How Daily Treats Can Support Your Dog's Heart Health
Most dog parents think about nutrition in terms of meals, not treats. But here's the truth: if you're giving your dog treats every day, those treats are part of their daily nutrition—and they should support, not undermine, their health.
Why Heart Health Matters for Dogs
Cardiovascular health isn't just a concern for aging dogs. According to veterinary cardiologists, heart health begins with daily nutrition, and the earlier you start supporting it, the better.
Just like in humans, your dog's heart health is influenced by:
- Cholesterol levels (yes, dogs have cholesterol too)
- Inflammation throughout the body
- Weight management and metabolic health
- Nutrient intake including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants
The problem? Most commercial dog treats are packed with empty calories, artificial additives, and ingredients that can actually harm cardiovascular health when given daily.
The Hidden Problem With "Healthy" Treats
Many treats marketed as "healthy" or "natural" still contain:
- Excessive sodium (bad for blood pressure and heart function)
- Refined flours and sugars (contribute to weight gain and inflammation)
- Artificial preservatives (linked to oxidative stress)
- Low-quality fats (can increase cholesterol)
Even worse, most treats aren't formulated for daily feeding—they're designed as occasional rewards. But if you're like most dog parents, you're giving treats multiple times a day for training, enrichment, or just because you love your pup.
That's why TerraPawz exists: daily wellness treats formulated with functional, heart-healthy ingredients safe and effective for everyday use.
5 Heart-Healthy Ingredients in TerraPawz Treats
1. Barley Flour: The Beta-Glucan Powerhouse
Barley is rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber clinically proven to support healthy cholesterol levels in both humans and dogs. Beta-glucans work by binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract and helping remove it from the body.
In our Bark Bites, barley flour provides:
- Soluble fiber for cardiovascular support
- Prebiotic benefits for gut health (which is connected to heart health)
- Sustained energy without blood sugar spikes
2. Chia Seeds: Tiny But Mighty Omega-3s
Chia seeds are one of the richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports:
- Reduced inflammation throughout the body
- Healthy blood pressure
- Improved circulation
- Cell membrane health
Unlike fish-based omega-3s, plant-based ALA from chia is shelf-stable, sustainable, and perfect for dogs with fish sensitivities.
3. Ground Flaxseed: Heart-Healthy Fats + Fiber
Flaxseed delivers a powerful one-two punch for cardiovascular health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) to reduce inflammation
- Lignans (antioxidants) that support vascular health
- Soluble fiber to help manage cholesterol
Both our Bark Bites and No-Grain Nibbles contain ground flaxseed for maximum bioavailability—whole flaxseeds can pass through the digestive system undigested, but ground flax ensures your dog absorbs all the heart-healthy benefits.
4. Peanut Butter: More Than Just Flavor
Natural peanut butter (the kind without added sugar or xylitol) provides:
- Monounsaturated fats that support healthy cholesterol ratios
- Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage
- Protein for lean muscle maintenance (which supports metabolism and heart health)
Our Nutty Bark Bites feature roasted peanut flavor from real peanut butter—not artificial flavoring.
5. Rescued Vegetables: Antioxidant Protection
Our No-Grain Nibbles are built on a foundation of upcycled pumpkin and carrot purée, delivering:
- Beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A) for cellular health
- Potassium for healthy blood pressure and heart rhythm
- Fiber for digestive and cardiovascular support
- Antioxidants to combat inflammation and oxidative stress
These rescued ingredients would otherwise go to waste, but they're nutritionally perfect—reducing food waste while delivering premium heart health support.
Why Consistency Matters
Here's something most dog parents don't realize: functional nutrition only works when used consistently.
You wouldn't take a multivitamin once a month and expect results. The same principle applies to your dog's treats. Heart-healthy ingredients like beta-glucans, omega-3s, and antioxidants need to be consumed regularly to provide cumulative benefits.
That's why TerraPawz treats are formulated for daily feeding—not occasional indulgence. Each bite delivers functional nutrition that supports:
- Cardiovascular health through cholesterol management and reduced inflammation
- Weight management with nutrient-dense, lower-calorie ingredients
- Overall wellness through gut health, immune support, and antioxidant protection
Beyond Heart Health: Full-Body Benefits
While our treats are packed with heart-healthy ingredients, the benefits don't stop there. Because cardiovascular health is connected to so many body systems, supporting your dog's heart also means supporting:
Skin + Coat Health (Nutty Bark Bites)
Omega-3s and healthy fats nourish skin and create a shiny coat
Dental Health + Fresh Breath (Cheezy Bark Bites)
Crunchy texture helps reduce plaque while chlorophyll naturally freshens breath
Hip + Joint Support (Pumpkin No-Grain Nibbles)
Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and omega-3s ease joint discomfort
Energy + Focus (Sizzlin' No-Grain Nibbles)
B vitamins from brewer's yeast and complex carbs provide sustained energy
What Vets Say About Plant-Based Heart Health
At TerraPawz, we partnered with veterinary professionals and a pet food scientist to ensure our formulations are truly vet-endorsed, not just marketing hype.
Here's what veterinary nutritionists agree on:
- Plant-based ingredients can provide excellent cardiovascular support without the saturated fats found in many animal-based treats
- Whole food ingredients offer synergistic benefits that isolated supplements can't replicate
- Daily functional nutrition is more effective than sporadic supplementation
- Weight management is one of the most important factors in canine heart health—and lower-calorie, nutrient-dense treats help
How to Incorporate Heart-Healthy Treats Into Your Dog's Routine
Morning: Start the day with a Nutty or Cheezy Bark Bite during breakfast prep or morning training
Midday: Use No-Grain Nibbles for enrichment activities like puzzle toys or frozen treat games
Evening: Reward good behavior during walks with a crunchy Bark Bite
Adjust portions: Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake—but unlike empty-calorie treats, TerraPawz treats contribute functional nutrition toward that 10%
The Bottom Line: Treats Should Support Health, Not Just Taste Buds
Your dog's heart health starts with what you feed them every single day—including treats.
TerraPawz Daily Wellness Treats are formulated with functional, heart-healthy ingredients proven to support cardiovascular wellness when used consistently. From beta-glucan-rich barley to omega-3-packed chia and flax, every ingredient is chosen for its nutritional impact, not just its flavor.
Because the truth is, if you're giving treats daily, they should be doing more than just making your dog happy in the moment—they should be supporting their long-term health and vitality.
Ready to support your dog's heart health daily? Shop our heart-healthy treats here or take our quiz to find the perfect functional formula for your dog's needs.
TerraPawz was founded on the belief that daily treats should support dogs' health, not undermine it. Working with veterinary professionals and a pet food scientist, we created the only daily wellness treats formulated with functional, plant-based ingredients and rescued produce—because every dog deserves treats that contribute to their long-term wellbeing.
