How to Balance Treats & Nutrition for Your Dog

August 12, 2021

How to Balance Treats & Nutrition for Your Dog

There are many types of treats out there for your dogs. There's playing with your dog or offering them a praise kind of treat and there's the food kind of treats. Regarding food treats, it's important to understand that treats are an important part of their diet, but not a major one. The emphasis should still be on their nutrition. So what are the different kind of dog treats out there to consider and what are some guidelines on feeding your dog treats? Read on to learn more.

 

Count the Calories

A big factor in considering what type of treat to give your dog is how many calories it has. It can be all too easy to get carried away with how happy your dog looks when you give them the treat that you forget to keep in mind their calorie intake. Most vets would recommend that treats should take up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. So, when selecting a treat, choose one that fits your dog's diet and don't exceed it.

 

Treats for Obedience Training

Giving your dog a treat for the purpose of dog training is a great way to provide them with a reward to let your dog know they did a good job. Although it works as a great incentive for your dog, again, you must remember to keep track of their calorie intake. There are some low-calorie treats available, however, those treats may not be as appealing to your dogs, so try to have a good mix of both.

 

Dental Treats

Dogs not only like these treats but they are also good for your dog's teeth. Dental treats contain ingredients that can help clean off tartar from your dog's mouth. You can also use these treats as training treats if your dog enjoys them. In addition to brushing your dog's teeth regularly, giving them dental chews is a great way to help keep their teeth healthy and clean. Of course, this should not take the place of your dog's regular scheduled dental cleanings.

 

Natural Chews

Natural chews are the perfect treats since they do not contain any artificial ingredients. These chews can provide your dog with the calcium they need to meet their daily nutritional needs. These chews can also potentially help provide your dog with mental stimulation and may help with their anxiety. One factor to consider is the size and hardness of the treats. Make sure to choose a treat that's appropriate for the size of your dog and their teeth. For example, smaller dogs should not be given treats that are too big for them to chew.

Soft Chews

If your dog's teeth and gums are not fully developed, then soft chews are a good option for them. These would be great for young pups or senior dogs who have a weaker teeth and would not be able to chew natural treats. If the treat is too hard for your dog to chew, it could actually lead to dental issue or even damage to their teeth. Most dogs will love soft chews and there are many out there that provide your dog with the nutrient they need to strengthen their health. You can try Petaxin Omega Care which helps support your dog's skin & joint health.

 

Freeze Dried Treats

What are freeze-dried treats? Well, that's a process used to remove all the moisture from a food. This process helps to preserve all the nutrients while increasing its' shelf life. These are usually a single ingredient such as frozen baby carrots or peas. They are quite low in calorie, which makes these a great healthy treat for training purposes.

 

Takeaway

Now that you have a better understanding of the different kinds of dog treats out there for your dog, you can have a better grasp of what treat would be best for your dog. Of course, always remember to keep the calorie intake into consideration to keep your dog fit & healthy!





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