Why consider natural fish treats for dogs?
Pet owners often think of dog treats as a little something “extra” to give their dogs in addition to their regular food. You might use dog treats to relieve boredom, reward good behaviour, for training, or as a distraction — not for added nutrition. In fact, you probably aren’t thinking about nutrients when you give your fur baby a treat. It’s more about making your dog happy.
While most dog treats are lacking in vitamins, what they do contain is even more of a concern. Most commercial products contain additives and preservatives that could hurt your pet.
Ingredients You Should Never Feed Your Dog
The companies that make dog treats often add preservatives to extend their shelf life. While preservatives help prevent the food from spoiling, some are carcinogens, while others cause kidney or liver disease. Some examples of preservatives listed on dog treat labels include:
- BHA
- BHT
- Propyl gallate
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Nitrates/nitrites
Other additives that can lead to health problems include the artificial sweetener xylitol, corn syrup, dyes, and artificial colours. Also, meat meal that is made from other animals can pose serious risks. The list of dangerous ingredients goes on and on. If you aren’t giving your dog’s treats the same consideration as their dog food, you could be putting their health at risk.
Comparing the Nutrition in Dog Food to That of Dog Treats
There are more brands and formulas of dog food to choose from than ever before. Dog owners can buy food for their dog’s age, breed, or special dietary needs. There are even prescription dog foods for canines with serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease.
Although choosing the right food is important, it’s necessary to look at the health benefits of everything that goes into your dog’s diet. The wrong treats could offset all the benefits of feeding high-quality, specialised dog food. Opting for natural dog treats eliminates the risks of feeding harmful additives and gives them an added boost of nutrition as well.
Many dog foods are formulated to provide dogs with the minimum dietary requirements while also meeting specific needs. For example, hypoallergenic dog food addresses the allergies some dogs have to common protein sources. Instead of containing meats such as chicken or beef, they use novel protein sources such as venison, veal, and fish.
The Nutritional Benefits of Natural Fish Dog Treats
Many of the vitamins in fish that make it nutritious for humans also make it a good source of nutrition for dogs. Dried fish dog treats are dehydrated at a low temperature to help preserve their natural nutrition. There are no additives or preservatives in dehydrated fish dog treats, and they also contain vitamins that aren’t always present in your dog’s regular food, including:
- Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3s help improve your dog’s skin and coat and reduce itching. They help with cognitive function in senior dogs and aid in treating arthritis by reducing inflammation and chronic kidney disease. Omega 3 fatty acids also aid in the brain and eye development of pupsters.
- Amino acids. Fish is a rich source of essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They are a structural component of the cartilage, muscles, skin, hair, and other organs. Dogs require 10 essential amino acids in different amounts depending on their life stages. In general, healthy adult dogs require a moderate level of high-quality protein that is highly digestible.
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the balance of a dog’s calcium and phosphorus levels, and it supports a strong immune system. Dogs that eat home-prepared food often have vitamin D deficiency.
Natural Fish Dog Treats for Dogs of All Ages
Fish is an easily digestible source of protein that is rich in nutrients and has a taste that dogs love. The range of dried fish dog treats from Gully Road includes a variety of treat types that appeal to dogs, from pupsters to seniors. They are also the perfect choice for dogs with skin allergies, joint disease, and other health conditions.
Use our dried fish dog treats in the same way that you’ve always used dog treats. Every time you reward your dog, you’ll be giving them the added nutrition of the essential vitamins in fish. If you have questions about any of our products or want to know about our dried fish treats, reach out using our contact page.
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