We give dog treats to our pups not only as a reward or training tool, but as a way of saying “I love you.” Yet, there’s no worse feeling than if these treats subsequently make your dog sick. What could be the cause? While most dog treats are safe when given in moderation, there are instances in which dogs have become seriously ill or even died due to the consumption of dog treats.
Here are a few different reasons why your pup may become sick from a dog treat, as well as advice on how to prevent such a scenario.
Just like humans, too much of a good thing can spell tummy trouble for dogs. Watching your pup gobble up treats is fun and rewarding, but it’s important to remember that most dogs aren’t programmed to watch their food intake. In fact, many dogs will keep eating as long as you continue to hand out delicious little morsels of food. Yet, overconsumption of treats can lead to an upset stomach, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or just overall lethargy. (Think: that feeling you get after leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet.)
The longterm effects of eating too many dog treats are even worse. Due to the high calorie and fat level in treats, overfeeding over the span of months or years can lead to obesity, heart disease, or other serious conditions. Thus, it’s your responsibility to carefully monitor how many treats your little guy is given every day. Check the label of your dog treats. It should contain information about caloric value and recommended daily amounts. Of course, two treats a day for a Great Dane versus two of those same treats a day for a Pomeranian is very different. Thus, when in doubt about quantity, speak with your vet.
While not common, some dogs can have allergic reactions to the ingredients inside a dog treat. The response may present as tummy upset, such as vomiting and lethargy. Other dogs may experience a more severe reaction, which can include vomiting, plus facial swelling, itchiness, hives, and/or bumps. While the condition of anaphylaxis is rare, if your dog seems to be struggling to breath, take them into the vet asap.
Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to know your dogs’ sensitivities or allergies to particular ingredients in dog treats until you’ve witnessed their reaction. Dogs, of course, can’t communicate when they’re not feeling well. But by paying attention to your dog’s health and behavioral patterns, you should be able to quickly pick up on the fact that eating a certain kind of treat directly correlates with your pup not feeling well. In consultation with your vet, you should be able to identify what’s affecting your dog’s health. Ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat are common allergens, as are other chemical additives, dyes, or artificial flavors. In rare cases, dogs can even be allergic to poultry, including chicken and ducks.
Of course, after narrowing down the ingredients making your dog sick, eliminate the source from their diet completely.
The best strategy for preventing sickness due to dog treats is to only feed your dog all-natural, American-made products. Unfortunately, there have been past incidents of dog treats manufactured in China poisoning dogs. Thus, when in doubt, it’s smart to check the labels and stick with brands that you trust.
Here is some more advice to consider when purchasing treats for your pup:
There’s nothing worse than having a sick pup. Keeping treats to a minimum recommended amount is smart, as well as observing your dog for potential allergies. Beyond those preventative measures, look to companies that make healthy, all-natural, and American-made dog treats. None of BARK’s dog treats, for instance, contain chemicals or fillers. They also use safe, whole ingredients, including chicken, salmon, pork, sweet potatoes, and other healthy foods.
Here are a few categories of treats that your pup might enjoy:
To keep your home stocked with safe American-made dog treats, consider signing up for a subscription to BarkBox! Your pup will receive two all-natural bags of treats per month, along with a chew and two innovative toys. Not only will your dog be happy, but you can also rest easy knowing that your dog is chomping down on a healthy well-made treat. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. <– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription! 🙂
Overfeeding Of Dog Treats
Just like humans, too much of a good thing can spell tummy trouble for dogs. Watching your pup gobble up treats is fun and rewarding, but it’s important to remember that most dogs aren’t programmed to watch their food intake. In fact, many dogs will keep eating as long as you continue to hand out delicious little morsels of food. Yet, overconsumption of treats can lead to an upset stomach, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, or just overall lethargy. (Think: that feeling you get after leaving an all-you-can-eat buffet.)
