Choosing healthy dog treats can be challenging, given the numerous options available. The best treats should be nutritious, free from artificial ingredients, and suited to your dog's specific needs. Healthy dog treats provide nutritional value beyond just being a tasty snack. They are made from high-quality ingredients, free from artificial additives, and tailored to support a dog's overall health. Unlike overly processed treats filled with junky fillers and artificial preservatives, healthy treats contribute to a balanced diet and can support functions such as dental health, skin and coat maintenance, or digestive wellness.
Understanding the Importance of Healthy Dog Treats
Dogs love treats, but not all treats are created equal. The best healthy dog treats provide more than just flavor-they contribute to your dog's overall well-being. A good treat should complement your dog’s diet rather than provide empty calories. It’s essential to choose options with high-quality, easily digestible components, as some treats contain surprising ingredients that are bad for your dog, potentially causing stomach upset.
Key Considerations When Selecting Dog Treats
Selecting the right treats for your dog involves evaluating their nutritional value, purpose, and ingredient quality. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Nutritional Value: Look for treats that feature high-quality animal proteins and minimal, high-quality ingredients to avoid potential food allergies.
- Purpose: Not all treats serve the same function. Some are designed for training, others for dental health, and some offer supplemental nutrition. Understanding the purpose of the treat helps ensure you’re making a beneficial choice for your dog.
- Ingredient Quality: The quality and safety of treats depend on the source of ingredients and the manufacturing process. Reputable brands ensure transparency by listing all ingredients and avoiding harmful additives.
Spotlight on Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers are designed for dogs on a weight management plan or with food sensitivities. These treats are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system while providing a tasty reward.
Prescription Requirement
Per FDA guidelines for therapeutic pet food, a prescription is needed for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. However, non-therapeutic diets, supplements, and treats do not require approval for purchase. Electronic approval requests are reviewed by the clinic and approved or denied, based on the pet’s dietary needs.
Read also: Understanding Purina Science Diet Ingredients
Alternative Healthy Dog Treat Options
Besides Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gentle Snackers, there are numerous other healthy treat options available:
KOHA Crunchy Sticks: These are a delicious and nutritious option for dogs that love a satisfying crunch. They come in two protein options: KOHA Crunchy Sticks Chicken & Rice Recipe, and KOHA Crunchy Sticks Beef & Rice Recipe. These treats are made with only two ingredients: a single animal protein and highly-digestible white rice. KOHA treats are formulated with single-protein sources and limited ingredients, making them an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities. With high-quality sourcing, KOHA treats provide transparency and safety while maintaining the essential nutrients dogs need.
KOHA Single Ingredient Cod Skins: These are a nutritious, protein-packed treat perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. Slowly air-dried at a controlled low heat, these treats retain their natural flavor, crisp texture, and essential nutrients. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, they support a healthy coat and skin while providing a satisfying crunch.
KOHA Beef Lung Strips: These high-protein, nutrient-dense treats are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for dogs of all sizes. Gently air-dried at a low heat, they retain their natural flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
KOHA Raw Life Freeze-Dried Raw Bites: These are an excellent option for even the pickiest eaters-your dog won’t be able to resist their delicious taste! These high protein bites contain minimal ingredients to avoid exposure to food sensitivities.
Read also: Canine Gastroenteric Issues: A Diet Solution
Hill’s Pet Natural Training Soft & Chewy Treats: These are designed for training sessions, providing a reward without excessive calories.
Blue Buffalo Health Bars: These are crunchy, oven-baked treats made with apples and yogurt as the main flavor profile. These treats also feature whole grains like barley, oatmeal, and rye.
Vital Essentials Minnows Freeze-Dried Raw Treats: These are a single-ingredient, high-protein snack made from whole minnows.
Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats: These are small, soft treats formulated for training. Made with USDA-certified organic chicken, they contain only a few ingredients, including organic flaxseed and rosemary extract.
SmartBones SmartSticks Beef Chews: These are rawhide-free dog chews formulated with beef and other ingredients. These chews are designed to offer a chewing option that differs from traditional rawhide.
Read also: Analyzing Purina Urinary Food
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites: These are small treats formulated primarily for young puppies under a year old.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe treats: These are bite-sized, low-calorie snacks formulated for training.
Kong Easy Treat: This is designed to be used as a filler for Kong toys to extend their play. This paste-style treat comes in an aerosol squeeze canister in various flavors.
Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Treats: These are made with antibiotic-free turkey and other natural ingredients.
Charlee Bear Grain-Free Crunch Bacon & Blueberry Dog Treats: These combine the flavors of bacon and blueberries in a light, crunchy snack.
Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats: These are made with simple, natural ingredients and contain no artificial additives.
Maev Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats: These are single-ingredient, high-protein snacks made with real meat. Freeze-dried to retain nutrients, these treats are made from beef liver.
Pet Botanics Training Reward Treats: These are formulated specifically for frequent rewarding during training.
Greenies Original Dental Treats: These are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup as dogs chew. They’re intended as a daily treat to help clean teeth and freshen breath. Dental treats can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s routine by helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup. However, they should not replace regular dental cleaning.
Specific Treat Considerations
- Texture: Texture plays a significant role in a dog’s enjoyment and the potential benefits of a treat.
- Grain-Free Treats: Grain-free treats can be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities, but they are not necessary for all dogs.
- High-Value Treats: High-value treats are particularly enticing to dogs and are typically used for training or reinforcement in high-distraction environments.
- Training Treats: Training treats should be small, low-calorie, and easy to chew so they don’t distract your dog from learning.
Importance of Transparency and Quality
Reputable brands ensure transparency by listing all ingredients and avoiding harmful additives. It’s essential to be aware of potential recalls and safety alerts.
Recall Information
When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. Nestlé Purina PetCare Company expanded its voluntary recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to a supplier error resulting in potentially elevated levels of vitamin D in two additional product lots, which precede the production dates of the previously recalled lots. The original announcement was made on February 8, 2023. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure. Pet owners who purchased bags of the impacted product were asked to immediately stop feeding and throw it away in a container where no other animals, including wildlife, could get to it.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Many companies back their products with a satisfaction guarantee. For instance, Purina offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, they will refund your purchase price.