If you’re a dog owner, then you’ll know that having a plentiful supply of treats is essential.
Whether you use them for reward-based training, or simply as a snack to tide your dog over from breakfast to dinner, it’s important to make sure that you’re always stocked up.
With so many different treats lining the pet shop shelves, it can be difficult to know which to pick up.
Of course, you want something tasty for your four-legged friend to enjoy, but you need something that won’t cause them any harm, too.
But how can you make sure of this without spending hours scouring the back of all the packets?
Here, our experts at Pet Shop Online reveal four of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for dog treats.
1. Choose treats with no preservatives
Synthetic preservatives are often added to dog treats to extend their shelf life, but they could be harmful for your fur baby.
Three of the most common preservatives found in dog food include BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) and propyl gallate.
These ingredients (and others) can lead to poor digestion, skin and coat issues, irregular bowel movements and many other health issues.
So, to keep your pooch happy and healthy, definitely steer clear of treats that contain harmful preservatives.
2. Try to avoid rawhide
Bones are great for providing some much-needed mental stimulation for your pup.
But many of them are made from rawhide.
Whilst rawhide can be great for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, the risks outweigh the benefits by a mile and rawhide chews can be incredibly dangerous for our dogs.
Rawhide chews are meant to be eaten over time so that they break down into softer, more manageable pieces.
However, if your pooch is a particularly aggressive chewer, they may be able to break off larger chunks, which poses risks of choking and blockages, as well as digestive irritation.
There are plenty of tasty alternatives for your pup to gnaw on, like pig ears or lamb trotters, that are sure to get their tails wagging.
3. Steer clear of synthetic sweeteners
Synthetic sweeteners, like sorbitol, are also commonly found in dog treats, and they’re used to enhance the taste.
These can cause a myriad of health problems, including:
- Obesity
- Tooth decay
- Allergies
- Digestive problems (including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and bloody stools)
There are many dog treats on the market that contain all-natural ingredients, including naturally occuring sweeteners, that are just as delicious.
4. Check the salt content
Just like salt is necessary in our diets, it’s also necessary in your dog’s diet, too.
But, as we know, too much salt can be harmful – leading, potentially, to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, strokes and more.
Salt is naturally present in lots of the ingredients that are found in dog treats, but you should avoid treats with added salt to prevent any of these health problems from occurring – so make sure to have a quick check of the labels.
If you buy treats made from high-quality natural ingredients, extra salt won’t be needed to enhance the flavour, and your pooch can enjoy something tasty without the increased health risks.
Shop high-quality, natural dog treats at Pet Shop Online
Here at Pet Shop Online, we stock a huge selection of high-quality dog and puppy treats, that are made with natural ingredients to keep your canine companion happy and healthy.
From some of the UK’s most trusted pet care brands – including Hunters and Forthglade – there’s something for every dog, regardless of their age, dietary requirements and preferences.
If you need help choosing the perfect treats for your pooch, our team would be happy to help and offer their top recommendations.
Give us a call today, or email us at shop@pet-shop-online.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!
