🦴 What to Watch for in Pet Treats – Vet Safety Tips for 2025 by Dr Duncan Houston

Treats are a joyful part of life with pets—they reward, train, and bond us with our furry companions. But not all treats are created equal. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines what pet parents should know about the hidden risks of treats, and how to choose safe, healthy options. 🐶🐾

🦠 1. Pathogens in Animal-Based Treats

Some treats, particularly raw or dehydrated animal parts (like pig ears, tracheas, and livers), can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. These pathogens can affect both pets and people—especially children, seniors, and immunocompromised family members.

• 🚫 Avoid unprocessed or untreated animal parts
• 🔥 Choose products labeled as cooked, irradiated, or pasteurized
• 🧼 Wash hands thoroughly after handling

☠️ 2. Toxins: The Jerky Treat Warning

Chicken, duck, and sweet potato jerky treats from China have been linked to thousands of pet illnesses and deaths, including Fanconi-like syndrome. The cause remains unknown, and the risk persists. 😞

Stick with treats from trusted countries with strict safety standards, and avoid imported jerky unless it's from a reputable brand with quality certifications.

🦷 3. Injuries from Hard or Sharp Treats

Some chews can damage teeth or cause internal injuries:

• 🦴 Hard bones or antlers may cause tooth fractures
• 🔪 Bone shards may splinter and harm the digestive tract

Moderation and supervision are key. Always monitor your pet while they chew. ✅

🚧 4. Digestive Blockages

Large, indigestible treat fragments can lead to intestinal obstructions, especially in dogs who gulp food.

• 🚫 Avoid oversized chews or treats that break into large chunks
• ⚠️ Be especially cautious with rawhides and hard jerky strips

⚖️ 5. Obesity & Excess Calories

Many commercial treats are calorie bombs. Overfeeding treats can lead to obesity—one of the most common and serious pet health concerns. 📈

For example, bully sticks (dried bull penis) can contain 9–22 calories per inch!

• 🎯 Use treats strategically for training or bonding—not freely throughout the day
• 🍏 Consider low-cal options like fresh veggies or vet-formulated treats
• 📉 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories

🐷 6. The Pig Hair Debate

Some pet owners worry about pig hair found on chews. While it may look unappealing, the actual risk is negligible.

• 🧬 Hair does not pose a realistic threat unless consumed in massive amounts
• 🔥 Properly cooked treats eliminate any microbial risk from hair

Focus instead on whether the treat is safe, digestible, and processed for safety—not just whether it has a few bristles!

🧪 7. Red Flags to Watch For

Before you buy a new treat:

• 🗺️ Know where it was made and how it was processed
• 💬 Check for recent recalls or complaints
• 👨‍⚕️ Ask your vet if unsure, especially for pets with allergies or special diets

📋 Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

✔️ Choose treats that are processed for safety ✔️ Use moderation to prevent weight gain ✔️ Avoid super-hard or sharp treats ✔️ Supervise treat time and size portions carefully

And remember—your love, time, and a healthy routine are the best rewards of all. ❤️

📲 For More Pet Health Help…

Looking for personalized treat advice or help with your pet’s nutrition? Download the Ask A Vet app to chat live with veterinary experts like Dr Duncan Houston. We’re here to help your pets thrive—snacks and all! 🐾📱