Dog Treats? Yes please.
Soft and chewy? Crunchy and long-lasting? Treats for my pet’s joint pain or anxiety? What dog treats should I use that are best to use during training?
Choosing the best dog treat for your pet can make a difference and we are here to help. WildLifeRx owner Rosalind Haley (who happens to be a full-time veterinary nurse) has a few veterinarian-inspired suggestions just for you….
Hi guys Rosalind here, we all know that our pets love treats. It is safe to say that every pet owner has given these delicious morsels of love to their pet, however, have you considered if the product inside the bag really contains ingredients that will help your pet? Will these treats increase the weight of your pet? Are they safe to use every day? Read on to learn more…
Shopping for treats or even pet food can be a struggle as there are numerous flavors, supplemental ingredients, and brands to choose. Pet owners are asking their veterinarians:
- How do I decide which one my pet will like?’
- How do I decide which one is healthy or even safe?’
When it comes to the types of treats, there are several decisions that will narrow your choice:
- Does your pet prefer soft or crunchy treats?
- Do you want to buy a treat that provides added support to certain issues such as anxiety or joint pain?
- Will you use it for training?
Once you answer those questions, you can narrow down your search.
Next, where should you shop for this pet CBD, knowing that this industry is still a bit wild west? This is important, and this is why. From 2007 to 2016, the FDA received 5,300 reports of pet illness associated with dog treats, of which 1,110 died. The FDA’s investigation led to the detection of several illegal residues such as Tilmicosin and Sulfaclozine used in dog treats manufactured in China. Where you buy these treats do matter. Not all pet stores including ECommerce sites are allowed to sell CBD but instead, they sell treats labeled ‘Made with Hemp’, thinking they’ve tricked you to believe it’s really hemp extract (CBD) which it is not. Buyer beware. Also, there is a very large ecommerce business whose sellers ‘drop’ the product into the website, and no one even vets to see if the label or description placed next to the product meets the legal requirement of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)*. Stay away from advertising that includes ‘Will decrease your pets’ joint pain with XYZ Treats made with Hemp Oil. Hemp Oil is not a product. It’s either Hemp Extract (CBD) or Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp Oil is a marketing and labeling term used to deceive customers into believing they are buying Hemp Extract.
Lastly, if you are using treats to assist with training, make sure the treat is no larger than the size of a pea. The smaller the treat, the more your pet will want of it which may increase the learning/training process. Increasing your pet’s weight can be avoided by limiting the size of the treat. You can break the treat in half or even use blueberries or cooked carrots.
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References:
www.FDA.com
*The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA or Act), enacted in 1967, directs the
Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to issue
regulations requiring that all “consumer commodities” be labeled to disclose net
contents, identity of commodity, and name and place of business of the product’s
manufacturer, packer, or distributor. The Act authorizes additional regulations
where necessary to prevent consumer deception.
www.avma.org
+FDA information states that most of the illnesses and deaths are connected with
treats imported from China, but manufacturers are not required to list the origins of
each ingredient. The volumes of reports peaked in 2012 and 2013, when about
1,900 reports were filed in each year. The FDA’s investigation into the illnesses has
led to detection of illegal residues of the antimicrobials sulfaclozine, tilmicosin,
trimethoprim, and enrofloxacin, none of which are approved for use in poultry in the
U.S. It also has led to detection of illegal residues of the antivirals amantadine,
rimantadine, and memantine.
www.akc.com
Small treats are key to keeping a training session moving along. Even for large
dogs, a pea-sized treat is plenty. You might feel like you’re cheating your dog, but
as long as he’s getting something he loves, he won’t care if it’s just a taste. The
smaller treats are also kinder to your dog’s calorie consumption.