Raw and fresh diets are all the rage in the dog food industry at present, and for a good reason – your dog can benefit from a variety of ingredients found in raw meat.
As a result, various businesses have begun to produce raw and fresh dog treats specifically designed to promote a healthy lifestyle for dogs. Here are things to know before buying them for your pup:
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1. What’s in Your Dog’s Raw and Fresh Treats?
When buying raw treats, it is crucial to look for the ingredients listed on the package label. Ensure that the ingredients are recognisable and don’t contain any added colours or preservatives.
In addition, if the package lists the treats as “made with” or “contains” any ingredients, you want to ensure that there are not too many listed.
2. How Are They Made?
Raw and fresh treats can benefit your pup in more ways than one – they contain many different nutrients and enzymes that promote a healthy lifestyle. However, many people don’t realise that they are made differently from traditional dog treats, which require cooking at high temperatures.
When buying raw and fresh dog treats, it is crucial to look for the process used to make them. They should be made using air-drying methods instead of baking or cooking at high temperatures. This process also helps keep the food more intact, which means it is less likely to fall apart in your pup’s mouth.
3. How Do Fresh and Raw Treats Compare Nutritionally?
Many of the most popular traditional dog treats contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and sugar, which provide no nutritional value and can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
When buying raw and fresh treats for dogs instead, it is vital to look for those made with whole meat as one of their main ingredients. It means that they still contain all of the essential nutrients that your pet needs.
4. Where Do You Source the Meat From?
One of the most well-known benefits of raw and fresh treats is that they contain whole meat, which provides a variety of proteins and nutrients. When buying these treats for your dog, it is important to know where the meat comes from.
Due to its lack of regulations, many companies source meat ingredients from China and use them. Choosing raw and fresh treats for dogs containing meat sourced from the United States or Canada will ensure your dog receives a safe and high-quality product.
In addition to this, you also want to look for companies that use organic ingredients. It ensures that your dog receives all of the nutrients derived from the meat they are designed to promote.
5. Are Raw and Fresh Treats Grain-Free?
Before feeding your furry friend with raw and fresh treats, it is important to also consider whether or not they contain grains or gluten. Many traditional treats for dogs contain these ingredients, which can cause digestive problems for your pup.
Ensure that the ingredients list specifies that they are grain-free and gluten-free to ensure that your dog receives a safe product. If you’re unsure if the treats contain these ingredients, it may be best to avoid them altogether.