Dog treats are important when we want to bond with the dog, or for training them for tricks or for competition. Also, treats can be given to the dogs without any reason at all! Do note that treats should not exceed more than 10% of their daily recommended food intake. In this article, we will be looking into healthy treats for big dogs.
HEALTHY TREATS FOR BIG DOGS
There are various key parameters to look out for whenever I choose healthy treats for big dogs. Go to your local pet store, and probably 80% of the treats contain chemicals and additives that are unhealthy for our dogs. They are added to increase the taste of the treats so that our dogs will devour and consume them with zest. It’s like giving drugs to your dogs! You get the drift…
Types of Dog Treats
When choosing dog treats, you will be faced by the different types that are available in the market.
Crunchy Treats
These are the most basic form of healthy treats for big dogs. Once the dog has its 1st bite, bits and pieces will fall to the floor. But not to worry about it, because the dog will lap it all up! It does come in various shapes and sizes, and with different flavors too.
The top favorite brand for most pet owners is the range from Nutro.
Natural Choice Dog Crunchy Treats with Real Berries
These healthy treats for big dogs are made with healthy whole grains, and most importantly they do not contain artificial flavors or preservatives. They use real blueberries, cranberries, and cherries.
The ingredients include Whole Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Berries (Blueberries, Cranberries, Cherries), Chicken Meal, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Molasses, Natural Blueberry Flavor, Cinnamon, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
Interestingly, there was once when I was researching ways to make my dog take her pills, I came across a treat that actually “tricks” the dog into eating her medication.
Greenies 6-Pack Dog Treat with Pill Pocket for Tablet, Chicken
These pill pockets are 100% all natural. They are treats with a build in pouch. It is great for hiding the dog’s medication, and the won’t notice it as the treat itself is tantalizing to them. Apparently, it’s the number 1 veterinarian-recommended choice for giving pills.
The ingredients includes rehydrated chicken, glycerin, wheat flour, vegetable oil, wheat gluten, dried corn syrup, dried cultured skim milk, natural chicken bouillon flavor, natural flavors.
It is pretty simple to use this. You simply have to insert the pill into the capsule. You should then use your fingers to squeeze the top half closed. You can then feed your dog with this pill pocket already.
Soft Treats
These healthy treats for big dogs are primarily used for training your dogs. They too are available in various sizes and flavors. I love to break them up into small sizes, so as to stretch the number of times I can give the treat to my dog. As usual, I have selected the most popular treat that I can find in Amazon, and not surprisingly, it is from Wellness, a brand commonly associated with excellence.
Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats Variety Pack, 8-Ounce Bag
Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats Variety Pack, 8-Ounce Bag (Pack of 4)
Wellness WellBites Soft Natural Dog Treats Lamb & Salmon Recipe are wholesome, naturally soft and is made entirely in USA. The ingredients includes lamb, salmon, grains, fruits and vegetables. It is perfect both for treating or training your dog. It does not contain corn, soy, artificial colors or flavors.
The ingredients include Lamb, Salmon, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Vegetable Glycerin, Guar Gum, Cane Molasses, Carrots, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Garlic, Blueberries, Flaxseed, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Phosphoric Acid (a natural acidifier), Sorbic Acid (a preservative), and Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative).This is a naturally preserved product.
Freeze Dried and Jerky Treats
These healthy treats for big dogs are specifically used for training dogs for competitions as they are more tasteful because of their desirable flavor. Most of the commercially available treats of this genre are pretty much the same. However, there have been good reviews about Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinner for Dogs.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dandy Lamb Dinner Patties for Dogs
Dogs are essentially meat eaters, and it will be good if we are able to bring their diet as close as what they could eat while in the wild. Hence, the closer the food stay to their natural state, the healthier they are for your dog. Stella & Chewy’s dinners are made from premium ingredients.
The particular flavor that we have choose is made from 95% lamb and nutrient rich organs and bone. Organic fruits and vegetable are also incorporated into the ingredients. There is no addictive, hormones, grains or fillers. Do note that the lambs are only fed with 100% grass! Dogs are known to excrete virtually odorless stool after eating this treat. That’s a major plus point for me!
Dental Chews and Bone-Like Treats
These chews are essential if you wish for your dog to have good dental health. They are not made from animal bones. They are essentially made from digestible materials. Experts believe that such chews are excellent for the dog’s dental health and they require effort to chew and consume them. They also eliminate bad breath! I gave my dog a mint flavored chew, and she smells like, well, mint!
