IMPORTANT TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG TREATS IN INDIA

March 7, 2022

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IMPORTANT TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG TREATS IN INDIA

DR. ROHIT RAJ,CANINE CONSULTANT,JAMSHEDPUR

There are many types of “treats,” like praise and playing together. But, let’s face it, when most pet owners think about treats, they’re thinking about the food kind. It’s fun to see that look of delight on your pup’s face when you offer something tasty!

However, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the packaged treats on the market — cranberry apple muffins, tuna escapade, salmon delight…With so many options, how do you choose the right treats for your dog? After all, there are training treats, dental hygiene treats, long-lasting treats, and on and on. One of the biggest considerations when it comes to treats is caloric content. A very general veterinary recommendation is that treats should not be more than 10% of your dog’s diet. This means, if you’re feeding high-calorie treats, it may only take one or two before your pup has reached a healthy limit.

Dogs are always on the lookout for treats. They love munching on treats, and they also deserve it for good behaviour like listening to your command, getting nails trimmed and ears cleaned without any fuss. All natural dog treats have a lot of health benefits including tartar or plaque clean up on the teeth, weight management, and a healthy gut.

You should also keep in mind that treats should never replace a complete meal of your pet. Too much of treats, especially the unhealthy ones, can lead to obesity, which leads to other health issues. Therefore, choose the proper dog treats to make sure that it does not have any negative impact on your dog’s health and feed in moderation.

There are a lot of dog treats available in the market, but every treat may not be of premium quality. So, it is important for pet parents to have a proactive approach and safeguard your dog’s health by having detailed knowledge about the available proper dog treats, the amount to be given on a regular basis and proper storage.

Why give your pet treats?

Proper dog treats are not just a way to show some extra love to your little pooch, it serves a lot of other purposes. Here are the benefits of providing treats to your pets –

Training

Pet treats are most commonly used as training rewards by pet parents. Training your pooch involves various types of methods, techniques and philosophies. Positive reinforcement is the best way of training, and treats make the whole session much more enjoyable for your furry friend.

Using treats as a way to teach commands and reward for good behaviour will ensure your pooch takes an active interest in the same.

Prevent destructive behaviour

There must have been times when you have seen the cushion shredded into pieces or your favourite bedsheet torn beyond repair. Moreover, when your pooch looks at you with puppy eyes, scolding him/her doesn’t remain an option anymore. Treats can be a saviour in this regard that can keep your pooch busy when bored.

Excessive barking, chewing household items and self-harm are some symptoms of boredom, especially if they are alone at home. Give them a treat and be assured that your house is not being destroyed, while you get your tasks done.

Nutrition Boost

A lesser-known reason for treating, but healthy dog treats, is that it can provide the nutrition boost your pooch needs. If your pooch is underweight, highly energetic or recovering, treats can help maintain muscle mass and activity levels.

In case of puppies, providing nutritious treats can help them with a growth spurt during the transition period.

Sign of Affection

A treat need not be given every time only as a part of training or when your doggo fulfills a command. It can also be a way to show how much you love them and appreciate them for being a part of your life. Be it a special occasion or a festival, dogs also deserve a gift just like the rest of the members of their human family. Wrapping up all natural dog treats as a Diwali or Christmas present does not only make them overjoyed, but also appreciate and love their pet parents all the more.

What are the types of dog treats?

Natural Chews

Canines, by birth, always have the instinct to chew. Natural chews are always recommended as they do not contain any artificial supplements and thus prove to be healthy. Chews like cheese treats can also be a great source of calcium that will fulfill the dietary needs of your dog.

Chews are also recommended to keep your pooch mentally stimulated, controls anxiety in them and satisfies their instinctual urges. In case of teething puppies and active dogs, chews can provide peace and quiet – both for you and your dog.

The hardness of natural dog chews can vary, so make sure that you’re choosing the right chews for your doggo, based on their habits, needs and size. For example, a small size chew may not be the right fit for a large breed dog or a puppy who has the tendency to gulp food. On the other hand, if the chews are too hard, it may lead to splinters, teeth damage or other dental issues.

