5 Real Answers About “Healthy” Dog Treats

Allison Tunin

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Hey, you. Pup parent.

We know you. You’re all about your fuzzy child. You take Baby everywhere you can. They’re the inspiration for every piece of doggy merch you own. That’s why you’re hunting for info on healthy dog treats; you love your pup.

Well, you’re going to want to read this.

Healthy dog treats are a thing these days (rightfully so). And I bet if you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about what you feed your sweet fluff bucket.

The internet is full of enough opinions and suggestions to make your head spin. Lots of dog treat brands claim to be healthy, but how do you know for sure, and which do you choose?

In this blog we’ll examine answers to five genuine questions about “healthy” dog treats and give you some practical answers, so you can (without worry) give Doggo their well-deserved reward.

Question #1: What is “by-product ” or “meat meal?”

Let me put it this way…..some animals are dead, lame, disfigured, diseased, or decayed. Yep. That’s the gist of what “by-product” or “meal” means. The best you get are leftover carcasses or crops. Scraps.

Everything (yes, EVERYTHING) is thrown into the grinder. Bones, feathers, waste, dirt…yuck! I could go on, but you get the picture.

“Yeah, but don’t dogs in the wild eat this stuff to survive?” Yes. Wild dogs do. To survive. But their digestive systems have been conditioned from puppyhood. Plus, that’s their only option.

Your fur baby may come from the same ancestors, but is far more sensitive and requires ingredients that won’t suppress or challenge their immune system.

Answer: Simply put, just avoid this nasty stuff.

Question #2: What are healthy dog treats actually made of?

Clearly we do not want our fuzzy family members ingesting the garbage listed above. But what really makes treats healthy?

• Hormone-, steroid-, antibiotic-free whole meats (like beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, or pork) cooked correctly, properly dried, and sealed.

• Vegetables, grains, and fruits that meet grade standards.

Look for a company’s ingredient standards, production process, product sourcing information, and details on its manufacturing. No mystery meat or misleading descriptions. Transparency is key.

Always check a company’s website for more info if you aren’t sure.

Answer: It should not be hard to find answers; a few minutes of searching should do it. If not, go with another brand. They don’t deserve your time or money.

Question #3: Do healthy dog treats have a shorter shelf-life?

Expiration dates tell you more about dog treats than when they go bad. Moisture, enzymes, and natural processes break down products over time. FRESH dog treats are not meant to sit on a shelf forever.

A shorter shelf-life is a sign the product is the real deal and processed in a way that maximizes its shelf life, without adding junk or removing nutritional value.

Answer: Vitamin E is a natural bacteria fighter; extending shelf-life without compromising the integrity of the product. It also adds nutritional value, so it’s a win-win!

Question #4: Should I just give my dog “treats” from the fridge?

While it may seem like the easiest way to get healthy treats for your fur baby is to grab some “extras” next time you’re at your local grocery store, consider this:

• It’s expensive. Not only will it take up time and space, but food that’s meant for Puppy can get mixed up or lost, ending up rotting and in the trash. It’s best to purchase healthy treats meant for dogs, and keep them in a regular place.

• Some foods are toxic to dogs. (Onion, garlic, grapes, and more.) They are often stored next to (or mixed with) other foods during packing and shipping. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up with a heart-wrenching emergency and a very high vet bill.

• Other problems include food allergies, digestion issues, bacterial infections, and ingested bones causing rips in the esophagus or intestines. These are just a few risks you take by feeding your dog things not meant for the canine tummy.

Answer: Look for natural dog treats that have passed the FDA standards. These are considered “healthy” enough to feed your little ‘pup’kin pie.

“The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) requires that all animal foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.” Pet Food | FDA

Question #5: What ’s the best “healthy” treat for my dog?

The most important thing to remember is that, while there are basic guidelines to follow, every dog is different and it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your baby. It won’t matter how well-made any brand of treat is if your puppy doesn’t want to eat it.

Ask yourself these questions:

A. What flavors/textures does my pup like to eat the most? Is your doggy obsessed with red meat but has an allergy to every beef treat you’ve tried? Go for lamb instead. It has similar rich, dense flavor that will certainly satisfy.

B. Are there any health concerns/restrictions?

Is Puppo only allowed poultry? Try shaking up the routine by introducing turkey. You never know, it may be the new favorite!

C. What do I feel good about feeding my dog?

Is your pooch pork-crazy, but gets bad gas? Liver treats are rich in vitamin A and have a deep fatty taste that most pork lovers adore.

Bottom line: You know your dog best. Choose treats that fit both your lifestyles.

Every morsel should be safe enough for a child to eat. It’s that simple. Because, let’s face it, they are our children. They depend on us for everything. It’s our job as pet parents to give them the best we possibly can and help them be the healthiest they can be.

Dig deeper for answers about your dog’s health by downloading this FREE guide. Discover how making healthier choices with your dog's treats can make your life easier in the long run!

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Posted Aug 31, 2024

I wrote 1,000+ word dog blog as an easy-to-digest example of WHY quality treats matter. It's informative, yet fun. Enjoy the adorable pup pics :)

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