Everything You Need to Know Before Feeding Your Furry Friend These Popular Snacks

As a dog owner, you want to give your furry friend only the best. That includes treats! But with so many options on the market, how do you know which treats are actually healthy and worth buying?

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll be looking at 4health Dog Treats – one of the most popular treat brands for pups. I’ll cover all the key details you need to know before adding these snacks to your dog’s diet.

So keep reading for the full scoop on ingredients, health benefits, where to buy, safety, pricing and more!

What is 4health?

4health is a private label brand created by Tractor Supply Company, a leading retail store for pet owners. They introduced the 4health line back in 2009 with the goal of providing premium pet foods and treats at an affordable price point.

Over the years, 4health has expanded into a wide variety of dog and cat foods, treats, and supplements. Their products are produced by undisclosed manufacturers but held to rigorous standards by Tractor Supply Company.

The brand promotes itself as using high-quality ingredients without fillers, artificial flavors or controversial chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin.

What Ingredients Are in 4health Dog Treats?

When choosing any treat for your pup, the first thing any caring pet parent should look at is the ingredients list. You want to ensure the main components are healthy and natural.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to find in 4health Dog Treats:

• Protein sources – Chicken, beef, turkey, salmon are commonly used for protein. Beef liver is also included for natural flavor.
• Grains – Some treats like the biscuits contain wheat flour, oatmeal or rice flour. Making the treats grain-free eliminates this.
• Fruits and vegetables – Ingredients like apples, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes add vitamins.
• Other add-ins – Eggs, flaxseed and garlic are also included in some recipes.

The exact ingredients vary a bit based on the specific treat. But in general, 4health uses simple whole food components with minimal artificial additives. This gives major peace of mind when choosing treats!

Are 4health Dog Treats Grain-Free?

As pet parents become more aware of food sensitivities in dogs, grain-free diets are on the rise. The good news is 4health has a few grain-free treat options to accommodate this.

Some of their most popular grain-free treats include:

• 4health Grain Free Baked Treats
• 4health Grain Free Jerky Bites
• 4health Grain Free Soft & Chewy Bites

These avoid ingredients like wheat, corn and soy. Instead they use sweet potatoes, chickpeas or tapioca as the main binders.

However, not all 4health treats are grain-free. Some still contain oats, rice and other grains. So read labels carefully if your dog requires a grain-free diet.

How Do 4health Dog Treats Benefit My Dog’s Health?

Now that we know what’s in these tasty treats, let’s talk about the key health benefits:

1. Support Dental Health

Crunchy biscuits like the 4health Dental Treats are designed to scrub your dog’s teeth as they chew. This helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Some treats also contain ingredients like parsley and mint which are natural breath fresheners. No more stinky doggie breath!

2. Provide Essential Nutrients

Ingredients like flaxseed, carrots and eggs provide important vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids. This complements their regular dog food nicely.

3. Promote Digestive Regularity

Pumpkin, sweet potatoes and yogurt contain natural probiotics and fiber to support your dog’s gut health and regularity.

4. Satisfy Chewing Urge

Dogs have a natural desire to chew and gnaw. The crunchy texture and flavor of treats satisfies this innate urge for mental stimulation.

5. Aid Training and Bonding

Using small treats for training reinforces desired behaviors positively. It also provides special one-on-one time to strengthen your bond.

So as you can see, these tasty snacks provide more than just a quick nibble! When chosen wisely, treats can be an important part of a dog’s overall wellness.

Where Can I Buy 4health Dog Treats?

Since 4health is Tractor Supply Company’s own brand, that’s the number one place to find these treats. You can shop in-store at any of their locations across the country.

Many Tractor Supply stores also have an on-site vet clinic where you can get professional advice about nutrition and treat options.

You can also purchase online through Tractor Supply’s website and have treats shipped directly to your door. They frequently offer free shipping promotions or discounts online too.

Some independent pet supply stores may also carry 4health treats. But availability can vary depending on your location. Your best bet is checking with Tractor Supply either in-person or online.

Are 4health Dog Treats Suitable For Puppies?

When raising a puppy, the million dollar question is always – can I feed this to my pup? The good news is that many 4health treats are perfectly safe for puppies.

However, you do want to choose options that are catered to their age. Here are some guidelines:

• Avoid hard, crunchy biscuits – Puppies have baby teeth that can be damaged by very stiff treats. Go for softer chews they can nibble on.
• Use “Puppy” options – Some treats like 4health Puppy Biscuits are specifically made for gentle young mouths.
• Look for smaller sizes – Mini treats are best for tiny puppy bellies. They can choke on treats that are too large.
• Pick lower calorie choices – Puppies need less calories per pound than adult dogs. Avoid super high calorie “filled” treats.
• Ask your vet – Always get your veterinarian’s okay for introducing any new treat or food.

With some care selecting the right options, 4health makes puppy-approved treats that are both delicious and gentle for your little furball.

Do 4health Dog Treats Help With Dental Health?

As mentioned earlier, some 4health treats absolutely provide dental health benefits for dogs.

