Anne-Charlotte PasseraAs a proud dog owner myself, I know firsthand how important it is to reward (with moderation) our furry friends with tasty, healthy and nutritious treats.
Dogs love treats, at least most of them. And why wouldn’t they? Dog treats are a great way to show our pets that we love them and appreciate their companionship. Also, they can be used to break down the monotony of always eating the same thing over and over again. Moreover, they can be used as a training tool to reinforce positive behaviour. After all, some of us do that with our child to teach potty training, so why would it be any different with a dog?
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right treat for your pup? It’s important to look for treats that are made with high-quality ingredients, such as real meat or vegetables, and that are free of artificial preservatives and fillers.
But be careful! It’s important not to overindulge your dog with treats. Otherwise, they could become a little too lazy and overweight. As we say in French, “tout est bon avec modération”! (Everything is good but in moderation).
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of healthy dog treats. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are actually good for your furry friend. Since #buylocal has become a trend in the last few years, I’m temporarily jumping on that bandwagon to introduce you to Kargo Empire, a young company based in Montreal providing dog treats with only fresh and local ingredients.
Why choose healthy dog treats?
First of all, just like us, dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy. While most commercial dog foods are formulated to meet their nutritional needs, dog treats can be high in fat, sugar, and calories. Over time, feeding your dog these types of treats can lead to obesity, dental problems, and other health issues.
On the other hand, healthy dog treats are made with high-quality, natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients and vitamins. They’re low in calories and fat, making them a great option for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, many healthy dog treats are designed to improve dental health, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral problems.
What to look for in healthy dog treats?
When shopping for healthy dog treats, it’s important to read the labels carefully. Look for treats that are made with natural ingredients, such as real meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
These treats not only provide better nutrition for your dog, but also taste better and are more satisfying. By avoiding artificial additives or preservatives, fillers, and by-products, , you can ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition and avoid potential health problems.
Additionally, consider your dog’s individual needs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, look for treats that are grain-free and free of common allergens, such as soy, wheat, and corn. By choosing natural and organic treats, you can ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.
Kargo Empire dog treats
Kargo Empire is a brand new company for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s health. Their exceptional treats are made with high-quality ingredients. Kargo Empire treats are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours, making them a great choice for pet owners who want to avoid feeding their dogs processed foods.
I recently sat down with the owner, Alexandre Chevalier, 17, owner of Kargo Empire and discussed his product, his experience and mission.
Let’s treat dogs like we treat ourselves without harming the environment in the process.
The story of Kargo Empire began when Alexandre (11 years old at the time) volunteered at Asista, a foundation that trains dogs to become service dogs for autistic people. Alexandre learned about dogs and how to care for them. He devoted 1,000 hours of his time to the foundation. He noticed that the dogs were given regular food as part of training instead of treats. The foundation was conveniently located above a vet and Alexandre decided that he wanted to work with them since he loves animals.
He assisted in surgeries, a dog mom birth and realized that fruits and vegetables were mostly good for dogs along with raw meat. He now is following a training to get certified in canine nutrition.
Working alongside vets, he decided to develop is own recipe of dog treats. Then, he tested them on over 150 dogs. The result was a success. Only 20 dogs didn’t take to the treats. It’s no surprise there. Dogs and kids alike can be picky eaters. Once he got the recipe down, he found an organic certified factory in Quebec to mass produce his healthy dog treats. But in the long run, he wants to own his own factory.
What’s in a box of Kargo Empire dog treats?
Presently, there are 3 flavours of dog treats available on the market. They are:
- sweet potato;
- kale and zucchini ; and
- beet.
Each flavour is composed of 4, 100% organic, ingredients with the common one being hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are rich in omega and are great for the joints, muscles and immune system of dogs.
The positive impact of these vegetable and hemp seeds treats is that they provide vitamins that dogs don’t necessarily have access to daily in their regular food. You can give up to 15 treats daily for an 80lbs dog to be beneficial. Just like you’d rather give a child strawberries than a bar a chocolate, the same principle can be used with dogs.
