Homemade Dog Treats vs. Store Bought Dog Treats

by Elisabeth Fischer


The debate rages on. Are treats good or bad for dogs? The answer is they are both. Dog treats are so overused in the United States that they are the highest contributor to canine obesity! Add inactivity to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster. Of course, not all dog treats are bad. There are varieties of dog treats specifically for dental health and training, both of which are important. Used in moderation, any dog treat can be safe.

Many people think it’s cute to slip a piece of hamburger, or even a whole hot dog, under the table for the dog when no one is looking. Both adults and children are guilty of this behavior. Rather than giving the dog a little something extra, all this does is take away the dog’s life prematurely by creating an overweight dog. Because people food isn’t designed for dogs, it shouldn’t be fed to dogs. In fact, some people food is not good for a dog's diet and can make him sick, like onions for example, which can damage a dog's red blood cells and in severe cases cause dermatitis and even anemia.

On the other hand, homemade dog treats can be a nutritional source of people food that is safe for dogs. Because they are made from natural, human grade ingredients, they contain fewer preservatives than any other dog treat available commercially. For people who like to bake, homemade dog treat recipes can be fun to try. Even children love to help make homemade dog treats for their furry friends! So find a good dog treat recipe and get baking.

If you are not handy in the kitchen, natural dog treats can be found commercially as well. Though not as prolific as regular treats, natural dog treats and organic dog treats are becoming more popular as the artisanal food movement comes to the fore. And they are just as good as making them yourself.

Many commercial dog treats are loaded with unnecessary fat and calories. And because dog treats are something a dog looks forward to, he may hold off on his regular food to wait for one. Just like a child would eat three bowls of ice cream in a day if you let him, a dog would eat three bags of dog treats.

It is important that every member of the family gets on board with the family pet’s nutrition. A dog’s food is only what it is fed at mealtimes, once or twice a day. Puppies may eat two or three times, and adult dogs once or twice. But if one family member continues to slip the dog unhealthy treats, the dog can still be in danger of becoming overweight or obese. Slim, trim and fit is possible by regular feedings and making adjustments as needed, and making sure fresh water is available at all times.

Treats aren’t just for fun. Some actually serve a purpose. Greenies dog treats are a perfect example. Designed to help clean the teeth but not to interfere with a dog’s nutrition, Greenies dog treats can be a valuable addition to your dog’s diet. Bones and rawhide can also be useful for cleaning teeth. There are many varieties of dog bones, and, along with rawhide bones, can be useful in maintaining dental health. Rawhide and other bones also last longer than regular treats, and are good for curbing the chewing urge. Never leave your dog unsupervised with any dog bone or rawhide bone!

Another popular item is show dog treats. Dog show treats are usually some sort of freeze dried liver or chicken, broken into very small pieces. Many are made without preservatives, making them an excellent nutritional choice. These training treats are perfect for allowing the dog to focus on the trainer or handler, as opposed to the treat itself. Freeze dried liver treats are high in protein, and freeze dried chicken is also low in fat. Dog show ring bait, as it is also called, can be very effective when training your dog, whether housebreaking, obedience, agility, and so on.

Commercial dog cookies are okay when used in absolute moderation. For those not adventurous enough to try baking themselves, there is nothing wrong with using store bought dog cookies, as long as the dog gets regular exercise and the dog cookies are used in infrequently.

When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and access to fresh water, dog treats can be a positive reinforcement tool. There really are some good, healthy dog treats out there. But like everything else, moderation is the key. You just have to be careful what you give your dog.