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YahooOh, the power of treats! Dogs love them; dogs will do practically anything for them. Treats have the power to train, reward, and satisfy your pooch. Since he cares so much about eating the treat, then you should care as much about choosing the treat. Different treats satisfy different needs, so you need to determine what treats are best to fit your dog’s lifestyle.
Before you grab the first treat you see in the grocery store, take some things into consideration.
- Is your dog active?
- Are you training your dog?
- Does he have any food allergies or special dietary requirements?
These questions are important when deciding what treats to grab for your pooch. Like human treats, many dog treats are unhealthy and full of extra calories. There is a big fuss over natural and organic food now, even in the pet world. But, be skeptical. Just because a product claims to be “natural” does not mean that it is. The best way to tell is to read the ingredient label. If you do not recognize the ingredients, then they are probably not natural.
Choosing foods for active dogs. You should look for treats that are full of protein. These treats usually have “meaty” flavors. Inactive dogs should be fed lower-calorie treats. If they are not burning extra calories, then high-calorie treats will just add weight to your pooch.
Choosing foods for training dogs. If you are training your dog, then more than likely you are giving him multiple treats throughout the day. Feeding him high-calorie treats would be harmful to his health, because of the quantity he is consuming. Make sure training treats are small. Smaller treats often contain fewer calories and are less likely to make your dog full. A full dog may not want any treats; and, therefore, may not want to perform any tricks.
Choosing foods for dogs with allergies. You would not want to feed him a treat that he will be allergic to. The most common food allergies in dogs are wheat and grain products. Many treats are made out of these products. So, of course, you should steer away from treats containing the irritating ingredients.
Choosing healthy foods that are safe for your dog. Foods high in sugar should not be given to your pet. You can slice up a banana or grab some baby carrots. You’ll be surprised at how your dog will enjoy “healthy” food. If you decide to feed your dog fruits and vegetables, then it’s a good idea to keep them cut up and in a plastic bag. Don’t let your dog see you go to the refrigerator every time you get a treat. Before you know it, he will turn into a begging kitchen dog.
The homemade alternative. Homemade treats are my personal favorites. Homemade treats are a great alternative to store-bought ones, because you know what you are putting in them. You can also create them especially for your dog’s dietary needs.
Your dog loves treats, and you love to give them to him. Before you buy your next batch of treats, take some things into consideration like your dog’s activity level, diet and allergies, and whether or not he is training. Depending on your pooch’s lifestyle, there are different treats that will satisfy his nutritional needs. Fruits and vegetables are always a good alternative to store-bought treats, but they should still be given to your dog moderately. There are many recipes for homemade treats, allowing you to control the ingredients. Continue to reward your dog, but do not contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle.