An essential part of any dog owner’s shopping list, treats are a fantastic way to reward your dog for good behaviour and help to create a bond between you and your pet.
We all want the best for our dogs and treats are no exception, when giving treats you want to make sure that they are good quality and will not risk any adverse health effects.
Look for meat first treats without too many fillers that will just come out the other end!
Feeding too many treats can cause obesity - and of course can put your pet off their dinner!
How much is too much?
Every treat is different so check the feeding guidelines before giving a new treat but generally it’s best to keep treats to less than 10% of your dog’s overall diet.
Keep in mind the activity of your pet, a young dog who loves going on long walks and playing fetch will burn through more calories in a day than an older inactive dog so the younger dog could eat more treats.
You will probably give more treats when your dog is learning a new trick or skill so try breaking their treats in half so you don’t overfeed.
When to give treats?
Treats are invaluable when training or reinforcing good behaviour, when your dog is learning new skills or is being good on a walk you can give treats to show them they are doing well.
On long walks it is also a good idea to bring some treats to keep up your pet’s energy until their main meal later.
Treats are also brilliant at keeping our pets occupied when they’re by themselves - or when we want them away from the dinner table! Getting treats out of a treat dispenser or a wrapped up towel will entertain your dog when you can’t give them your full attention.
Most importantly stay calm and patient when giving treats, make sure your dog is showing signs of behaviour you want to reinforce - or else you might give them bad habits!
Chews
Chewing can relieve teething pains in young pups and helps keep adult dog’s teeth clean from plaque and jaws strong. It is also a great way for dogs to destress and combat boredom, if your dog is going to be by themselves for a while leaving a chew stick will keep them occupied and away from chair legs.
You have to be careful when giving a chew when you’re not there to monitor your dog so it doesn't become a choking hazard in your absence.
Remember to check the age guidelines and ingredients of any treats you give to your pet, very hard chews aren’t suitable for puppies under 9 months, senior dogs would benefit from additives like glucosamine to help with joint care.
To ensure your dog’s safety, introduce new treats gradually and always have fresh water available.
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If you have more questions, reach out to our nearest petworld store or call us now