Dog Nutrition Doesn't Just Mean Premium Dog Food

More and more, we have become aware of the premium dog foods that are available and the positive affect it can have on our pets’ health. What we are less aware of is the availability of premium dog treats. It does not make a lot of sense to give them high quality foods and then give them a doggie treat equivalent of junk food. The idea is to give them a healthy diet all the way around to make sure they are able to have the best quality life possible.
The idea of premium treats is to provide a healthy alternative to the typical treats you find in most stores. Premium treats should be loaded with vitamins, minerals and other health promoting ingredients. What they shouldn’t contain is fillers, binders, artificial ingredients and colors, chemical preservatives etc.
Rawhides are animal hides that are cured, pressed and molded into bone shapes and sold as inexpensive chew treats for dogs. Many manufacturers cure the hides with harsh chemicals; such as, an ash-lye solutions, lime and/or bleach. If the curing process is not enough to help you decide whether or not to feed your dog rawhide, consider the digestive problems of rawhides. Prolonged chewing can cause rawhides to become stringy or break off in small pieces, which can lead to a choking hazards or throat irritations. Rawhides are digested very slowly and can cause intestinal problems, even blockages. There are safe and healthy alternatives to rawhide that can give your dog hours of chewing pleasure.
Dental bones stimulate the teeth and gums to keep them clean and well massaged. This will promote all around, good dental hygiene for your dog. Dogs shouldn't be given any treat or bone that is not digestible and that doesn't break down well in the GI tract because it could cause problems. This is essential for the dogs' complete health and nutritional needs. They deserve nothing but the best from us and that means not only premium dog food, but premium treats as well . If we give them one and not the other, we short-change our pets.About the AuthorLori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit premium dog food and treats by Lifes Abundance for more information.