Dog Treats to Avoid: What Pet Owners Should Know
When choosing treats for your dog, it's essential to consider not just taste and cost—but health, safety, and nutritional value. While popular options like Milk-Bones are widely available, many commercial dog treats contain ingredients that may not benefit your pet’s overall wellbeing. This article provides an in-depth look into which dog treats to avoid and healthier alternatives you can offer instead.
Common Ingredients to Watch Out For
- Wheat and Corn: Often used as fillers, these grains offer little nutritional value and may contribute to allergies in sensitive dogs.
- Meat and Bone Meal: A rendered product of animal tissues, these can be low in quality and vary in nutritional consistency.
- Preservatives Like BHA: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant. Though FDA-approved for pet food in low amounts, it's linked to tumor formation in lab animals.
- Added Sugars: Sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues in dogs. Look for 'sucrose,' 'fructose,' or other sweeteners on labels.
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Used to make treats visually appealing to humans, they offer no nutritional value and may cause allergies.
Potential Health Risks
While no definitive evidence points to Milk-Bones or similar treats causing widespread pet illnesses, regular feeding of low-quality snacks can have cumulative health risks:
- Weight Gain: Filler-heavy treats can easily push your dog over their daily calorie limit.
- Allergic Reactions: Ingredients like milk, wheat, and beef are known allergens for many dogs.
- Dental Problems: Contrary to belief, crunchy biscuits like Milk-Bones don't effectively clean teeth and can even leave residue that promotes decay.
- Intestinal Sensitivities: Indigestible ingredients or preservatives may cause digestive upset in some pets.
Understanding BHA and Its Role
BHA is used to preserve fat in pet food products. While the FDA deems it safe at controlled levels, studies have shown that high doses in rodents cause cancer. Due to these concerns, certain countries restrict its usage in human food. Many pet owners choose to avoid BHA to err on the side of caution, especially when safer alternatives are available.
Better Treat Options
Pet owners now have access to a growing range of treats made with transparency and health in mind. Here are some healthier alternatives:
- Single-Ingredient Treats: Natural items like dehydrated sweet potatoes or green beans are minimally processed and highly digestible.
- Freeze-Dried Lean Meats: These retain nutritional value and provide high-quality protein without fillers.
- VOHC-Approved Dental Chews: Products bearing the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal are scientifically proven to support dental health.
- Homemade Snacks: Create your own using simple ingredients like pumpkin, carrot, or cooked chicken—just ensure they’re safe for dogs.
- Fresh Produce: Try apple slices (no seeds), cucumber, or baby carrots for a low-calorie reward.
Feeding Recommendations
Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding snacks—even healthy ones—can add up quickly, particularly for small or less active dogs. Always consider your pet’s size, health status, and existing diet profile.
Watch for Signs of Sensitivity
Introducing a new treat? Monitor your dog for any adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness, or lethargy. If any of these occur, discontinue the treat and consult your veterinarian.
When in Doubt, Ask a Vet
Your veterinarian can help determine the best treat options based on your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and medical conditions. Tailored advice ensures your pet gets the most benefit from even the tiniest snacks.
Final Thoughts
Not all dog treats are created equal. While Milk-Bones and similar biscuits may not be immediately harmful in small amounts, their ingredients—such as preservatives, sugars, and common allergens—are not ideal for long-term or daily use. As responsible pet owners, choosing treats with transparent, high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in your dog’s health and happiness.