Their line of crunchy biscuits and chews are designed to help scrub away plaque and tartar as your dog nibbles. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Some specific treats to look for if dental health is your priority:

• 4health Dental Treats – These crunchy squares clean teeth and freshen breath.
• 4health Deep Cleaning Dental Twists – Ridges and grooves scrub teeth down to the gumline.
• 4health Jerky Treats – The fibrous jerky texture scrapes away built-up tartar.
• 4health Hooves & Pizzles – Natural chewing on these bones cleans teeth naturally.

You can also look for treats formulated with baking soda, parsley, mint or enzymes to further fight bad breath. With regular usage, these treats will leave your dog’s teeth looking pearly white!

How Many Calories Are in 4health Dog Treats?

Pet parents are often surprised by how many calories dog treats contain. Some can rival the calories in an entire meal!

Here are some examples from 4health’s product line:

• 4health Grain Free Baked Treats: 37 kcal per treat
• 4health Puppy Biscuits: 21 kcal per biscuit
• 4health Premium Beef Jerky: 36 kcal per piece
• 4health Stuffed Beef Hooves: 142 kcal per hoof

As you can see, calorie counts range pretty widely depending on the specific treat. In general, the chews and stuffed options are the highest in calories.

It’s important to factor treats into your dog’s daily calorie allowance. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog! Talk to your vet if you’re unsure how many treats they should get per day.

Are 4health Dog Treats Good For Dogs With Allergies?

Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities require special diets free of ingredients that trigger an immune response.

So are 4health Dog Treats a good option for allergic pups? Here’s what you need to know:

• Limited Ingredient treats avoid additives and fillers. Great for identifying intolerances.
• Grain-free options eliminate wheat, corn, soy – common triggers.
• No artificial colors or preservatives – reduce risk of reactions.
• No added sugar – lessens yeast overgrowth concerns.

The simple formulas and wholesome ingredients in 4health’s allergy-conscious treats make them a smart choice. As always, introduce new treats slowly and watch for any reaction. Consult your vet for specific advice tailored to your pup!

What Flavors Do 4health Dog Treats Come In?

We all know variety is the spice of life – and that goes for our furry friends too. 4health offers an appealing range of flavors and textures to please different palates.

Some top options dogs go wild for include:

• Meaty flavors: Chicken, beef, turkey, duck, salmon
• Savory flavors: Bacon, cheese, peanut butter
• Veggie flavors: Carrot, sweet potato, apple
• Crunchy biscuits with baking soda for fresh breath
• Tender jerky for a protein punch
• Chewy tendons that satisfy chewing urge

With all these choices, you can find treats to match your dog’s personal preferences. Or mix it up to keep their tastebuds excited! Just be sure to introduce new flavors gradually to avoid tummy upset.

Can 4health Dog Treats Be Used for Training?

Absolutely! Dog treats are actually the perfect training tool to use for reinforcing desired behaviors. 4health offers several options well-suited for teaching and motivating your pup.

Some things to look for in training treats:

• Small size – easy to quickly reward your dog
• Soft texture – easy to chew and swallow
• Lots of flavor – more enticing and exciting
• Low calorie – less likely to cause weight gain
• Fun shapes – more interesting when learning

Great choices for training from 4health include:

• Training Treats Bits
• Grain Free Baked Treats
• Meaty Bites

Just be sure to adjust other meals if treats make up a large part of their daily calories. With the right treats, you can train your dog to their full potential!

How Often Should I Give My Dog 4health Dog Treats?

It’s no secret that dogs love treats! But how often can you feed them without impacting their health? Here are some general treat frequency guidelines:

• 1-2 treats per day – For small dogs or watching calories
• 2-4 treats per day – For medium dogs with average activity
• 5-10 treats per day – For active large dogs or puppies

I recommend breaking treats into multiple smaller portions throughout the day. A few bites given sporadically is ideal.

Scale quantity based on the calorie content too. Lower cal treats can be given more frequently than high calorie options.

Most importantly – listen to your dog! Adjust if they seem hungry or are gaining excess weight. And confer with your vet for advice tailored to your pup.

Are There Any Recalls on 4health Dog Treats?

Every caring pet owner should be aware of any brand’s recall history before choosing products.

The good news is I found no evidence of any recalls issued specifically on 4health Dog Treats. This gives peace of mind about their rigorous safety standards.

A few things that contribute to 4health’s excellent recall track record:

• Stringent quality control over manufacturing
• Careful ingredient testing and selection
• Robust product safety policies
• Proactive consumer communication

While any brand could have an isolated incident, 4health seems to really prioritize health and safety. I would feel comfortable feeding my own dogs their treats.

But as always, it’s smart to register your pet food with the FDA to stay updated.

Do Vets Recommend 4health Dog Treats?

What do veterinarians think about 4health treats? Overall, vets seem to give this brand their stamp of approval.

Here are some of the positives vets point out about 4health treats:

• Made with premium quality ingredients
• Great nutritional value for the price
• Recipes vetted by PhD animal nutritionists
• Meat first ingredients with minimal fillers
• No artificial preservatives or unsafe additives
• Brand has proven safety standards

Many vets even choose to sell 4health treats right in their offices! This shows how confident they are about the quality.

