It’s the perfect time to make holiday cookies, but don’t leave your dog out of the fun!
Does your home smell like sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls throughout the holiday season? If so, you’re not alone. If there’s one time of the year when you can feel free to bake to your heart’s delight, it’s the holidays! You know that your dog can’t eat many of the goodies going into your holiday treats, like chocolate or raisins, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t join in on the fun. Here are a few reasons to start baking treats for your dog over the holidays and throughout the year:
#1. You can avoid unhealthy additives.
Many of the dog treats you buy in pet stores or online contain preservatives that extend their shelf life. Commercial dog treats also often contain byproducts and fillers that may not be so healthy for your dog. When you make dog treats at home, you can avoid any and all unhealthy ingredients.
#2. You decide what goes in homemade dog treats.
As we mentioned above, it’s not uncommon to find preservatives, byproducts and fillers in commercial dog treats, but many of the other ingredients they use may not be up to par as far as quality is concerned. Many dog owners who spend $60 or more on only the best dog foods will end up giving their dogs low quality treats, but when you make your own, you have the option to use the highest quality ingredients.
#3. You’ll provide your dog with a healthier option.
Typically, commercial dog treats don’t offer much in the way of nutritional value; in fact, most of them are just fat. When you make your own dog treats, you can add nutrient-dense ingredients that your dog will love, like carrots, blueberries and sweet potatoes. Switching to homemade dog treats may even help an overweight pooch reach a healthier weight!
#4. Your dog will love their homemade treats!
If you’ve ever compared a box of cookies you bought from the store with a batch of cookies that came directly from your oven, you know that there is almost no contest. Homemade food almost always tastes better, and dog treats are no exception. Not only are homemade dog treats generally healthier, your dog will probably like the way they taste a lot more! Your dog will never want to go back to store-bought dog treats ever again!
#5. You’ll save money.
If you give your dog treats on a regular basis, the cost of commercial dog treats can really start to add up. Homemade dog treats typically cost a fraction of what you would pay for commercial dog treats, and you’d be surprised at how many of the ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
When you and your family are gathered around the table eating your homemade chocolate chip cookies, don’t settle for giving your dog a commercial dog treat! Give your dog a tasty, nutritious homemade dog treat instead! Please contact our veterinarian in Levittown if you have questions or concerns!