Warning: Toxins in Common Dog and Cat Treats
Are Your Dog and Cat Treats Really Safe?
I’ll admit it—I’m guilty of giving WAY too many treats to my dog and cat. They love them, I love them, so I give them treats.
But here’s the problem: not all treats are good, and some can actually harm your pets.
In this article, I’ll show you safe DIY pet treat recipes and explain what to avoid when picking commercial treats for your dog or cat. Plus, I’ll share a simple way to boost the health of any homemade treat with supplements that support arthritis, allergies, gut health, and immune function.
Check out these trusted options:
Why Choose Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula for Your Dog?
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula is the ideal choice for pet owners who want to support their dog’s overall health and well-being. This comprehensive, all-natural formula promotes a variety of key benefits that will enhance your dog’s quality of life. It supports mobility and joint comfort, ensuring your dog can move freely and comfortably, whether climbing stairs or hopping into the car. The formula also boosts vitality and energy levels, helping your dog stay active and playful.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Original Formula is a comprehensive, natural nutritional supplement designed to support overall wellness in dogs. This formula is in powder format that you can mix with your dog’s food or a treat, it’s crafted to enhance vitality and promote a balanced diet.
Why Choose Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline for Your Cat?
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline is specially designed to support your cat’s overall health, ensuring they live a long, happy, and active life. This holistic formula works in several ways to improve your cat’s well-being. It alleviates recurrent episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, supports digestive health, and promotes healthy mobility and joint function, especially important for aging cats. This formula offers safe, supportive care, helping to manage aging symptoms. Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline is a must-have for your cat’s long-term health and happiness.
Toxic Dog and Cat Treats: What You Need to Know
The pet treat industry is now a multi-billion-dollar market—but unfortunately, not all companies are ethical.
Cheap treats that last for years on the shelf or are designed to be soft and chewy can hide serious problems. In fact, many of the toxins that threaten our pets’ health can be found in treats.
Toxins & Ingredients to Avoid
Aflatoxin: A poison produced by mold growing on corn or peanuts. High levels can cause liver damage, illness, or even death.
Chemical Preservatives: BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin may cause liver damage and are potential carcinogens.
Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and arsenic can contaminate pet food ingredients, posing health risks.
Melamine: Sometimes added to falsely increase protein content; it can cause kidney failure.
Sodium Nitrite: A preservative that can impair blood’s oxygen transport, causing breathing issues and anxiety.
Propylene Glycol (PG): A derivative of antifreeze that can cause anemia in cats; banned in cat foods.
Liver Treats: Nutrient-rich but overfeeding can lead to Vitamin A toxicity. Feed small amounts only.
Grains & Carbs: Often contaminated with toxins and heavy metals, and can promote obesity and diabetes—never give carb-based treats to cats.
How to Choose Safe Treats
Stick with single-ingredient animal proteins. My dog and cat love freeze-dried chicken hearts—safe, healthy, and toxin-free.
Avoid:
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High-carb, protein-free treats (like Milk-Bone).
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Carbohydrate treats for cats (like Temptations) – can cause diabetes.
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Overfeeding liver treats—maximum one per day for pets under 25 lbs.
Always read the ingredient label: Avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, propylene glycol, and “food modifying agents.”
Premium tips:
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Go for certified holistic treats.
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Feed smaller portions.
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Or, better yet—make your own!
DIY Healthy Dog and Cat Treat Recipes
Turkey or Chicken Jerky Treats
Ingredients: Chicken or turkey breasts, olive oil
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 225°F.
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Thinly slice meat to 1/4 inch.
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Lightly grease a baking sheet and place strips on it.
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Bake 3 hours at low heat—longer if needed to remove all moisture.
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Cut into small pieces and store in the freezer.
Tip: The goal is completely dry meat for long-lasting, safe treats.
Grain-Free Pumpkin, Carrot & Flax Seed Treats
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups coconut flour
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup natural peanut butter (with flax seeds if possible)
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1/2 cup coconut oil
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1/3 cup shredded carrots
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4 eggs
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2 tbsp ground flax seeds
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Roll half the dough between parchment paper to 1/4–1/2 inch thickness.
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Cut into shapes or make small flattened spheres.
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Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
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Let cool completely—underside should be golden brown.
Boost Your Treats with Supplements
Consider adding nutritional supplements to homemade treats for:
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Arthritis support
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Allergy relief
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Gut health
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Immune function
My favorites:
Heal Your Pet at Home!
The occasional “bad treat” won’t harm your dog or cat. But today, treats are everywhere, and overfeeding is a real problem. Stick with single-ingredient animal protein treats and add healthy supplements when possible.
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P.S. Consider adding healthy flavors to your homemade treats—they can provide real health benefits.
P.P.S. My dog Tula and my cat thrive on this approach—they get their treats, supplements, and still stay healthy and active well into their senior years.
Check out these trusted options:
Why Choose Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula for Your Dog?
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula is the ideal choice for pet owners who want to support their dog’s overall health and well-being. This comprehensive, all-natural formula promotes a variety of key benefits that will enhance your dog’s quality of life. It supports mobility and joint comfort, ensuring your dog can move freely and comfortably, whether climbing stairs or hopping into the car. The formula also boosts vitality and energy levels, helping your dog stay active and playful.
Why Choose Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline for Your Cat?
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline is specially designed to support your cat’s overall health, ensuring they live a long, happy, and active life. This holistic formula works in several ways to improve your cat’s well-being. It alleviates recurrent episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, supports digestive health, and promotes healthy mobility and joint function, especially important for aging cats. This formula offers safe, supportive care, helping to manage aging symptoms. Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline is a must-have for your cat’s long-term health and happiness.
