Beyond the Label: Understanding Dog Treat Ingredients for a Healthier Pooch

May 16, 2024

It’s easy to pamper our pooches with everything from special walks, play time and tasty treats. While we always focus on their sweet kisses, tail wagging, and happy barks, we might not pay much attention to the ingredients in the dog treats we are rewarding them with.

You also may not know that many of the normal ingredients that are in dog food and dog treats are not healthy for them and you are hurting their short and long-term health. Your friends at DogDeli are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality dog treats. Let’s take a look at how you can make sure your dog is eating nutritional treats.

Always Read And Understand the Ingredient List

Just because you are familiar with a famous brand and recognize them from ads and commercials, they might not be using the best ingredients. Start reading the ingredient list before tossing it into your shopping cart. Ingredients are listed by weight, so the first has the highest quantity in the treat. Quality dog treats will have a protein like chicken or beef which is a good start, but only the beginning of the recipe story.

Good and Healthy Ingredients

Whole Proteins: Look for dog treats that list specific meats like chicken, salmon, or beef as the first ingredient. Stay away from by-products or meals. If your precious pup has certain dietary needs, the best soft dog treats often include whole, easily digestible proteins that are gently on the tummy.
Natural, Good Fats: Essential fatty acids that are found in chicken fat or fish, for example, are tasty and are essential for healthy bones, joints, and skin health.
Fiber and Whole Grains: Tasty and healthy ingredients like apples, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and oats provide important fiber and nutrients to your dog’s diet.
Vitamins and Minerals: If the treats list fruits and veggies like peas, carrots, and blueberries, the treat is full of natural vitamins and antioxidant sources.

“Stay Away From” Ingredients

Just like our human diets, avoid the following not-so-healthy ingredients.

By-Products and Meal: Many dog food and dog treat manufacturers use by-products and animal parts meal as a lower-quality protein source. They are not as healthy, taste bad, and are hard for your dog to digest.
Artificial Additives: Usually added to extend shelf life and look more attractive, artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives are empty calories, offer no nutritional value, and can be harmful to your pet.
High Sugar, Fructose, and Salt: Ingredients like sugar and salt make the food taste better but will lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

Does Your Pet Have Special Dietary Needs?

Allergies and Sensitivities: If your dog is showing signs of allergies or sensitivities like licking obsessively, shaking, or itching, you may need to switch to treats that don’t have common allergens like corn, wheat, dairy, or soy.
Dietary Restrictions: If your dog is on a special diet, it is more important than ever to find treats like low-protein dog treats or joint support dog treats that meet the restrictions but still smell and taste delicious.

Find Better, Healthier Treats At DogDeli

Today is a great time to improve your dog's diet. Everyone at DogDeli is passionate about providing real, delicious, and healthy dog treats made from all-natural ingredients. We also have training treats that include dehydrated beef hearts or dehydrated chicken. Whether you are on a mission to find the best dog treats for a puppy or an aging dog who needs joint support, we have healthy treats that will make your dog happy and healthy.