Hey there, piggybackers! If you’re anything like me, ensuring that our furrmily members are not only happy but also healthy is always at the top of our minds. One crucial aspect of their well-being is the treats we give them. That’s why I’ve compiled a definitive guide on how to choose the perfect treats for your pets, making sure their tails keep wagging with joy!
Step 1: Understand Your Dog’s Needs
First things first, when choosing the right treats for your dog we have to understand that every dog is unique, and so are their dietary requirements. Consider factors like your dog’s age, size, breed, and any health conditions they might have. This will help you select treats that are not only delicious but also beneficial to their overall health. If you've shopped with us in person, you already know that we greet each customer with a list of questions so we can get to know your pets and best guide you to choosing the right treats! We have treats for helping with bad breath, treats to be used for training, treats to be used to enhance meal time and more! In a future blog post, we'll specifically delve into treats to clean teeth and freshen breath.
Step 2: Reading the Labels
Just like we do with our food, it’s essential to read the labels on dog treats. Look for high-quality, natural ingredients such as real meat, vegetables, and whole grains. Watch out for additives, preservatives, colorants and fillers that might not sit well with your pet’s stomach. Remember, the simpler the ingredients list, the better! We like to avoid products that contain: glycerine, potato starch and pea protein. A simple test can be bending the treats while they're inside the package - if hey have a rubbery texture that doesn't break clean, it's likely that there is starch and/or glycerine added to give this texture. Both of these ingredients will add to digestive discomfort, increase the likelihood of gas, and also coat the teeth this sticky residue that can contribute to bad breath and tartar buildup.
Step 3: Opt for Nutritious Treats
Treats can be more than just tasty snacks; they can also serve as a way to boost your dog’s nutrition. Choosing treats rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can be a great way to complement their diet. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog! We like using organ meats and muscle meats as training treats, because they break small easily. Our treats can be incorporated into your raw feeding routing - but you don't have to be a raw feeder for your pets to benefit! We keep our treats raw to ensure there is more nutritional value. We don't cook, bake, roast or smoke. Each of our treats is dried with temperatures below 120. On average, it takes us 2 to 4 weeks to make most of our longer lasting treats, and 3 to 5 days for some of the lighter treats.
Step 4: Finding the Right Texture
Dogs have preferences too! Some dogs might prefer crunchy treats, while others might enjoy chewy ones. Experiment with different textures to see what your furry friend likes best. This variety can also help keep them engaged and interested in their treats. You might want something that will be gone in ten minutes, or something that will be around for a few weeks. We have a great selection of air dried raw beef bones, from softer items like the ribs to more difficult to chew, like our double jointed knuckle bones. There are also great options for enhancing mental stimulation, like the beef necks, piggy trotters and again, the double jointed knuckles.
As a special note, let's address those pets with dental issues. We often find that pet owners ask for "soft" treats for pets with sensitive or missing teeth, but it's important to note that soft treats mean your pup will have to bit into and then grind through that texture to break it apart. We recommend brittle, thin treats for those with dental issues. Our beef organ meats; liver, spleen and heart are my recommendations for sensitive teeth. These break apart with the lightest pressure, no grinding through required. It will be easier for pups with sensitive teeth to break apart this texture versus pushing through a soft treat to tear it apart. You could also opt for pea sized treats that wouldn't require breaking down. These would likely be swallowed whole. Any of our freeze dried pork organs; heart, tongue, liver, spleen, kidney and our freeze dried salmon minis would work well.
Step 5: Treats for Training
Using treats for training is a classic method for reinforcing positive behavior. Opt for small, low-calorie treats that are easy to carry around and quick to eat during training sessions. This way, you can reward good behavior effectively without overfeeding. Using our beef organs; heart, tongue, lung, liver, kidney and spleen, which can all be broken small easily, or the freeze dried pork organs; heart, tongue, liver, kidney, spleen and our freeze dried salmon minis. These are diced small and work perfectly for training sessions, in addition to becoming part of your pets diet!
Step 6: Introduce Treats Gradually
When introducing a new treat to your dog, do so gradually. This helps prevent any digestive upsets and allows you to monitor for any potential allergies. Keep an eye on how your dog reacts to the new treat and make adjustments accordingly. For sensitive tummies, I always recommend feeding no other treats in the same day. Start with pea sized pieces - just a few, and go up from there. This is also a great way to introduce your pet to raw feeding!
Step 7: Rotate Treats
Just like us, dogs can get bored with the same treats over and over. Rotate different treats to keep things interesting and exciting for them. This can also prevent them from becoming too picky and ensure they receive a variety of nutrients. In addition, if you're considering becoming a raw feeder, or you're leveling up your pets bowl by incorporating raw treats into their diet, it's important to take note that variety is key to optimal health. Just like we should be eating a rainbow of vegetables every day, your pets should be eating a rainbow of different proteins, fiber rich veggies and secreting organs! Try to include 5 different protein sources into your pets daily routing - if that sounds daunting, start with choosing 3 protein sources; salmon, beef and chicken are all easy to source and readily available in our online store! If you're ready to bump it up a notch, add some duck, pheasant, turkey, pork or lamb!
Remember, choosing the right treats for your pets is a crucial part of providing them with a happy and healthy life. By following these steps and guidelines, you can master the art of the tail-wagging taste test and enhance your pet’s nutrition effortlessly.
How do you use our treats in your daily routine? We'd love to know which your favorites are and how you're using them to bring more joy and longevity to your furrmily!
So go ahead, treat your babes to something special today and watch their tail wag with delight!
Comments