Most dog owners have undoubtedly tried every treat available on the market in an effort to find a snack that will please their beloved canines. But just because your dog like a certain treat doesn’t mean it’s healthy for them. In reality, many pet treats seriously endanger the long-term health of your dog.
Avoid giving your dogs any of these eight harmful dog treats to keep them safe:
DOG TREATS FROM CHINA
Not all Chinese sweets are risky. A “Made in China” label, however, should cause you to pause and think twice before making a purchase. That’s because the FDA has connected jerky pet snacks to renal failure in pets with a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi Syndrome (FLS). Some of the sweets in question may have originated in Japan, but China is where they are most commonly purchased. These items are still widely available online and in some pet supply stores, despite the fact that most respectable pet retailers no longer stock them.
There were almost 5,000 reports of this problem in 2015, and over 1,100 dog deaths. Antibiotics and anti-tremor medications were found in the treats that were investigated by the FDA. But there’s still a lot they don’t know.
RAWHIDE CHEWS
The leather industry produces rawhide as a waste product. It is the less valuable and more easily discarded inner layer of animal skin. Dog owners can find some of the most reasonably priced treats here because the raw ingredient is so low.
Rawhide chews are highly desirable, and not just because they are inexpensive. The difficulty is that most dogs will undoubtedly tear off sections of the chewy treat, regardless of whether or not they are power chewers. That could result in suffocation or a severe intestinal blockage. Rawhide is processed with several harmful chemicals before it can be sold as a dog chew. Formaldehyde, bleach, sodium sulfide, and glue are just few of the potential culprits.
ACTUAL ANIMAL BONES
Many people mistakenly believe that real animal bones, which are commonly advertised as natural chew toys, are completely safe for their pets. Bones satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew while also being tasty and psychologically fascinating. People also think that using animal bones as part of a regular dental hygiene routine will assist strengthen their jaw and enhance their overall dental health.
Despite all of that, it’s not safe to give your dog actual animal bones. Dangerous bacteria, such as listeria, e. coli, and salmonella, can thrive on raw bones. Bones must be boiled to remove any potentially harmful bacteria, which also makes them more brittle. Broken shards of bone might be painful for your dog’s gums and mouth if you feed them to him. Alternatively, if the bones were to shatter, it could lead to gastrointestinal problems including choking.
OTHER ANIMAL PARTS
Dog snacks and chews can be made from a wide variety of animal products. They are typically leftovers from the butchering process. Hooves and antlers are two of the most well-liked choices. These are all natural ingredients that, with the right preparation, may provide a healthy treat for our furry friends while they gnaw on their toys.
These chews can be dangerous for your dog’s teeth since they are so tough that they can fracture or even break them. Additionally, they may splinter, posing a hazard to your dog’s digestive system, mouth, and esophagus. They might also pose a significant choking hazard. Get the right size for your dog, buy from a reputable manufacturer, and never leave your dog unattended if you decide to use this type of dog chew.
CANCER-CAUSING PET TREATS
Canine cancer has been related to certain substances used in dog food and treats. Red#40 (or E129 in the UK) is one such additive that is used to give color to food to make it more visually appealing. Many European countries have outlawed the use of this particular artificial food colour, including the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Norway, and Finland.
Butylated hydroxyanisole, sometimes known as BHA or E320, is a chemical antioxidant used in dog biscuits and other treats. Once widely utilized, this preservative is now restricted due to international rules. The National Institute of Health has classified it as a carcinogenic substance, yet its usage is not prohibited in the United States.
SUGARY OR ARTIFICIALLY SWEETENED TREATS
When making dog treats, several companies opt to add sugar to boost the flavor. This is especially the case when low-cost, low-quality ingredients are used. But no canine should ever be fed sugar. It’s linked to everything from tooth decay and diabetes to unhealthily rapid weight gain.
Artificial sweeteners pose a greater health risk than table sugar. Xylitol and sorbitol, which are sweeteners, are significantly more toxic to dogs. There has been debate over whether or not sorbitol should be included in human and animal diets. For dogs in particular, this can be very uncomfortable. The dangerous substance xylitol, on the other hand, can lead to convulsions, blood coagulation issues, and even death.
HIGH STARCH OPTIONS
In order to keep prices low, many companies that make dog food and treats employ fillers made from low-quality starches. That is why alternatives that don’t contain grains or gluten have become so popular. Grain-free pet treats contain complex carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes and tapioca instead of grains like wheat, corn, and rye.
Grain-free and gluten-free diets aren’t required unless your dog has food allergies or sensitivities. However, you should stay away from high-starch food and snacks. Choose treats of higher quality, such as those based on complex carbohydrates or protein, instead.
TOXIC HUMAN FOOD
Dogs can get very enthused about certain human delicacies. The best part is that they might be low-cost and simple to find snacks. After all, when your dog is giving you the puppy-dog eyes, you can’t help but toss a few bits of your own snack. However, there are some human foods that are extremely dangerous for dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
To name a few foods that should never be given to a dog, we have chocolate, grapes, and almonds. Any food that may contain garlic, onions, or chives should be avoided as well. It’s important to exercise caution throughout the holidays since they may have easy access to food spreads.
It is your responsibility as a dog’s guardian to monitor the diet you provide for your pet. Many common choices available at pet stores nowadays can really be harmful to your dog’s health. However, if you make it a point to always read the ingredient labels and exercise caution, you should be able to discover tasty treats and snacks that won’t harm your dogs.
So what kind of treats are Healthy for your dog?
Between meals, you and your canine companion can bond over one of Forthglade‘s many all-natural dog treats. Made in the United Kingdom, these treats contain no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of formulations, such as “Calming Treats,” “Training Treats,” “Fresh Breath Treats,” and “Joints & Bones Treats”.
plant based dental sticks
Forthglade Dental Sticks are formulated to promote healthy teeth and breath.
New plant-based dental sticks are created with natural substances and were designed by veterinarians to assist in a regular dental care regimen for your four-legged buddy. They do a great job of bolstering healthy teeth, assisting with plaque and tartar removal, and even enhancing one’s breath.
The substances in these dental sticks have been formulated by veterinarians specifically to aid in the removal of tartar and plaque. These components work to freshen breath and polish your dog’s teeth. Your dog will get the same fantastic outcome whether they eat their dental stick rapidly or slowly, so don’t worry if they do.
limited edition natural soft bite treats with turkey & cranberry
This holiday season, delight them with some of these Limited Edition soft bite snacks. The natural ingredients and cute heart shape of these delectable additions ensure they’ll be a hit.
Grain-free and flavored with turkey, these delights are suitable for even the pickiest eaters. All of the sweets and foods sold at Forthglade are made with natural ingredients and contain no added sugar, salt, fat, or preservatives. Feeding your dog a diet that consists of nothing but the nutrients he or she needs.
Each heart-shaped treat may be easily broken in half, making them suitable for smaller dogs or allowing for more treats overall. Always have clean water available, and be sure to consult their feeding instructions.
rewards training multi-functional soft bites with chicken & liver
Your dog or puppy will love these training rewards from Forthglade, which are part of their growing line of soft bits and made with delectable chicken and liver. As a result, these delightful soft dog treats are ideal for training purposes, whether you’re at home or on a stroll.
These semi-moist treats are packed with natural ingredients, are grain-free, and contain no artificial colors or preservatives. These delectable and interesting training treats should be on every dog owner’s shopping list.
Our all-natural training treats are safe for dogs of all ages (we recommend them for puppies over the age of two months) and may be easily broken into smaller portions for training or portion management.
