What vegetables do veterinarians recommend for dogs

What Do Veterinarians Say About Freshpet Dog Food?

Hello, fellow pet enthusiasts! As youre navigating the aisles of pet food options, or perhaps scrolling through endless online selections, youve likely stumbled upon Freshpet dog food. Its shiny, its refrigerated, and it promises a bounty of benefits. But heres the million-dollar question: What do veterinarians actually think about Freshpet dog food?

Table of Tail-Wags and Nose-Twitches: The Veterinarians Verdict

The Meat of the Matter

Why Veterinarians Give a Paws-Up

1. Whole, Fresh Ingredients: Freshpet is praised for its use of real meats, vegetables, and fruits. This mirrors a dogs natural diet more closely than many dry kibbles, which can be packed with fillers and artificial ingredients.
2. Tailored Nutrition: Whether you have a sprightly puppy, an active adult, or a gracefully aging senior, Freshpet offers formulas designed to meet their specific nutritional needs. Veterinarians appreciate this targeted approach to wellness.
3. Sensitivities and Allergies: For pups with sensitive stomachs or food allergies, Freshpets clean ingredient list can be a game-changer. The lack of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors reduces the risk of allergic reactions and digestive issues.

Considerations Before You Switch

1. The Price Tag: Yes, its pricier. The higher cost reflects the quality of ingredients and the refrigeration required to keep it fresh. Consider this an investment in your dogs health.
2. Storage Space: Freshpet needs to be refrigerated, so make sure you have the space. It also has a shorter shelf life than dry food, which means more frequent shopping trips.
3. Transitioning Foods: Switching your dog to a new food, especially from dry to fresh, should be done gradually. Veterinarians recommend a transition period to avoid digestive upsets.

Real Woofs from the Field: What Dog Parents Say

Beyond the veterinarians insights, feedback from dog parents echoes a resounding chorus of wagging tails. Many report shinier coats, higher energy levels, and improved overall health after switching to Freshpet.

Wrapping It Up: A Bowl Full of Decisions

In the landscape of dog nutrition, Freshpet stands out with a veterinarian-backed stamp of approval for those seeking fresh, high-quality meals for their dogs. Its not just about feeding your dog; its about nourishing them for a vibrant, healthy life. As you contemplate the best choice for your furry family member, remember that the ultimate goal is their well-being and happiness.

Before making any changes to your dogs diet, its always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dogs specific health needs and dietary requirements.

So, dear readers, armed with knowledge and insights, are you ready to make a choice that could very well have your dogs barking for joy? Heres to healthy, happy pooches and the endless journey of pet parenthood!

The Inside Scoop: A Veterinarians Take on Freshpet Dog Food

Interviewer: Welcome, Dr. Barkley! Were diving into the world of dog nutrition today, specifically about Freshpet. Theres a lot of buzz, but also some confusion. Can you shed some light on this topic?

Dr. Barkley: Absolutely, Id be delighted to. Freshpet has certainly carved out its niche in the pet food market, advocating for fresher, less processed meals. Its a fascinating shift, reflecting broader trends in human nutrition too.

Interviewer: Many of our readers are curious about the real benefits of switching to a refrigerated dog food like Freshpet. Can you elaborate on that?

Dr. Barkley: Of course. The primary advantage lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Imagine youre comparing a freshly made salad with one thats been sitting in a package for months. Which sounds more appealing? The same logic applies to dog food. Freshpets use of fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits means that dogs are getting nutrients in a more natural and digestible form. This can lead to visible health benefits, such as a shinier coat, improved digestion, and more stable energy levels throughout the day.

Interviewer: That sounds promising! However, are there any considerations or potential downsides that dog owners should be aware of?

Dr. Barkley: Absolutely, nothing is without its caveats. The cost is a significant factor for many families. Its generally more expensive than traditional dry or canned foods due to the quality of ingredients and the necessity of refrigeration. Speaking of refrigeration, this brings its own logistical considerations. You need to have enough space in your fridge, and because its fresh food, it doesnt last as long as dry kibble once opened. Theres also the matter of transitioning your dog to a new diet, which should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Interviewer: Transitioning diets is a topic that comes up often. Do you have any tips for our readers on how to best approach this?

