For pet parents, there are few things more important than keeping their furbaby as happy and healthy as possible. You might take them to regular vet checkups, take them on plenty of walks for exercise, and of course, give them all the love and attention they want. But not all of the treats you find are as healthy as can be.
When it comes to pet longevity and well-being, it is also critical that your pet gets the food and treats they need to stay healthy. Not all treats are created equal, and some types of treats can be downright dangerous for your pets. When you’re looking for treats, to take along with you on your next adventure with your furbaby, look for these qualities in the treats.
1: Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Treats
It can be frighteningly easy to grab a box of dog treats that can be detrimental to their health. In 2021, more than 100 pet deaths and hundreds of more illnesses could be attributed to unsafe pet food produced by particular manufacturing companies. Pet health experts agree that misleading labels can make it difficult for consumers to know exactly what is in their pet’s dog food or even whether it is safe for them to consume.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you’re picking up pet treats that are good for your pup and don’t contain potentially harmful ingredients is to consult listings of trusted, veterinarian-approved treats. People’s 2022 list of the top vet-recommended dog treats focuses on brands that consist mainly of natural, wholesome ingredients with a low caloric value, meaning that your pet can enjoy more than one treat at a time without packing on the pounds. Ranked high on the list are also dog treat brands that are sourced from and inspected in the United States, reducing the likelihood that your pet’s treats were exposed to potentially hazardous contaminants. Because these lists contain mainly pre-packaged treats, they are also convenient for travel.
2: Healthy Homemade Pet Treat Recipes
Taking the time to cook a loved one a tasty meal filled with high-quality ingredients, is one way to show them just how much you care. Luckily, you can do the same for your pet! If you want to make sure you know what goes into your furbaby’s treats, consider making them treats right at home. American Kennel Club has a host of nutritious, pet-approved homemade dog treat recipes. Because you are making these treats right in your kitchen, you also don’t have to worry about exposure to any toxins or contamination that can happen in manufacturing settings.
You can make many of these treats from common ingredients found in most households, making them great for the on-the-go pet parent who may not always have the time or ability to grab a trusted brand of premade pet treats at the pet store. You can also purchase special pet treat molds to make treats the size, shape, and number that work for your pet and your lifestyle.
3: Simple Snacks to Share with Your Furbaby
If you don’t have the time to whip up a batch of homemade dog treats, from scratch, but still want to give your furry friend a tasty treat that you know is safe and nutritious, you are in luck! Many sites list human foods that are also safe and healthy for dogs, including common snacks including fruits like apples, watermelons, and blueberries as well as leafy greens like broccoli, kale, and spinach. Much as these foods provide health benefits for humans, they can also boost your pet’s health by providing them with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Other nutrition-packed foods you likely have on hand that your dog will love include natural peanut butter, eggs, sweet potatoes, and bits of meat.
Find the Treat that Meets Your Dog’s Needs
When it comes to choosing the healthiest treat for your pet, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. Along with ensuring your pet’s treats contain natural, nutritious ingredients, don’t contain elements that could be detrimental to your dog’s health, and aren’t high-calorie, you need to ensure that you are selecting a treat that has a taste that your pet enjoys. You should consider the specific needs of dogs of your furbaby’s same breed, size, and age, as well as any specific food sensitivities that your dog may experience, and look into the specific brands and ingredients that are best suited to address these needs.
