Discover the most common questions around dog treats and what we have to say about them.
As pet parents, we love spoiling our dogs with treats; whether it’s rewarding them for good behaviour, training, or just showing them, we care.
But how do you know which dog treats are safe and which might pose a risk? Let’s dig into the world of dog treats, answer some burning questions, and help you make the best choices for your four-legged friend.
Are Dog Treats Safe for Humans?
Yeah, in general, they are safe. But why would you want to! They’re not tasty at all!
This might sound like a strange question, but curious minds often wonder: can humans eat dog teats?
Most commercial dog treats are made from ingredients technically safe for humans. They aren’t made with us in mind. Hence the term Dog Treats.
The taste and texture alone is unappealing. The food safety regulations – wherever you’re reading this – between treats made for dogs and food made for people vary greatly.
Bottom line – while they’re not necessarily harmful to humans they’re best left for your dog to enjoy. Unless they’re air-dried treats, I would definitely not eat those. They are RAW, and will make you sick – your dog loves them, keep it at that!
Are Dog Treats Bad for Dogs?
No. It’s really that simple.
Not all dog treats are created equal, however. Some may be full of sugars, artificial ingredients, or fillers that can be harmful over time. Think a chocolate bar for you all the time isn’t the best for your health.
It’s important to look for treats made with natural ingredients and low in unnecessary additives. Moderation is also key; too many treats can lead to obesity, dental issues, and other health problems.
Shameless plug – Check out our own brand of dog treats over at Wulfric. These treats are made with pure meat without any additves, grains, and sugars. Air-dried meaty cubes without the junk.
Can Dog Treats Go Bad?
Yes, dog treats can go bad especially if you store them incorrectly. Also, if you find treats that don’t expire, you wouldn’t want to be feeding them to your dog…
Always check expiration dates and store them properly in a cool, dry place. If the treat looks, smells, or feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution and toss it.
This goes back to not all treats are created equal. Some treats last longer than others.
Can Dog Treats Cause Diarrhea or Other Health Issues?
Yes, some dog treats can cause digestive problems, including diarrhea, particularly if your dog has a sensitive stomach or if the treats contain low-quality ingredients.
Don’t let that scare you. Some treats are a little more rich than others, or may contain an allergen that makes your dog feel unwell. (Looking at you, grains). If they’re getting symptoms like diarrhea, best to stop using those treats and look for something more gentle on your dog’s digestive system.
Always introduce new treats gradually and keep an eye out for any unusual reactions.
Are Dog Treats Addictive?
This is hard to answer. Yes, No, Maybe.
While dog treats aren’t chemically addictive, per se, like some human junk foods, they can certainly become a favourite for dogs, especially those that are high in fat or have an irresistible flavour.
The issue more lies with how close you reward your dog to mealtime. They can become full from treats (which don’t have all the essential goodness from proper foods) and won’t want to eat their dinner. Like children. So, not so much addictive, more they’re quite filling and more fun than dinner time.
Using treats wisely, such as for training or rewarding good behavior, is important to avoid overfeeding and dependency.
Are Dog Treats Safe for Cats?
Some are, some aren’t. Cat’s digestion is very different to dogs. While some natural treats are absolutely fine for cats, given they’re pure meat, mass produced dog treats won’t have the right ingredients for cats.
Equally, dog treats are in general more rich than cat treats, and will make your cat feel terrible.
If you are looking for dog treats safe for cats – I reccomend looking at sprats, chicken wings, and jerky. I will do an article that dives into this more.
How Are Dog Treats Made?
How long have you got? The process can be as simple or as complex as you want.
Dog treats vary widely in terms of ingredients and preparation. Some are baked, some are dehydrated, and others are freeze-dried. The best treats are often the simplest, made from whole ingredients like meats and vegetables, with minimal processing.
What Dog Treats Are Healthy?
The simplist treats are often the healthiest, minimal processing, zero additives and sugars. The treats that use whole ingredients, fruit and veg will always outpace meat-meal based treats. People do say that grain-free is the healthiest but…
Grain-free treats are becoming more popular among the big brands, because the trend is not to have grains in your dogs diet. These are often at a premium because grain is used for bulk, meaning cheaper.
Grain free treats aren’t inherently unhealthy. The trend started because the most common food allergy for dogs are grain intollerances. That’s all. If your dog can eat grains then go for treats that have them in.
What Dog Treats Are Bad for Dogs?
This is a really easy to answer – Avoid treats that list artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, and steer clear of those with excessive amounts of sugar or salt.
Some cheap treats might also contain meat by-products or fillers that offer little nutritional value.
This might sound snobbish. It isn’t meant to be. Buy what you can afford, by all means, but they’re are loads of healthy treats available at really good prices! *cough-cough* Wulfric.
Can Dog Treats Cause More Serious Issues Like Cancer or Seizures?
I’ve added this question, because it does get asked and I’ve been asked hundreds of times by customers..
While there’s no definitive evidence that dog treats directly cause cancer or seizures, treats filled with additives, sugars and saturated fats can certainly lead to health issues.
Although I haven’t heard of any instances where dog treats have significantly lead to cancer or seizures in dogs, it would be careless of me to not say – It’s all about moderation. Just like you wouldn’t eat treats (like crisps, chocolate, fast food) all the time, the same can be said for your dog and their treats.
Final Thoughts
Dog treats are a fun and effective way to bond with your pet, but like any food, it’s important to choose wisely. Check the ingredients, monitor your dog’s reactions, and always keep moderation in mind. Treat time should be fun and safe, leaving both you and your dog with happy memories.