Dog owners love to treat their beloved fur-babies from time to time. However, many factors need to be considered while choosing and giving treats to our pets. This post aims to shed light on the various aspects that need to be taken into account to make treat-giving a fruitful and enjoyable experience for our pets.
Staying informed about the right type and quantity of dog treats can ensure your dog’s health and well-being. Choosing wrong treats can cause nutritional imbalance, weight gain, digestive issues, behavioural inconsistencies and dental problems in dogs.
To mitigate these consequences, it’s important to educate yourself about the appropriate type and quantity of treats for your dog. Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DOG TREATS
When it comes to using dog treats as a reward for good behavior, there are some common myths that can lead to misconceptions. Let’s address a few of these myths:
- . Myth: Using treats as rewards will make my dog only listen when treats are present.
- Reality: While treats can be a powerful motivator, with proper training techniques, dogs can learn to respond to cues and commands even when treats are not given.
- Myth: Giving treats as rewards will make my dog overweight.
- Reality: Treats can contribute to weight gain if given excessively or if high-calorie treats are used. However, by choosing low-calorie treats, using small portions, and incorporating treats into your dog’s overall balanced diet, you can reward good behavior without causing weight issues. Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
- Myth: Using treats in training will spoil my dog.
- Reality: Properly using treats as rewards during training sessions does not spoil your dog. In fact, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog and enhances their learning experience.
- Myth: Using treats will make my dog lose interest in their regular food.
- Reality: Dogs typically distinguish between regular meals and special treats. If treats are used selectively and in appropriate quantities, they should not diminish your dog’s interest in their regular food. It’s important to provide a well-balanced diet alongside treats to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING TREATS
Treats serve as a form of positive reinforcement in dog training. When a dog performs a desired behavior, such as sitting or staying, and receives a treat as a reward, they learn to associate that behavior with a positive outcome.
The act of giving treats also creates a positive association between the dog and the person providing the treat. Dogs learn to associate their owners or trainers with rewards and pleasant experiences, strengthening the bond and building trust between them.
Treats can be used in interactive toys and puzzles to provide mental stimulation for dogs. These activities can help alleviate boredom and keep dogs mentally engaged.
Giving treats can also be an opportunity for health checks and medication administration. For example, you can use treats to check your dog’s teeth, paws, or ears, making it a positive experience. Additionally, treats can be used to hide medication, making it easier to administer medication to your dog when needed.
RIGHT QUNATITY OF TREATS
Veterinarians generally emphasize the importance of moderation and appropriate treat quantities for dogs. Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. It’s crucial to be aware of the calorie content of the treats you choose and factor it into your dog’s overall daily caloric intake.
TYPES OF TREATS
There are various types of dog treats that can be made at home. Dogs relish homemade treats like biscuits, cookies, or muffins made with dog-friendly ingredients like whole wheat flour, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. Treats made by freezing dog-friendly ingredients like curd, fruits, or vegetables in ice-cube trays can also be used.
Dogs also love readymade treats including crunchy biscuits, meat-based moist and chewy treats, dental chews designed to promote tooth health by reducing tartar and plaque buildup.
Pet parents can go for special treats containing supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility; calming treats, containing ingredients like chamomile or lavender, help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Low-calorie treats are designed to support weight management and portion control.
INGREDIENTS TO BE AVOIDED
While choosing treats make pet parents must make sure that the following ingredients are not present in the final products:
- Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin can be harmful to dogs and may cause adverse reactions or allergies.
- Excessive salt or sodium content can be detrimental to your dog’s health, leading to issues like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or increased blood pressure.
- Added Sugars: Treats with high sugar content can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and potential imbalances in blood sugar levels.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Xylitol is commonly found in sugar-free treats and can cause severe health issues, including low blood sugar levels and liver damage.
- Allergenic Ingredients: If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, avoid treats containing ingredients to which they are allergic, such as certain grains (wheat, corn) or specific proteins (chicken, beef).
- Excessive Fat or Low-Quality Fats: Treats high in fat content can contribute to weight gain and digestive issues. Look for treats with moderate fat levels and sourced from healthy fats like coconut, or flaxseed.
GIVING TOO MANY TREATS TO DOGS
Giving treats to dogs in excessive quantities can lead to several negative consequences such as weight gain and obesity: Treats are often higher in calories than regular dog food. Overfeeding treats can result in weight gain and obesity, which can lead to a range of health issues, including joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. Giving too many treats can also lead to nutritional imbalances, digestive issues and dental problems. Behavioural problems like pushiness or begging can also arise. Too much reliance on treats can cause dogs to become disinterested in their regular meals, which are nutritionally balanced and essential for their overall health. This can lead to a lack of appetite and potential nutritional deficiencies.
In conclusion, giving the right treats to your dogs in moderation is a healthy exercise and can be used to forge wholesome bonds with them.
