Dog snacks are of certain importance for the health of dogs. They can serve as nutritional supplements to meet special needs. For example, they can provide joint health ingredients for senior dogs and beauty-enhancing ingredients for dogs with poor coats. Dental snacks can maintain oral health and reduce the occurrence of oral diseases. As rewards during training, they help dogs develop good behavior habits and enhance obedience. They can also relieve dogs' stress and anxiety and help them relax. Moreover, they can enhance the relationship between owners and dogs and become a bridge for intimate interaction. However, it is necessary to reasonably control the feeding amount to prevent problems such as obesity and picky eating caused by excessive feeding.
I. The kinds of treats for dogs
ii. Dried meat
1. Protein supplement: Dried meat treats such as chicken jerky and beef jerky are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is a crucial substance contributing to the growth and development of dogs, moreover, it is a fundamental component for building and repairing muscle tissue, skin, fur, antibodies, and other bodily structures. For example, adequate protein intake is essential for the rapid growth of muscles and bones in puppies; for adult dogs, protein helps maintain muscle mass and bodily functions. Beef jerky, in particular, is high in protein content, with approximately 20-30 grams of protein in every 100 grams of beef jerky, which can help dogs meet their daily protein needs.
2. Mineral supply: Meat is rich in minerals such as iron and zinc. Iron is a key raw material for making hemoglobin and can ensure the normal transportation of oxygen by the dog's blood. Zinc plays an important role in the dog's immune system, skin health, and wound healing. For example, dried mutton contains a certain amount of iron and zinc. proper consumption can prevent iron deficiency anemia and help maintain healthy skin and hair.
3. Vitamin supplementation: Some dried meat treats can also provide some vitamins, such as the B vitamins. Vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin). these vitamins participate in the energy metabolism process in dogs. Take chicken jerky as an example. It contains a certain amount of vitamin B3 (niacin), which can help the dog's body convert food into energy and maintain normal physiological activities.
ii. Canned meat products
1.Moisture supplementation: Canned meat contains a relatively large amount of soup, which is an effective way for dogs that don't like to drink water to replenish moisture. Water plays multiple roles in a dog's body, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and metabolic wastes. For example, in hot weather, giving dogs an appropriate amount of canned tuna not only allows them to enjoy delicious fish but also enables them to ingest the soup in the can, helping dogs replenish the moisture lost due to sweating (through the footpads and breathing).
2.Intake of high-quality fats: The meat in canned meat contains fats, such as unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are extremely important for a dog's skin and hair health. For example, cans containing fish oil can provide Omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce skin inflammation and make the hair shinier and softer. At the same time, fat is also a high-energy substance that can provide the energy needed for a dog's activities.
3.Abundant vitamins and minerals: The meat in canned meat and other added ingredients (such as vegetables) can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. For example, canned pork liver is a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is of great significance for a dog's vision, growth, and immune function. It can prevent night blindness, promote the normal growth and development of bones, and enhance a dog's immunity.
iii. Freeze-dried meat
1.Retention of nutrients: Freeze-drying technology can retain the nutritional components of meat to the greatest extent. Compared with traditional drying or processing methods, there is almost no loss of nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in freeze-dried meat. For example, during the freeze-drying process of freeze-dried chicken, its original protein structure is intact. In every 100 grams of freeze-dried chicken, the protein content can be as high as about 70 to 80 grams, which can provide efficient protein supplementation for dogs. At the same time, it also contains various minerals and vitamins such as phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients play a role in dog's bone development and neural function regulation.
2.High digestibility: Freeze-dried meat has a high digestibility. Because of its special treatment, it has a loose texture and is easily digested and absorbed by a dog's stomach and intestines. This is particularly important for dogs with weak gastrointestinal functions, such as senior dogs or puppies. For example, the gastrointestinal tract of puppies is still in the process of development. Digestible treats like freeze-dried chicken can provide rich nutrition for puppies without increasing the burden on their gastrointestinal tracts and help them grow healthily.
iv. Cheese sticks
1.High-quality source of protein and calcium: Cheese sticks are mainly made from milk of cow or goat and are a rich source of protein and calcium. Protein helps dogs maintain muscle strength and body structure. Calcium is a key element for the development of a dog's bones and teeth. For example, for large breed puppies in the stage of rapid bone growth, moderate consumption of cheese sticks can provide additional calcium and prevent poor bone development such as rickets. Each 100 grams of cheese sticks can contain about 700 - 800 milligrams of calcium, which can effectively complement the daily calcium needs of dogs.
2.Other nutrients: Cheese sticks also contain nutrients such as phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B2. Phosphorus works in synergy with calcium to help with the mineralization of bones. Vitamin A is beneficial for a dog's vision and immune system. Vitamin B2 participates in the energy metabolism process and provides support for a dog's physical activities.
v. Milk tablets
1.Calcium and protein supplementation: Milk tablets are also rich in calcium and protein. It can help dogs maintain the health and strength of their bones. For senior dogs, since calcium in bones will be lost as they age, proper consumption of milk tablets can slow down the rate of bone loss to a certain extent. Moreover, the protein in milk tablets can provide energy for dogs and support various physiological functions of the body.
