Pet treat aisles overflow with options: rawhides, pig ears, dental chews, grain-free treats, and countless specialty products. Many look appealing and promise health benefits. But some common treats can actually harm your pet.
The problem isn't always obvious. Some products are outright toxic. Others contain ingredients linked to long-term health problems. And some pose mechanical hazards rather than chemical ones.
Here's what to avoid and why.
Rawhide Chews
Rawhides seem natural and benignβthey're just dried skinβbut pose serious risks:
Intestinal blockage: Rawhides don't fully digest. Large chunks that pets swallow can create blockages requiring surgery. Small pieces can accumulate and cause problems.
Quality/processing concerns: Many rawhides are processed with chemicals (including arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde based on some testing) and come from countries with minimal food safety standards.
Choking hazard: When rawhides soften, they become slimy and can lodge in the throat.
Better alternatives: bully sticks (actually digestible) or yak chews (more digestible than rawhide) if you want long-lasting chews.
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Grain-Free Treats
Grain-free treats sell well but shouldn't be chosen based on grain-free status alone.
The grain-free myth: Dogs don't require grain-free diets. Grain-free isn't inherently healthier and sometimes correlates with higher legume content (peas, chickpeas, lentils). Some research suggests high legume diets might relate to cardiac issues in susceptible dogs.
Better approach: Choose based on ingredient quality, not grain-free status. A high-quality grain-inclusive treat is better than a poor-quality grain-free one.
Treats with BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin
These preservatives, found in some older treat formulations, are controversial:
Concerns: Potential carcinogenic effects and other health impacts based on some animal studies.
Look for: Natural preservatives instead (mixed tocopherols, vitamin E, rosemary extract).
Treats Containing Propylene Glycol
Found in some softer treats and jerky products, this ingredient serves as a moisture preservative.
Concern: Generally recognized as safe in small amounts, but unnecessary in pet treats. Choose products without it.
Treats with Artificial Colors
Red #40, Yellow #5, and other artificial dyes serve no nutritional purpose and may trigger sensitivities in some pets.
Better choice: Treats colored naturally (beets, spinach, carrots) or uncolored.
Pig Ears and Other High-Fat Treats
Seemingly benign, these treats actually pose problems:
Pancreatitis risk: Highly fatty treats can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Some dogs develop pancreatitis from single fatty treats.
Contamination: Several product recalls have documented Salmonella and E. coli contamination.
Safer approach: Reserve for occasional treats for dogs without pancreatitis history. Choose leaner options.
Smoked Chews (Smoked Bones, Smoked Meat Treats)
The smoking process, particularly over certain woods, can create compounds questionable for pet health.
Better alternatives: Lean, unsmoked meats or commercially processed treats with transparent sourcing.
Treats with Added Sugar
Pet treats containing added sugars (beyond natural sugars from ingredients) contribute to obesity and dental problems.
Read labels: Avoid products listing sugar, corn syrup, or sweeteners early in ingredients.
Low-Quality "Meat" Treats
Terms like "meat by-products," "meat meal," or "poultry by-products" indicate lower quality, less transparent sourcing.
Better choice: Named meat sources (chicken, beef, fish) as primary ingredients.
Treats Containing Xylitol (Again)
I mention this repeatedly because it's so critical: xylitol is deadly to dogs. Many treat manufacturers have removed it, but some persist.
Always check: Sugar-free treats particularly. Some "healthy" options contain xylitol.
Treats with Soy
While not toxic, soy is a common allergen for pets. Dogs with sensitivities can react.
Check ingredients: Avoid if your dog shows signs of sensitivity.
How to Choose Safe Treats
Read the ingredient list:
- Can you identify each ingredient?
- Are meat sources named (chicken, not poultry)?
- Are there unnecessary additives?
Research the company:
- Do they have quality control?
- Have there been recalls?
- Is sourcing transparent?
- Do they have third-party testing?
Consider your individual dog:
- Pancreatitis risk β avoid fatty treats
- Dental problems β avoid hard treats that could break teeth
- Sensitivities β avoid common allergens
- Obesity β account for treat calories
Safer treat options:
- Plain cooked chicken
- Plain cooked beef
- Plain cooked fish
- Plain sweet potato
- Plain carrots
- Apples (no seeds)
- Blueberries
- Plain pumpkin
Commercially safe options:
- Products from reputable companies with transparent sourcing
- Bully sticks (more digestible than rawhide)
- Freeze-dried treats with single ingredients
- Treats with AAFCO certification
Reading Between Marketing Claims
"Natural": Unregulated term. Doesn't guarantee safety or quality.
"Grain-free": Marketing term. Not necessary and sometimes problematic.
"Healthy": Vague claim. Look at actual ingredients.
"No artificial flavors": Good, but doesn't address other ingredients.
"Made with real chicken": Might mean 5% chicken; check ingredient position.
When to Be Extra Cautious
Senior dogs: Softer teeth mean hard treats are risky. Digestive sensitivity means lower-quality ingredients are problematic.
Small dogs: Choking hazard and digestive blockage risk from treats too large or poorly digested.
Dogs with health conditions: Pancreatitis, allergies, or digestive issues require careful treat selection.
Dogs prone to obesity: Every treat counts toward daily calories.
Final Thoughts
Your pet's treats matter. What seems like a harmless snack can contain problematic ingredients or pose serious mechanical risks.
Invest in quality treats from reputable companies. Read ingredient lists. When in doubt, stick with whole food options you know are safe. Your pet's health is worth the extra attention at the treat aisle.
What's your go-to safe treat for your pet? Have you encountered treats you had to avoid? Share recommendations in the comments.
Sarah Mitchell is a certified pet care specialist and author of Pawprint Journals. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her golden retriever, two rescue cats, and an impressive collection of indoor plants.
