Maybe because so many of us use treats as a way to spoil our dogs rather than for training. Or because we love to get treats ourselves so that just trickles down into our relationship with our dogs. And because we are so used to just picking up a bag or two from the store, we have become careless in reading labels for ingredients – but then some people don’t even know or care to know if the ingredients are something our dogs should have in the first place because this is a “spoil” them thing anyway, so who cares if it is healthy or not right?
However, many people are now taking an interest in what they feed their pets so they can be healthy – after all our dogs are companions we want to enjoy – which isn’t as evident with the rising incidence of sicker pets and soaring vet bills. Many people have learned that dogs are indeed carnivores and want to feed their dogs a real dog’s diet of raw meat, bones and organs – or at the least give them something that resembles a carnivore “snack” in the form of a jerky treat. Little did many know that by not knowing their source and trusting that whatever is sold in a store and in the form of what appears to be a “natural” treat is killing dogs.
http://www.naturalnews.com/042646_jerky_treats_dead_dogs_FDA.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/jerky-treats-recall-fda-issues-alerts-after-600-dogs-cats-mysteriously-dead-full-list-pet-treat
You DO however, have choices. First you can choose to make your own dog treats – I do that from time-to-time myself and it is easy. I simply have whatever choice of meat I desire very thin sliced (I don’t have my own meat grinders and slicers so we have our butcher do it) and then I just pop the pieces into our dehydrator and we have nice, easy, nutritious and natural dog treats for our dogs minus any added potentially harmful ingredients and preservatives that are most often found in commercial products.
Alternatively I also purchase from the following suppliers (I use the USA suppliers and have sampled the Canada one – all are very good and trustworthy):
Red Angel Raw (closed now in 2024) – I know the owner and she started this company in response to the 2007 pet food recall to offer pet owners a safe alternative!
Broad River Pastures (closed now in 2024) – all USA range-fed, organic sourced meats including some they raise and butcher themselves.
And here is something else to note – I am not getting paid in the way of samples or monetary remuneration by these companies. I am simply sharing where I purchase from so you too can have safe, affordable and healthy treats for your dogs – no need to purchase from the big corporations that import from China. Save your dog’s health and even potentially his or her life!
Until next time…
Have a pawsitively tail waggin’, NATUROPATHICALLY healthy day!
Kim Bloomer, V.N.D., N.D. is an animal naturopath as well as being certified in small animal nutrition, with years of experience in animal wellness. Dr. Kim is a published author, writer, and blogger. Subscribe to her DOGgone Newsletter for updates or to her blog via email. Copyright ©2005-2024 Aspenbloom Pet Care, Dr. Kim Bloomer, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Author/Publisher. This article is intended to be educational. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified animal health professional. Dr. Kim Bloomer and Aspenbloom Pet Care, do not assume any legal responsibility for misuse of the products discussed in this article. The only essential oils referenced on this website are Young Living.
