Finding the best dog treats for your pup can be a challenging task! From elusive product packaging to questionable ingredients, it can be difficult to decipher what the best products are and where you can find them. The best dog treats are composed of natural, organic ingredients, containing little to no preservatives or artificial flavorings. If you’re lost in the online web of dog treat shopping, look no further! We’ve compiled consumer advice for your search, and a list of top-tier dog treats on the market. 

The Questions 

Last week, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Jeff Gerlesits about which dog treats he recommends, which treats to be wary of, and how to ensure you find the best product for your dog. You can read the full article here. 

What should consumers be looking for on dog treat packaging to ensure they purchase the highest quality product for their dog? 

“In my humble opinion, local, organic, natural, and quality ingredients are the key to treats. The more local and better ingredients, the better the product tends to be for the patients and our environment. As a general rule, I want to support our community, country, and planet. 

We ideally want our dog treats to have an AAFCO seal (the Assoc. of Feed Control Officials). This ensures the quality, safety, and nutritional label are accurate. It’s not mandatory but does ensure what is labeled is actually within the product.” 

(from “The Hidden Danger of Dog Treats”) 

Ingredients to Avoid:

“Ingredients we want to watch out for are possible toxins that actually quite often get added to the treats.  For example: 

• Xylitol is a sweetener, but acts as an insulin agonist in dogs and is hard on their liver 
• Onions and garlic can be detrimental to a dog’s red blood cells 
• Grapes and raisins (which are sometimes, as dried fruits, wrapped around treats) can be toxic”

(from “The Hidden Danger of Dog Treats”)

The Treats

Brutus & Barnaby Dehydrated Sweet Potato Slices 

When they say single ingredient, they mean it! Brutus & Barnaby has successfully created one of the most all-natural, simple dog treats on the market. Made from only sweet potatoes, these treats are gluten-free, grain-free, and contain no fat or sugar. 

Ava’s Salmon Snacks 

Just like Brutus & Barnaby, Ava’s Salmon Snacks are single ingredient, natural, and organic! Treats like these are hard to find, especially in the oversaturated internet shopping experience. Ava’s Pet Palace is a small business created and maintained by Ava Dorsey, who began the company when she was only 13 years old.

The Salmon Snacks are hand-cut and dehydrated. These are one of the best jerky treats on the market! 

Grandma Lucy’s Organic Pumpkin Treats 

Grandma Lucy’s includes only natural and organic ingredients in their Organic Pumpkin Treats. The treats are GMO-free with no added preservatives, and are a certified kosher product. The treats are made not in a factory, but in a bakery! You can let your pup enjoy these treats while knowing the people who made them took the time and care to put forth the best product. 

Zuke’s 

Zuke’s treats are locally made in Durango, Colorado. Their treats are completely natural and organic, and the company is transparent about the ingredients they include. You can see all their ingredients and read about them here. 

Old Mother Hubbard P-Nuttier Treats 

Old Mother Hubbard’s treats pride themselves on being made, just as all the other treats listed, from organic and all-natural ingredients such as apple, carrot, wheat, oatmeal, and cane molasses. 

Don’t Forget:

*As always, you can also make your own treats! This is the best way to ensure you know every ingredient that makes it into your pup’s treats, and you can have fun at the same time! Check out our post on making your own dog treats here.

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post The 5 Healthiest Organic Dog Treats appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Your dog might not be checking their calendar, but you can still remind them when it’s their birthday, and no birthday is complete without a cake!  Here’s a healthy, dog-friendly cake that’s perfect for celebrating your pup’s big day! 

Halina’s Famous Sweet Potato Confetti Cake

You will need 2 round baking tins (5x5x1/2)

Ingredients:

1 Pound Ground Beef

½ Pound Ground Turkey

2 Eggs

½ Cup Shredded Cheese

½ Cup Fresh or Frozen Peas

1 Large Carrot (chopped thin)

2 Sweet Potatoes (frosting)

4 Ounce of Cream Cheese

1 Cup of Oats

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

To make the sweet potato frosting:

• Peel and quarter the sweet potato, cover with cold water in a small pot
• Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook until fully tender (about 20 minutes)

For the cake:

• Combine beef, turkey, eggs, oats, cheese, peas, and carrots in a mixing bowl. 
  • Grease the two round baking tins and divide the mixture. Press down to flatten the meat mixture which should be split evenly between the 2 pans.
  • Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, or until meat is cooked through
• Finish the frosting by first draining the water from the sweet potatoes and then returning them to the pot. Slowly add water while mashing to get a smooth frosting-like consistency.
• Remove cooked meat cake from oven and allow to cool.
• Once both the meat and potatoes have cooled, spread some of the mashed sweet potatoes between the two beef patties to join them, and then frost the outside of the joined patties with the remainder of the sweet potato mixture.

To decorate: Use a pastry bag with a decorative tip to create white rosettes on top of the cake with half of the softened cream cheese. Add a few drops of beet juice from a boiled beet to the other half of the softened cream cheese to create pink rosettes. Place a decorative ring of peas and biscuits around the bottom of the cake and add asparagus candles to celebrate each wonderful year of your pup’s life!

As many of you know, most dogs are not very picky when it comes to their food. If it smells even remotely edible they’ll gobble it right up. With that in mind, feel free to edit this cake wherever you see fit! We know your dog will love Halina’s recipe, and we can ensure you that it’s all healthy for the birthday pup. If you give it a shot, please let us know how it goes! We would love to see your pictures and hear advice on how you think this recipe can be improved. 

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Healthy Dog-Friendly Birthday Cake! appeared first on Lilly Brush.