Soft Treats

Soft treats are ideal for young puppies who are yet to fully develop their teeth and gums and senior dogs with weakened dental health who are unable to chew hard chews. They are also beneficial for dogs with dental issues or sensitive palates.

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Soft treats tend to always have a strong scent and flavour, along with a fine texture to keep dogs interested in the treats. Always choose soft treats that are high in protein and low in fat so that your doggo – be it a pup or a senior one – gets the best of nutrition while keeping their weight in check.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze drying is basically a process where the moisture is removed from the ingredient. All nutrients are preserved in this process as it does not involve cooking or any application of heat.

Freeze-dried dog treats are a healthier alternative that is getting increasingly popular. These treats are generally single-ingredient treats with low calorie and high nutrition content. This is the reason why such treats become an ideal choice for training. As dogs have to be given treats at regular intervals during their training sessions while they fulfill each command, what’s better than giving treats that would be healthy and non-fattening!!

Dog Cookies

Dog cookies are a classic dog treat and probably the oldest type of dog treat. Cookies or biscuits work well as routine rewards. When opting for cookies, you should always choose the ones that are made with lesser ingredients, low glycemic index and more nutrient -rich carbs like oats or legumes instead of potatoes or wheat.

What to keep in mind when choosing dog treats?

When it comes to dog treats, it’s not just the taste but a lot of other aspects need to be considered before making the final choice. Treating your doggo should be able to enrich their experience and make life more healthy and pleasing. Things to keep in mind include –

Healthy dog treats have nutritious value and so, your pooch’s age is an important factor to take into consideration while choosing treats. Apart from that, treats come in various shapes, sizes and hardness, and you need to choose one that matches with your pooch’s age. For example, a healthy dog treat for large dogs may seem to be a good treating option for a Great Dane or English Mastiff, but it is not the right choice for a Poodle or Dachshund.

Health history

If your pooch has a medical history, make sure you visit the vet to know the right diet for your pooch. Like humans, dogs also may have food restrictions based on their health and have a reaction to certain ingredients that their body is not used to. Consulting an expert will give an idea of what to feed and what not to feed your pooch and accordingly, you can opt for premium quality healthy dog treats.

Ingredients

This is one of the most important aspects to consider while purchasing dog treats. Treats have quite an impact on your pooch’s eating regimen. Choose treats that are natural. Also, treats that have minimum ingredients are a better option as they don’t have any additional or unnecessary fillers.

Healthy dog treats that are a source of protein are recommended, and the ones loaded with fat and sugar must be avoided. Another important thing to notice is whether the treat contains any by-product ingredient, like the by-product of chicken. It is not a healthy thing to consume regularly by your pet, the same way it is not good for you.

Texture of treat

Treats that are a little hard and firm will be helpful for your pooch in reducing plaque and tartar and maintaining oral health. Lost lasting treats will make sure that your pooch spends more time gnawing at it, leading to tooth scraping. It will also keep them engaged for a longer time for you to finish your chores. However, if you have a senior dog, provide softer treats that would be easy on the ageing teeth.

Things to check in your dog treat package label

Source of Ingredients

You may come across a lot of dog treat brands that mention ‘natural’, but the source of the ingredients are not mentioned. However, it is always a good idea to know the source of the ingredients of the treats that you’re giving your doggo.

If the information is not available on the label, you can look up their respective website for the same.

Quantity of Ingredients

The number of ingredients that go into making a dog treat does not matter only if all of them are high-quality, and provide health benefits. However, most commercial treats that are available nowadays contain a lot of unwanted fillers, synthetic colours, preservatives and artificial flavouring that can have adverse effects on your dog’s health. Therefore, the lesser the ingredients, the better the quality of the treat. Apart from that, for pooches that have a sensitive stomach or are prone to allergic reactions, single – ingredient treats are the best option.

Ingredient Quality

Even if the ingredients in your chosen dog treat is natural, it does not necessarily mean that it would be suitable to feed your doggo. For example, foods like chocolate, onions, raisins, etc can prove toxic for them and should be avoided. Conduct a thorough research and be aware of what should be fed to your furry friends before choosing a dog treat.

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Also, make sure to check the calorie and fat content in the label before making the purchase. Treats should not be the reason for your dogs to experience any health issues.

