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Let’s face it, we love to give our pets treats. Why wouldn’t we? Every single one of them are great dogs! Food is one of the ways we often show our pets love and is a great motivator during training.
Unfortunately, we can create problems like weight gain if we treat them too often. That’s why it’s a good idea to make any treats you give your dog something that serves another purpose – functional treats! These are treats that can actually do your dog some good, like support dental and coat health or improve joint function.
Here are some excellent treats that your dog will not only enjoy, but will help improve their quality of life.
Dental Treats
Dogs rely on their teeth, so it’s important to keep them in excellent condition. Dental treats are specifically designed to help you do that. Here are a few that will keep teeth and gums in tip-top shape:
Whimzees: These unique shapes help scrape plaque from your dog’s teeth, while giving them a tasty treat to gnaw on while you’re busy doing other things. On top of that, they are all-natural! No scary chemicals to make you question their benefit.
Bully Sticks: These treats provide lots of tasty entertainment while scraping plaque from the surface of teeth and exercising jaw muscles.
Dental Sticks: The unique design is what makes these tasty chews something your dog will love.
Joint Support
Joint pain and dysfunction is one of the most common complaints among dog owners. Not only can treats designed to support healthy joints ease pain and discomfort already present, they can help prevent joint disease and injury, too. Here are a few functional treats that support your dog’s joints:
Nice Mussels: If you’re looking for all-natural goodness, you can’t go wrong with these freeze-dried mussels, which are 100% all natural. These treats are made entirely of New Zealand blue and green mussels, which are a healthy, whole-food option for pet treats. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are both types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids which are found in Nice Mussels – they have a ton of natural anti-inflammatory properties for the joints, skin and nerves.
Happy Hips: These treats made with natural cage-free chicken, but contain glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc and other important vitamins to keep pets in prime health.
Old Mother Hubbard: This Hip and Joint recipe was developed to help support your dog’s mobility. Each treat is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin.
For the Always Hungry Hound
If your dog is constantly begging for food, but you’re concerned about him putting on weight, these are some low-calorie alternatives that will help fill his belly and help you feel like you’re not depriving your pup.
Sweet Potato Slices: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and dogs love them! Make them yourself, or buy them pre-made. They are low-calorie slices of heaven that won’t pack pounds on your hound.
Pecks: These delicious treats are great for training because each treat is only 3 calories. All-natural and made from buffalo and blueberries, these treats are filled with antioxidants that may help to prevent cancer.
Digestive Treats for Dogs
Digestive issues are another common complaint among pet parents. This can be due to any number of issues, including stress, poor food quality, or a change in eating habits. These treats are not only good for your pets, but can help improve their digestion system, too:
GetNaked: If you’re looking to improve your dog’s digestive health, these may do the trick. They took natural chicken and added Ganado BC30 Probiotics and FOS prebiotics to support natural digestion, then they added Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. The result is a great natural way to supplement, while you’re giving treats.
Natural Balance: Sweet potatoes and venison is what make these treats a great option for pets. Limited ingredients mean your dog’s body has less to process, making them great options for sensitive stomachs.
Skin and Coat Health
Skin is the largest organ your pets have and the only one that they wear on the outside, which is why it’s so important to keep it in good shape. These functional treats are skin-nourishing and all-natural for optimum skin and coat health:
Beams: made from wild caught haddock in Iceland, these fishy treats are low in fat and a great source of Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, which help protect your pets skin.
Skin & Coat: These soft, chewy treats are formulated with Omega 6 and Omega 3 to assist in developing healthy skin and a shiny coat.
You see, it’s easy to reward your dog for good behavior (or offer him a snack simply for being so adorable) while at the same time contributing to improved health and vitality!
