As a dog parent, watching out for Miley and Charlie’s health is always on my priority list. Charlie, who has sensitive skin and allergies, and Miley, who struggles with a delicate stomach and is overweight, both need careful attention to their diet.
Through experience and research, I’ve learned to avoid certain ingredients in dog treats that can aggravate their conditions or contribute to other health issues.
Here’s a list of unhealthy dog treat ingredients you might want to avoid to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
Table of Contents
1. Vegetable Glycerin
While it might sound harmless, vegetable glycerin is essentially empty calories that could lead to dog obesity. More worryingly, it can cause digestive upsets such as diarrhea and vomiting. For dogs with metabolic disorders or diabetes, it’s best to avoid treats containing this ingredient, as excessive consumption could lead to dehydration and kidney damage.
2. Natural Flavors
“Natural flavors” can be a misleading term as it may include unhealthy additives that offer no nutritional value. These can be particularly harmful, potentially leading to obesity and other health problems if not sourced from real food ingredients. Always scrutinize the label to ensure that you’re not feeding your dog synthetic chemicals.
3. Tapioca Starch
A highly processed carbohydrate, tapioca starch contributes to weight gain and can cause digestive problems. It’s commonly used as a filler in low-quality dog foods and treats, providing little nutritional benefit.
4. BHA/BHT
These chemical preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of dog treats but have been linked to potential health risks, including cancer. Avoid products containing these additives to reduce the risk of health complications.
5. Poultry By-Product Meal
This ingredient is often a mix of various poultry parts that may not be ideal for consumption, like beaks and feet. Poultry by-product meals are low in quality and can be contaminated with bacteria, leading to obesity, allergies, and digestive issues.
6. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another cheap filler found in many commercial dog treats. It provides minimal nutritional value and may also be contaminated with mycotoxins, which are harmful to dogs. Opt for treats that use healthier binding agents.
7. Cane Sugar
Just like in humans, excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, dental problems, and even diabetes in dogs. Always check for sugar content in treats and avoid those that list cane sugar, especially high up on the ingredient list.
8. Molasses
Molasses is yet another form of sugar that can cause the same problems as cane sugar, including weight gain and dental issues. While it might be tempting to choose treats that taste sweeter, it’s healthier to avoid such additives.
9. Brewers Dried Yeast
Although brewers dried yeast is a good source of protein and B vitamins, it can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. Those with a history of yeast infections should particularly avoid this ingredient to prevent exacerbating conditions.
10. Citric Acid
Used as a preservative, citric acid can cause digestive upset in dogs, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It’s particularly harmful to dogs with sensitive stomachs or those prone to bladder stones.
At pupper crust, we carefully select limited- or single-ingredient treats sourced from small businesses that produce their products in small batches. We feature boxes that include toys and treats, as well as treats-only options, catering to different preferences and needs. By prioritizing quality and simplicity, we ensure that your pets enjoy safe, natural treats and fun, engaging toys that contribute to their well-being.
Be proactive in safeguarding your dog’s health by choosing boxes you can trust. Sign up now to get 50% off your first Pupper Crust box—Miley and Charlie are already reaping the benefits, and your pets can too!
