Can A Dog Treat Be Healthy?
(source: The Whole Dog News, 7/2/09)
Have you ever read the ingredients on your dog’s favorite treat to see what is really in there? ( Heyyyyy, we just talked about this on the last post!!!!! )
Is it possible that dog treats could actually be causing health problems that you’re not even aware of?

Just like the multi-billion dollar pet food industry, from grocery stores to pet boutiques to even your local veterinarian, they all sell delicious, mouth-watering, paw licking treats aimed at enticing YOU!

Your dog is attracted to the scent and taste of a food item, not the shape or color or nutritional claims, and certainly not to a cute little name wrapped in a glitzy package. The leading brands of pet treats – all sell on creative marketing, bag graphics, brand identity or attractive pricing. Are they worth the price???
NO!

The sharp rise in pet illness may be attributed not only the processed food you feed your dogs or the vaccines we pump into them but also, to tasty treats that contain unhealthful ingredients.
Thankfully, many pet owners are beggining to demand “healthier??? treats. In response to that demand, companies are beginning to incorporate natural and/or organic ingredients into the treats. Be careful though, Even though there are even some grain free treats out there you need to be vigilant and avoid the following ingredients:

Propylene glycol- an industrial solvent used in acrylics, stains, inks, dyes, cellophane, antifreeze, airplane de-icers and brake fluid. Side effects on animals include: irregular heart beat, underdeveloped growth, brain, liver and kidney problems, lowering blood pressure and even death. Pets love the sweet taste.

Artificial Colors
Blue 1 and 2- found in pet food and treats have caused brain tumors
Red 3- caused thyroid tumors
Yellow 6- Linked to adrenal gland and kidney tumors, many carcinogens

BHA or BHT- studies found usage caused cancer in rats
Propyl galate- preservative, prevent spoiling, might cause cancer
Ethoxyquin- linked to cancer
Potassium Bromate- Bromate has been banned throughout the world, except for in the United States and Japan. Causes cancer in animals
Acesulfame-K also breaks down into acetoacetamide, which has been found to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits and dogs
Partially Hydrogenated Oils- creates trans fats, which promote heart disease and diabetes

Read the rest HERE, then come back and tell me what you think?