Your dog’s adorable snoot can detect a bag of treats (grain-free or otherwise) practically a mile away. And once they spot that yummy morsel…it’s game over — prep yourself for a tail-wagging fiesta and man the towel if your dog’s the drooling kind!
Our pups love treats and we love to dish ‘em out. But as all loving dog parents know, not all treats are good treats.
A stroll through your local pet store or a quick internet search will remind you that there are tons of treats to choose from. The question is…which ones are best?
Recently, grain-free dog treats are all the rage. But are grain-free treats actually beneficial? Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Grain Free Dog Treats?
Grain-free dog treats don’t contain grains like wheat, corn, and rice. Back in the day, most doggie goodies contained wheat processed from white flour. Why? Because wheat is a cheap filler that takes up space, allowing companies to produce treats at an extremely low price.
But it doesn’t necessarily add any nutritional value.
Today, many pup parents have caught on to the detriments of filler ingredients. For certain dogs with grain sensitivities, grains can cause allergic reactions, skin problems, and inflammatory reactions in the GI tract. Dog breeds that tend to be very gassy (like boxers, pugs, and bulldogs) can suffer even more when they consume grains.
Why Some Dogs Need A Grain Free Diet
Will consuming grain harm your dog? The jury’s out on this one, as it generally depends on the dog. In fact, it’s important to note that for some dogs going totally grain-free is actually harmful, especially if there’s no health related reason to do so. That’s why it’s so important to speak to your vet when it comes to your dog’s health and dietary needs. But what is clear is that wheat-filled treats don’t always meet a dog’s nutritional needs.
So, if your pup’s health profile indicates they need to skip out on the grains, grain-free treats (like our Alaskan Salmon & Sweet Potato Jerky) may be the way to go. In the end, whether or not you cut out grains from your dog’s diet is entirely up to you (and your trusted veterinarian!)
Benefits Of Grain Free Dog Treats
What about dogs who don’t need to stick to a 100% grain-free diet? Can they benefit from grain-free dog treats too? It’s possible! Here’s why:
Grain-free dog treats are a great option for dogs with wheat sensitivity. They tend to use ingredients like starchy vegetables, legumes, or meat, which are easier for your dog to digest. So limiting grains can be a nose-saver for doggy parents with flatulence-prone dog breeds.
There’s also the issue of canine obesity. If you’ve noticed your pup’s belly growing unpleasantly rotund, might be time to switch some of their diet to grain-free. Consuming too much grain can lead to obesity in dogs. For some pups, eliminating grain intake has been shown to help, and even substantially so.
Here’s another major advantage: well-made grain-free dog treats, such as our Duck & Sweet Potato Tenders don’t just cut out grains. They generally lack icky fillers, and other nasties that can harm your pooch. We always recommend checking the ingredients before buying, but you’ll probably find that many if not most grain-free treats are also filler-free. But with that said…
Types Of Grain Free Treats
Not all grain-free treats are created alike. “Grain free” doesn’t automatically mean super healthy.
Here’s a simple checklist for what to look for in your grain-free treats:
- Natural, wholesome ingredients
- Whole ingredients
- No harmful fillers
- No GMOs or steroids (yes, really)
- Dog-safe foods (very important if you choose to make treats at home)
- No artificial flavors or colors
Now, you might be wondering, will my dog turn his nose up at grain-free goodies? What if she’s used to the taste of filler-full treats?
Here’s some great news: grain-free dog treats run the gamut of possible pup-pleasing ingredients. Here at Blue Ridge Naturals, we’re all about wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, salmon, and lean chicken! Tasty ingredients that are known to promote well-being.
For many dog owners, the “number one” option is to go for tasty delights made with very few ingredients. That way, they can be sure they aren’t filled with “mystery” ingredients that no one can pronounce, or useless fillers. Examples of these naturally delicious treats are 100% sweet potato and our smoky Pork Jerky.
Need more options for a picky pooch? Try Salmon Jerky, Chicken Tenders, or Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Fries. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something your dogger will drool over.
Should You Choose Grain Free Treats For Your Dog?
Here’s the bottom line. Dog treats are fun extras meant to make your doggy’s day! But that doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to what’s in them. Always read the package label, and consider these points when checking out grain-free treats:
- All dogs need a well-balanced diet. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of that.
- Keep your dog’s unique health needs in mind.
- Consult your vet about going grain-free. Ask questions about any ingredients you’re unsure of.
Remember, like all treats, grain-free dog treats are meant for occasional use. As pup parents, we love to pamper. But by no means should we cave in and surrender an entire treat bag at once! (No matter how cute those “puppy eyes” are). In the end, the best way to love our pets is to care for their health needs above all else.
