When should my dog have low-fat treats?

In general, raw dog treats, which are naturally low in fat, are an ideal occasional snack and training aid choice for many dogs – overweight or not – due to the nutritional profile and quality of the unprocessed, raw ingredients. However, if your dog specifically experiences any health concerns, it is recommended that you evaluate the fat content in your dog’s diet and consider Nutriment’s raw, low-calorie dog treats to supplement their core diet. These health concerns might include:

Digestion problems

As opportunistic scavengers, most dogs will eat any food available to them. When a dog overeats, this can put a strain on the digestive system causing symptoms such as gas, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach upset or pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It is important to be aware of your dog’s diet in order to maintain a healthy and ideal weight, avoiding high-fat foods and treats, food designed for humans, and ‘table scraps’.

Weight gain

Though a small amount of weight gain is inevitable with age, it is extremely important to manage your dog’s ideal weight and body shape to prevent them from running into serious health problems later in life.

Feeding your dog raw, low-fat dog treats will enable you to have more control over your dog’s weight whilst still providing vitamins, minerals and nutrients essential for optimum canine health. Additionally, if you have concerns regarding your dog’s weight, it is always best to consult a vet to rule out any serious health issues.

Low energy levels

If your dog is often tired, lethargic, or exhibits low energy and mood levels, this could be linked to their diet. Dog treats which are high in fat, processed, or biologically inappropriate can provide an excess of energy and calories, which can cause bloating and fatigue when overconsumed. If your dog frequently oversleeps or shows a reluctance to exercise or activity, it might be worth reviewing what treats you feed your dog and consider a low-fat dog treat instead to see if this improves your dog’s symptoms.

Breathing or heart-related problems

Excessive weight gain can cause your dog to develop other more serious health problems such as difficulty breathing, increased pulse rate, shortness of breath on exertion, wet cough while lying down, and other signs. It is important to consult your vet should you notice any of these symptoms.

Pancreas problems

When a dog’s pancreas does not function as it should, the body struggles to break down and store fat, which leads to severe digestive discomfort and other unpleasant issues such as vomiting, stomach cramps, gas, and loose stools. Though problems relating to the pancreas are quite common, they can also be properly managed through diet. For example, raw, low-fat dog treats are easier to process for dogs who are suffering from pancreatitis, especially during times of illness.

Slower metabolism and senior dogs

A dog’s metabolism determines how effectively they are able to break down and process vital nutrients such as fats and proteins. Older dogs and specific breeds of dogs can be prone to developing a slower metabolism, meaning that it is more difficult and time-consuming to digest and process what has been eaten. Raw, low-fat dog treats provide an optimal nutritional profile without encouraging the risk of weight problems and fatigued behaviour caused by slower metabolisms.