Dog treats can be a great way to reward your pup and strengthen the bond between you. However, not all treats are created equal. Some contain harmful ingredients and should be avoided. Knowing what to look out for can help you make healthy, informed choices for your furry friend. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common dog treat ingredients to stay away from. We’ll also provide healthy treat alternatives and tips for reading labels thoroughly. With the right knowledge, you can confidently pick treats that are both delicious and nutritious for your dog.
Artificial Preservatives
One category of ingredients to watch out for is artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. These chemical preservatives are added to treats to extend their shelf life. However, they have been linked to some concerning health effects in dogs:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Cancer
- Behavioral changes
Studies have found that BHA and BHT can form cancer-causing compounds in the body when digested. Ethoxyquin is banned from use in human foods in some countries and has been tied to immune system and reproductive issues.
Since artificial preservatives provide no nutritional value, it’s best to avoid treats containing them. Look for natural preservative alternatives like vitamin E (listed as tocopherols) or rosemary extract instead.
Artificial Colors
Artificial colors are another unnecessary additive commonly found in lower quality dog treats. Colors like Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 are synthetic petrochemical dyes. While pretty to look at, they offer no health benefits. Worse, artificial colors may cause allergic reactions or behavior issues in some dogs. Studies show certain dyes can disrupt hormones, cause hyperactivity, and trigger GI upset.
Your safest bet is choosing treats without any artificial coloring at all. Opt for treats colored with natural ingredients like turmeric, paprika, carrot, and beet juice. You’ll avoid unnecessary risks from synthetics. Plus, natural colors often indicate real whole foods used in the recipe.
Sugar and Sweeteners
Dog treats packed with sugar and calorie-rich sweeteners are another pitfall. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, dental issues, and diabetes down the road. While treats in moderation are okay, those high in sugar make it hard to control calories. Watch out for treats with honey, corn syrup, sugar, molasses, and artificial sweeteners among the first few ingredients. Products labeled as “frosting,” “cookies,” or “candy” tend to be the worst offenders.
Healthier options include treats made with minimal added sugar. Instead, look for sweetness from natural sources like ripe bananas, carrots, applesauce, pumpkin, or yogurt. Adding just a touch of honey or maple syrup can also give treats flavor without going overboard on sugar content. Moderation is key for enjoying sweet treats while limiting health risks.
Meat By-Products
When shopping for meat-based treats, avoid those containing meat by-products. By-products consist of leftover meat scraps and tissues like bone, blood, intestines, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and stomach contents. While these animal parts contain protein, they offer inferior nutrition compared to whole cuts of meat. By-products also have more potential for contamination during processing.
Instead, seek out treats made with quality whole meat ingredients like chicken breast, beef liver, turkey, salmon, or lamb. Look for specific labels like “chicken” versus vague terms like “poultry by-products.” Treats made with whole meats provide more essential nutrients with less risks involved.
Allergens
Pay special attention to treats containing common dog food allergens. The most frequent allergens for dogs include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Corn
If your dog already struggles with allergies, read labels carefully and avoid problem ingredients. Wheat, soy, and corn are common fillers that provide little nutritional value anyway. Even if your dog isn’t allergic, minimizing these unnecessary fillers is a wise choice.
Xylitol
One ingredient to be especially vigilant about is xylitol. This common sugar substitute is highly toxic to dogs. Unfortunately, it’s found in many “sugar-free” and low-calorie treats aimed at humans. Just a small amount of xylitol can be fatal to dogs, with symptoms like seizures, liver failure, and blood clotting disorders. Be sure to keep any products containing xylitol well out of your dog’s reach. Check labels for xylitol in ingredients or warnings like “not suitable for dogs.” When in doubt, avoid sugar-free treats altogether.
Salt
Excessive salt is another additive you’ll want to limit in dog treats. Too much sodium can lead to increased thirst, high blood pressure, and kidney strain over time. Avoid treats with salt, sodium nitrate, or sodium nitrite on the ingredients list. Ideally, the treat should have less than 100 mg sodium per serving. Compare labels and choose lower sodium options whenever possible.
Fat
While healthy fats are an important part of any dog diet, too much isn’t ideal in treats. High-fat treats usually deliver a lot of extra calories, which can contribute to weight gain. They also become rancid more quickly compared to low-fat recipes. Look for treats with 10% fat or less to limit these risks. Ingredient labels with multiple fats/oils early on are red flags for high fat content.
Careful Ingredients Review
Reading treat labels carefully is one of the best ways to avoid unhealthy additives. Here are some tips for picking the healthiest treats:
- Scan for any of the above ingredients to avoid
- Look for whole food ingredients you recognize like meat, vegetables, and grains
- Make sure the first 5-10 ingredients are quality whole foods vs. by-products, artificial colors, etc.
- Seek out natural preservatives like tocopherols instead of BHA/BHT
- Compare brands and choose the one with fewer artificial additives overall
Taking a few extra moments to read labels can make a big difference. You’ll feel confident knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s treats.
Healthy Homemade Treats
For maximum control over ingredients, consider making your own homemade dog treats. Here are some healthy recipes to try:
Peanut Butter & Banana Bites
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Mash banana then mix in peanut butter. Add flour gradually until a firm dough forms. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Whisk together pumpkin, egg, yogurt and honey. Stir in oatmeal until fully combined. Scoop dough by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes.
Sweet Potato Chews
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Slice sweet potato into 1/4 inch rounds. Toss in coconut oil and cinnamon. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, flipping once.
Portion Control with Treats
Another key factor is keeping portions small with treats. Giving too many treats in a day can quickly add excess calories. Here are tips for keeping treat portions controlled:
- Break large treats into smaller pieces so you can give less
- Limit treats to 10% of daily calories or less
- Use treats primarily for training rewards, not free feeding
- Weigh treats out into daily portions to monitor quantity
- Switch to low-calorie vegetables like carrots for some treats
Following treat feeding guidelines on packages is also recommended. With supervision and reasonable portions, even less healthy treats can be fed more safely.
Conclusion
Being choosy about dog treat ingredients pays off when it comes to your pet’s health. Steer clear of artificial preservatives, colors, sugar, by-products, and xylitol. Compare brands to choose treats with fewer fillers and more whole foods. Supplementing with homemade goodies gives you full control too. Follow feeding guidelines and proper portion sizes for any treat. With a discerning eye for labels, you can reward your best friend without compromising quality.