Brooklyn, NY (PressExposure) August 31, 2010 -- People are concerned about the type of food they give their dogs. Dogs have definitely become part of the family and most people want to feed them food that is healthy. Most of us give our dogs treats for one reason or another, for training purposes, as a reward for good behavior or just because we love them. You can find gourmet dog treats that are delicious as well as healthy with ingredients that are good for your dog. These healthy treats will most likely cost you more than the cheaper which are less healthy. But it can definitely save you money in the long term. If you feed your dog healthy food and treats, they are more likely to have less health problems.
Confusion can set in though with the large variety of dog treats to choose from on the market today. Here are some tips for choosing a healthy dog treats:
Check the ingredients of the product: This is probably the most important thing you can do. Treats play a significant part in most dogs' diets. You want to look for all natural or organic dog treats, they should be made with natural or organic ingredients. Look for treats made with whole grains such as oats or brown rice and single source proteins like chicken or beef. Make sure it is not sugar or fat which are not good for your dog. In addition to a single source protein and whole grains, look for treats that have oxidant rich vegetables such as spinach, beans or kelp. Vegetables in general are great for your dog. Other ingredients to look for are Omega 3 for healthy skin and coat and vitamins A and E for healthy eyes and skin.
Second thing which you should take into consideration is the calorie count of the product. Make sure you look at the calories of the treat. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog. Luckily most healthy dog treats take calorie count into consideration and therefore most are low in fat and calories.
Third point to consider is the texture of the product, but it's not the main thing to worry about. A more firm or hard treat is much better for your dog's dental health than a soft treat. When dogs chew on a hard treat they are also reducing the plaque build up around their teeth. This being said though, the older or senior dog may have a more difficult time with hard treats. If that is the case with your dog, a softer healthy dog treat is the way to go. No matter what treats you end up giving your dog, the most important thing to consider is the ingredients. Make sure the treats are made with natural or organic ingredients and have no by-products.. A good tip is to look for bite sized treats that are low in calories and made with natural ingredients. Your dog's health will benefit in the long run.