Happy, healthy pets: safe, natural pet treats and toys - petcare: holistic hints for your furry friends

In previous columns, I've detailed some virtues of natural pet foods, but this month I want to focus on other healthful products--treats, toys and accessories-for your four-legged companions.

Carrot sticks are a favorite treat for my German Shepherd, Sarge, but I also bake wholesome snacks for both Sarge and my three cats. If, like many people, you don't have the time to bake for your pets, and instead you buy heats from the grocery store, be careful. Check the list of ingredients in these snacks. Chances are you'll find that many of them contain high levels of preservatives, dyes, and dubious ingredients such as meat meal.

On the other hand, many health food stores carry treats made from whole grain flours, organic vegetables and oils. Halo, Purely For Pets produces a line for both dogs and cats called Liv-A-Littles. These freeze-dried treats are made with US Department of Agriculture approved beef, chicken and cod. Meyer Country Farms Ltd. recently sent me a package of dog treats for Sarge. Their Bellyrubs Organic Dog Treats are made with organic ingredients, including peanut butter, apples, bananas, brown rice flour, barley flour, and rolled oats.

Not to forget the felines, my cats enjoy wheat grass and catnip. Both plants can be grown in pots on a sunny windowsill.

Toys

Rawhide bones should never be given to dogs as chewing toys. Such products are dangerous, even deadly, should a dog get a piece lodged in his throat.

Hard nylon bones have become quite popular, but these also can pose a danger to some breeds. My Newfoundland could spend hours chewing on them with little damage to the nylon bone. But my German Shepherd can bite off a piece in 5 minutes. This can be hazardous, which is why a dog with a nylon bone should always be supervised.

For smaller, less aggressive dogs, you might consider a soft plush toy or one made from denim that cannot be destroyed as readily. Rubber balls and Frisbees are always a treat for a game of catch. For medium and larger breeds, you might consider Air Kong brand bones and sticks, which can withstand big teeth and rough play.

As for cat toys, avoid ones that have small parts that may become dislodged in play, and avoid toys with strings that kitty may ingest. Naturally, catnip toys are a favorite with most cats, but I've found a few other things that keep my guys amused. Simon loves to play with plastic drinking straws as well as shower curtain rings. Jake is satisfied to bat around ping-pong balls.

Brown paper bags are great fun for games of hide-and-seek. Another toy that many cats enjoy is called Crazy Circle. This is a round, enclosed cylinder with holes in the top and sides. When cats reach through the holes and bat the ball, it spins around the cylinder. There are also a number of microchip toys for cats. One is a mouse, which produces a realistic squeak.

Collars and Leashes

For puppies, the best type of collar is lighweight--preferably nylon--with a buckle. Be sure to check the collar often because puppies grow fast, and a tight collar can make your pet very uncomfortable.

A 6-foot training leash is also a must. Never put a choke chain on a young pup, and if you use one on an older dog, remove it as soon as the training session is over. As your pup matures, nylon or leather collars work well. Rolled leather collars are best for long-haired dogs.

If your dog pulls when walking on a leash, try the Gentle Leader Training Collar. It was designed to put light pressure on your dog's muzzle. Another invention is the Pro-Stop No-Tug Harness. When a dog pulls, padded leg straps put added pressure around the pet's legs, which should force him to change his pace.

Let's also remember that your dog should be harnessed when in the car. These harnesses attach to the seat belt system and are very easy to put on your dog. Car harnesses protect the dog from impact and sudden stops.

Well-cared-for pets live long and healthy, lives. It's well worth the effort to ensure this possibility by giving them healthful treats and toys to play with, and, of course, your loving time.

Ann Martin is a leading authority on commercial pet foods & related animal-health concerns. She is the author of the newly revised and updated Food Pets Die For (NewSage Press, 2003) as well as Protect Your Pet (NewSage Press, 2001).

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