Why Go Natural? Exploring the Benefits of Natural Dog Treats

-Why Go Natural?-

-Exploring the Benefits of Natural Dog Treats-

 

One thing’s for certain, we all love to spoil our furry friends with treats. Many people view treats as just that, nothing more than a pleasurable indulgence. But the truth is, they can be so much more. In recent years, there’s been a growing trend towards natural dog treats, and for good reason! There are several compelling health benefits that come with choosing natural treats over traditional ones. 

 

Nutritional Superiority

One of the primary advantages of natural treats lies in their nutritional value. These treats are crafted from high-quality, wholesome ingredients and lack the artificial additives, colors and preservatives that traditional treats carry. They are often rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. This means that they aren’t only delicious, they can also provide health benefits like boosting your dogs immunity and helping strengthen their joints. Traditional treats are also often loaded in salt and sugar, and can cause bursts of over hyper energy, as opposed to slow steady release of energy that comes from natural choices. 

Digestive Harmony

Most traditionally marketed dog treats are loaded with artificial colors, chemicals and preservatives. Natural treats, however, are free of such things, and instead are made to include fresh, fiber- rich ingredients like fruits and vegetables. This not only supports digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements, but can also be particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The gentle, natural fibers in these treats promote a happy and comfortable digestive system.

Dental Health

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining their dental health. Many natural dog chews are made from single-ingredient animal parts, and dogs love to chew them, as it is an instinctual behavior for them. The texture and hardness of these chews reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy gums. Natural biscuits and soft treats also have a dental advantage over their traditional counterparts. While they don’t work to clean the teeth like chews do, they lack the sugar and other additives of traditional treats that lead to buildup and eventually rotting teeth. 

Allergen Control

Like humans, it is quite common for dogs to have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Soy and grains are among the most common canine allergens, and unlike traditional treats, you wont find these in natural products. Because many natural treats contain very few, or only one ingredient, it makes it very easy to avoid whatever may upset your individual dog.  

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your dog’s well being. Traditional treats are loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and unnecessary calories, making them a poor choice for any dog who is struggling with their weight. On the other hand, natural treats have no added sugars and only healthy, easily digestible fats- meaning you can feed larger portions without the guilt of added calories. 

Behavioural Enrichment

Chewing is a natural, instinctive behaviour for dogs. In fact, it is now known that the act of chewing causes a flood of endorphins, leaving your dog feeling content and calm. This can be a great aid for when your dog might be feeling extra anxious about something. It also takes a surprising amount of energy to get through a long-lasting chew such as a beef trachea or pizzle. While this obviously can’t replace regular exercise, chewing can be a great way to expel some excess energy. 

 

Pet parents today are treating their dogs better than ever before and there is a growing trend towards more health conscious pet care. Traditional treats do not fit with this trend, as they continue to mass produce goods that are packed with sugar, harmful chemicals, and tons of calories. As long as people continue to purchase these treats, they will continue to fill the isles of pet stores. It is important to check ingredients when shopping for your pets. Look for treats with limited ingredients, that aren’t loaded in chemicals and by-products. The more people that make the switch from traditional treats to the healthier, natural selections, the more it keeps retailers accountable for their products. Instead of paying a large corporation for treats that have zero nutritional value, it makes much more sense to pick out some natural ones that will benefit your pets health and well-being in so many ways.