Dr. Barkley: Transitioning your dog to any new food should be a slow and steady process. Start by mixing a small amount of Freshpet with their current food, and gradually increase the proportion of Freshpet over the course of a week or two. This helps their digestive system adjust. Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive distress, and if you notice anything, slow the transition even further. Its also crucial to monitor your dogs weight and energy levels during this period to ensure theyre adapting well to their new diet.

Interviewer: Given the fresh nature of Freshpet, are there any specific storage or handling tips youd recommend?

Dr. Barkley: Great question. First, always keep the food refrigerated and sealed properly. After serving, if theres any leftover food in the bowl, it should be discarded rather than left out for hours. Just like human food, you dont want to give your dog anything that could have spoiled. Pay attention to the use-by dates and be mindful not to buy more than you can use before it expires. Proper handling ensures the food remains safe and nutritious for your pet.

Interviewer: This has been incredibly insightful, Dr. Barkley. Any final thoughts for our readers considering Freshpet for their furry friends?

Dr. Barkley: The bottom line is that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Freshpet offers a range of benefits, particularly for pet parents interested in providing a diet thats closer to what dogs would naturally eat. However, its always important to consider your individual dogs needs, preferences, and any specific health concerns. Consulting with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes is always the best course of action. Nutrition is a vital part of your dogs health, and its wonderful to see so many people taking an active interest in it.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Barkley, for sharing your expertise with us today. Heres to happy, healthy dogs everywhere!

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

Vet-Recommended Dog Treats: Which Ones and Why? [Updated 2023]

There are many vet-recommended dog treats available in the market, depending on the need of your pooch.

It's important to understand that in most cases, vet-recommended treats for dogs are based on opinion, their own personal philosophies, which schools they attended, and what their professional experience has taught them.

The pet food industry is also constantly evolving; thus, the recommendations of vets may follow that trend.

In this article, we'll discuss what we, as pet owners, often hear veterinarians recommend to dog owners as the best choice of healthy dog treats.

This is by no means that you should choose these treats without doing your own research or consulting with a vet yourself.

Some veterinarians recommend standard commercial dog treats, while others may pick all-natural ones.

Some may encourage you to feed your pet homemade dog treats, while others may suggest a combinationof the three.

What your vet recommends shouldbe based on your dog's age, breed, weight, size, and medical conditions.

With thousands of dog treat options on the market available to purchase today, there's no shortage of choice.

Many claims to be vet recommended, but it's difficult to know if that is true.

It's up to you to do the due diligence to determine which treats come genuinely recommended and which may have paid for endorsements from licensed veterinarians.

I hope this list will give you a good head start on finding the best choices for your Fido.

TRY THIS:5 Best Dog Treat Jars for Storing Your Pet's Snacks

Which Dog Treats are Recommended by Vets?

All Natural Vet-Recommended Dog Treats

More vets these days prefer to advise owners to feed their dogs whole foods for treats over commercially produced treats.

Commercial dog treats oftentimes contain many fats, fillers, and chemical flavor enhancers. Whole foods are just natural foods that are not processed, like raw vegetables.

Contrary to popular opinion and according to research, dogs are actually omnivores, not carnivores.

Thus should be fed a variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Treats are often used for training or appeasement purposes.

Because of the frequency with which dogs consume dog treats, it is better to consider low-calorie, nonfat options.

What should you avoid?

Produce and lean meats provide these standards.

But, before recommending foods you should feed your dog, lets start with the crucial list of what you should not feed your dog.

The following ingredients have been proven to be poisonous and unsafe fordogs' health:

• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Grapes
• Avocado
• Xylitol
• Garlic
• Onions
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Macadamia nuts
• Yeast dough
• Raw, undercooked meat, bones, and eggs
• Cow-derived dairy

What is good for dogs?

