Some pet owners go to great lengths to search for the healthiest, highest quality dog treats available. They are willing to pay more for natural ingredients, and even travel further to get a specific brand or type of treat from a specialty store. However, when it comes to proper treating practices, they seem to forget their pets health. These tips will help owners learn how to properly offer treats to their pet without over doing it.
Dog Treats versus Dog Food
It is vital to understand the difference between dog treats and dog food. Dog food is designed to provide the required vitamins, minerals, proteins and fat content your pet needs to remain healthy. Dog treats, on the other hand, are intended as an occasional snack. Many people would not allow their children to eat ten cookies in a sitting, so why let your dog essentially do the same thing? Treats are not meant to provide your pet with daily nutritional value needed for a well balanced diet. Even those that are made with vitamin supplements and low fat content are still only snacks.
Signs you are Over-Treating
There are a few ways to tell if you are giving your canine companion too many goodies. Do you notice he or she has lost interest in regular meals? Although your pet might still be eating some of the dog food you offer, has there been a decline in how much is actually finished? If your pet has started leaving some dog food behind, it is probably time to cut back on the treats.
If you also notice your pet no longer wants to do anything you tell him or her to do unless you have a tasty biscuit in hand, or have retrieved the treat package from the cupboard, it is time to cut back.
Good Treat Feeding Tips
Dog treats are a great way to give your pet something special and a unique flavor to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with offering a healthy treat each day. The problems arise when too many treats are given, and your pet comes to expect them. Start reforming your treating behavior by checking the manufacturers suggested feeding instructions. This will help you determine how many treats to give your pet. Next, set a specific time that will be your pets daily treat time. This will put your pet on a schedule and help you manage how often you offer a treat.
In time, your canine will begin finishing his or her dinner. Weight gain issues will also begin to diminish, especially if you trade out a few of your pets old snack times with exercise sessions. Your pet will be healthier and happier, without completely cutting out the dog treats!
Tips For Giving Dog Treats