In the article “The Worst Dog Treats You Can Buy” by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, a study on dog treat feeding guidelines is discussed. The study revealed that many commercially available processed dog treats exceed the recommended 10 percent maintenance energy requirements for dogs, particularly for those who have been sterilized, have a sedentary lifestyle, or are overweight or obese. The article highlights the need for pet parents to adjust the feeding amounts of these treats and consider transitioning their dogs to healthier snack options. Additionally, the article provides tips for offering healthy amounts of treats to dogs and suggests sourcing high-quality, U.S.-made treats or preparing homemade treats. Overall, this article emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the ingredients and feeding instructions when choosing dog treats to ensure the well-being of our furry companions.
Dog Treat Feeding Instructions Can Lead to Obesity and Other Potential Health Problems
When it comes to feeding our furry friends, it's important to make sure we're providing them with the best nutrition possible. This includes paying attention to the treats we give them. A recent study conducted by veterinarians at the University of Padua in Italy and published in the journal Veterinary Record found that feeding instructions on commercial dog treat labels often exceeded the recommended guidelines for daily energy intake. This can lead to obesity and other health problems in our beloved pets.
The study analyzed a variety of commercial dog treats, including biscuits, tender treats, meat-based strips, rawhides, chewable sticks, and dental care sticks. Treats from brands such as Purina, Pedigree, Friskies, Royal Canin, Trixie, Vitakraft, and Bayer were included in the analysis. The researchers focused on the nutrient composition and mineral content of the treats, as well as the presence of certain ingredients like hydroxyproline and sugars.
The findings of the study revealed that 76 percent of the treats contained four to nine ingredients, with many of the ingredients not being precisely described on the labels. For example, some treats listed “cereals” or “meat and animal derivatives” as the first ingredient, while others contained unspecified “sugars.” If pet parents were to follow the feeding instructions on the package labels, the treats would account for a significant percentage of their pet's daily energy needs.
Specifically, the study found that dog biscuits provided 16 percent of the daily energy needs for dogs of any size. Rawhides provided over 25 percent for small dogs and 18 percent for medium-sized dogs. Chewable sticks provided more than 10 percent for dogs of any size and up to 16.9 percent for small dogs. Only dental sticks came in below the recommended 10 percent for all dog sizes.
These findings are concerning because excessive treat consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs, as well as other health problems associated with obesity. It's important for pet parents to be aware of these issues and adjust the feeding instructions accordingly.
A Word About Rawhide Treats
Rawhide treats are commonly given to dogs as a chew toy or treat. However, they have some drawbacks that pet parents should be aware of. Rawhide chews are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if given in excess. They are also often listed as a common pet poison due to the potential for contamination during the manufacturing process. In addition, rawhide treats can pose a risk to dogs predisposed to bladder stones, as they contain high levels of hydroxyproline.
It's important to consider these factors when choosing treats for your dog and to explore alternative options that are safer and healthier.
5 Tips for Offering Healthy Amounts of Healthy Treats to Your Dog
Feeding your dog treats in moderation is key to maintaining their health and managing their weight. Here are five tips to help you offer healthy amounts of healthy treats to your furry friend:
1. Don’t Overfeed Treats to Your Pet
Treats should make up less than 10 percent of your dog's daily food intake. It's important to limit treats to training and behavior rewards, bedtime rituals, or as an enticement to get your dog in their crate. Treats should primarily be offered as rewards during training or other activities, and not as a substitute for balanced meals. Overfeeding treats can lead to obesity in pets, while underfeeding balanced meals can result in nutritional deficiencies.
2. Treats Should Be Sourced in the U.S. and Made in the U.S.
When choosing treats for your dog, it's important to ensure that they are sourced and made in the United States. The “made in the USA” claim can be misleading, as it only requires the product to be assembled in the country, not for the ingredients to originate there as well. Knowing and trusting the treat company's commitment to purity and quality control is essential. Avoid treats that contain ingredients sourced from China, and consider options from New Zealand and Canada, which have stringent quality controls.
3. Treats Should Be High-Quality
High-quality treats should not contain grains, unnecessary fillers, rendered animal byproducts, added sugars, chemicals, artificial preservatives, or ingredients known to be highly allergenic to pets. These criteria eliminate the majority of commercial pet treats on the market. Look for smaller companies that produce high-quality, human-grade pet food, as they often also make treats. Doing your research and knowing what you are looking for can help you find safe and wholesome treats for your dog.
4. Offer Fresh Human Foods as Treats
Grain-based treats should be avoided, even if they claim to be “grain-free.” Many grain-free treats still contain high-glycemic non-grain starches, which are pro-inflammatory and offer no nutritional benefit to your dog. Instead, consider offering fresh human foods as treats. Berries are a great option, as they are loaded with antioxidants. Small amounts of other fruits, such as melons and apples, as well as cheese, can also be offered. Frozen peas and raw nuts (excluding macadamia nuts) make excellent training treats.
5. Prepare Homemade Treats for your Pet
Making your own treats gives you complete control over the ingredients and ensures the highest level of freshness and quality. For example, you can easily make dehydrated chicken strips by slicing boneless chicken breasts into thin strips and baking them at a low temperature for several hours. You can also repurpose a can of human-grade canned food by spooning out small treat-sized amounts onto a baking sheet and freezing them. By preparing homemade treats, you have peace of mind knowing exactly what your dog is consuming.
By following these tips, you can offer your dog healthy amounts of healthy treats while also promoting their overall health and well-being. Remember, treats should always be a supplement to a nutritionally balanced diet and not a replacement. Prioritize your dog's health by being mindful of what you feed them, including the treats you choose.
