I recently asked a friend to check the ingredient list of the most receipt package of store-bought treats she purchased. As she read off the ingredients, we were both surprised at some of the items listed. I realize with the rising costs of everything, we are looking for ways to save money. However, it is important to remember the old saying “you often get what you pay for” when purchasing low-cost dog treats. While you may save money initially, it could end up costing you more due to the negative affects the ingredients may have on your dog’s health in the future. Let’s talk about some of those ingredients and how they can affect your dog to ensure your dog treats have healthy ingredients.
Sugars and processed sugars are harmful and often disguised as sucrose, fructose, caramel, or corn syrup. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet, just like humans, is not good. It can lead to obesity, tooth decay, hypoglycemia, cataracts, and allergies to name a few. Artificial sweeteners (known as sorbitol or maltitol) should be avoided all together. These items can cause low blood sugar, gastrointestinal upset, and/or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large amounts. All dogs naturally have a sweet tooth. It is best to give them natural sugar treats such as carrots, apples, or green beans. These fruits and vegetables are low in sugar and high in fiber that provide both vitamins and minerals.
Let’s talk about salt. It is often used as a natural preservative and/or flavor enhancer. It can be listed as “sodium” and should not be among the first five ingredients. Too much salt can cause dehydration causing the dog to consume increased amounts of water. This excessive drinking can lead to frequent urination which places a strain on the kidneys. Increased levels of salt can also lead to cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart failure or even stroke.
Many people think of corn as a vegetable, but it actually is a grain. While it does contain fiber and some vitamins, it is not a complete protein and lacks essential amino acids. Often, it is used to boost the protein content as a filler in some treats. Corn and corn meal should be avoided as too much of it can cause digestive issues, allergies and/or muscle loss.
The final ingredients that I want to discuss are artificial preservatives. Preservatives are needed to keep food items from going rancid by protecting them from the exposure to oxygen. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) work to slow down the oxidation process but has been known to cause cancer in animals. Some dogs can also experience skin reactions or digestive problems from too much BHA or BHT. Ethoxyquin, Propyl gallate, and propylene glycol (also preservatives) have all been linked to cancer and liver disease in dogs.
Wiggle Wag Originals’ treats contain no additives, no processed sugars, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial preservatives. All our treats are made to order with human grade ingredients. Now you can get our homemade healthy treats each month by joining the monthly treat club. Registration opens September 21st and ends on September 24th. Membership will initially be limited to 30 individuals. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to make your dog wiggle and wag with excitement each month. Join the waitlist here: www.wigglewagoriginals.com/coming-soon-02. All founding members who sign up in the first two days will receive a free gift!
It is important to remember that while dogs can have many human grade items, there are some things they should not have. Their digestive system and metabolism are different from that of humans. Reading and understanding the labels on your dog’s treats can help you make informed decisions about their health today and into the future. After all, don’t we just want to have them around as long as possible?
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