Dog treat ingredients that you should avoid

A lot of dog treats contain certain preservatives and chemicals that can be toxic and negatively affect your pet’s health. Such ingredients are normally added to extend the product shelf life or cut down manufacturing costs. They may not have any immediate impact but can cause chronic health issues in the long run.

Avoid dog treats if you see any of the following ingredients in its composition –

Preservatives

While shopping for pet treats, ensure to check the packaging and choose a brand that does not contain any preservatives. If you notice ingredients like potassium sorbate, ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT or calcium propionate, it is best to avoid such treats.

Artificial colouring

Do you know that your doggo is not at all concerned about the colour of the treats that they munch on? Treats are given artificial colouring so that it appeals to pet parents. Hence, avoid buying treats with artificial colour, as it is unnecessary and can also prove to be harmful.

Chemical humectants

Humectants such as propylene glycol are sometimes used in dog treats to prevent it from drying and remain chewy and moist. It is also used to prevent discolouration in meat treats. This ingredient can greatly disrupt the digestive system and lead to intestinal lesions as well as blockage. There are other food-sourced and natural humectants available that are not harmful to pets, so check the package label well before purchasing.

Synthetic chemical sweeteners

Chemical sweeteners like sorbitol are added to dog treats to enhance the taste. However, it can cause a plethora of health problems like obesity, tooth decay, nervousness and allergies. Sorbitol is also known to be a reason for arthritis and digestive issues like stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and bloody stools. Another disadvantage is chemical sweeteners will make the treats so sweet that your pet can develop a taste for it and overeat treats while rejecting less sweet and healthier food options.

Treats are to dogs what cheat meals are to humans. Dogs look forward to enjoying these tasty treats apart from their daily healthy food. Treats definitely “mix it up a bit” their routine diet so they don’t get bored eating the same dull foods. Treats are just a medium for you to shower your love and appreciation towards your dog. No doubt, edible treats work wonders but a small pat and a few praises from you go a long way. Also, the entire experience is so wholesome, it makes treating all the more worthwhile.

But with such a widespread of dog treats available on offer, the selection process is more confusing. It makes it difficult to judge and choose the right one for your dog,

With all the options available in the market, do you know exactly which ones to get for your dog? Which is healthy or non-healthy? What things to look out for when getting treats for your pets? Let’s try to address these problems:

Misleading Information: When selling their treats, brands often mislead their customers into feeding stuff that may not seem harmful at first but may pose a grave threat to their health in the longer run. Ingredients such as corn, soy, salt, garlic, raisins and grapes, etc are just some ingredients that should be avoided at all costs. The most procured product is a by-product of chicken. It is generally processed with cheap fillers and coatings for them to taste sweet, last longer and price competitively to lure customers. Beware of such as there are many such products reported on India shelves.

Unethical Practices: Unethical certification practices, misdeclaration on labelling and lenient Govt. laws just add to the whole problem. There are not many strict rules and regulations that control the production and distribution of pet food across the country. This gives rise to new players dealing in dog food and treats without proper FSSAI certification. There aren’t any stringent laws on the production and import of pet food. There has occurred cases wherein processed treats, harmful preservatives or ingredients are not mentioned clearly on the packaging. In some cases, there have been instances where the ingredients were found written in the Chinese language and found on the Indian shelves.
Sugar: Sugar and Salt are harmful ingredients for dogs and are blatantly being fed to them in little amounts. Sugar or artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are a slow poison for dogs. They consume it in little amounts from several different food items such as treats, kibble, human food, etc. These accumulated little amounts prove fatal for their health in the long term and cause them to get obese or worse diabetes. The excess sugar in a dog’s body leads to a rise in glucose levels. This leads to the dog’s body forming excess urine to flush out the extra build-up of sugar, which leads to dehydration. In addition to this, the rise in blood sugar and dehydration affects the brain’s ability to function normally, leading to depression, seizures and coma.

Watch out for these symptoms, and avoid chances of your any serious harm to your dog’s health:

Increased thirst (polydipsia)
Increased urination (polyuria)
Weight loss.
Excessive hunger.

