Healthy dog treats: the good vs the bad November 28, 2016 – Posted in: Dogs

When you say the word “treat”, more often then not, you get your dog’s undivided attention, the ears perk up, the tail starts to wag and your dog is on his best behavior until he gets his reward. But have you ever taken a moment to consider what is in the treats that you dogs sits so patiently for? Some of the treats that you can buy at the pet store might not be the best health wise for your dog. Below is our take on what you should look for when you are buying dog treats and some alternatives to store bought treats.

What to look for when buying treats at the store
When shopping for treats, it’s always a good idea to go for treats that are all natural. You want to avoid treats with a lot of sugar as sugar can lead to health problems like obesity and tooth decay. You also want to stay away from treats with soy and corn, which are often used to substitute protein from meat, as they are not as healthy for dogs as the protein found in meat.

What to feed your dog at home
Most dogs will eat almost anything, so if you want to give your dog something healthy that isn’t a dog treat, try giving him some fruits and vegetables. For fruits, you want to stay away from fruits with seeds (for example cut up an apple and give your dog the slices, not the whole thing). In terms of veggies, try some carrots or celery.

What not to feed your dog
There are some things that are commonly understood to be bad for dogs, like chocolate, raisins, grapes and onions. Some foods like cheese fall into a more grey area, while some dogs’ digestive systems may be able to handle cheese in small quantities, other dogs could experience digestion issues. We advise checking with your vet before feeding your dog any human food that you are unsure about. A PetPros tip: don’t feed your dog scraps from the table. This tip isn’t so much about the actual food, but about keeping your meal times free of pestering from your dog for a handout.

So the next time you reach for the box of treats on the shelf, take a second to look at the ingredients to make sure your feeding your dog something that is good for him. If you don’t have any store bought treats in the house, consider giving your dog some celery or some banana, you might be surprised how much he enjoys it!