2.Benefits of adding probiotics: Some milk tablets are added with probiotics. Probiotics help regulate the balance of intestinal flora in dogs. A healthy intestinal flora can enhance a dog's digestive function and promote the absorption of nutrients. For example, milk tablets containing bifidobacteria can improve a dog's intestinal peristalsis, reduce the occurrence of digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea, and enable dogs to better absorb nutrients in food.
vi. Dried vegetables by drying
1.Vitamin supplementation: Dried vegetables such as dried carrots and dried pumpkins are important sources of vitamins. Dried carrots are rich in carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in a dog's body and has a positive impact on a dog's vision, skin and immune function. Dried pumpkins contain antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which can help dogs resist the damage of free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to cells, and may have a certain role in preventing some chronic diseases.
2.Dietary fiber supply: Dietary fiber in dried vegetables is helpful for a dog's digestion. Dietary fiber can increase the volume of feces and promote intestinal peristalsis to prevent constipation. For example, dried broccoli contains rich dietary fiber. Moderate consumption can help dogs maintain good intestinal function. At the same time, dietary fiber can also regulate a dog's blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is beneficial to a dog's overall health.
3.Mineral supplementation: Dried vegetables can also provide a variety of minerals. For example, dried spinach contains minerals such as iron and magnesium. Iron is an essential element for dogs to produce hemoglobin and can prevent anemia; magnesium participates in many enzymatic reactions in a dog's body and has a regulatory effect on nerve and muscle functions.
vii. Freeze-dried fruits
1.Vitamins and antioxidant components: Freeze-dried fruits such as freeze-dried apples and freeze-dried blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidant components. Freeze-dried apples are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C can enhance a dog's immunity and promote the synthesis of collagen, which is beneficial to a dog's skin and blood vessel health. Freeze-dried blueberries contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which can protect a dog's cells from damage by free radicals, help prevent eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc., and can also delay a dog's aging process.
2.Natural sugar supplementation: Freeze-dried fruits contain natural sugars and can provide a certain amount of energy for dogs. After a dog exercises, an appropriate amount of freeze-dried fruits can be used as a delicious energy supplement. However, since a dog's demand for sugar is relatively low, attention should be paid to controlling the intake of freeze-dried fruits to avoid excessive obesity.
viii. Biscuit
1.Carbohydrate supply: Dog biscuits are mainly composed of flour and grains and are an important source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be decomposed into glucose in a dog's body to provide energy for dogs. For example, after a dog takes a long walk, plays, or undergoes training, moderate consumption of biscuits can help them quickly regain strength. About 300 - 400 kilocalories of energy can be provided per 100 grams of biscuits, meeting part of a dog's energy needs.
2.Addition of other nutritional components: Many biscuits will add other nutritional components. For example, biscuits added with chicken powder can provide additional protein; biscuits added with joint protection components (such as glucosamine and chondroitin) can help maintain joint health to a certain extent for dogs with joint problems. At the same time, some biscuits also contain vitamins and minerals. For example, biscuits added with vitamin E can play an antioxidant role and are beneficial to a dog's skin and hair health.
ix. Rice cracker
1.Energy supplementation: Rice crackers made from grains such as rice , are a good dog treats. They are rich in carbohydrates. After puffing treatment, they have a crispy texture and are easily accepted by dogs. In a dog's daily activities, an appropriate amount of rice crackers can provide additional energy support. For example, when a dog is exploring outdoors or engaging in some light exercise, rice crackers can be used as a conveniently portable energy supplement.
2.Partial nutritional supplementation: Some rice crackers will add other nutritional components such as vegetable powder or meat extract. These added components can provide dogs with some vitamins, minerals, or proteins, increasing the nutritional value of rice crackers. However, since rice crackers are mainly starch-based foods, excessive consumption may lead to weight gain in dogs, so attention should be paid to controlling the feeding amount.
Treats recommended as below, for more information, please click here.
Advantages: Noora Superfood Treats are a healthy snack option for dogs, designed for training, treating, and spoiling. These treats are packed with nutritious superfoods and made with natural ingredients that cater to dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes. They are a source of daily nutrition that can support a dog's overall health and well-being.
Appearance/Taste: These treats come in a peanut butter flavor, which is appealing and tasty for dogs.
Size: 2 grams each treat, 100 treats in each bottle, a total of 200 g (7.4 oz ).
Functions: The ingredients include a variety of superfoods like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, kale, blueberries, apples, pumpkin, and spinach, which contribute to the nutritional value of the treats. These nutrients help support a balanced diet and promote overall health in dogs. The feeding instructions recommend feeding as a treat, and the color of the treats may vary due to the natural ingredients used.
