Most pet owners strive to give their dogs the best, often rewarding good behavior with treats. From freeze-dried morsels to boiled meats, dog treats are a tool for training and a source of joy for our furry companions.
Not all dog treats are made with your pet’s health in mind. Some can include ingredients that may harm your furry friend over time. As a loving pet owner, it’s important to recognize which ingredients to steer clear of to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Here are five common ingredients in dog treats that you should steer clear of:
1. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
BHA is a synthetic preservative commonly used in dog treats to extend shelf life by stabilizing fats and oils. While the FDA allows its use in limited amounts, its safety has been questioned. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies.
Research from the International Journal of Toxicology also found that high doses of BHA in animal experiments were linked to tumor formation in the forestomach, particularly in rodents.
Risks for Dogs:
- Digestive Issues: Long-term exposure may lead to gastrointestinal upset.
- Hormonal Disruption: Potential reproductive and endocrine interference.
- Cancer Risk: Linked to tumor formation in animal studies.
Better Alternatives: Opt for treats made with natural preservatives like vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract. You can also find healthier dog treats from pet stores like Zach’s Pet Shop which specialises in natural dog treats.
2. Filler Ingredients
Fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products are commonly used to bulk up dog treats at a lower cost. These ingredients might make treats cheaper, but they offer little nutritional value and could end up harming your dog’s health.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science highlights that high consumption of low-nutrition fillers like corn and wheat is linked to dog obesity, affecting over 34% of dogs in the United States, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).
Concerns:
- Low Nutritional Value: These fillers often consist of “empty calories.”
- Allergic Reactions: Corn and wheat are common allergens for dogs.
- Obesity: High calorie but low-nutrition content can lead to weight gain.
- Long-term Risks: Obesity increases the likelihood of diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease.
Better Alternatives: Look for treats with whole ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, and fruits.
3. Refined and Artificial Sugars
Sugar is not only unnecessary for dogs but also potentially harmful. Dogs lack the enzyme amylase in their saliva, making it harder to digest sugar effectively. Despite this, a 2021 Veterinary Medicine and Science report found that over 25% of commercial dog treats contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Health Risks:
- Diabetes and Obesity: Excessive sugar consumption contributes to these conditions, with studies linking it to an estimated 30% increase in diabetes cases in pets over the last decade.
- Dental Problems: Sugar accelerates tooth decay and gum disease.
- Toxicity: Xylitol is particularly dangerous and can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, or liver failure.
Better Alternatives: Fruits like bananas, blueberries, or apple slices (without seeds) are naturally sweet and safe for dogs in moderation.
4. Carrageenan
Carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from red seaweed, is often added to improve the texture of dog treats. Although the FDA has approved it, its safety is debated. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that carrageenan is linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans and animals.
Health Risks:
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Linked to bloating, diarrhea, and inflammation.
- Chronic Conditions: Prolonged exposure may lead to IBD or ulcers.
Better Alternatives: Seek products that use safer alternatives like agar-agar or guar gum, or choose treats free from thickeners altogether.
5. Artificial Dyes
Synthetic colorants like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2 are frequently added to dog treats to make them visually appealing to humans, though they provide no benefit to dogs. A 2019 report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) highlights potential links between these dyes and behavioral changes in pets and tumor development.
Health Risks:
- Hyperactivity: Linked to behavioral changes in pets.
- Tumor Formation: Some studies suggest a link to cancer.
- Allergic Reactions: This can cause skin irritation and digestive upset.
Better Alternatives: Choose treats colored with natural ingredients such as turmeric, beetroot powder, or spinach. These options are not only safer but also add a nutritional boost.
Final Words
Selecting healthy treats for your dog involves more than just grabbing the most convenient option off the shelf. You can ensure your dog’s long-term health and happiness by avoiding harmful ingredients like BHA, fillers, refined sugars, carrageenan, and artificial dyes. Prioritize treats with wholesome, natural ingredients, or consider making your own at home.
Your furry friend depends on you to make the right choices—let’s keep them wagging their tails for years to come!