Harmful Substances: Be careful to watch out for ingredients such as Xylitol, white flour, BHT, corn, MSG, artificial food colouring, etc or any chemicals or preservatives. Even the addition of coating and substances to food for them to look appealing harms your pet’s health in the process. This is very dangerous for your dog’s health and can be the cause of terminal diseases in the long run.

TREATS MADE UP OF CHICKEN MEAT :

Chicken dog treats are equally appetizing and rich in protein. These treats are made of high-quality chicken breast as they contain high amounts of protein and low levels of fat. A high-protein and low-fat diet help keep your dog’s weight in check and obesity under control. Chicken is lean meat and is perfect for your canine friends. It provides dogs with tremendous energy. Chicken meat also has the highest levels of amino acids in its protein that acts as an effective dietary supplement. The perfect treat for dogs who recognize and rejoice in the taste of Chicken.

TREATS MADE UP OF TURKEY MEAT

You can never go wrong with lean, dried, raw turkey strips to treat your dogs for being a good boy. Exotic turkey meat strips that are full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet and proper weight management. The vitamins found in turkey are responsible for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates into energy. Even, Phosphorus known to support healthy kidney function in dogs and flush out any toxins from their body through urine is found in turkey meat.

TREATS MADE UP OF SALMON MEAT

There’s nothing more appetizing and equally nutritious than naturally dehydrated salmon sliced from fresh fillets of wild Salmon. The flesh is used from fresh salmon fillets and not any by-products. Salmon meat is superbly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and phosphorus to help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation in joints. It also makes your pups’ skin and coat shiny and soft. What’s more, is that this treat is loved by both cats and dogs alike.

TREATS MADE UP OF DUCK MEAT

While being a great source of protein, Duck meat is all-rounder meat with low fat. It comes loaded with Vitamin B3 to control glucose levels and Vitamin B6 to support energy metabolism and cardiovascular health. Duck meat contains essential minerals that help boost the immune system. Selenium in duck meat helps maintain the optimal thyroid function of your pet.

TREATS MADE UP OF RABBIT MEAT

Rabbit Meat is a very lean white meat out of all. It is extremely rich in protein and has the lowest amounts of cholesterol and fats when compared to other meats. It is the only excellent source of Vitamin B12 in dog treats. It is an efficient vitamin that aims to improve and maintain high energy levels while supporting their nervous and immune system.

Be wise and keep control of how many treats you give your dog. Don’t let that amount exceed over 10% of their daily diet. Reading package labels and ingredients is something you’ll learn eventually but keep your dog’s overall diet balanced and nutritious for a healthier and longer life.

Healthy treats for your dog – homemade

Several pantry staples make healthy treats for dogs. Many pups love little chunks of zucchini or cucumber as regular training treats.

Egg – Served scrambled or cooled, Egg makes for a perfect protein-rich treat.
Yogurt – Rich in Probiotics and Calcium, Yogurt helps with your dog’s nutritional needs.
Pumpkins – With a healthy dose of fiber, Pumpkins help keep your dog’s urinary and digestive tract running smoothly.
Fish Oil and Flax Seeds – Containing Omega-3 fatty acids, Fish Oil and Flax Seeds promote overall health in dogs.
Pineapples – Rich in both Calcium and Potassium, Pineapples make for a sweet snack for your dogs.
Apples (minus the seeds) – A rich source of Vitamins, Apples also work as a breath-freshener for your pooch.
Potatoes – Rich in antioxidants, copper, iron, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, Potatoes contain all essential minerals that perform myriad functions in cells, from transporting oxygen to assisting in the assembly of proteins.
Bananas – Rich in Potassium, Fiber, and Magnesium, Bananas have Vitamin B6 which helps metabolize proteins and regulates blood cell function so the blood can bring more oxygen to the brain and muscle.
Oatmeal – A good source of fiber, Oatmeal is great for dogs with bowel irregularity issues, and it’s also safe for dogs with wheat allergies.
Carrots – With Vitamin A and beta-Carotene, Carrots can be given to your dog either raw, or sliced and boiled until semi-soft.
Peanut Butter – While Peanut Butter is good for dogs, be sure to check the label for ingredients. Avoid products containing Xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, which can have adverse effects on dogs.