Treats are a big part of your pet’s life. Starting from when they are a pup, to becoming a grown dog, treats are present through every phase of their lives. Whether it's used to train, improve behavior, or simply just for fun. This is why it is important to choose the right treat for them. In the market, there are two types of treats available: natural dog treats and commercial treats. Let us help you figure out which one to buy.
What To Look For in a Dog Treat?
Pet owners do not realize that these snacks play a vital role in their pet’s health and diet. When it concerns treats, you should aim to offer your dog something nutritious and low in calories in order to keep them energetic, fun, and healthy. All of these goods have a diverse variety of ingredients and costs. Different formulas are suitable for canine breeds, size, weight, and overall health.
So, when it comes to choosing the right treat, pay close attention to the manufacturer's label and the ingredients. When checking for ingredients, ensure that they are minimally processed. Processed dog food often carries less nutritional value. If you are finding it hard to detect the source of the product, chances are that the product uses processed flavors. It is often better to keep these types of treats away from your furry friend’s diet. However, if the label states that the ingredients are domestically grown and used, then the product is safe to be consumed by your pet. Domestically sourced ingredients will naturally remain fresher and healthier as compared to processed items.
Skippers is a brand we recommend that uses natural ingredients in its dog treats.
How To Compare Commercial vs Natural Treat
Before buying any treats, always consult your veterinarian about your pet's dietary requirements. They are the most informed about what nutrition your pet requires to live a long and healthy life. In truth, oftentimes veterinarians have access to pet food comparison data that you normally will not be able to find online.
There are two main factors to look at when comparing commercial vs natural treats: If the dog treats meet the nutrient requirements for a healthy pup and if the source of the ingredients is reliable.
Meeting the Nutritional Requirements
Most commercial dog food relies heavily on artificial flavoring and nutrients. In the long run, consuming large amounts of artificial calories may cause health issues within your dog’s immune system. Some of these issues may include an upset stomach, skin allergies, nausea, fatigue, and lessened immunity. Also, overfeeding your dog commercial treats often leads to weight gain as the more they eat, the more calorie intake they consume.
When it comes to natural treats, their manufacturers avoid heavy processing, artificial ingredients, and additives. This means they retain all their natural nutrients which helps to improve your pet’s overall diet. The natural ingredients help improve digestion, maintain a healthy weight, and even care for its dental health. Natural dog treats are rich in vitamins E and C, calcium, carbs, minerals, and proteins, alongside the absence of chemicals.
Source of The Ingredients
In commercial treats, the manufacturers have a variety of sources. These sources include meat, fat, and scraps. Oftentimes the meat used comes from already dead animals. These sources of meat are boiled, which causes it to lose its natural nutrients, then blended together with starch, artificial flavors, and nutrients. These artificial toxins are added to ‘balance’ the food. In addition, most commercial treats carry grains and gluten, two of the most common ingredients that cause indigestion in dogs.
However, all-natural treats avoid heavy processing to ensure that their natural nutrients remain. These treats are sourced from locally grown produce and carry high health benefits for your pet.
The Takeaway
Overall, there are many differences between commercial and natural dog treats. Oftentimes, people stick to commercials as it is more convenient and easily accessible to them. In the long run, natural treats are what your dog needs for a full, healthy, and stress-free life. Consult your veterinarian before making any purchases. If you feel like any treat may not be suitable for your dog, immediately stop giving it to them.
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