From hard and crunchy biscuits to soft chews, jerky strips, rawhide, dental sticks, table scraps, and bone-like treats, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to spoiling your furry companion. However, with so many choices out there, it can be difficult for dog owners to know which treats are actually good and which ones might do little for their dog. Now, one expert has shared the three dog treats he said he would « never give » his own dog, calling them « absolute garbage. »
Adam Spivey, Director and Head Trainer at Southend Dog Training, who offering dog training, grooming, and sell raw food, supplements, and equipment, took to TikTok to reveal his advice. In a video that’s racked up over 81K likes, Mr Spivey listed the treats he personally avoids, warning that some of his picks may surprise many dog owners.
1. Dentastix
Dentastix are popular dental chews for dogs, marketed as a convenient way to support oral hygiene. However, not everyone agrees on their effectiveness.
Mr Spivey said: « They have no benefits whatsover. They are just cereal based. »
While Dentastix contain Sodium Tripolyphosphate, an active ingredient shown to reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%, only 2.6% of each chew actually contributes to dental cleaning, according to Scrumbles, a gut-friendly pet food company. The remaining ingredients often include vague terms like « cereals, » « meat and animal derivatives, » and « derivatives of vegetable origin, » which fail to clearly indicate what’s inside.
Another concern is the high cereal content as Mr Spivey mentioned in this video. As cereals break down during digestion, they can convert to sugar, potentially worsening dental problems such as cavities and bad breath.
2. Rawhide
He called this the « deadliest chew toy. »
Mr Spivey added: « It’s literally just poison to your dog. »
Rawhide chews are often treated with harsh chemicals during manufacturing, which can pose significant health risks. They can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause choking or intestinal blockages. Dogs can swallow large pieces of the toy without chewing them properly.
These chunks can become lodged in the esophagus or digestive tract, potentially leading to life-threatening complications that may require emergency surgery.
3. KONG fillers
The expert said he wouldn’t choose KONG fillers for his dog which are often liver or cheese flavoured, citing their high sugar content and lack of calming benefits, which he believes are not good for your dog’s health.
Instead, he recommended JR Pâté, which can be used as a stuffing inside of a KONG toy. Made from 100% meat, JR Pâté provides « mental enrichment » for dogs, he said.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising natural dog treats, those made from 100% salmon, chicken, or beef. He called these treats « game changers » because they positively impact both your dog’s behaviour and overall health.
He strongly advised: « Pay attention to what you are giving your dog because it matters not only for their behaviour but also for their health. »
