A Guide to Healthy and Delicious Treats for Dogs
You might want to give your furry best friend a treat as a way to show them that they are still loved, or because you feel like treating them, or even while training them. With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to find healthy treats for dogs that they will enjoy. Wholesome treats are great for your dog in terms of health but do limit them so that they have the balance with the nutrition needed from their food, too. In the post, we will provide a brief outline of some healthy treats that are made of goat and fish.
Goat Dog Treats: A Novel Protein Source
Because of its lean protein content and hypoallergenic qualities, goat meat has grown in popularity in the dog treat industry. Goat meat is low in fat, hypoallergenic, and high in protein to support growth, muscle development, and health.
Types of Goat Treats:
- Dried Goat Strips: These chewy strips give dogs a tactile experience by satisfying their natural desire to gnaw. Fantastic dental health as chewing action cleans teeth and gums with the bonus of high-concentration protein.
- Goat Jerky: For a tasty, high-protein training treat (think meaty beef jerky but without the fat), these goat dog treats are a fresh, squeaky spin on an old favourite. Because they are easy to separate into smaller pieces, they are a great and fast reward for obedience training.
Fish Treats for Dogs: Omega-3 Rich Snacks
Fish-based treats are very healthy for dogs and beneficial to the skin and coat, which is why fish treats make a great option for dogs that cannot tolerate poultry or red meat. They are full of essential oils that encourage a healthy glossy coat and supplement the heart. They are also kind to overweight dogs, as they are low in calories. Fish is a lighter food that allows for easier digestion, an important factor when talking about sensitive tummies.
Types of Fish Treats:
- Fish Jerky: Made with delicious and nutritious fish, such as salmon or tuna, these chewy strips serve as an alternative to rawhide while giving your dog the satisfaction of munching away. Plus, they are rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat.
- Salmon or Whitefish Bites: Created with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages in mind, which sets forth the recommended nutritional values. These are great for training or as an occasional reward for keeping your dog healthy at the same time.
Online Dog Treat Options: Convenience and Variety
When you buy treats for dogs online, you may choose from a greater range of goods that might not be found in your neighbourhood retailers. Speciality treats like grain-free, organic, or limited-ingredient alternatives are available from several internet shops. Some benefits of purchasing dog treats online are a broader choice of novella proteins, ease of comparing ingredients and prices from your home, and specialty treatments adapted to specific diets.
Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Your Pet
Read the ingredient list when choosing a treat to avoid harmful additives. Only use treats appropriate for your dog’s diet and size to avoid severe side effects on its health. Seek whole natural ingredients and prevent fillers with low nutritional value. Also, ensure all treats are a choking hazard size for your dog.
Dental Treats for Dogs: Supporting Oral Health
Dental treats are a delicious way to help keep your dogs’ teeth clean. These treats are specially formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar while freshening breath. Some dental treats are designed to provide mechanical cleaning, which means the texture of the treat can help scrape debris away from teeth. Other treats for dogs have added ingredients like mint and parsley that freshen breath.
Popular Dental Treats:
- Chewable Dental Sticks: All-day dental sticks that encourage prolonged chewing, providing the benefit of continuous scraping and removal of tartar and plaque. They are often supplemented with dental-targeted ingredients to maintain healthy gums.
- Specialty Dental Chews: These treats are a step up from basic dental chews. Often containing enzymes, they offer a little bit more cleaning ability. They can even include freshening ingredients, so they render dental care and promote fresh breath in one.
Puppy Treats: Tailored for Growing Pups
Puppy treats should be carefully chosen to suit their developing bodies. Often softer, smaller, and nutrient-rich, these treats for dogs accommodate delicate puppy teeth. They are typically gentle on teeth, nutrient-rich with essential vitamins for growth, and perfect for training with trim, easy-to-chew options.
Types of Puppy Treats:
- Soft Chews: Admittedly, these are designed for teething puppies. They have a higher moisture content and are softer, so puppies can easily munch on them and get better relaxation out of the gnawing. This is because they are typically fortified with nutrients that promote good health for your baby.
- Freeze-Dried Meat Treats: These high-protein treats for dogs are great for breakage and single-source real meat. They make good training treats as well since they are very tasty and will help encourage your puppy to follow new commands.
Organic and Natural Dog Treats: A Healthier Option
People who want natural dog treats in Australia would ideally opt for organic and natural treats. These delights are free of artificial additives and are often derived from non-GMO sources. The benefit of organic snacks is that they only include entire, identifiable ingredients and are devoid of artificial flavours and preservatives. They are an ideal option for dogs with food allergies as they are made with fewer components.
Popular Organic Dog Treats:
- Grain-Free Organic Biscuits: These biscuits are ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities. They are made with fresh sweet potatoes or peas plus other wholesome ingredients. They are crunchy, which dogs love, and healthy and tasty.
- Raw Organic Meat Treats: These treats can be dried by freeze-drying or other methods without changing the nutritional value of the meat. They are high in protein and suitable for any dog that thrives on a high-protein diet.
Conclusion: Treating Your Dog Right
Picking the best treats for dogs goes beyond taste; it is vital to your pet’s health. In this way, both of you win, and with high-quality treats that have some element in their ingredient set to benefit your dog’s body (cranberries as a source of antioxidants), you can help keep them healthy while doing so. Whether dental treats or organic options are within your wheelhouse, treat time can be more enjoyable and beneficial for you and your dog. After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog. This way, you can show that you care about your dog’s health and love them by prioritising good food.
Read also: Aggressive Dogs: What You Need To Know