II. Treats are beneficial for physical health
1.Oral health:
Snacks are of great significance for a dog's oral health. Many dog snacks are designed with special shapes and textures, which can help clean teeth and gums and reduce the accumulation of tartar, thus maintaining oral health. Snacks with appropriate hardness, such as chew bones, can rub the surface of teeth during a dog's chewing process, helping to remove plaque and food residues and reduce the formation of dental calculus. Some snacks containing cleaning ingredients can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, freshen breath, and prevent bad breath. Moreover, when chewing snacks, it can promote the secretion of saliva in a dog's mouth. The enzymes in saliva have a cleaning and protective effect on the oral cavity and help maintain the health of a dog's oral environment.
2.Digestive health:
Snacks containing probiotics can regulate a dog's intestinal flora, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, improve the intestinal microecological environment, and enhance intestinal digestive function. Snacks rich in dietary fiber, such as some vegetable snacks, can promote intestinal peristalsis, make food move more smoothly in the intestinal tract, help prevent constipation, and enable dogs to better digest and absorb nutrients in food and maintain digestive health.
3.Joint health:
Snacks have obvious benefits for a dog's joint health. Some snacks rich in glucosamine and chondroitin can provide nutrition for joint cartilage, help repair and maintain cartilage tissue, reduce wear and tear, and enhance joint flexibility. Snacks containing Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, can relieve joint inflammation, reduce pain and discomfort caused by joint problems in dogs, and are of great significance for maintaining the normal function and healthy state of a dog's joints.
III. Treats are beneficial for mental health
1.Enhancing emotions:
Dog snacks play a unique role in enhancing emotions. When you call your dog with a snack in hand, it is a sweet temptation. The dog will happily run towards you, with eyes full of expectation and trust. Every time you feed the snack to the dog by hand, this intimate contact will make it feel your care. During the training process, using snacks to reward the dog for correct behaviors can make it more meaningful. Whether it's a simple handshake or completing a complex command, snacks are like an emotional bond, further deepening the bond between you and making the dog more dependent on you and love you more, making the emotion between you even stronger.
2.Reducing anxiety:
Dog snacks have significant benefits in reducing anxiety. When the dog is in a strange environment or encounters noises and other situations that make it uneasy, snacks are like a magical soothing agent. At the moment you give it a snack, its attention will be attracted by the deliciousness and temporarily forget fear and anxiety. For example, in a place full of tension like a pet hospital, snacks can distract the dog's attention from the surrounding injections and noise and make it relax. Moreover, the satisfaction brought by snacks can prompt the dog to secrete happy hormones and soothe its tense nerves, thus effectively reducing anxiety and making the dog gradually return to calm and stability.
3.Training assistance:
Dog snacks have irreplaceable benefits in training. During the training process, snacks are extremely attractive reward items. When the dog makes correct actions according to instructions, such as sitting, lying down, rolling over, etc., giving snacks as a reward in time will make the dog associate correct behaviors with the pleasure of obtaining delicious snacks, thus strengthening this behavior. This positive feedback mechanism can greatly increase the dog's enthusiasm and efficiency in learning new instructions. At the same time, it can also make the dog more focused on the owner's instructions during the training process. Snacks are like a key, opening the door to efficient dog training and making the training more smooth and productive.
IV. The keys to choosing and feeding treats
i. Interpretation of ingredient list:
1.Give priority to high-quality protein sources: When looking at the ingredient list, pay attention to the protein source. Try to avoid snacks containing unknown meats or meat by-products. Meat by-products usually refer to the remaining parts in the meat processing process, such as internal organs, bones, blood, etc. Their quality and nutritional components may be unstable, and some may also contain ingredients that are not easily digested by dogs.
2.Pay attention to the types of carbohydrates: If the snack contains carbohydrate ingredients, whole wheat flour, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, etc. are relatively good choices. These ingredients are rich in dietary fiber and can promote intestinal peristalsis in dogs. Snacks containing a large amount of simple sugars such as corn syrup and sucrose should be avoided, because excessive sugar can lead to problems such as obesity and dental caries in dogs.
3. Check additives and preservatives: When choosing snacks, try to select products that do not contain artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives. Artificial colors and flavors may cause allergic reactions in dogs, and chemical preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) may pose potential hazards to a dog's health. Some natural preservatives such as vitamin C and vitamin E are relatively safe.
ii. Consider the individual needs of dogs:
1. Age: Snacks for puppies should focus on being nutrient-rich and easy to digest because their stomachs and intestines are still relatively fragile. Adult dog snacks can focus more on functionality, such as chew sticks for cleaning teeth or snacks for supplementing joint nutrition. Senior dogs may need snacks rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain joint health, and the texture of snacks should be relatively softer for easy chewing.
2. Health condition: If a dog has special health problems such as allergies, obesity, and sensitive stomachs, be more cautious when choosing snacks. For dogs with allergies, carefully check the ingredient list to avoid snacks containing allergens. For example, if a dog is allergic to beef, choose snacks without beef ingredients. Obese dogs are suitable for low-calorie and high-fiber snacks such as dried vegetables, which can not only satisfy a dog's desire to chew but also not consume too many calories. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can choose snacks containing probiotics to help regulate the intestinal flora.
