🛑 Treats to Avoid Giving Your Dog (Even the Natural Ones)

 

🛑 Treats to Avoid Giving Your Dog (Even the Natural Ones)

 

Meta Description: Not all treats are safe for your pup—discover which dog treats to avoid, including some that seem natural but can cause harm.

 

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When it comes to spoiling our dogs, treats are the go-to. But not all treats—even ones labeled “natural”—are safe. Some can upset your dog’s stomach, cause long-term health problems, or even be toxic. Here’s what to watch for when treating your pup.

 

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🚫 Common Dog Treats to Avoid

 

 

1.

Rawhide Chews

 

These are marketed as long-lasting, but rawhide can:

 

• Be hard to digest

• Pose choking hazards

• Contain chemical residues from processing

 

Safer alternatives: Bully sticks, yak chews, or natural dehydrated tendons.

 

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2.

Bones from the Table

 

Cooked bones (especially chicken and pork) can:

 

• Splinter and damage your dog’s digestive tract

• Cause blockages or internal bleeding

 

Note: Raw bones from trusted sources can be safe in moderation, but supervision is key.

 

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3.

Jerky Made Overseas

 

Some imported jerky treats (particularly chicken from China) have been linked to kidney failure in dogs.

Look for: USA-made treats with limited, transparent ingredients.

 

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⚠️ “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

 

Even treats made from single-ingredient proteins or whole foods can be risky.

 

4.

Liver (in large quantities)

 

While great in small doses, too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, leading to bone deformities or joint pain.

 

5.

Peanut Butter with Xylitol

 

Xylitol is a sugar substitute toxic to dogs. Even tiny amounts can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia.

✅ Always check labels—use xylitol-free peanut butter.

 

6.

Dehydrated Pig Ears or Cow Hooves

 

Often contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and can cause dental fractures.

 

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🧼 Homemade Treats: Be Cautious With Ingredients

 

Avoid using:

 

• Garlic or onions (even powdered versions)

• Nutmeg (can cause tremors)

• Grapes/raisins (toxic to kidneys)

• Too much salt or fat

 

 

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💡 Safe Treat Tips

 

 

• Keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake

• Opt for single-ingredient freeze-dried meats

• Make DIY dog treats with safe ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and blueberries

• Always introduce new treats slowly

 

 

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Final Woof

 

Treats should be a source of joy—not a health hazard. By reading labels, skipping risky options, and being picky (just like your dog), you’ll help them stay safe, happy, and healthy.

 

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Looking for safe, pup-approved snacks?

Browse our collection of all-natural, CyberMutz-tested treats your dog will beg for (and you’ll feel good about).

 

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