5 Vet-Approved Tips For Buying Safe Dog Treats

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

In the wake of recent dog deaths and illnesses, Dr. Liz Hanson offers tips on choosing safe treats

Yesterday, we told you about how nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have taken ill after eating jerky treats that were made in China. Federal Food and Drug Administration officials aren’t sure what the exact cause of the outbreak and have turned to veterinarians for help. And so did we – PetGuide.com turned to Dr. Liz Hanson for advice pet parents can use when shopping for dog treats.

Dr. Hanson, who practices in Orange County, California, is an outspoken advocate for the need to provide the average consumer with the best quality products for their pets at affordable prices. She has put together a list of tips for how to keep your pets safe and what to look for when choosing treats. (In general, treats should not make up more than 10-15% of a pet’s total diet.)

1. Whenever possible, treats should be made in USA and made from animals raised in the USA.

NOTE: this claim can be misleading on some brands. Many products say they are “Made” in the USA – when in fact the poultry or animal is raised abroad and then manufactured/packaged in the USA – this is where the quality can be compromised due to conflicting safety certifications/regulations. Look for “American or USA-raised chicken.” Example: Betsy Farms jerky brand (available at Walmart/Sam’s Club).

2. Start with looking at the ingredient list.

    3. Ingredients to avoid.

      4. Healthy (alternative) natural snacks.

        5. Vet-approved pet treats – ALWAYS ask your vet what is safe for your dog if you have any concerns.

        ADVERTISEMENT

        ADVERTISEMENT

        You May Like

        Egyptian Mau

        The Egyptian Mau cat''s intelligence and his unquestioned loyalty to his humans makes these irrepressible personable cats almost enchanting to be around.
        Siberian Husky

        Before bringing a Siberian Husky into your home, you should be aware that it is a pack animal, so it needs to feel like it is part of the family.
        Boglen Terrier

        The Boglen Terrier is a cross between a purebred Beagle and Boston Terrier. They are intelligent, gentle, and tolerant dogs that are loyal and faithful.
        Scents Of Security Comfort Toy Is A Security Blanket For Your Dog

        The Scents of Security comforting dog toy gives your pooch a way to always be close to you. Ideal for create training puppies, separation anxiety.
        6 Handy Tips When Renovating With Dogs In The House

        Kevin Roberts just finished renovating his house, and as a dog dad, that means that extra precautions had to be taken to keep his pooches safe. Here are a fe…
        Pitbull Petrified Of Suspicious-Looking Pineapple [Video]

        We all have opinions when it comes to the foods we don’t like. Some of us will make loud gagging noises when the offending food is mentioned. Others wi…
        Serbian Hound

        With his deep red coloration, the Serbian Hound is a beautiful breed that serves dual purposes as a talented pack hunter and a devoted family pet.
        Saarloos Wolfhound

        The Saarloos Wolfhound is unique in that it exhibits more natural wolf-like behaviors, as it was developed from crossing a German Shepherd with a wolf.
        Siberpoo

        The Siberpoo - also known as the Poosky, Huskydoodle, or Huskypoo - is a designer breed created by mixing a Siberian Husky with a Poodle.
        What To Do When Making A Dog Insurance Claim

        You may have been happily paying your dog insurance premiums for years. However, the confusion comes for many people when they need to make a claim.
        Alpine Dachsbracke

        The Alpine Dachsbracke has the ability to track game over the roughest terrain, even through the brush, following the trail long after it has gone cold.
        Papshund

        Papshund is a rare designer dog breed, created by crossing two dogs known for their unusual looks and good temperaments- the Dachshund and the Papillon.
        Fill Your Cat’s Stocking With Temptations Treats

        Ho, ho, ho – holidays are here! As a loving pet parent, you’re probably already planning what presents to buy and what to stuff in your pet’s stocking – they’re a part of the family, too, so they deserve nothing less than to be a part of the holiday cheer and spirit of giving.
        Planet Dog Adds A New Crop Of Carrots To Its Line Of Produce Dog Toys

        Remember when your mom told you to stop playing with your veggies? That doesn''t apply to Planet Dog''s new Carrot from the Orbee-Tuff Produce dog toy line.
        Upside Down Dogs Of The Week – Harley and Jet

        We’ve got two silly winners for our Upside Down Dog of the Week! Meet Harley and Jet from Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia. Here’s what their owner…