Major Reasons Why You Should Read Dog Treat Ingredient Labels
For pet owners, one this is for certain—your pet loves treats! Have you ever taken the time to think about what’s in the treats you are giving your dogs and under what circumstance you give them treats? Many never give it a second thought and there are some very important factors to take into account when treating your dog with treats!
How to Know if Your Dog Treats Are Unhealthy
- Keep an Eye Out for Propylene Glycol
The food and treats that we give our pets should be governed by the same healthy lifestyle that we have chosen for ourselves—plus your dog can’t say, “Mom/Dad I don’t like this food because it has propylene glycol in it!” Some of you will immediately pick up on the notion of propylene glycol being the main ingredient in anti-freeze, the same substance you put in your car during the winter to prevent your car’s cooling system from freezing. This ingredient is found in a majority of supermarket brand dog foods and treats. The reason this was used is because it acts as a preventative measure against bacteria growth and moisture absorption. Sounds fine, right? That’s a big fat NO! In humans, our stomachs produce intestinal bacteria that plays an essential role in the aid of digesting food. The same holds true for our four-legged friend’s belly bacteria. The propylene glycol prevents their stomachs from producing this good bacteria, and can result in serious intestinal problems as well as cancerous lesions along the intestinal track. Read the labels before putting your dog’s health at risk!
- Bug Fighting Ethoxyquin Spells Disaster
You read it right! Ethoxyquin has made appearances in dog food and can lead to serious health issues later down the road. Ethoxyquin was originally developed as an herbicide. This ingredient can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, stomach, skin and also cause cancer, immune deficiencies, blindness, and leukemia in your pet. What are you waiting for—rush to the pantry and check your dog food label, you could be poisoning your loved one.
- BHT/BHA Promotes the Growth of Cancer
These preservatives are not just found in dog food; they can also find themselves in our food as well. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are no good to us at all even though they act as preservatives in our foods. These two chemicals are linked to kidney damage and cancer. Know what to stay away from and be on the lookout!
- Corn and Corn Syrup Gets Complicated
Many dog food brands use corn syrup as a means to sweeten the palate of your dog. The problem with corn syrup is that over time it can lead to diabetes, hyperactivity, change in mental behavior, and even weight gain. Corn is a very cheap filler and can promote the growth of mold or fungus. Consumption of such fungus or mold could result in death. Save Fido’s life and leave the corn syrup out!
The Reasons We Use Dog Treats
If you are a pet owner, it is generally common practice for them to have treats somewhere in the house. You’ve probably noticed how excited your hairy pal gets when you shake or dangle their treat bag. Most people enjoy giving their pets treats as a reward for good behavior, and some of us get want to make our pet happy and provide a buffet of treats for our dogs all throughout the day. Treats are an important tool in training your pet and developing a responsive friend. Knowing what’s in your pet treats can put your mind at ease, knowing you are feeding them the best they can get.
Detailing the ingredients list on the package should be a habit, as we have learned that our dog’s food and treats could have unsavory chemicals lurking in them. As pet-health becomes a growing public concern, more and more companies are producing natural, holistic alternatives to dog treats by eliminating these harmful ingredients. You should know what you are feeding your dog. Pay attention to detail and make note of the foods that could harm your furry couch bud!
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