We partnered up with our friends at Bright Vet to answer some of the big questions we often hear about making smart treat choices. We love Bright Vet for so many reasons: from the incredible care they give to animals, to their innovative approach, and their dreamy clinic that feels more like being in a spa than at the vet's office. If you live in Asheville, definitely go visit and see for yourself! Your fur babies will thank you for it...
Find out what Dr. Roberts has to say in the Q&A:
What do you consider when recommending treats?
My biggest consideration for recommending treats is making sure the dog likes the taste of them! Treats are used as positive reinforcement for training, and also an important part of creating a special bond between you and your pet. If your pet doesn’t like the taste, they certainly aren’t going to be motivated to complete the command you give them.
What should people avoid when choosing treats?
Treats should not be so large in size or so high in calories that they are more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. If we’re using treats for training purposes, it’s important to have a nutritious treat that won’t be creating nutrient deficiencies.
Treats should not be so hard they can crack teeth (avoid antlers, bones, and other very hard treats).
If your pet has a food allergy, it’s also important to avoid certain proteins that are causing the allergy.
What are the most common food allergies / sensitivities you see in dogs
This is a great question, and one I get asked a lot. Food allergies can present in the form itchy, patchy skin, hair loss, ear infections, anal gland issues, poor stool quality and GI upset. Chicken and other common proteins (beef, lamb, fish) are the culprits in most food allergies in dogs, not grains or gluten.
What does a healthy dog poop look like?
A healthy poop is one that is firm but not too hard, and can be easily picked up with a poop bag without leaving a lot of residue on the ground. It should be a consistent color throughout, medium brown.
Another consideration is the quantity of poop: who wants to pick up their dog’s poop 8x a day?! Sometimes the type of food or treats can cause dogs to have more or less bowel movements.
What do you like / love about Botanical Bones?
I love how every dog loves these treats so much! They are definitely one of the most “high value” treats in our clinic. I love the simple, organic ingredient list that can help me decide if they are safe for a dog with food allergies. Also, Botanical Bones is a local, woman-owned small business just like us at Bright Vet! We share a similar goal to improve the health and happiness of pets and people and these treats are certainly attributing to that goal!
About
Bright Vet, an independent and locally owned veterinary hospital in South Asheville, was founded in late 2023 by Dr. Samantha Roberts and her husband Dan. This unique establishment combines Dr. Roberts’ veterinary expertise with Dan’s background in consumer product technology and design, creating an exceptional healthcare environment for pets. Inside Bright Vet you’ll find a thoughtfully designed space that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere complete with refreshing drinks, music, and pleasant scents making it hard to believe you’re in a veterinary hospital. Transparency is key at Bright Vet with upfront pricing and the ability for you to stay with your pet throughout the visit. Embracing innovation, Bright Vet uses modern technologies to enhance the veterinary experience and provide seamless access to care. Their ultimate goal is to enhance the health and happiness of both people and their pets.
Photo credit: As seen in Bright Vet