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Vegetarian Dog Treats: Pros and Cons

also see Dog Popcorn

Vegetarian dog treats can provide a nutritious snack for your dog, but some brands contain ingredients that may cause allergies. Read the package labels carefully to find the perfect treat for your dog. Wheat, corn and soy are common dog allergens.

Read the Labels

Dogs need certain vitamins-specifically B-12-that are not readily available in vegetable proteins, but dogs can, with the proper supplementation, eat a vegetarian diet (that's not to say they can be as healthy with a purely vegetarian diet as they could be with a diet that contains meat, though).

Purchase treats that are made from wholesome fruits and vegetables such as apples, sweet potatoes and carrots. These will contain the highest levels of beta-carotene and other anti-oxidants. Some treats add beneficial ingredients such as grapeseed and flax oil or herbal combinations to address conditions such as anxiety, joint pain or bad breath.

Make Your Own

Homemade vegetarian dog treats can be as simple as serving up a raw carrot or as complicated as steaming, mashing and baking a gourmet biscuit. Avoid grapes, onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts and raisins when preparing homemade snacks. These can be toxic to dogs.

also see How Wheat-Free Dog Treats Can Benefit Your Dog

also see Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: Ingredients to Include

also see Why Yogurt Dog Treats Should Be Avoided

also see Chicken Dog Treats: A Healthier Alternative