Soopa: vegan dental sticks for dogs packed with superfoods

Sometimes I read the ingredient lists on my dogs’ treats and realise they’re probably (most definitely) eating healthier than I am.

And the Soopa vegan dental sticks are a great way to boost your dogs fruit and veg intake, while also cleaning their teeth – if only they made something similar for kids, amiright?

The hypoallergenic sticks are made from 100% human grade natural ingredients – mostly whole potato flour, potato starch, vegetable glycerine – with added goodies to give them their Soopa superfood combos. The treats contain no palm oil, meaning they’re better for the environment, and are bursting with vitamins, minerals and health benefits.

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Nutritious and low in calories, the Irish-made treats are low in fat and suitable for dogs over six months old. They’re easy and safe to digest and are even suitable for dogs suffering from obesity, kidney or liver disease, allergies, pancreatitis and low immunity.

There are four dental sticks in a pack, which mean Phoebe and Frank get two each, and while they can be fed daily, we opt for twice a week – as they’re pretty spoilt as it is! We buy ours from Hounds, so with our 10% off we pay £3.60 for the pack – and you can too, using the code SCAMPS at the checkout.

Simply packaged, these treats store really easily in the cupboard, and the second I open the door to grab one, the dogs are hot on my heels in the kitchen – so I know they adore them.

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The sticks come in five different flavours, but as they’re Soopa popular (see what I did there) you’ll struggle to get your paws on them all at the same time.

This time around we picked up coconut and chia seed, banana and peanut butter and kale and apple, but they also have carrot and pumpkin, and cranberry and sweet potato – both of which are pretty seasonal.

The coconut and chia seed sticks contain coconut oil, which is a superfood rich in ‘Medium-chain triglycerides’ (MCT’s) which studies have found help boost your dog’s brain power. Meanwhile chai seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids that may help promote a healthy coat.

In the banana and peanut butter variety, the peanut butter contains healthy fats and Vitamin E – but of course, no xylitol. Bananas are also a good source of vitamins and fibre to help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Kale reportedly has anti-cancer and immune boosting properties, which is why it’s nicknamed the ‘Queen of greens’ and why it was selected for Soopa’s kale and apple sticks. It’s loaded with antioxidants, iron, calcium and important vitamins, and paired with nutrient-dense kelp and fan favourite apple, this chew is a real health powerhouse.

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While they don’t last particularly long with the scamps, we’re still confident in their oral care support and general health benefits thanks to a concise but carefully considered ingredients list.

The brand launched in 2013 after founder Barbara Hanly – a former dog groomer – realised how many dogs were suffering from commercial pet food related illness such as; obesity, diabetes, chronic itching and skin allergies.

She said: “I wanted to offer dog owners a super healthy treat they could give to their dog guilt free that was low calorie, nutritious and also delicious. I knew dogs loved fresh fruit and vegetables so I got to work and after lots of time spent in kitchen and much trials and testing the Soopa chew was born.”
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