Ingredients to Avoid when Shopping for Dog Treats

When shopping for your dog, it can become very tempting to grab everything and rush home to your dog. Pet parents buy everything from new accessories, dog toys and tons of exciting dog treats.

All K9 Katering treats are 100% natural with nothing artificial added however it’s important to know that there are in-fact MANY dog treat brands that manufacture treats that contain nasty ingredients that cause more harm than good. Remember, always look at the list of ingredients found on the packaging of dog treats.

Artificial Preservatives
Many, if not most of the commercial dog treats available at your local pet store contain artificial preservatives and additives to help prolong shelf life.

Preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) which are a big NO for your dog. These preservatives cause allergic reactions, skin problems and digestive issues that may start off mild but become serious conditions very soon. If consumed for a long period of time, consuming dog treats with artificial preservatives can lead to kidney damage and other complications.

You can trust K9 Katering as the entire range is made from single-ingredient meats and seafood that’s got no artificial preservatives.

Artificial Flavours and Colours:
Like human food, a lot of dog treat manufacturers use artificial flavours and colours to make dog treats more visually appealing, but they offer no nutritional value and can have adverse effects on your dog's health. These ingredients often come with allergic reactions, and sometimes, without us noticing, dogs develop gastrointestinal problems that may just start out as slight discomfort.

Some artificial colours, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, have been associated with increased hyperactivity and behavioural issues in sensitive dogs.

When choosing treats, opt for treats (such as K9 Katering) that avoid artificial flavours and colours.

Excessive Sugar and Sweeteners:
There are dog treats out there made specially for dogs but keep in mind that this should just be in small amounts. Dog treats with too much sugar content or artificial sweeteners can cause obesity, tooth decay, and yes-diabetes in dogs.

Other than sugar, there is one sweetener that you must keep away from your loving canine pals. XYLITOL! Please avoid giving your dog food or dog treats with xylitol. This is highly toxic to dogs and can cause an instant drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures that can lead to liver failure and death. For instance, dogs love peanut butter, but the commercial peanut butters that are not made for dogs, that contains xylitol.

If you’re looking for a low-sugar dessert style treat for dogs, K9 Katering has a range of options including Yoghurt Drops, Coconut Ruff and Peanut Crunch – these treats tick all the boxes for a healthy natural treat and are made specifically for dogs.

Grains and Fillers:
To make food look like they come in big serving, or essential to make the most out of ingredients used to produce dog treats, many commercial dog treat manufacturers use grains and fillers like corn, wheat and soy. These are inexpensive in gredients that are used to bulk up the treats but really, it has very little nutritional value and can even be an allergen for a lot of dogs.

Grains and fillers are known to contribute to digestive issues, skin problems, and can cause allergic reactions. At K9 Katering, we prioritize high-quality proteins and wholesome ingredients so you can be sure to know that we don’t use any grains or fillers!

Final Thoughts about Dog Treat Nasties:
It’s important to find dog food and dog treats that offer our canine companion the right source of nutrition.

As a fur-parent, it is always exciting to come home with new stuff for your dog. However, always be mindful of what’s in the dog food or dog treats that you’re about to feed him or her.

Best to explore your options and check out healthy dog treats that don’t cause any harm or discomfort to your dog. Natural dog treats are packed with nutrients and minerals that contribute to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.