Wheat-Free Treats
Did you know that dog's digestive systems cannot process corn, soy or wheat? Yet, because these are the cheapest grains we often find them in dog foods and treats. Do your pup a favor and steer away from wheat (flour) filled treats, and look for barley, oats, and brown Rice, which your pup's stomach can handle
Animal By-Products and Fat
Animal by-products are the yucky leftovers from processing that are deemed inedible for humans. They act as filler in many cheap treats, and are far from healthy for your dog. Some treats also use animal fat for flavoring, which makes them very attractive to your dog. However, dogs cannot process cooked fat, which you know if your dog has ever had the misfortune of licking bacon grease out of the pan. Let's just say the results aren't pretty, and can't be picked up with a doggy poo rake.
Chewy Treats
For many thousands of years wild dogs have chewed on bones as a part of their natural diet, and your dog should have bones as well. Bones are a great treat because they help clean your dog's teeth and let him alleviate his chewing desires. But certain chewy treats, like rawhide, should be avoided. Stick to the most natural chewy items, pig ears and bones, because man-made chewy treats can clog up your dog's intestines.
You know how sometimes you wish someone would come along and stop you from eating the whole box of cookies? Well, you can be that person for your dog, ensuring that he is healthy and happy. Stick to the good treats, and if you feel adventurous, try making some at home!
