A Veterinarian’s Guide to the Treat Aisle

What to Buy & What to Skip

If you’ve ever been to Oz Animal Hospital, you know that we are very pro-treat. You can always have too much of a good thing, however, and pet treats share a downside with human snacks: some are pretty bad for you!

With nutritional flaws, cost concerns, and heated online debate about what’s safe, you’ve got a recipe for confusion. To navigate the noise, read on! You’ll find our take on rawhides, antlers, yak cheese, and more.

The Golden Rule: The 10% Limit

Before we talk about types of treats, we have to talk volume.

Obesity is the number one health threat facing U.S. pets today. A single large milk bone can have as many calories as a cheeseburger, relative to a small dog’s size!

  • The Rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The other 90% must come from their balanced dog food.

🛑 RED LIGHT: The “Hard Pass” List

These are popular, but we strongly recommend avoiding them due to safety risks.

1. Traditional Rawhide

  • The Trend: Often sold as a cheap, long-lasting chew.
  • The Vet Verdict: DANGEROUS. Rawhide isn’t dehydrated meat; it is the inner layer of cow hide, often treated with harsh chemicals and glues. It doesn’t dissolve in the stomach. Instead, it swells up like a wet gummy bear, posing a choking and blockage risk.

2. Antlers, Hooves, and Real Bones

  • The Trend: “All-natural” long-lasting chews.
  • The Vet Verdict: TOOTH BREAKERS. The rule of thumb is simple: If you can’t indent it with your fingernail, it is too hard for your dog’s teeth. Antlers are harder than tooth enamel. We see “Slab Fractures” (where the side of the tooth shears off) constantly from these chews, leading to painful extractions.

3. Jerky Treats (Sourced Overseas)

  • The Trend: Cheap chicken or duck jerky.
  • The Vet Verdict: RISKY. Historically, jerky treats sourced from certain overseas manufacturing hubs have been linked to kidney failure in dogs (Fanconi syndrome). Always check the bag for “Made in the USA” (sourced and manufactured).

⚠️ YELLOW LIGHT: Use with Caution

These are okay in moderation but require supervision.

1. Bully Sticks

  • The Verdict: Generally Safe (but smelly). These are highly digestible (unlike rawhide), and dogs love them. However, they are high in calories and can carry bacteria. Wash your hands after handling them and throw away the last “nub” so your dog doesn’t choke on it.

2. “Yak Cheese” Chews

  • The Verdict:Good, but monitor. These hard cheese blocks soften as the dog chews. They are generally safer than bones but can still be hard on teeth.
    •  Pro-tip: When it gets small, microwave the nugget to puff it up into a crunchy, safe snack!

✅ GREEN LIGHT: Vet-Approved Favorites

Safe, healthy, and great for training.

1. Single-Ingredient Freeze-Dried Treats

  • Why We Love Them: Beef liver, salmon, or chicken hearts. They are high-value (dogs go crazy for them) but pure protein with no fillers. Perfect for training.

2. The “Nature’s Toothbrush” (Dental Chews)

  • Why We Love Them: Products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal are proven to reduce plaque and tartar. Look for the seal on the bag!

3. “Human Food” (The Skinny Snacks)

  • Why We Love Them: Is your dog on a diet? Swap the biscuit for:
    • Green Beans: Frozen or fresh (no salt).
    • Carrots: Great crunch, low calorie.
    • Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants.
    • Ice Cubes: Many dogs love the crunch of plain frozen water!

4. The “Enrichment” Treat (Frozen Kongs/Lick Mats)

  • Why We Love Them: Instead of a bone, stuff a rubber Kong with wet food, pumpkin, or yogurt and freeze it. It keeps your dog busy for 30 minutes, burns mental energy, and is perfectly safe for their teeth and tummy.

The “Peanut Butter” Check

Peanut butter is a classic dog treat, but you must check the label.

  • Many “sugar-free” peanut butters now use Xylitol (Birch Sugar).
  • This sweetener is incredibly toxic to dogs, causing rapid liver failure and death.
  • Only use peanut butter that contains peanuts and salt.

🐱 Wait, But What About Cats?🐱

We haven’t forgotten our feline friends! Cats can be notoriously picky, but they deserve rewards, too. Here is the Verdict on three trending cat treats:

1. Squeeze-Up Tubes (Churu, etc.)

  • The Verdict: ✅ GREEN LIGHT. Cats go absolutely wild for these puree tubes. They are high-moisture (great for cats who don’t drink enough water) and incredibly useful for distracting them during nail trims or hiding medication. Just be mindful of the cost. They can get pricey if used daily!

2. Catnip & Silvervine

  • The Verdict: ✅ GREEN LIGHT. These are fantastic, calorie-free enrichment tools. About 70% of cats react to catnip, but if yours doesn’t, try Silvervine (a potent alternative). It encourages play and exercise without adding to their waistline.

3. “Dental” Treats (Greenies, etc.)

Still unsure? Every pet is different. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or a history of pancreatitis, talk to us before introducing new treats.

At Oz Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier veterinary care that goes beyond traditional standards. Our team takes the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle, habits, and medical history to provide tailored recommendations for vaccines, preventative care, and treatment options. Choose Oz Animal Hospital for exceptional veterinary care that prioritizes your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.