The longterm effects of eating too many dog treats are even worse. Due to the high calorie and fat level in treats, overfeeding over the span of months or years can lead to obesity, heart disease, or other serious conditions. Thus, it’s your responsibility to carefully monitor how many treats your little guy is given every day. Check the label of your dog treats. It should contain information about caloric value and recommended daily amounts. Of course, two treats a day for a Great Dane versus two of those same treats a day for a Pomeranian is very different. Thus, when in doubt about quantity, speak with your vet.
Allergic Reaction Or Sensitivity To Dog Treats
While not common, some dogs can have allergic reactions to the ingredients inside a dog treat. The response may present as tummy upset, such as vomiting and lethargy. Other dogs may experience a more severe reaction, which can include vomiting, plus facial swelling, itchiness, hives, and/or bumps. While the condition of anaphylaxis is rare, if your dog seems to be struggling to breath, take them into the vet asap.
Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to know your dogs’ sensitivities or allergies to particular ingredients in dog treats until you’ve witnessed their reaction. Dogs, of course, can’t communicate when they’re not feeling well. But by paying attention to your dog’s health and behavioral patterns, you should be able to quickly pick up on the fact that eating a certain kind of treat directly correlates with your pup not feeling well. In consultation with your vet, you should be able to identify what’s affecting your dog’s health. Ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat are common allergens, as are other chemical additives, dyes, or artificial flavors. In rare cases, dogs can even be allergic to poultry, including chicken and ducks.
Of course, after narrowing down the ingredients making your dog sick, eliminate the source from their diet completely.
Buying Tainted Or Poor Quality Dog Treats
The best strategy for preventing sickness due to dog treats is to only feed your dog all-natural, American-made products. Unfortunately, there have been past incidents of dog treats manufactured in China poisoning dogs. Thus, when in doubt, it’s smart to check the labels and stick with brands that you trust.
Here is some more advice to consider when purchasing treats for your pup:
- Generally, less is more with dog treats. Therefore, avoid products with long and/of confusing ingredient lists. Instead, stick to treats that have few and mostly whole ingredients.
- Avoid products with words like “meat by-product” or “animal meal.” These are low-quality and questionable proteins that could potentially make your dog ill.
- Don’t purchase dog treats that use chemicals or fillers, such as soy, corn, and wheat.
How To Prevent Sickness From Dog Treats
There’s nothing worse than having a sick pup. Keeping treats to a minimum recommended amount is smart, as well as observing your dog for potential allergies. Beyond those preventative measures, look to companies that make healthy, all-natural, and American-made dog treats. None of BARK’s dog treats, for instance, contain chemicals or fillers. They also use safe, whole ingredients, including chicken, salmon, pork, sweet potatoes, and other healthy foods.
Here are a few categories of treats that your pup might enjoy:
Crunchy Biscuit
Bark’s crunchy-textured dog biscuits are made with whole ingredients. That means no fillers, no by-products, and, of course, no chemicals. These biscuits are also great for a dog who loves a bit of snap to their cookie. As always, these and other Bark treats are also manufactured in America with the highest health and safety standards.Soft Baked
Most dogs love sinking their teeth into a dense, savory, and soft treat. Bark’s soft baked treats are also made with with all natural ingredients like chicken, salmon, tuna, pork, and many other whole foods. These flavorful bite-sized goodies are also great for training exercises.Freeze Dried
Looking for a healthy outlet for your dog’s need to chew? Bark’s Jerky Chews are fun for your dog to gnaw on and super flavorful. They’re also low fat and, of course, free from grain, wheat, corn, and soy. In fact, they’re made by using only one ingredient: meat, such as freeze dried beef lung.Don’t Forget About BARKBOX
To keep your home stocked with safe American-made dog treats, consider signing up for a subscription to BarkBox! Your pup will receive two all-natural bags of treats per month, along with a chew and two innovative toys. Not only will your dog be happy, but you can also rest easy knowing that your dog is chomping down on a healthy well-made treat. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. <– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription! 🙂
Looking For More Articles About The Finer Points Of Treats?
What Treats Should I Avoid For My Dog? Can Dog Treats Expire? What Dog Treats Are Low In Fat? Should I Give My Dog Grain-Free Treats? What Dog Treats Do Vets Recommend?
