As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend. You want them to be happy and healthy.
When choosing treats for your dog remember that not all dog treats are made equal, some lack nutritional value – ideally you want to avoid treats with added sugar, artificial additives, colours, flavours and preservatives. It is important to choose natural, healthy dog treats for your furry friends.
Here at Green Pawprints, we believe that all dogs deserve healthy, natural treats that are free from harmful additives and preservatives. That’s why we have carefully selected a range of natural, healthy and delicious dog treats and chews, that your dog is sure to love!
We know getting started on your natural treat journey can be a little overwhelming, so we have an option for mixed boxes to make things easier for you. They are available to suit any budget and will be a mixture of our most popular treats (there are furry and non furry options available)with a list of whats included. Its a great way of trying new natural treats and learning what your dog loves the most.
Natural dog treats have a huge range of benefits – Below we have listed some of the key benefits.
Better Dental Health
A healthy mouth for your dog is very important as it can prevent dental disease which could lead to pain. A study by RVC revealed that 1 in every 8 dogs (12.5%) overall suffer from dental disease.
If plaque is left on teeth it becomes hard and puts pressure on gums which can lead to inflammation – Chewing on treats is a natural way to clean your dogs teeth, the chewing action naturally scrapes plaque build-up from teeth which can also help to prevent bad breath and other oral health problems.
Naturally calming
Chewing is a natural behaviour all dogs need to express. It is beneficial for psychological needs. Chewing and gnawing releases chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin which are feel good chemicals so is a natural destressor.
Chewing is a great way to keep your dog’s body and mind occupied so is a great mental stimulator. It relieves boredom and destructive behavior and can even help nervous dogs cope with separation anxiety.
Can Act As A Natural Wormer
Treats with fur on them, such as hairy rabbit or cow ears, are actually great natural dewormers. Fur is undigestible so will brush through the digestive system which helps to remove any worms or eggs and can aid in digestion by removing any food residue.
This can help keep your dog healthy and reduce the risk of health problems caused by intestinal parasites. Adding them to your natural deworming routine is a much better alternative to using harsh chemicals. (We would also recommend carrying out a worm count test)
Better digestion
Natural ingredients can actually help improve your dog’s digestion, the lack of artificial additives and fillers means it is easier for dogs to digest natural treats and enables them to absorb important nutrients. Natural treats are also great for dogs with sensitivities or allergies which can cause digestive issues as the majority are single proteins so you know exactly what they are eating,
Fewer allergies
Feeding natural treats avoids giving your dogs common allergens such as grains, dairy. Allergies or intolerances can lead to problems such as digestive issues, itchy skin or ear infections. Incorporating varied protein sources into a dog’s diet is a proven method of managing allergy and intolerance development. There are a wide range of novelty proteins such as camel or goat which could be beneficial to dogs that have intolerances to common proteins such as chicken or beef.
Varied Health Benefits
When meat is air dried or dehydrated, all the proteins and nutrients of raw meat remain intact.
Fish treats are a fantastic source of omega 3 and 6 – which is important for the immune system, joints, promotes a shiny glossy coat, skin, heart, eyes and also weight maintenance.
Chicken and duck necks are rich in calcium which supports your dogs teeth and bone structure whilst also helping muscles contract and lengthen when moving.
Trachea (as well as feet and necks) is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which promotes good joint health and mobility.
Natural dog treats are high in protein and this allows your dog’s body to function properly. The essential amino acids from protein sources contribute to healthy coat and skin, muscle development and tissue repair.
