What are the healthiest treat options for dogs?
Natural dog treats that contain limited ingredients are typically the healthiest dog treats, however this can vary per brand. Treats made from lean protein, like these Thrive® Kind & Gentle Dog Treats, are a great pick, or any treats made from vegetables or plain nut butters, like these Beco Grain-Free Dog Treats with Peanut, Coconut & Turmeric. Some dogs even enjoy eating vegetables on their own, like chopped carrots, which make a great healthy treat option.
Can dog treats be used as part of a training routine?
Absolutely! In fact, using treats in your training routine is encouraged. The key is to start training your dog with high-value treats, like cooked chicken, to keep them motivated. Then, once your dog is responding well to your commands, you can begin rewarding with lower value treats, or even toys.
For dogs with weight problems, it can be best to try and wean them off food rewards entirely to prevent overfeeding, or you can choose low-calorie dog treats instead.
How often should I give treats to my dog?
How often you give your dog treats will depend on your dog, their health, and the type of treats in question. Training treats, for example, are small and tasty treats that are often fine for a dog to have daily. Dog chews, however, may only be suitable for your dog to have once a week, or to only have for a set amount of time.
Generally speaking, most dog treats are safe for daily consumption. However, try and vary the types of treats you give your dog. This will help keep things interesting for your dog and prevent them consuming too many of certain treats.
Remember, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, so make sure to read the feeding instructions carefully for all your dog’s treats.
Are there grain-free or hypoallergenic treat options for dogs?
Can puppies safely eat all types of dog treats?
No, unfortunately not all dog treats are suitable for puppies, especially not dog chews.
This is because a puppy’s teeth and jaws are not as strong as an adult dog, and hard chews like Yakkers and antlers can damage a puppy’s baby teeth, and their adult teeth underneath as well. Always read the feeding instructions before giving any treats to your puppy to ensure they’re age appropriate.
How do I store dog treats to keep them fresh?
Storage for dog treats varies depending on the type, but all treats will have storage instructions on the packaging explaining the best way to keep them fresh.
As a general rule, treats should be stored in a cool, dry place your dog cannot access.
Are there treats designed for dogs with specific health conditions?
What should I do if my dog has an adverse reaction to a treat?
If your dog has an adverse reaction to anything they eat, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. While adverse reactions to dog treats aren’t common, they do happen. They often cause skin problems, digestive upset, and even serious health problems. Always consult your vet if your dog reacts badly to something they ate.
Pet Munchies 100% Natural Chicken Strips Dog Treats£0.002 products in range £6.79 – £9.98
