Healthy Treats for Your Pet: What to Do and What to Avoid

Treats are a fun way to reward our pets, but they also play a crucial role in their overall health. Choosing the right treats is just as important as selecting their diet. In this post, we’ll explore what to do and what to avoid when choosing the best treats for your pet’s wellbeing.

What to Do When Choosing Pet Treats

Do Choose Nutritional, Species-Appropriate Treats

When selecting treats, it’s vital to choose ones that are made for your pet’s species, size, and dietary needs. Cats thrive on meat-based treats, while dogs, having a more adaptive diet, can enjoy a wider variety of treats. Look for options made from whole, natural ingredients like grass-fed beef, organic chicken, or freeze-dried vegetables. These treats are not only better for your pet’s health but also align with their natural dietary needs.

Do Use Treats as a Reward for Good Behaviour

Treats can be used as a motivational tool to reinforce positive behaviour. Whether you're rewarding your pet for a job well done or using treats in training or a healthy mid-afternoon snack, make sure they’re given in moderation. Keep treat portions to no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake to avoid overfeeding.

Do Check for Allergens and Sensitivities

Always read the ingredients list before offering a new treat. Common allergens in pet treats include grains like wheat and soy. If your pet has sensitivities, choose treats that are gluten-free or hypoallergenic.

Do Incorporate Treats into Your Pet’s Wellness Plan

Treats can be functional too. Look for options that promote dental health, support digestion, or provide calming benefits. For example, dental chews help with plaque build-up, while calming treats with ingredients like valerian root can ease anxiety.

What to Avoid When Choosing Pet Treats

Don’t Overfeed Your Pet with Treats

It’s easy to overindulge our pets with too many treats, but doing so can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Treats should be used as supplements to your pet's diet, not as substitutes for meals. Keep treat portions in check and ensure they don't exceed 10% of your pet’s daily calories.

Don’t Give Human Food (Unless It’s Whole, Clean and Pet-Safe)

While human foods can be harmful to pets, clean whole foods that are suitable for humans - such as fruits, vegetables, and meats - are generally safe for pets when given in moderation. However, some foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain nuts like macadamias are toxic to animals and should be avoided. Always ensure the food you’re sharing is pet-safe, and avoid processed or prepared human foods that may contain harmful ingredients. Stick to fresh, wholesome options that are appropriate for your pet’s dietary needs.

Don’t Choose Artificial, Processed Treats 

Many commercial pet treats are loaded with artificial ingredients that can negatively impact your pet's health. This includes:

• Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives: These are commonly added to make treats more visually appealing or to extend shelf life, but they can contribute to health issues such as digestive problems, allergies, and even long-term chronic diseases.
• Synthetic nutrients: Often used to artificially boost the nutritional value of a treat, these nutrients can be poorly absorbed by your pet’s body, and may lead to imbalances in your pet’s diet, especially if they are present in large quantities.

To keep your pet healthy, opt for treats made with natural, wholesome ingredients like meats, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid treats with artificial additives and synthetic nutrients to help support your pet’s long-term wellbeing.

Don’t Ignore Special Health Needs

If your pet has special health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, or food allergies, it’s even more important to choose the right treats. Consult your veterinarian or pet nutritionist and opt for treats that are tailored to support your pet’s specific health needs, such as low-calorie or grain-free options.

Tips for Selecting the Best Treats

• Look for Whole, Natural Ingredients: Choose treats made from real, whole food ingredients like meats, vegetables, and fruits.
• Consider Special Dietary Needs: If your pet has allergies or health concerns, look for treats that are formulated for specific dietary needs, such as hypoallergenic or grain-free treats.
• Opt for Ethical, Sustainable Brands: Support brands that prioritise animal welfare and sustainable practices in their sourcing and packaging.

Conclusion

Choosing the right treats is an important part of your pet’s health. By opting for natural, species-appropriate options and avoiding the common pitfalls of artificial ingredients, you can help ensure that the treats you offer contribute to their well-being. Remember, treats should be a healthy supplement to their diet, not a substitute for balanced nutrition or exercise. With these guidelines in mind, you can give your pet the treats they love without compromising their health.

Browse all of Frontier Pets Raw Freeze Dried Treats today, a natural treat your pets will enjoy!