In an ideal world, all dog food would be identical in quality. Rather than that, dog owners are faced with a bewildering array of options, each claiming to be the best dog food available. It can be challenging to sift through all of these options and find dog food types that are both healthy and affordable, as well as appealing to your pet.

Generally, you have a few options for treating your dog in addition to packaged dog biscuits and processed treats. While most dog treats are safe to eat, there are numerous benefits to feeding a natural dog treat rather than the multiple dog biscuits or processed treats available.

We’ve compiled expert advice to help you narrow down your choices.

Two Main Types

Processed Dog Treats

While processed dog treats come in various sizes and shapes, they are typically reasonably uniform in size and shape due to their manufacturing process. As with many processed human foods, processed dog treats can have excess fat, salt, and sugar. While these treats are tasty and are frequently gobbled up by your dog, their ingredients can be problematic.

It’s worth noting that any dog treat with more than one primary ingredient qualifies as processed. These treats are available at supermarkets, big-box retailers, and pet specialty stores.

When you make your treats in large batches, it can be challenging to determine strictly what ingredients are used. If your dog has a food sensitivity, avoiding certain ingredients in treats can be challenging.

Benefits of Processed Dog Treats

Preservatives are added to processed foods to extend their shelf life. These products appeal to large stores and supermarkets due to their longer shelf life. Bear in mind that they are high in calories, so give them to your dog in moderation.

Additionally, processed dog treats are affordable and accessible. Because these treats can be made using a combination of proteins and grains, the manufacturer can use less expensive meats.

Natural Dog Treats

Typically, natural dog treats contain a single ingredient that can be dried, smoked, cooked, or raw. The majority of natural dog treats are preservative-free. On the other hand, the cooking method aids in the preservation of the treats; raw treats are frequently frozen as a method of preservation.

Advantages of Natural Dog Treats

Natural dog treats are excellent for training due to their low-fat content. When the appropriate dog treat is selected (for example, dried liver), it can be broken up and used during training sessions. If your dog has a food allergy (beef or chicken), feeding natural dog treats is an excellent way to avoid them.

Because these are natural products, they will have an irresistible scent for most dogs. Natural dog treats are generally preservative-free, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin conditions.

Conclusion

Finally, it is up to you to choose the best dog treats for your dog. You are the only person who sees your dog regularly as the owner. If your dog has a normal appetite, produces firm, healthy stools, and is physically active and fit, your dog’s food is probably fine.

During this time, your holistic veterinarian and pet nutritionist is a valuable resource for you. They are more knowledgeable about pet nutrition than the majority of owners and have access to research and resources that most owners lack. Your veterinarian can help you narrow down your choices and provide holistic therapy options for your dog. They should be happy to answer any questions you have about your dog’s diet.

Do you want to get some Australian-made dog treats that are both nutritious and tasty? Frankie Loves Barkery is a Perth, WA-based company that sells natural baked treats, dehydrated treats, and dog accessories. Sign up for our mailing list to receive a 10% discount on your order!