As pet parents, we often give treats to our canine companions to show our love and reward good behavior.
However, there is such a thing as too many treats.
Overfeeding puppies can cause health problems, so pet parents should learn what the best treats are for dogs and how much to feed their furry companions. is important.
Important points
- It is okay to give treats to dogs in moderation.
- Giving your dog too many treats or too many can lead to potential health problems and obesity.
- If you are unsure whether a particular treatment is appropriate, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Is it healthy to give treats to dogs?
Treats are healthy for dogs when given in moderation.
It strengthens the animal-human bond and allows pet parents to show their furry family members some love. In certain situations, especially since dogs have big appetites, it’s appropriate to give them treats.
For example, when Obedience and potty training your puppy and giving them treats as rewards are acceptable.
However, pet parents should be careful about the number of treats they give during each training session. Using small treats during training can be effective.
Recommended snacks include:
On training days, it also makes sense to reduce the amount of each meal to keep your daily caloric intake constant. This means if you give your dog a 200 calorie treat during the day, you will need to reduce your dog’s breakfast or dinner by 200 calories to avoid unintended weight gain.
Giving your dog too many treats can lead to obesity, especially in dogs with inactive lifestyles. Obesity can put stress on your dog’s joints, especially in older dogs, and can worsen arthritis and cause significant pain.
Overconsumption of snacks can also contribute to the development of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis.
How often can I give treats to my dog?
You can offer different types of dog treats at different times. Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily recommended calories.
It’s okay to offer a few training treats as an incentive or reward during training sessions.
Dental treats and chews are great for dogs and can help reduce plaque buildup on their teeth.
If your dog receives dental chews, always supervise your dog to avoid swallowing large pieces. Here are some recommended dental chews.
Ideally, these should be given only three times a week, but dogs at risk for dental disease may benefit from one dental chew per day.
Please consult your veterinarian. After performing an oral health exam, you will be told how much and how often your puppy should be chewed.
healthy dog treats
Pet parents should look for dog treats that are healthy and contain the following ingredients: They contain as few ingredients as possible.
This means the treats do not contain unhealthy fillers (ingredients made to make your pet feel full) that add no nutritional value.
Treats derived from biscuits are preferred due to their lower salt and fat content compared to meaty varieties.
Treatment options serve different purposes.
For example, training treats are usually small, about the size of a pencil eraser. They tend to be lower in calories because manufacturers know that pet parents need to use a lot at a time.
Dental treats, on the other hand, are usually hard and intended for chewing. They range from small treats to large dental chews such as: greenies.
Let’s take a look at some healthy dog treat options you can choose from for your dog.
healthy dog treats for puppies
Puppies need to learn obedience, so training treats are helpful for this age group. There are many treats for puppies, but here are some options to consider.
These treats are natural and contain no preservatives or artificial colors.
It contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals as well as omega fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and normal development in your puppy.
These natural biscuits contain healthy ingredients that support your puppy’s development.
Foods like chicken, carrots, oatmeal, and apples are good sources of important vitamins and minerals.
Healthy dog treats for adult dogs
Adult dogs primarily receive treats as a reward for good behavior or simply because they love them.
Biscuit-based treats are best for this age group, such as:
These biscuits contain only four ingredients and no fillers. It is a good source of protein because it contains peanut butter.
Buddy Biscuits come in several flavors, allowing pet parents to offer their furry friends a variety of options.
These treats are biscuit-based and contain essential vitamins and minerals. It has a hard texture that reduces plaque buildup on teeth.
They come in several sizes, including mini, small, medium, and large, offering something suitable for every breed.
healthy dog treats for seniors
Treats that are gentle on teeth and joints are good choices for senior dogs.
Pet parents can provide the following options for their older pets:
Kong toys are a fun way to incorporate special treats into your dog’s day while encouraging mental stimulation.
Stuffing your Kong toy with healthy treat alternatives like frozen banana chunks or blueberries is a great way to show your pup some love.
You can feed your Greenies up to once a day to promote healthy teeth and gums.
This special formula is softer than adult dog versions and gentler on sensitive teeth, making it ideal for senior dogs. It’s also easy to digest and supports healthy joints.
dog treat alternatives
Pet parents can use a variety of healthy alternatives in place of dog treats, including:
Food outside of your dog’s normal diet should be provided in moderation, whether it’s dog treats or healthy alternatives.
It is generally recommended that no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric needs be met by foods other than their regular diet.
Some dogs may accept regular dog food as treats throughout the day.
This may be the healthiest treat option for your dog. At this time, pet parents should reduce the amount of kibble given at mealtimes.
For example, if you give your dog 1/4 cup of kibble throughout the day as a snack, reduce the amount for breakfast or dinner by 1/4 cup.
Food outside of your dog’s normal diet should be provided in moderation, whether it’s dog treats or healthy alternatives.
dog treats to avoid
Avoid snacks that are high in fat and sodium, such as jerky treats or meaty treats.
Cookies and cupcakes baked specifically for dogs are fine for birthdays and celebrations, but due to the dog’s nature, they shouldn’t be given as treats on a regular basis. High in sugar and fat.
Pet parents should also refrain from feeding leftovers to dogs as treats. This is because they can be toxic and very fattening.
Never feed your dog foods containing garlic, onions, chocolate, grapes, or raisins.
These foods are life-threatening to dogs and can cause serious problems. Additionally, fried foods, breads, and baked goods are high in sugar and fat and should never be served.
Dog treats, when used in moderation, are a great way to show your pet love and praise. Bite-sized treats are especially helpful during obedience training sessions and when potty training your puppy.
As dogs age, they benefit from treats that support joint and dental health.
If you are unsure whether a particular treatment is appropriate, contact your veterinarian for guidance. They will be happy to provide recommendations to meet your pup’s specific needs.
Featured image: iStock.com/patty_c
