Making your own dog treats is a great way to ensure that your pup is getting the best possible nutrition. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you can also make sure that there are no additives or preservatives. In this blog post, we'll discuss what makes a good dog treat and some tips on how you can make your own at home!
Why should dog treats be healthy?
We started making our own pet treats over 15 years ago when we realized what we were feeding our pets and what it was doing to them. The treats we were feeding them at the time were basically just junk food, and it was affecting their quality of life. One of our Border Collies was given a terminal diagnosis by a vet – they said she was in her final days. So, we decided to spoil her as much as possible with the best food and treats imaginable, and what a difference that made! She ended up living another 4 years.
What makes a healthy dog treat?
When we set out to make the healthiest treats possible, we found a few key elements that really make the difference.
Real meat is the main ingredient
Most of the treats on the market (and most recipes online for that matter) are filled with junk. They're loaded with sugar, wheat, and peanut butter. While some of these ingredients can be okay, you want to focus on real meat as the main ingredient. Not only is it the healthiest choice for your pup, but your dog will love it too!
Note: keep in mind to always handle meat safely for both you and your dog's health!
Air-dried treats are the way to go
The problem with most treats is that the nutrients are cooked right out of them! When you cook treats, you're essentially destroying all of the enzymes and nutrients that are beneficial. So, to make sure your pup is getting the most out of their treats, we recommend air-drying them instead. Funny enough, we started with a borrowed fruit dehydrator! When you air-dry your treats, they retain their nutritional value, and your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
How to Preserve Your Treats
Once you've made your delicious, healthy treats, you'll want to make sure they last. You probably don't want to spend hours making treats every day! But some treats and recipes might use preservatives that can ultimately be harmful to your pup. We found that natural preservatives like apple cider vinegar and citric acid that can be found in fruits like lemons are the way to go. Not only do they keep the treats safe and healthy, but they also add a delicious flavor that your pup is sure to love!
Ready to make your own treats?
Healthy dog treats can be an excellent way for your pup to get some of the nutrients they need, but there are a few things to keep in mind! In this blog post, we learned what makes a healthy dog treat and what to focus on when making them at home, like using real meat that is free of fillers like sugar, wheat, and peanut butter as well as using natural preservatives to keep your treats good for longer!
Do you want healthy dog treats on demand?
At Plato Pet Treats, we practice what we preach. We use real single source meat as the main ingredient in our treats, and they're air-dried to keep their nutritional value. Plus, we never use any additives or preservatives. We want your pup to have the best possible treat every time! You can buy them online or at a store near you.
Spoil your pup and improve their quality of life today with honestly healthy pet treats today.
