Sunday, September 15, 2013

Use Dog Treats Made In USA

By Helene Norris


Pet owners usually want to know that what they are feeding their animal is safe. Some harmful ingredients from foreign countries have made their way into dogie treats which resulted in over 2000 deaths between 2007 and 2011. As a result, the Federal Drug Administration issued a warning regarding chicken jerky from China that was being incorporated and sold in the United States. Below are tips on why dog treats made in USA are safer for your animals health.

The most important thing an owner can do is to read the list of ingredients on the label just as they would food they intend to feed their family. Always look for high quality, simple ingredients that you can pronounce. When in doubt about an item, as the staff, your veterinarian, or research it on the internet.

Watch out for any oil, glycerin, or proteins derived from the Jatropha plant which is used in the ingredients from China. The FDA has warned they have a possible toxic effect on animals and humans. Xylitol, used in most sugar free items that humans eat, can result in liver failure, seizures, and death in your pet. Another treat that we humans love and many owners will share with their pet is chocolate. This is very bad can will often cause kidney failure and death for your dog.

It is possible for treats made in the USA to have unsafe contaminates but those are identified quickly and removed from the store shelves. Manufactures can claim the product is made in the USA if it was assembled here but the ingredients were imported. So it is important to also check where the ingredients originated.

Facilities in the United States constantly test ingredients as they arrive at the factory and once finished. They test for salmonella and other types of bacteria. They also handle, store, and rotate their ingredients properly along with cleanliness practices.

Raw bones are excellent for dogs. Chewing the soft tissue and tendon that is still attached, will give their teeth a good brushing and floss. It also helps reduce tarter and gum disease while stimulating pooch mentally. However, do not give them cooked bones. Once cooked, the bone becomes brittle and is likely to splinter and cause all kinds of serious internal injuries to your dog. Pork and rib bones, raw, can still splinter.

Give the necks and wings of chicken and turkey to your pet. Crushing them in a blender will prevent your pet from choking on the small bones. They will love it and be getting essential calcium, phosphorus, and minerals.

The larger bison and beef bones have marrow and tendons that dogs love to chew and gnaw on. Watch them the first one or two times you offer the treat. You do not want them to crush or cause the raw bone to split or splinter. If they do, take it away and give them another. After one or two experiences, you should be able to leave them alone in their bliss with the bone.

Use dog treats made in USA for safe and healthy treats. Avoid chocolate, small and cooked bones, and products made with Jatropha derivatives and Xylitol. Always read the list of ingredients on the label, look for high quality, and stay away from anything added from China.




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