When it comes to buying treats, there are a few factors you should consider. These include cost, size and ingredients.

Treats should contain a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber. They should also be low in calories and free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Cost

When deciding what price to charge for your healthy dog treats, you should consider the ingredients, overhead costs, packaging and sales fees. These costs can add up, so it’s important to be sure you aren’t underselling your products.

Aside from that, you should also consider your pet’s caloric needs. As a general rule, Aona says that no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake should come from treats.

Low calorie options for your pet include fruits and vegetables, plain cooked pasta, small pieces of baked potato or sweet potatoes, bananas, unsalted almonds, and plain cooked rice. While they don’t all have the same nutritional benefits, these treats can help keep your dog trim.

Size

Treats are an important part of a dog’s diet, but you don’t want to overfeed your pet. The calorie amount should be less than 10% of their daily intake, and the treats should be made of healthy ingredients.

You should also choose treats that aren’t too hard, as these can pose a choking hazard and can fracture your dog’s teeth. They can also be too large for small dogs or puppies to eat, so make sure the treats are smaller than your pet’s size.

For example, Zuke’s Mini Treats are a perfect training treat for small dogs because they’re low in calories and only about 2.3 kcal per piece. This means you don’t overfeed your dog and they’ll get the energy boost they need for healthy training sessions.

Ingredients

Healthy dog treats use wholesome ingredients that are not chemically processed, contain minimal fillers, and offer adequate amounts of proteins and fiber for a nutrient-rich diet. They also avoid added sugar, which can cause weight gain, arthritis and allergies.

Ingredients are important because they let you know what’s inside a treat. A shorter list of ingredients usually means less processing, while a lengthy one may point to questionable ingredients like meat and grain meals or by-products.

Similarly, experts recommend avoiding treats that are high in fat or chemicals to preserve them. Likewise, sourcing is important, says Mankowski, since different countries have different quality standards.

Wholesome jerky dog treats, such as those made by Full Moon, are an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies because they contain little to no glycerin, grains or corn. They also contain wholesome meat, such as beef and chicken, that’s gently cooked and dehydrated at low temperatures for maximum flavor.

Safety

Most healthy dog treats are made with whole foods, natural ingredients and fewer chemicals than their unhealthy counterparts. The best treats are free from preservatives, artificial flavoring, synthetic coloring and unwanted fillers.

Keep in mind that some commercial dog treats contain artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and sucralose, which can be harmful to your dog’s health. These sugars can cause obesity, tooth decay and nervousness in dogs.

If your dog loves chewing, you’ll want to look for long-lasting hard treats that won’t break down quickly. These include rawhides, paddy whacks, and leather and nylon chews.

Rawhide is a cheap by-product of the leather industry, so it’s not uncommon to find it in the grocery store and online. However, it’s important to note that these rawhides and other jerky treats may be linked to Fanconi Syndrome, which causes kidney failure in dogs.