What to Look For When Choosing Dog Treats

As every pet owner knows, treats are essential for managing training, enforcing new commands, or simply showing your pup some extra love. However, the quality of treats varies considerably, and healthy products aren’t exactly inexpensive. To identify healthy dog treats, keep these factors in mind:

• Ingredients- Healthy treats should have a majority of “whole food” ingredients, not a bunch of fillers or by products. You should avoid added sugar, soy, or salt. Look for treats with a high protein content, particularly if you’re buying for a puppy.
• Caloric Content- Your dog gets the nutrition it needs from its food, so try to avoid high-fat treats packed with unnecessary calories. Veterinarians recommend treats that clearly list their calories and fat content.
• Size- Look for small treats or treats you can easily break into pieces. Even if you have a larger dog, smaller treats allow you to feed your pet a higher quantity during training sessions without greatly affecting their diet.
• Preservatives- Avoid treats with artificial colorings, preservatives, or chemical humectants. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause undesirable gastrointestinal effects in some dogs. If you have concerns about a specific ingredient, check with your vet before ordering.
• Dental Benefits- Most dogs benefit from treats with teeth-cleaning benefits, but there’s a reason your dentist doesn’t tell you to chew on bones instead of brushing your teeth — while chewable dental treats can be helpful, they’re not a substitute for regular dental care.

Your local pet store may have a few aisles filled with treats, but online retailers offer a much wider selection. In addition to products from well-known brands, you’ll find treats that are only available online — just remember to research your options carefully.

Finding Deals on Healthy Dog Treats

If you’re hoping to save on dog treats and other pet supplies, skip your trip to the local pet store. Physical retailers need to keep fully stocked shelves, and most pay high rates for local advertising. That means that they have a lot of overhead, which gets passed on to consumers.

Online retailers have fewer costs, and since the internet allows consumers to compare prices with a few clicks, many online retailers offer competitive discounts to attract new customers. Common discount offers include:

• Free Shipping- Many online retailers offer free or low-cost shipping, though the terms of these offers vary from store to store. Look closely at shipping charges; some sites only offer discounts for first-time buyers, while others only offer free shipping when the price of your order exceeds a certain amount.
• Subscription Order Discounts- If your pup prefers a certain type of treat, consider setting up a subscription. This can make pet ownership more convenient, and you’ll often get free shipping or a substantial discount on each order.
• First-Time Order Discounts- Many pet stores offer percentage discounts for first-time shoppers. Take advantage of these offers by ordering in bulk — but again, you’ll need to check prices at several stores to make sure that the discount will actually save you money.
• Product-Specific Discounts- These discounts are typically available when a retailer has a surplus of a certain product or when a brand coordinates with the retailer. To find these deals, you’ll need to compare prices carefully across multiple sites; some stores may offer a discount that simply brings their pricing in line with their competitors.

The bottom line: Shopping online can save you a considerable amount of money while giving you access to a wide selection of pet products. Treats can be especially expensive, however, so don’t rely on discounts alone — compare prices from several stores before placing your order.

Researching Options Online

Online prices can greatly differ from store to store, so it’s important to compare as many places as possible. Start by choosing 3-4 online retailers. Check product prices and shipping options, keeping notes on each store. Consider setting up a subscription, which can add convenience while saving you money over time.

Using online resources is a great way to keep your pet happy and healthy without breaking the bank. Comparing costs across a variety of stores is easier than ever before, and the time you spend on research will give you peace of mind.