Are Your Dog Treats a Health Risk?
If you are like me, you love giving your dog treats for being a good dog, maybe doing a trick or performing when you give a command such as sit, stay, jump or come.
Many popular dog treats may be a major factor in causing canine obesity.
And the biggest culprit is often found right on the label.
That culprit, is SUGAR.
Today, many dog treat manufacturers are ramping up production of treats that are unhealthy and obesity causing according to a study by Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Ernie Ward.
He states that “Sugar is incredibly attractive to dogs. If a dog gobbles a treat quickly, an owner is more likely to give another–and another.”
This is music to the ears of the dog food industry…a hungry consumer who will keep their guardians coming back for more sugar filled delectable treats, unknowingly contributing to the onset of obesity and other canine health risks.
According to the APOP 45 % of the nation’s dogs are overweight. “In the race for pet treat profits, our pets’ health is being bankrupted,” Dr. Ward says.
To determine if your dog is obese, look at him to see if Fido has a streamlined figure or no figure at all. Feel your dog’s ribs. If you can pinch even an inch of fat over the ribs there is a good probability that your dog is overweight.
Unfortunately, this can cause your pooch a number of health challenges.
One common complication of obesity in dogs is the onset of sugar diabetes because obesity causes an increase insulin secretion due to increased blood glucose levels.
In addition to the potential onset of canine diabetes, sugary treats can also affect your dog’s behavior, Dr. Ward says. “Numerous studies demonstrate that overfeeding sugar can create symptoms similar to drug addiction,” he says. “A dog’s daily sweet treat may be contributing to overeating and other undesirable behaviors. This is why I call today’s high-sugar treats ‘kibble crack.'”
So What Can You Do to Solve the Sugar Treat Dilemma?
Dr. Ward suggests that you look at the ingredient list–and skip treats with sugar or corn syrup as one of the first ingredients.
Sadly, sugar is even found in some dental treat products…fun to eat but bad for your dog’s dental and overall health.
Another option is to make your own homemade sugar free treats or make the switch to dog healthy treats such as carrots, homemade chicken, turkey or beef jerky. For less than $50, you can buy a dehydrator at almost any retailer and prepare economical and healthy dog treats at home. This is our preferred choice and our finicky little Chihuahuas love their chicken treats!
And remember that diet is just part of the healthy pooch puzzle…what every dog really needs and wants is to be to be outdoors playing with you, and other dogs for a “pack friendly” healthy good time.