DogExpress
Treats work the same way for dogs as cheat meals do for humans – they present them with a welcome respite from the food they eat. Dogs eat healthy food daily but look forward to having these tasty treats. Treats mix things up a bit as far as their routine is concerned.
It makes sure they stay energized by eating the same food day in and day out. So, the question that comes to mind is how do you choose the best treats for your naughty ones?
Could you be clear of misleading facts?
When it comes to choosing treats for dogs, brands often misdirect their customers, and that way, pet parents end up feeding food treats to their dogs that might not seem bad for them to begin with, but in the long run, they do pose grave consequences for their health. Following are some ingredients that you must avoid at all costs as a dog parent:
- corn
- soy
- salt
- garlic
- raisins
- grapes
You can be sure that such a list does not end with the above names. This is because the product used the most in these cases is a by-product of chicken.
They are processed using coatings and cheap fillers so that they taste sweet, can be priced competitively, last longer, and thus be able to lure dog parents. So please watch out for these products, as there is plenty of such dog products in India.
Please be sure to be clear about any unethical practices
In India, problems for pet parents get exacerbated by the following issues:
- unethical certification practices
- false declaration on labels
- lax laws by the government
There are few strict rules and regulations that govern the distribution and production of pet food across India means that you have new companies mushrooming now and then to sell dog foods and treats without certification from FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
The laws governing the import and production of pet food are not that stringent in many cases where processed treats, harmful ingredients, and preservatives have yet to be mentioned clearly on the packaging. There have also been instances where such components were written in Chinese and sold in India.
Avoid sugar and salt at all times.
Both salt and sugar are harmful ingredients as far as dogs are concerned, and these days they are being fed blatantly to them in small amounts. Artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol and sugar are like slow poison for dogs. They get that in smaller quantities from a range of sources, such as the following:
- treats
- kibble
- human food
In the long term, the sugar in their diet proves to be fatal for their health. It can cause them to get obese or develop diabetes, which is even worse than that.
The extra sugar in their bodies increases their glucose levels as well. It means that your dog’s body creates urine that it has to flush out repeatedly so that the additional sugar built up in their bodies can be drained. It can lead to dehydration as well.
On top of that, dehydration and a rise in their blood sugar levels affect how well their brains can function. It can lead to depression, coma, and seizures too! So there are a few signs of being careful of as greater thirst.
Read Also: Best Dog Treats For Dogs Suffering From Obesity
Please do not feed them harmful substances
You must always be careful and watch out if the dog treats you feed your little one contain Xylitol. Some other such harmful ingredients are below:
- white flour
- BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
- corn
- MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- artificial food coloring
All preservatives and chemicals used in foods are harmful to them. So even if the treat contains a coating or any other substance to make them appealing to your dog, it would harm their health in the long run.
They are extremely dangerous for your dog’s health, and in the long run, they may get a terminal disease due to such eating.
Consider their age
If the dog treats you are using are nutritious, your dog’s age would be a crucial factor. Also, remember that these products come in different shapes, hardness, and sizes.
This is where you must also keep your dog’s breed in mind. For example, if you have an English Mastiff or a Great Dane, getting a product created specifically for Dachshunds or Poodles would not make sense.
Think of their size and weight
This becomes an essential factor because the nutritional needs of dog breeds of different sizes are unique compared to the others. So, if you have a small dog, you must find something explicitly tailored to its weight and size.
In terms of size, the smaller breeds need smaller treats than more giant breeds, making it easy for them to chew and digest the same. So, while buying treats for your dog, keep this factor in mind. In addition, their calorific requirements are significant.
Consider their medical history
If your baby has any health history, you must consult the doctor to formulate the right diet plan. Just as it happens with humans, dogs have food-related restrictions because of their health issues.
As a result of such problems, their bodies may react negatively to certain ingredients. It may also be that their bodies are not used to them. Therefore, it is so important to consult an expert.
Read Also: 6 Tasty Ways to Reward Your Dogs
Could you look at the texture of the nb treat?
It is an important point, as hard and firm dog treats can remove tartar from your dog’s teeth. Therefore, it means an improvement in their oral health. However, you must ensure they are not too rough for your little one. Otherwise, you may scrape their teeth from the floor.
You can be sure that such treats keep them occupied for a long time even as you finish your work. Of course, if your dog is older with aged teeth, you should give them softer treats.
Conclusion
So, the following can be considered the best treats for dogs in India:
- dehydrated meat dog treats, also known as jerkies
- rawhide treats
- single-ingredient treats
- oat-based treats
- freeze-dried treats
Could you ensure the food treats you are feeding your dog is completely natural, free of preservatives, low in calories, and rich in protein?
Having all these qualities would ensure that you are not compromising the health of your little one in any way when you feed such treats to them. Get human-grade food treats for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best treats for my dog?
When buying treats for your dog, always focus on ones that contain natural ingredients, such as whole grains and oats. Treats full of fat and sugar are not beneficial for your dog.
Which are the best dog treats?
The best dog treats are as follows:
- Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Beef Dog Treats
- Stewart Pro-Treat Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Carnivore Crunch Dog Treats
What are the best biscuits for dogs in India?
The best biscuit for dogs in India is PUREPET Dog Biscuits – it is full of minerals and vitamins and is available in vegetarian, mutton, chicken, and milk flavors.
What are the healthiest treats for your dog?
Following could be the naturally healthiest treats for your dog:
- apples
- watermelon
- green peas
- cooked sweet potatoes
- carrots
- bananas
- green beans
- broccoli
However, before you feed any of these to your dog, make sure you consult the vet.
Should I treat my dog every day?
You can give them treats as many times as you want in a day. Could you ensure the food treats’ total calorie count is at most 10% of their daily calorie intake limit?
in Chandigarh, India. 
