Which dog treats to avoid?

Some companies take advantage of the fact that treats account for a small percentage of a dog's diet and cut corners. The most common “unhealthy” ingredients are inexpensive fillers, which include corn, wheat, and soy, all of which are nutritionally incomplete. But treats can also contain synthetic ingredients that have been linked to the formation of cancer, including BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, food dyes, and propylene glycol. Any treats from China, cooked or raw bones, rawhide treats, treats with unnatural coloring, and any treats that contain sugar should be avoided. Treats that are high in corn, soy, or wheat, such as Milk-Bone Biscuits, Purina Alpo Snaps, and Pedigree MarroBones, are also bad for dogs. Additionally, treats like Pup-peroni and Beneful Baked Delights contain sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Rawhide treats, in particular, pose a physical threat to a dog’s health, as they do not break down in the digestive tract and can cause gastrointestinal blockages or choking hazards.

Artificial Preservatives like BHA or BHT are often used to keep treats shelf-stable for ages—but they’ve been linked to potential health risks, including liver issues and even cancer. Ethoxyquin is another one to steer clear of. Artificial Colours & Flavours like Red 40 and Yellow 5 do nothing for your dog nutritionally and can trigger allergies or behavioural changes. By-Products and Fillers like “meat by-product” often means the scraps—things like beaks, feathers, and feet—that didn’t make the cut. Added Sugars & Sweeteners like Xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs, can mess with their digestion and weight. Too Much Salt can dehydrate your dog or cause other issues. Moisture-Boosting Chemicals like propylene glycol are linked to health problems in dogs and don’t belong in a wholesome snack.

Always avoid giving your dog processed meats that are high in fat and salt. Always avoid feeding them peanut butter that is high in salt and sugar and should not contain artificial sweeteners. An artificial sweetener called xylitol is particularly dangerous and can be fatal to dogs and may be listed as birch sugar or E967. If you’re not sure it’s safe then it’s best to avoid it. Certain foods, particularly broccoli, can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten.

Barkoo products The affected products include: Barkoo kaustange natur 29 cm Packaging: bags of 570 grams (with 3 chewing bones) Code on packaging : 1148655 MHD 04.2027 3200PF027 Barcode: 4260077047292. Barkoo kauknochen, geknotet natur 11cm Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) Code on packaging : 1148592 MHD 07.2027 3200PF027 Barcode: 4260077046875. Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet 24cm Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) Barcode: 4260077046899 Code on packaging : 1148657 MHD05.2027 3200PF027. Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet mit Spirulina 12cm Packaging: bags of 180 grams (with 3 chewing bones) Barcode: 4260077047261 Code on packaging : 1148654 MHD 06.2027 3200PF027. Chrisco products Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling, 10 stk Item number: 12457 EAN code: 5764630124578 Use by dates: all dates. Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling & kyllingelever, 100g Product no. 12324 EAN code: 5764630123243 Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-03-2026; 15-04-2026; 20-04-2026; 01-06-2026; 15-07-2026. No unsafe dog chews have been identified but, based on international investigations so far, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding the affected chews to dogs as a precaution.

Synthetic preservatives are often added to dog treats to extend their shelf life, but they could be harmful for your fur baby. Three of the most common preservatives found in dog food include BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) and propyl gallate. These ingredients (and others) can lead to poor digestion, skin and coat issues, irregular bowel movements and many other health issues. So, to keep your pooch happy and healthy, definitely steer clear of treats that contain harmful preservatives. Rawhide chews can be incredibly dangerous for our dogs. Rawhide chews are meant to be eaten over time so that they break down into softer, more manageable pieces. However, if your pooch is a particularly aggressive chewer, they may be able to break off larger chunks, which poses risks of choking and blockages, as well as digestive irritation. Synthetic sweeteners, like sorbitol, are also commonly found in dog treats, and they’re used to enhance the taste. These can cause a myriad of health problems, including: Obesity Tooth decay Allergies Digestive problems (including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and bloody stools). You should avoid treats with added salt to prevent any of these health problems from occurring – so make sure to have a quick check of the labels.

So we’ve compiled a list of the key ones to avoid: 1. All rawhide chews. Rawhide is one of the most popular dog treats on the market, but it’s a major no-no. The whole process sees your dog's 'healthy' treat being bathed in various chemicals, some of which can be highly toxic. Treats with artificial colouring should also be avoided. Evidence suggests that some of these additives could be harmful to pets and can cause health problems, so it’s best to play it safe and stick to natural plant-derived colourings like beetroot, spirulina or purple-sprouting sweet potato. And avoid the sweet treats as well. Sugar should not be a part of a dog's diet and excessive amounts can cause inflammation throughout the body, including tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhoea. Cooked bones should always be off-limits, whether from your kitchen and those purchased from shops. Foods that you must also avoid feeding your dog include chocolate, onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, corn on the cob, avocado, alcohol, grapes and raisins.