LOW FAT dog treats

Lack of label information is because suppliers are not required to by law. But this should not matter so much to you as we (the retailer) mostly sell 100% animal products which vary from harvest to harvest, between suppliers and even between different species within a category.  However a generally known low fat content treat, typically remains so throughout the years. So our approximate fat values do not ever change much.  Its not like we are talking about a recipe – its NATURE.

This means that our Research on food data sites provides us with the specific meats typical Fat content. So fat content should be taken as a guide only NOT a rule.  If your dog requires a specific low fat diet, please consult your vet to ensure that their diet complies with their instructions.

This is what glorious low fat Ling Fish Skins look like:

A note on Low fat dog treats.  The most abundant natural options in Australia are typically either Kangaroo or fish dog treats.  Be aware that some sites offer ‘vegetable’ based treats, and sure Carrots are lfat and low Kj, but ALL dogs need more Meat based protein (and essential amino acids) NOT less.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you Never knowingly add a large amount of grain or vegetable based Kj treats to your dog’s commercial diet (you are just loading them with more carbs and sugars that convert to fat) – if you want to actually benefit them nutritionally they need meat based protein and fats.

LOW FAT dog treat guidelines for specific treats

Kangaroo Treats are mainly low fat.    People often choose Kangaroo Tendons as their first choice as they are easy and safe for all sized dogs, and the stalk provides longer chew time after they have eaten the succulent bulb part.

Roo jerky small pieces are typically low fat, and quite dry as they are cut from areas like the top of the roo leg. NOTE however we have not included ROO jerky LONG cuts because these are typically from the belly region of the kangaroo which is more succulent, fragments less so provides a better long chew, but has a substantially higher fat content (as far a low fat diet is concerned).

Shark cartilage – Besides being a good chew is a miracle joint support dog treat. It also tends be low fat and hence is the perfect nexus for ALL dog owners to buy and give as a DAILY treat. WE have regular width sticks, WIDE shark cartilage sticks, and even POWDER for dogs that have low chewing ability.

Green lipped mussels (GLM) are the ultimate joint support dog treat, but their higher cost means that people often supplement dogs ‘shark cartilage’ on alternate days with GLMs.  This is a good low-fat option too.

Fish skins – Ling and shark fish skins are the best low fat fish skin options.  Ling provides a LONGER chew for small and medium sized dogs because of its tight fibrous texture. Mackerel and salmon skins unfortunately are a slightly higher fat level (good Omega 3 fat, but none the less higher fat), so if you require the lowest ones, you now know which ones are best.

CROCODILE dog treats – NOTE our Croc range currently is 100% crocodile treats.  The range varies seasonally but crocodile feet and croc ridges are both great low fat, hypoallergenic dog treats. Their fat levels tend to be under 4%. We don’t recommend the croc bone because if your dog manages to get to the marrow of couse very tasty but high fat levels will be available.

How much low fat treats can you feed your dog?

Your dog requires some level of fat in their diet to stay healthy.  But a dog requiring a low-fat diet requires all of the food and treats to be at least under 4%. We recommend that they get ANY of their fats and oils the natural carnivore way, by way of MEAT.

Fat provides a very important part of maintaining a dog’s health so it should not be totally excluded. The good news is that eating a low fat diet also reduces obesity for dogs, as gram for gram FAT is 250% times the amount of KJ that protein or carbs provide!

Some websites will ‘copy and paste’ that you should only provide a total of only up to 10% of the energy intake in your dog’s diet with treats on any day. That is fine if you are talking about many unhealthy supermarket dog treats or biscuits. However, if you are adding QUALITY meat-based dog treats, including low fat options, you can add up to 50% meat-based treats.

Note that a raw feeder will usually have to work out the best way of combining them (typically the 80/15/5 rule  muscle meat,/ offal/ bones ). Because I have my dog on a mostly raw diet, it means that I have to also provide calcium and phosphorus to them – typically with raw chicken necks in the morning – which are probably a higher fat content that a dog on a low-fat diet can tolerate.

Just know, that this category is the healthiest LOW-FAT dog treat category you will find, whether you feed commercial grain dog food or raw meat food.

DOG TREAT diet and PANCREATITIS

The problem with dogs that get pancreatitis once, is that they are likely to cycle through it many times and if not treated properly under vet recommendations. Dogs can get progressively worse and even end in the death of some dogs. I have read that many remedies suggest that vets put dogs on a ‘starvation diet’ until the system rights itself, and that advice seems to have been changed over the years. Always consult your dog in treating this very serious dog condition!

Because the number one KNOWN factor in causing pancreatitis is believed to be excessive fat in food, and even fat dogs are more prone to pancreatitis, people assumes that it is FAT levels only that cause it.  Other gland and organ issues can be underlying.

The main thing about a dog diagnosed with pancreatitis seems to be That instantly experts will recommend a  low fat diet (BUT they say nothing about whether it should be meat or lesser protein value veggies / grains ).

If you have a dog that requires a LOW FAT diet, then yes, you should feed them low fat main meals, but adding MEAT sources, that are low fat can help AMNY other health aspects of your dog.

Regular commercially farmed meat source treats that make up the bulk of low fat dog food meats such as beef and chicken tend to be around 10% plus fat. This is how the meat comes, good dog treat makers don’t add or subtract fat, its a natural level.

But for a ‘pancreatitis dog’ this is 10% fat level is far too high. Hence why mostly ROO and fish are included in our low fat category above.  Our stated ‘fat levels’ and other nutritional information are always included in the LONG description of each treat on the specific treat page.  NOTING that much of this is gleaned from nutritional data sites, NOT directly form the suppliers.

So the option I always put forward for dogs needed a reduced fat diet is treats that have either low fat and preferably a high percentage of that low fat as ‘good’ fat (ie non-saturated and high in omega 3).  That is why we highlight the kangaroo and fish dog treats we sell.

For the roo ones make sure you select a 100% kangaroo as otherwise wheat and chicken will add to fat content. Also note that NOT all roo and all fish will be low enough fat for your needs, so please choose wisely.

Why avoid RENDERED Meat (low fat) dog treats

Any site promising ultra-low fat meat options like 1% are to be avoided at all cost.

Typical natural low fat dog treat options are meats between 2 and 4%.  Anything significantly lower (besides maybe SOME fish skins) is likely to be an over processed “rendered” product where the fats are burned off at high temperature and the proteins and enzymes are destroyed.

Animal fats are a vital part of your dogs diet, they serve many nutritional processes that vegetable fats cannot.  However, if your dog is overweight, can’t exercise enough, or has pancreatitis or diabetes, a low fat meat based treat option is the ideal solution for you and your dog.

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