As with any pet food, vets say owners should monitor their individual dog for signs of issues. But overall most vets think very highly of 4health.

How Do 4health Dog Treats Compare To Other Brands?

From a price and quality perspective, 4health treats stand up very well against competitors.

Here’s a quick brand comparison:

• More affordable than premium brands like Blue Buffalo
• Higher protein content vs. Pedigree and Milkbone
• Fewer controversial ingredients than Snausages
• Similar ingredients to Rachel Ray Nutrish at lower cost
• Better quality control than some boutique brands

The biggest advantage of 4health is providing quality comparable to premium brands at a significant discount. Pet parents get great value for the ingredients.

While price isn’t everything, an affordable option without sacrificing nutrition is key for many owners. 4health delivers this balance nicely.

Are 4health Dog Treats Made in the USA?

Conscientious pet owners often look for treats made domestically here in the United States. So does 4health meet this standard?

Some 4health treats are made in the USA, however this can vary across their product line. The brand keeps manufacturing sources flexible to ensure quality.

On a case by case basis, it’s a good idea to check package labels for country of origin info. All 4health products follow the same safety protocols regardless of manufacturing site.

Made in the USA is not a requirement for nutritious treats. But for owners who prioritize American-sourced ingredients, 4health has options that fit the bill.

What is the Shelf Life of 4health Dog Treats?

It’s always good to know how long unopened treats stay fresh in storage. Here are some general 4health treat shelf life guidelines:

• Dry biscuits and jerky – around 18 months from manufacturing date
• Wet meaty treats – 9-12 month shelf life unopened
• Chews/bones – approx. 2 years shelf-stable

Once opened, treats should be consumed within 6 weeks. Closing packages tightly after use extends freshness.

Check each package for a “Best By” date to determine fridge or freezer storage needs. Sealed treats usually keep well at room temp until opened.

Discard any treats with visible mold, off-smells or other signs of spoilage. Contact the company if a treat seems off before its date.

Are 4health Dog Treats Safe For Senior Dogs?

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Can senior pups still enjoy 4health goodies?

The good news is that many 4health treats are perfectly safe for older dogs. Look for these senior-friendly features:

• Lower calorie – Prevents weight gain in less active dogs
• Tender texture – Easy chewing for sore mouths and teeth
• Added glucosamine – Supports aging joints
• Probiotics and fiber – Improve digestive issues
• Limited ingredients – Prevent reactions in sensitive stomachs
• Dental health benefits – Reduce plaque and tartar buildup

Just be sure to check with your vet, start slowly with new treats, and adjust quantities to match activity level. With some care selecting options, 4health makes great treats to pamper senior pups!

Do 4health Dog Treats Contain Artificial Preservatives?

One common concern owners have is treats containing controversial chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin.

The great news is 4health Dog Treats are free from these additives. Their treats keep freshness through careful ingredient sourcing and packaging instead.

Some preservative-free tricks they use include:

• Buying high-quality fresh meats
• Using dried fruits and vegetables
• Protective packaging to block oxygen
• Clean manufacturing facilities

You can feel good knowing 4health avoids unnecessary chemical additives. Look for their “No artificial preservatives” callout on-pack.

How Do I Transition My Dog To 4health Dog Treats?

When introducing any new treat or food, it’s important to transition gradually to allow your dog’s tummy to adjust. Here are some tips for switching to 4health goodies:

• Start small – Just a few bites mixed with old treats
• Gradually increase – Slowly up the ratio over 2 weeks
• Watch for issues – Loose stools or tummy upset means slow down
• Divide portions – Spread out treats in multiple mini portions
• Allow self-regulation – Let your dog dictate how many treats to eat
• Make it fun! – New treats means new tricks and training excitement

With a patient transition, your dog will be happily gobbling their new 4health favorites in no time!

What Is the Price Range For 4health Dog Treats?

One of the biggest appeals of 4health is the notable savings versus competing premium brands. But what’s the actual price range pet parents can expect to pay?

Here are some average examples for budgeting purposes:

• Small bags (5-8 oz) – $3 to $7 dollars
• Medium bags (12-20 oz) – $7 to $12 dollars
• Large bags (30+ oz) – $15 dollars and up
• Boxed variety packs – $10 to $20 dollars

You’ll typically pay less per ounce buying bigger bags. Watch for sales and promotions too!

Overall, 4health provides excellent value for the ingredients. Even their specialty treats stay under competitor prices. Well worth trying for the quality and savings!

The Final Verdict on 4health Dog Treats

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the must-know details about 4health Dog Treats! To recap, here are some of the key benefits:

• Made with high-quality wholesome ingredients
• Great variety of flavors, textures and dietary options
• Veterinarian-approved and nutritionally balanced
• Rigorous safety standards and recall testing
• Affordable pricing compared to premium brands
• Wide availability at Tractor Supply Company stores

While individual dogs may have sensitivities, 4health’s track record and reputation make them a trustworthy choice to consider. Their treats offer a delicious way to bond with your dog and support their health.

Have you fed your pup 4health snacks before? Share your experiences in the comments! I love to hear real owner’s perspectives. And as always, be sure to check with your vet for expert guidance about your dog’s unique needs.