Pet Supplements Vs. Pet Treats

By Karin Krisher

At Pet Naturals, we get compliments on the phenomenal taste and texture of our “chew treats” on a regular basis. A lot of pet health companies would be thrilled to have so many customers raving about their product’s taste. And we are, too…except that our supplements aren’t treats and our treats aren’t quite supplements. The confusion can sometimes be an issue in supplement land.

Pet Supplements Vs. Pet Treats: What’s the Difference, Anyway?

The difference isn’t easy to explain clearly. Just looking at our product’s ingredients isn’t necessarily the way to determine which is which in terms of category.

An example: Our Daily Catch Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil chews are a treat. They contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Our Garden Bites are a treat, but they contain sources of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, too.

Meanwhile, our Daily Digest contains probiotics and digestive enzymes to support digestive tract health.

The first two are treats. The Daily Digest is a supplement. How can you tell?

At its simplest, it really comes down to feeding directions and how the chews are meant to be used. On our treats, you’ll see directions that say things like: “Feed as a treat to your dogs.” On our supplements, you’ll see more specific instructions: “Up to 20 lbs., feed one chew daily.”

These instructions are important because not all ingredients should be used in excess. Cat and Dog supplements should be carefully considered and discussed with your vet as part of a health regimen. Treats are meant to act as treats—for training, for general rewards, or for a special after dinner snack.

Unfortunately, there is no particularly easy way to tell if what you are purchasing is a treat or a supplement—except for the bag! We always let you know when our products are a treat—and if you still aren’t sure, take a look at the feeding directions.

Have you ever accidentally fed a supplement as a treat or the opposite? What was your solution to not mixing the two up again? Share your story and tips on our Facebook page!