Doggy Day Box vs BarkBox

Types of Dog Treats

Every dog owner wants to spoil their little cutie, but have you ever stopped to wonder what it is you're actually giving them? The pet treat industry is surprisingly a lot more interesting than what it may sound like. The majority of pet owners spend $20 or less on treats for their pets; 28% of cat owners and 15% of dog owners spend $5 or less on treats. In this article we will explore the different types of treats and why some are priced higher than others, including how they may effect your pets health.

• Pet Jerkey. This is perhaps the best type for most dogs. Made from 100% meat these dog treats are the most naturally healthy for dogs, as well as the most nutritious. The Jerkey is similar to what dogs would find in the wild and is therefore built for them to digest easily and gain nutrients, unlike some other types of dog treats. Pet Jerkey is not necessarily best for every dog out there, however most will benefit.
• Natural Chews. While marketed as being natural and healthy for dogs contrarily most of these types of treats are not good for dogs. Most notably inside this category are the rawhide pet treats. Rawhides are notoriously dangerous for dogs and can be harmful to your pets health. When dealing with natural chews it is important to look at the ingredient list to make sure you are making sure that what you are buying provides nutrients for your pet, as well as making sure it is not outright dangerous for your animal to ingest.
• Dental Chews. Here you'll notice the Dental Chew section has to be kept separate from the Catural Chew section. You will find this in most online stores as well as in person. Dental Chews do clean your dogs teeth, but what is in them is not good for dogs most of the time. Dental Chews are commercially non meat, something that increases sales when it should decrease. Meat like Pet Jerkey naturally cleans your dogs teeth while they chew on it, and are nutritious and healthy for your pet to ingest. Getting your dog something similar to what they would encounter in the wild is better for their health, and helps them digest naturally.
• Pet Treats. This may be the last entry on this list, but it is perhaps the most insidious. Pet treats are primarily made of compressed vegetable matter, similar to Dental Chews. The pet treats also are sold as vet recommended and are very commercially successful while marketing themselves as full of meat and nutrients for your pet. In actuality they are usually meat flavored and are in fact made of plants. Plants and plant matter are not natural for dogs to ingest. By giving these treats, you are giving your pet something with absolutely no nutrients for them, and in fact something that could hurt them as it is unnatural.

The whole pet treat industry is full of secrets to learn. While you love your pet, you don't want to pay for something upmarked up to 5 times what it should be priced, only for your dog to get nothing out of it. Look at the ingredients when you buy something for your dog to ingest, and be aware that the goal of the pet treat companies is to make money, not to take care of your dog, that's up to you! Your dog will love you for giving them something they feel better eating, and you'll feel better taking care of your little cutie!