Moving on to the ingredients in dog treats you should feed your canine, here are a few vet-recommended options that dogs tend to love:

• Oat-based cereal
• Carrots
• Apples
• Pears
• Sugar snap peas
• Green beans
• Peanut butter (make sure it does not contain Xylitol)
• Bananas
• Berries
• Dehydrated sweet potato
• Baked chicken or turkey (without the skin)

READ MORE: 10 Human Foods That Are Dangerous To Dogs

Commercial Vet-Recommended Dog Treats

As with natural treats, there are some commercially produced treats that owners should avoid.

For example, dog treats manufactured in China, just as dog toys, can harm your dog's health due to the differing food production standards there.

Rawhide should be avoided as well. While it is not toxic, it can damage the intestines or cause choking if not chewed properly before swallowing.

Dr. Deborah Shores, DVM, recommends the following single-ingredient dog treats (and she wrote about it inthis article if you want more details):

These treats are great because of their limited ingredient profile, beef liver.

Most dog foods and dog treats add synthetic Vitamin E and Mixed Tocopherols, which are preservatives to keep the treatsfrom oxidizing and to save money.

Many vets love Stewart's brand, and these dog treats are made with real duck liver and contain zero fillers or synthetic fats.

Similar treats which come highly recommended by vets for teeth cleaning and keeping your dogs trim and lean are Safety Grip Bully Stick Starter Packand Honest Kitchen Dog Treats.

Some additional holistic dog treats that are produce-based and supposedly more natural for dogs to eat includetreats from companies likeCrumps Naturalsand Fruitables.

Finally, you can also opt for making your own homemade dog treats.

It takes time, effort, and sometimes, more money.

But depending on how good of a dog treat recipe you get, these DIY options can be healthier for your dog and also be better for your pup's specific condition, age, potential diseases, and more.

Here arefree videos of dog treat recipes.

Overall, there are a few factors that can make some treats healthier than others.

The most important ones to consider are:

1. No filler
2. All-natural
3. Organic

If you can find all-natural, organic dog treats with no filler, high in protein, and with the least amount of ingredients in them that are also vet recommended you have a winner!

RELATED:15 Best Healthy Treats for Dogs That Are USDA Organic Certified

Specialized Vet-Recommended Dog Treats

Usually, dog treats can also be made to cater to a dogs specific age, breed, weight, or medical requirements.

However, we aren't sure how much truth there is to that, and it's possible that it's simply just a marketing gimmick.

The opinion of vets on this is divided, and we've covered more of this in our article about the truths of dog food reviews.

Nevertheless, if those are the options you'd like to explore, here are a few:

• Wellness Puppy Treats for growing dogs
• Zuke's Hip Action Treats for aging dogs or those with arthritis (containing glucosamine and chondroitin).
• Coco and Luna Urinary Tract Treats (for dogs suffering from urinary tract issues)
• Old Dog Cookie Company Diabetic Treats
• Old Dog Cookie Company Arthritis Relief Treats

Reminder!

Always remember to consult with your vet beforehand

If your dog suffers from a medical condition, it is important to consult with your vet personally before feeding any type of dog treats, whether they are natural or just standard commercial ones.

Treats for dogs with diabetes are not going to be the same treats you give to a dog suffering from chronic kidney issues, for example.

You should also consult your vet if you have any questions pertaining to your dogs age and size with regard to diet.

Big, older dogs are going to have vastly different nutritional requirements and limitations than small-breed puppies.

When feeding your dog treats, remember that love doesnt have to come in the form of food.

Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake!

Moderation is key. We've previously discussed the risks of diabetes, overweight dogs, and how obesity is a prominent epidemic among dogs today.

Vet-Recommended Dog Treats: Final Thoughts

Sadly, doggy treats oftentimes add to the problem by a large margin.

If your pooch is a picky eater, dont give in to feeding things you know are unhealthy but that the dog likes to taste just because it's easier.

This is the equivalent of feeding your child or yourself junk foodevery day.

Sure, it tastes better than a salad and is quicker to get, but it can have serious consequences over time.

While pet treats are a useful tool for training dogs, it is possible to overdo it.

Dogs can also become too reliant on treats, and in effect, they can actually train you to give them treats in exchange for decent behavior.

Make sure your dog is not forming an unhealthy dependence on treats.

FULL GUIDE:How To Make Homemade Dog Treats