However, the downside is that some of these treats might get lodged in the dog’s throat, so it is imperative that you choose a dog chew that is relevant to the size of your dog.
The top choice for most pet owners is GREENIES Dental Chews Regular Treats for Dogs.
GREENIES Dental Chews Regular Treats for Dogs – Treat TUB-PAK Package 27 oz
This line of Dental Chews has been proven to fight tartar buildup and plaque in dogs. It can also freshen up the dog’s breath and maintain their dental and gum’s health. The amazing thing is, the GREENIES dental Chews clean the dog’s teeth as they chew on this treat. This Dental Chews are low in law, and has added vitamins and minerals. More importantly, they are made from soluble, natural ingredients that break down quickly for safe and easy digestion.
They come in various different sizes for small, medium or large dogs.
- Teenie Size: Dogs 5-15 lbs./2-7 kg
- Petite Size: Dogs 15-25 lbs./7-11 kg
- Regular Size: Dogs 25-50 lbs./11-22 kg
- Large Size: Dogs 50-100 lbs./22-45 kg
- Jumbo Size: Dogs More Than 100 lbs./More Than 45 kg
The ingredients includes Gelatin, Wheat Protein Isolate, Glycerin, Pea Protein, Water, Potato Protein, Sodium Caseinate, Natural Poultry Flavor, Lecithin, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vit B5),Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid), Dried Tomato, Apple Pomace, Vegetable Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Sweet Potato, Cranberry Fiber, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Carotene, Chlorophyll (Sodium Copper Chlorphyllin)
Pig Ears
Pig ear treats for canine consumption are usually the entire dried pig’s ear and treated with preservatives. There are various flavors to it as well. While most dogs will like them, there are various other health considerations before you decide to feed them to your dog. We do not recommend pig ears as they are high in fat content, and it will not be suitable to dogs with weight issues.
Rawhides
Rawhides are usually not recommended for dogs too as they are made from animal hide and are treated with various chemicals. It can cause various issues for your dog. If you insist on buying rawhides for your dog, we recommend Supreme Bully Sticks.
Supreme Bully Sticks by Best Bully Sticks – All Natural Dog Treats
Supreme Bully Sticks are made from 100% All-Natural Beef. They are made from the highest quality, free range, grass fed beef. This product actually improves dental health, and the bully sticks are able to scrape away tartar and plaque! It’s protein content is pretty high, and it has essential vitamins that can support a healthy diet. It is an awesome alternative to rawhide as the bully sticks are free of additives, hormones etc. So yes, this qualifies as healthy treats for big dogs!
The ingredients is simply Natural Beef Pizzle.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein : 73.08% Min
- Crude Fat: 3.63% Max
- Crude Fiber : 0.77% Max
- Moisture: 14.08% Max
How Do You Choose Treats For Your Dog
When choosing treats for your dog, it is important to consider the ingredients and make sure they are safe for dogs to consume. Avoid treats that contain chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, or grapes as they can be toxic to dogs. It is also a good idea to choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size and activity level. Consult with your vet if you have any doubts. It’s also important to keep in mind that treats should be given in moderation and should not replace a balanced diet.
- Read the label: When reading the ingredient list, make sure to look for high-quality proteins like beef, chicken, or fish, as well as fruits and vegetables that provide important vitamins and minerals. Avoid ingredients like by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors as they are not really beneficial to your dog.
- Choose natural ingredients: Treats made with whole, natural ingredients like meat, fruits, and vegetables are generally healthier than those made with artificial ingredients or fillers. Whole ingredients provide essential nutrients for your dog and are less likely to cause allergic reactions and hence we will recommend you to choose treats with natural ingredients. You can also make your own healthy treats for them too.
- Consider the calorie content: Treats should always be given in moderation and should not replace a balanced diet. Treats high in calories can contribute to weight gain, so it’s important to consider the calorie content when choosing treats.
- Tailor the treat to your dog’s needs: Some treats are formulated for dental health, others to support joint health. There are treats that are formulated to supplement your dog’s meals. If your dog has specific needs, choose the treats that will benefit them the most.
- Rotate the treats: Dogs can get bored with the same treats, so switch up the treats you give them to keep them interested and engaged. Rotating treats also helps to provide a variety of different nutrients and can help prevent finickiness.
One Last Note
After reviewing all the different types of treats above, it must be said that not all dogs are suited for eating certain treats. Do some research about what your dog needs, and choose treats that don’t contain ingredients that your dog is allergic too. Do let us know if you wish to know more about treats! Also, you can read more on this page.