A box of dog treats cost $20 for 200 treats and you can buy them in stores such as Pitou Minou & Compagnons or on Kargo Empire’s brand new website HERE. However, Alexandre recommends that if you live in Montreal to go directly to the pet store Pitou Minou rather than order them online so as to save on the cost of shipping.
A treat that isn’t table food.
At the treats are round and dehydrated to keep the vitamins instead of loosing 50% of their value when cooked. They are crunchy when eaten which is important so that the dog enjoys the sound and the taste.
It’s all in the details
The packaging of treats was equally important to Alexandre. He designed the logo and wanted the box to look fancy. That way, it wouldn’t stick out as a sore thumb on a kitchen counter.
The packaging is straight forward and clear with the list of ingredients on one side. The goal was also to make it 100% recyclable as the respecting the environment is an important part of Kargo Empire’s mission. Moreover, the ink used on the packaging is filtered before being released in the air.
When you open the box, there is a strong smell of vegetables that dogs love. The lid keeps the dog treats safe. When stored correctly, the treats have a 2 year shelf life. However, if given on a daily basis, you might run out of them between 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of your dog.
Although these treats are safe for humans to eat, you might not enjoy them as much as your dog. However, it turns out that these treats are also safe for cats but neither Alexandre nor I know if cats can be allergic to veggies.
Moving forward, Alexandre wants to expand Kargo Empire by providing hemp base dog toys and supplements for daily food to boost a dog’s immune system. He also hopes to be able to provide his product on the shelves of other pet store chains.
What my dog thought of the Kargo Empire treats
Of course I couldn’t just take Alexandre’s word for it about how good his dog treats really are. My mixed breed dog Price tested all three flavours.
At first, he snubbed the sweet potato treat. I decided to sprinkle it on his food and he ate it. Halfy convinced by my dog’s taste, I decided to take the testing to the doggy park one wonderfully sunny and warm afternoon. We had a happy hour dog treat testing party. Admittedly, it was quite successful. Seeing all his fur friends enjoying the treats, Price decided to have another go at the tasting. I told him sit, he obliged. We started with the sweet potato (again) as I know that he does like sweet potato in its raw form and he ate it in one shot. Surprised, I tried Kale. Again, he ate it. Three for three? Gave him the beet and yet again he ate it, asking for more.
I became very popular at the park that day with the dogs, to the point of tipping over as all the dogs were rushing over to get a treat. Only one didn’t care for it and another one simply preferred his mom giving him the treat rather than me. I didn’t take it personally.
Also, everyone thought that the packaging was attractive without me even asking them what they thought.
Congratulations Alexandre and Kargo Empire for such a great product and mission. Thank you so much for the treats and sitting down with me to share your story.
My opinions are my own and I interviewed Alexandre before having my dog try the treats.
Consider Homemade Treats as an other option
Another option to ensure that your dog is getting the healthiest possible treats, consider making them yourself. Homemade treats are a great way to control the ingredients and ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition. There are many recipes available online, and you can customize them to your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. Just be sure to avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, onions, and garlic. With a little bit of effort, you can provide your furry friend with delicious and healthy treats that they’ll love.
Check out our article on homemade dog treats for some recipe ideas.
Great options for healthy dog treats
There are quite a few natural ingredients which you can give to your dog. Here are some of the few we have tried with our dogs ourselves.
- Carrots:
Raw or cooked, carrots are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re low in calories and make a crunchy, satisfying treat for dogs.
They are also great to give to a dog mixed with rice when he has a bad case of diarrhea.
Moreover, they are practical to bring along on a road trip or on a camping trip.
- Blueberries:
These tiny, antioxidant-rich berries are a great option for dogs who love sweet treats. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
- Peanut Butter:
Most dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats. Look for natural, unsalted peanut butter without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Green Beans:
These crunchy, low-calorie veggies are a great source of fiber and vitamins. They’re a great option for dogs who need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
In conclusion, choosing healthy dog treats is an important part of promoting your dog’s health and well-being. By selecting treats that are made with natural, high-quality ingredients, can make a big difference in their health and happiness. So, next time you’re shopping for your furry friend, remember to look for treats that are both delicious and nutritious. Your dog will thank you!
