Few things thrill your dog more than a treat given by you. But treats can be a double-edged sword—they can quicken results from training time and also lead to obesity. Choosing the right dog treats is essential to maintaining a happy, healthy pet.
Priority One | Don’t Overdo It
It can be hard to ignore that body wiggle from a dog anticipating a treat, but the AKC advises that treats should never exceed 10 percent of a dog’s total nutritional intake. A dog that weighs 20 pounds typically requires only 700 calories a day, and a large biscuit can be up to 100 calories each, which makes it easy to see how they can quickly add on the pounds.
Types of Treats to Give Depending Upon Activity
For Dog Training
When you’re training your dog, you need treats he can quickly gobble down to increase repetition and keep him motivated. A high rate of reinforcement is the fastest way to succeed in training. The longer it takes for your dog to consume his treat, the less repetition he’ll have in his training session.
It’s best to keep treats small—even a pea-sized treat is okay. Plus, smaller treats mean fewer calories consumed. Soft dog treats are great for training because they’re easier to eat quickly. Plus, soft treats tend to have a more pungent smell, which is a big bonus for your dog.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to low-calorie dog treats or break large treats into smaller pieces. While you might be able to use individual pieces of kibble in the living room, training outside where there are more distractions usually requires the stinky treats your dog adores to hold his attention.
Wherever you go is a training opportunity, so it’s a good idea to always have a few dog treats at the ready. Dried treats or pieces of jerky treats hold up well in your pocket or purse.
For Quiet Time
If you have an enthusiastic dog who doesn’t quite understand why you’re staring at the glowing box on your tv stand, it’s time for a slow-eating treat. These are treats designed to last as long as possible. A new bone or a dental chew can keep your dog occupied long enough to catch a few episodes of your favorite show. Feeding dogs cooked bones is dangerous and should never be given because they can break easily into sharp shards and pieces that can damage the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract while being passed. This includes purchased cooked bones and those from your home kitchen, so choose wisely.
This is also an excellent time to offer your dog a toy that you can stuff with food. Interactive dog toys are a great way to expend seemingly endless energy and simultaneously provide a little nutritional boost and positive reinforcement. Dog toys like the ever-popular Kong or puzzle toys can keep your pet occupied for hours. They’re also a great tool for helping curve destructive behaviors in a dog that gets easily bored when you’re away. Plus, toys like Kong can be stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter, so they last a little longer. Fill a toy with beef or chicken broth on a hot day, plug the end, and freeze it. It’s a great way to keep your dog cool while playing outside in the summer.
Just For Fun
There’s no better way to let your dog know how much you care than through his stomach. A dog treat for no reason other than you love them is always appreciated by your pet. Specialty treats can make great gifts for your pup for holidays or special events.
Dog treats are a much healthier option than table scraps, as people food tends to be higher in calories and fat and low in vitamins and nutrients your dog needs. Plus, feeding your dog from the table can encourage an annoying habit of begging every time you sit down to a meal. Not to mention, some table scraps can be dangerous for dogs.
Be Sure to Change it Up
While your pup might have a favorite treat, he probably also likes variety. Dogs sometimes become bored with the same treats, especially if given a lot during training sessions. If you notice his enthusiasm for a specific treat is fading, try several different ones and keep the ones he likes best in rotation to keep things interesting.
Have Questions About What Treats Are Right for Your Dog | Just Ask!
Don’t forget to schedule regular wellness appointments. At that time, we can discuss proper nutrition and healthier treat options. Also, be sure to keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and monthly preventatives. We offer a wide range of services, including our mobile vet clinic that provides free physical exams, low-cost pet shots, and access to affordable prescription medications.
