There are hundreds of pet food and treats on the market that are touted as 'healthy. Some claim to have no preservatives. Others are fresh, never frozen. Still, others have no grains or by-products. For dog lovers, it can be hard to understand which products are actually healthier for the dog.
Understanding the terminology of the products can help you decide which dog treat or food is right for your pet.
'Natural dog food' is one common moniker for supposedly healthy dog food. Being 'natural' simply means the food has no additives, no preservatives, and no fillers. This food gets the health benefits and nutrients strictly from the plants and animals used to make the product. Another popular term is 'organic' food. In organic foods, the plant and animal products used must be free of pesticides, genetic modifications, and other criteria. The animals used must be free-range animals. Still another term tossed around in the world of healthy dog treats and foods is 'human-grade. This term applies when dog food is also safe for human consumption. A less common term for dog food that is healthy and beneficial for the overall health and mental wellness of the dog is 'holistic' dog food. This type of dog food and dog treat is made with added natural immune boosters, herbs, and/or essential oils to balance the systems of the body, not just the digestive system. The belief behind this is that the whole dog needs to be fed, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Now that you know some of the common terminologies for healthy dog foods, let's look at the different types and the most popular brands available:
These types of dog foods are gaining in popularity due to the perception that 'If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for my dog'. In theory, that may be right. Human-grade dog food is produced from ingredients approved by the FDA, not by the Association of American Feed Control Offices. The ingredients in human-grade food must pass the FDA-accepted list of foods and sanitary production techniques for humans, not for animals. These laws are much stricter, resulting in higher quality, more nutritionally dense products. Human-grade dog food, for instance, cannot contain beaks, feathers, or other by-products that are acceptable in dog food manufacturing. Healthy dog treats and dog foods in the human-grade category include:
Although most healthy dog foods and treats are considerably more expensive than their lesser-quality counterparts, natural dog foods can be less pricey than human-grade foods. These types of dog foods usually list meat as their first ingredient. Vegetables, brown rice, and fruits are also popular ingredients for this category. The five most popular brands include:
If you want to be certain that the food you feed Fido is free of chemicals, sewer sludge, and pesticides, organic dog food is what you need. Free-range chickens, cows, and pigs are kept in pastures instead of pens. The plants have no pesticides on them. No genetic modification is used in these ingredients. The most popular brands of organic dog foods include:
Simple, easy dog treats are easy to keep on hand. It's important to remember not to overdo it with the treats, though. Calories and high-fat content can lead to problems with weight or pancreatitis. Use these popular treats sparingly:
You could choose to make your own treats. Knowing what goes into your pet's treat will give you added peace of mind. These simple ingredients are also easy on your budget. Finding recipes on the internet is easy, too. Make your dog a treat using ingredients like:
For those of you who do not cook or feel inadequate making treats, there are many popular brands on the market that are healthy and flavorful. Your dog may enjoy organic treats from some of these brands:
Natural dog treats like these listed below could become Fido's favorites:
When choosing your pet's food and treats be sure to consider their age, weight, and health issues. For instance, is your pet overweight? Does he have dental issues? Is he a senior dog? All of these factors are important. If a dog does not have good teeth, then jerky treats are not the best option. If a pet is overweight, you don't want to give him fatty treats like cheese. If your dog is a senior, treats that help with bone health and eyesight are the best options. A simple visit with your vet can help you determine which problems your pet may have. He may also give you guidelines for how much/often to feed or treat your dog.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.