it definitely provides a rewarding experience for your doggo and you as well. Some ingredients to look for are:
Ingredient Inspection
When buying a treat, it is highly recommended to scan the ingredient list as thoroughly as possible. Go for treats that have less or minimal ingredients, such as meat, fruit, vegetables, or even grains. Any product that has unpronounceable names, a lengthy list containing too many chemicals, and excessive fillers, such as corn-soy, is a BIG NO!
Check the size of the treat and the texture.
The size of a treat or the texture is of utmost importance when you are buying for breed-specific dogs. For instance, large dogs prefer chewy treats, while smaller dogs prefer small bite-sized morsels. Additionally, the surface of the treatment can help maintain dental health by reducing tartar buildup and tooth decay or bad breath.
Seek Certification and Transparency
Look for certifications or labels indicating that the treats meet specific standards. Titles like USDA, AAFCO compliant, Organic, or non-GMO projects are verified to ensure the ingredients’ quality. Brands’ transparency about their sourcing and production processes often instills greater trust.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY IN TREAT CHOICES
Each treat comes with something specific. Not all treats can be expected to give the same benefits. Just like breeds, treats go in varied choices. Some of them would be:
Protein-rich treats
Since dogs are natural carnivores, go in for treats that have rich protein sources. Opt for treats that are made of chicken, fish, beef, or mutton. Some treats that are freeze-dried or air-dried offer a protein-packed punch while retaining the natural flavor.
Fruit or veggie delight treats
Fruits and vegetables can be an enticing addition to your dog’s treat repertoire. Blueberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots offer vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Freeze-dried fruits and veggies maintain nutrients while delivering a delightful crunch.
Functional treats
Functional treats serve a purpose beyond delighting your pet’s taste buds. Treats fortified with glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, or probiotics can aid joint health, improve skin and coat conditions, or enhance digestive wellness.
Homemade treats
Other options for treats include homemade foods. Consider making treats using simple home recipes. This way, you can ensure freshness and portion control for your dog, resulting in enhanced taste and wholesome goodness.
ENSURE SAFETY IN MODERATION
Treats are not a substitute for real food. Treats should only be given in limited amounts to keep your dog’s daily calorie intake within the recommended range. Some key pointers to remember are:
Mindful Consumption
Your dog might give you puppy eyes or whine to get you into giving them more treats. NEVER go overboard and indulge your dog by giving them more treats than the prescribed limit. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or even unwanted complications. Always keep in mind the weight of your dog and limit portions accordingly.
Quality Assurance
Always prioritize treats that come with good packaging and minimal ingredients. Sometimes, the most popular brands can have treats that are laden with chemicals than a brand that has just emerged in the market containing just natural ingredients. Do your research and then buy.
Monitor Reactions
Not every dog adjusts immediately to treats from a different brand or new flavor. Start by slowly introducing treats in lesser portions and directly check if your dog likes them or produces some allergic reaction. It might take a while for your dog to get adjusted to the flavor of the treat.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the best natural treats for your furry friend is an act of love and care. By deciphering labels, understanding your dog’s needs, and embracing variety, you can ensure your dog’s treat time is enjoyable and healthy.
Remember, your dog’s well-being is the ultimate reward beyond the delight in their eyes, the tail wags, and the playful antics. So, embark on this flavorful journey, exploring the natural treats available, and cherish those precious moments shared with your beloved companion.
As you navigate the aisles or scroll through online stores, armed with this guide, you’ll find yourself choosing treats and curating moments of joy and well-being for your loyal four-legged companions. Treat wisely, and let the happiness flow both ways!
