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Choosing the Best Natural Dog Treats

Pet Diet & Nutrition 4 min read
National Dog Biscuit Day with a biscuit on a dog's nose

Are you looking for the best natural dog treats but aren’t sure where to start looking? A special snack can be a great way to show your love to your pet. A dog biscuit can also become a powerful tool for positive reinforcement and training. There are options out there that even claim to help with oral hygiene, and so much more. With so many treats to choose from, what should you consider before picking the right one for your pup?

Look for Nutritious Ingredients

The health of our furriends should always be the top priority. We know some ingredients can be delicious for humans and yet highly toxic to pets. So, when choosing your pup’s treat, look for something that is not only tasty to them but nutritious!

Start by reading the label, and check if the pet food contains ingredients that offer additional health benefits to your little one. Let’s take pumpkin as an example, it has a number of benefits for our furriends. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also is great for furkiddos’ intestinal health.

Excess Can Affect Your Pet’s Health

You should avoid treats high in sugar and fat, as these can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Instead, opt for the ones made with quality and all-natural ingredients such as oats. It is also preferable to choose treats free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Also, keep in mind the biscuit’s calories when choosing the right match for your pup. Prefer low-calorie dog treats, or break them into smaller pieces to offer throughout the day. Overindulging your pup with constant snacks throughout the day can cause weight gain, increasing the risk of arthritis and diabetes, among other health concerns.

The Best Natural Dog Treats Must Be Tasty

The best natural dog treats for your little one will also depend on their personal preferences. No matter how nutritious the treat is, it won’t make a difference if your pet refuses to eat them, right? So, besides the nutritional value of the dog biscuit, choosing ingredients that match your pup’s taste buds is also important.

Some pups love meaty flavors, while others prefer sweet or savory. Most dogs don’t like salty, spicy, sour, or bitter tastes. You can determine your little one’s preference by observing what they enjoy eating most, or you can try different treats until you find the one they love!

Avoid Allergens or Ingredients Your Pup Won’t Eat

We never want our precious pup to suffer from itchy, inflamed skin, vomit, or have any other discomfort due to allergies. So if yours happens to have an allergic reaction to a specific food, remember to avoid treats that contain those triggering ingredients. Read the full list of ingredients on the label on the back to double-check that there aren’t any traces of the allergen.

NHV Stimmune can help address the symptoms related to food allergies in furkiddos. This herbal blend helps promote healthy histamane response and balanced immunity.

If you’re not sure what your little one is allergic to, conducting a food trial can help you pinpoint the culprit. In the meantime, a hypoallergenic diet can be helpful. Chicken and beef are actually common allergens for dogs. So if you’re unsure what your little one is allergic to, we would opt for treats that don’t contain these protein sources.

Homemade Recipe for Best Natural Dog Treats

a dog smelling some homemade treats on the table on National Dog Biscuit Day

Our secret to the best natural dog treats is to make them yourself! Cooking at home is the easiest way to ensure you have control over the ingredients considering nutritional value, calorie intake, your pet’s personal taste, and allergic reactions. Plus, nothing shows more love to your pup than a treat made from scratch!

Here is a quick and easy recipe you can use as your base for the best natural dog treats: 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup apple/pear puree
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger (may benefit furkids’ gastrointestinal systems)
  • 1 teaspoon eggshell powder 
  • Your favorite NHV supplement (NHV Multi Essentials is a great option for its high nutritional value)

Pour all the love you have for your sweet pup as an extra ingredient.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, eggshell powder, ginger, apple/pear puree, chicken broth, and egg.
  3. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits. You can use bone-shaped cutters or any other shape you prefer.
  6. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Apply a small amount of NHV supplement using a dropper.
  9. Let the biscuits cool completely before giving them to your furry friend.

There you have it! We would love to see your batch of biscuits! Making homemade treats for your furry friend is a great way to ensure their health and happiness. Just remember to consider their nutritional needs, personal taste, and any allergies they may have before whipping up a batch. Your pup will thank you for it! If you have any questions about nutrition or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We are always happy to help. 

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: February 15, 2023

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