There’s been a great deal of attention focused upon dog and cat foods lately, especially in light of the pet food recalls. Similarly, we should turn a critical eye towards the hundreds of treats that dogs consume on a regular basis.

Many of the mass-produced treats on the market today contain the leftover cereals and other unsuitable ingredients, which are better for company profits than the long-term health of dogs. Artificial coloring and chemical preservatives are included in most to maintain freshness, as these well-known brands typically spend months stored in warehouses before ultimately being shipped to your local grocery. Upon inspecting their labels, you’ll find many contain wheat flour, soy flour, dextrose, BHA, high fructose corn syrup and garlic. These products are known to be hard for your dog to digest and some can have potentially harmful effects. In fact, garlic can be toxic to dogs.

As pet parents, we know that our companion animals depend solely upon us for their nutritional intake. And since good nutrition is important for our pets to live a long and healthy life, it is important to choose a nutrient-rich treat that can be a part of your pet’s overall diet. To fill this need, HealthyPetNet and Dr. Jane Bicks have created several nutritious treats for your dog. See Page 2




We all want our beloved pets to live a long and healthy life. Holistic health care requires us to understand that everything we do has an effect on our pets’ lives – there’s no aspect that should be overlooked.

Since we know that food is the foundation for a healthy life, most people select the best food to provide the many essential nutritional components our pets can’t do without. Treats should also be a part of your pet’s nutritional backbone, and they should be selected based upon their nutritional merits rather than on cost or flavor only.

Some people eat empty calorie snacks, while health-conscious people choose other products that offer unique nutrients to supplement their diet. Your pet’s treats should add the healthy components that you know will support a healthy immune system, strong muscles and an efficient brain. These nutrients can be found in many foods, including cranberries, apples, squash, zucchini, rice bran, whole grains and many others.

I feel very strongly that every treat you give your pet should have a health benefit so that at the end of the day, your pet truly is a reflection of his or her food, treats and love.

Thank you!
Dr. Jane Bicks