With literally hundreds of different brands and types of dog treats out on the market, how do you select the best? Well, here are a few tips to help you pick the healthiest treats for your dog.

• As with dog food, dog treats that contain real ingredients like chicken or beef as apposed to chicken or beef “meal” are best for your dog.
• Try to choose treats that offer less additives like wheat, artificial colorings and flavors, or ‘animal byproducts.’
• Avoid foods or treats with ingredients that dogs are allergic to like brewer’s yeast, soy, avocado, or onions.
• For overweight dogs many veterinarians recommend feeding them healthy vegetables and grains, like sweet potatoes, rice, amaranth, bananas, peanut butter, millet, or carrots to reduce fat content in your dog’s diet.
• Never give your dog human ‘junk food’ like candies or chocolates as they can be toxic to your pet and also cause dental disease.

Read the label of any treat you are thinking of feeding to your dog to ensure that it is full of healthy, real foods. To avoid causing obesity in your pet, make sure to treat your pet in moderation. Only one treat at a time is a good rule of thumb.