The Skinny on Healthy Dog Treats and Unhealthy Dog Treats
Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios

It's fun to reward your dog. Seeing their faces light up when you bring out a treat makes your face light up as well. In pet stores everywhere, there seems to be a different type of dog treat for every type of dog. With so many treats out there, which ones are healthy dog treats?

Rawhide dog treats are very popular. They keep the dog entertained for hours. Even pigs ears can make a dog drool. Unfortunately, rawhide is not on the healthy dog treats list. In fact, rawhide has absolutely no nutritional value to speak of. They are full of preservatives and artificial colors which are unhealthy and could even cause an allergic reaction. A common sight for frequent rawhide chewers is the development of irritation and rashes on dog lips from the prolonged exposure to the rawhide's chemicals. Rawhides cannot be digested and can even be contaminated with bacteria, including salmonella bacteria. When rawhide is ingested, it can cause digestive problems which could require the attention of a veterinarian.

Rawhide satisfies a dog's natural urge to chew and can help clean teeth and remove plaque. For a safer alternative to rawhide, non-toxic chew toys fit the bill. Twisted cotton ropes, rubber toys, and Nylabones are good alternatives and can keep the dog entertained. You can also use a large cow bone that some specialty stores carry. The bones are too big and tough for the dog to break and swallow, but is tasty enough to entice them to chew.

Healthy dog treats that are edible should be high in vitamins and nutrients, low in fat, and should taste good for the dog. Vegetables such as raw broccoli, raw baby carrots, or raw red peppers can satisfy a finicky dog. Fruits such as pineapples, grapes, banana pieces, apples, and pears are dog favorites as well. Try them out and see which your dog prefers.

For more protein-based treats, beef liver is a very popular choice. You can either purchase beef liver treats at the pet store or you can make some yourself. Just bake the beef liver in the oven until it's crispy.