Ask Muddy
The Dog Who Knows What's Best For Him
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Treats & Snacks
We try (not always successfully) not to overdo the treats, but at least we have pretty healthy ones. Here are a few of our favorites.
OVERBY FARM HIP FLEX. This treat is actually sold as a supplement, but the dogs think it's a treat so we're putting it on both pages! Overby Farms, based in the middle of tart cherry country in Michigan, learned that tart cherries are used by many (human) alternative health practitioners for conditions involving inflammation and pain, such as arthritis, gout, muscle pain, back pain, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Both sweet and tart cherries contain phenolics, naturally-occurring plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. The main type of phenolic in cherries is called anthocyanins2. In general, the darker the cherry color, the higher the anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins have been found to block two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, which play a role in the production of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)3 such as naproxen and ibuprofen also work this way. In test tube studies, cherry anthocyanins have been found to protect neurons from damage by oxidative stress. Overby Farms decided to create dog treats and supplements using tart cherries. The delicious soft chews contain Tart
Cherry Concentrate, as well as blueberries, cranberries, flax seed and glucosamine.
SNACK 21 SALMON FILLETS FOR BIG DOGS. Willie and Tarka absolutely love these treats, and so did Muddy - so much so that we've been known to buy them by the case. They're dried salmon sticks, made from wild Pacific salmon (so no need to worry about antibiotics in the fish), and contain no additives or preservatives. A great source of nutrients, especially Omega 3 fatty acids. Our dogs get a stick after every meal - it's their' "dessert".
On the right, Willie's wearing his goofiest look, doing an impression of a dog smoking a cigar. He grabbed the salmon stick so fast that I couldn't get my hand out of the shot in time. By the next shot it had disappeared.
FREE RANGE CHICKEN BREAST WRAPS. The things we feed our dogs!
Chicken and Kiwi Fruit? Tell me these aren't the ultimate in gourmet dog treats. The wraps contain nothing but dehydrated chicken breast and fruit or vegetables, with no added hormones, antibiotics, steroids or preservatives. I'm tempted to try one myself!
"Our" favorite flavor is the Real Chicken Breast Wrapped Around a Slice of Kiwi, but we also like the Chicken with Apple, Banana or Carrot.
Don't be alarmed when you see "Made in China" on the packaging. Free Range Dog Chews oversees the manufacturing, and the product is made according to their quality control standards; the company regularly submits the products for analysis at an independent, third-party U.S. laboratory that uses APPMA- and FDA-approved methodology and has found no pesticides, no melamine, no bacteria and no contaminants. You can download or view the test results here.
PETKIND TRIPE TREATS. In this photo, Tarka is eyeing me warily, thinking I might want to steal his treat. Have no fear, Tarka: these, I have no desire to taste. Just smelling them is disagreeable to the human nose. But to dogs, this treat is the equivalent of caviar or a hand-made chocolate truffle.
Willie and Tarka will do anything for tripe treats.
They're extremely good for them too, containing only one ingredient - Green Beef Tripe.
Tripe comes from the stomach-lining of the cow, and contain naturally-occurring Omega fatty acids which benefit skin and coat. And the treats are nice and chewy, so they help keep the teeth clean.
These treats are intended for medium to large dogs, and not recommended for small breeds. Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handing them out, or you may lose your own appetite.
DOGSWELL CHICKEN OR DUCK JERKY TREATS. Another healthy favorite, these treats contain nothing but chicken or duck breast from cage-free birds, plus selected vitamins and supplements, depending on the formula you choose: Vitality, Happy Hips, Happy Heart, Mellow Mutt, Shape Up or Breathies (not all formulas are available in the Duck flavor). We like Vitality, which contains Flaxseed and Vitamins for healthy eyes, skin and coat. The chicken product is light and crunchy, so you can easily break it up into smaller pieces (I'm always amazed at how happy Willie and Tarka are to get a treat the size of my little fingernail). The duck is a little sturdier, so is good if you're feeding the whole stick as it takes slightly longer to chew!
Dogswell also manufactures in China and the company guarantees the treats contain no melamine, bacteria, pesticides or other contaminants, verified through independent, third-party U.S. laboratory with APPA-approved methodology. Read about the product safety on the FAQ page of their website.
OVERBY FARM HIP FLEX. This treat is actually sold as a supplement, but the dogs think it's a treat so we're putting it on both pages! Overby Farms, based in the middle of tart cherry country in Michigan, learned that tart cherries are used by many (human) alternative health practitioners for conditions involving inflammation and pain, such as arthritis, gout, muscle pain, back pain, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Both sweet and tart cherries contain phenolics, naturally-occurring plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects. The main type of phenolic in cherries is called anthocyanins2. In general, the darker the cherry color, the higher the anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins have been found to block two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, which play a role in the production of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)3 such as naproxen and ibuprofen also work this way. In test tube studies, cherry anthocyanins have been found to protect neurons from damage by oxidative stress. Overby Farms decided to create dog treats and supplements using tart cherries. The delicious soft chews contain Tart
Cherry Concentrate, as well as blueberries, cranberries, flax seed and glucosamine.