UBCNews - Business - What's The Healthiest Treat To Give A Dog? The Science Behind The Snacks

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

Alright, so today we're tackling something that, honestly, I think a lot of dog owners struggle with - and that's figuring out what treats are actually good for their dogs. You know, you walk down the pet food aisle, and it's just overwhelming. So many options, so many claims. What's really healthy? Jack's Premium City: Dallas Address: 910 S Pearl Expressway Website: https://www.jackspremium.com

All right, so today we're tackling something that, honestly, I think a lot of dog owners struggle with, and that's figuring out what treats are actually good for their dogs. You know, you walk down the pet food aisle, and it's just overwhelming, so many options, so many claims. What's really healthy? Oh, absolutely. And looking past what appears appealing on the package matters, there's real science behind what makes a treat beneficial versus, well, potentially harmful. The trend right now is definitely moving toward natural ingredients, and that's driven by pet owners who see their dogs as family. They want the same quality they'd expect in their own food.

Right, and I think that emotional connection is huge. I mean, treats are a major part of the pet food industry, with snacks and treats showing double-digit growth recently. But what should people actually be looking for? Well, let's start with ingredients. The healthiest treats are made with natural, high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Think single ingredient options, like just beef liver or chicken. These are minimally processed, often air-dried or freeze-dried, which helps retain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Compare that to treats loaded with artificial additives, seed oils, added sugars, or glycerin.

Those can contribute to obesity, diabetes, even pancreatitis. Mm-hmm, makes sense. So processing method really matters here. Air drying and freeze drying, those preserve nutrients without harsh heat. Exactly. High heat cooking can degrade proteins and vitamins. Air drying uses gentle airflow to remove moisture while keeping the protein structure intact. Freeze drying takes it a step further by removing moisture at very low temperatures, so you get raw level nutrition in a shelf-stable form. Both methods mean you're not relying on artificial preservatives to keep the product fresh. And I've heard that sourcing plays a big role too. Like where the meat comes from? Oh, definitely. Sustainable sourcing has environmental value and also impacts nutrient density. Higher quality meat sources can influence the nutritional profile of treats.

Plus, locally sourced ingredients often provide more transparency about production methods and animal welfare standards. I remember when I first started looking into this for my own dog, I was shocked at how little information some brands provided. It was like trying to solve a mystery with half the clues missing. Huh, right? Like detective work at the pet store. So what matters includes not just the treat ingredients, but how it was raised and processed.

Now, one thing that concerns me is how much to actually give. I've heard treats should be limited. Yes, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily. daily caloric intake. A lot of owners don't realize how calorie dense some treats are. Some biscuits contain high levels of sugar. One study found certain products with up to 52 grams per thousand kilo calories. For a dog with diabetes, that's a serious problem. Even popular chew treats can provide a significant portion of a small dog's daily calorie needs. Wow, that's more than I expected. So portion control is really important. And what about

dental health? I know some treats are marketed specifically for that. Dental treats can help reduce plaque and calculus. The mechanical action of chewing helps scrub the tooth surface, but the benefit really depends on the dog actually chewing the treat rather than swallowing it whole. Also, giving pets hard bones or very firm shoes can lead to tooth fractures and oral injuries, so you have to consider your dog's individual needs. That point about individual needs sets up our next piece. Understanding ingredient labels. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

Jack's Premium provides a curated collection of premium dog treats made with USA-sourced sustainably raised meats. Their treats are handmade in Texas with no seed oils or added sugars, available in both air-dried and freeze-dried formats. Whether you're looking for single-ingred options like beef liver or nutrient-dense organ meats, Jack's Premium focuses on quality. and transparency.

Find their full selection at jacks premium.com. Picking up on individual needs, how can owners actually tell what's in a treat? I mean, labeling can be pretty confusing, right? It really can be. A lot of commercial treats don't provide clear nutritional information, and there are discrepancies between what's on the label and what's actually inside.

For instance, one study found that two products labeled as rawhide-free, actually contained raw hide when examined under a microscope. That's a big deal if your dog needs to avoid certain proteins or has a tendency toward calcium oxalate stone formation. So you really have to dig into the details. What else should people watch out for? Look for short ingredient lists. If the first ingredient is a named meat, like beef liver, that's a good sign.

Check the guaranteed analysis for protein and fat content. Meat-based treats typically have high protein. protein levels. Also, be aware that some treats contain unusual ingredients not found in regular pet food, like milk derivatives, sugars, and sweeteners, such as glycerol or sorbitol. Okay, so we've talked about ingredients, processing, and portion sizes. But what about the bigger picture, like how do treats fit into a dog's overall diet? Treats are meant to be complementary, not a replacement for balanced meals. The issue is that many owners treat them as a way to show affection, which is

which can lead to overfeeding. Research shows that a high percentage of dog owners give treats regularly, often daily. This can contribute to obesity, which is a significant health concern affecting a substantial portion of the dog population worldwide. I see go on. And obesity and dogs is linked to a lot of other health issues,

particularly diabetes and osteoarthritis. So keeping treats within that 10% threshold matters greatly. Put another way, limiting treat count, calories to one-tenth of daily intake is essential for maintaining your dog's health. I also recommend rotating proteins, beef one month, turkey the next, to diversify amino acids and reduce the risk of sensitivities, and include organ meats like liver or heart a couple of times a week for micronutrient coverage. That's really practical advice. Have you ever wondered how your own treat choices might be affecting your dog's long-term health? Now, I know some treats

can pose safety risks. What should owners be aware of? Microbiological contamination is a big one. Raw treats in particular can carry salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. Studies in multiple countries found unacceptable levels of salmonella in dried dog treats, especially pig ears. That's a zoonotic risk. It can infect humans too. So proper handling and storage are essential. Also, raw hide treats have significant variability and digestibility. Some barely break down in the stomach, which can lead to gastrointestinal blockage. That's why it's so important to look for quality products with high standards at every stage. Meat sourcing, processing, preserving, storage and transportation. Wow. So there's a lot more to this

than just grabbing a bag off the shelf. What about jerky treats? I've heard there were some issues with those imported from China. Yeah, jerky treats are popular, but there was a lot of dogs got sick from a bad batch or two that were imported from elsewhere. That's why I always say buy local, buy American. Then you know the baseline standards for hygiene and treat production. The best manufacturers will be completely transparent about their ingredients, sources, and processes. So sticking with treats from known transparent sources is really the best advice. Absolutely. Transparency in sourcing and production is key. Look for treats with batch codes, clear country of origin labeling, and detailed processing methods.

Understanding where your treats come from and how they're made can help you make more informed choices for your dog's health. I appreciate that. So if someone's listening and wants to make a change, where should they start? Start small. Replace one filler heavy treat with a single ingredient, air-dried or freeze-dried option. Monitor your dog's stool quality, coat and energy over. a couple of weeks. Keep total treats under 10% of daily calories and rotate proteins every month or so.

Store treats in airtight containers to preserve freshness and always supervise your dog with larger chews. This centers on building sustainable habits that support long-term health. That sounds completely manageable, starting small. And I think the takeaway here is that the healthiest treats are those made with high-quality, natural ingredients, minimally processed, and free from artificial additives. The science backs that up, and it aligns with how we want to care for our dogs. Exactly. Treats can be a positive part of training and bonding, but they need to be chosen thoughtfully.

Quality over quantity, always. Well said. Thanks for breaking this down with me today. I think our listeners have a much clearer picture of what to look for now. Until next time, take care of those times.