There are so many fun things about being a pet owner—having someone to walk or run with, having a couch buddy, and even spoiling your pet. Giving your dog treats is a way to help with training and to simply spoil your dog.
It’s no secret that dogs love treats. But, as with most things, there can be too much of a good thing. Treats are meant to be just that—treats. They should be given sparingly and not every time your pet looks at you with those longing eyes.
Feeding too many treats can lead to an overweight dog. Dogs that are overweight are more likely to develop serious health problems and, in general, do not live as long as dogs that are kept at a healthy weight. So, offer treats, but do so in a way that’s healthy for your pet.
Types of Dog Treats to Consider
With that in mind, let’s talk about the different types of treats. There are probably as many choices for dog treats as there are for treats for humans! The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, so how do you know which treats are best? If you’re ever in doubt, talk to your vet, but most treats are fine in moderation.
Biscuits
These are relatively inexpensive treats that come in many flavors, shapes, and sizes. Biscuits are a good choice for everyday after-dinner treats (if you give treats that often) due to their low cost. However, some brands have higher fat content than others, so be careful if you are trying to limit your pet’s fat intake.
Training Treats
These treats are typically smaller in size and can be kept in a small container for easy access when you’re out walking or training your pet. Because they are small, they’re a better choice than regular-sized treats when you need to give several at once during training sessions.
Jerky
Many jerky treats are available for dogs, with some containing only one ingredient: meat. These are popular among pet owners who want to avoid artificial ingredients. High-quality jerky tends to be more expensive than treats containing artificial additives. Keep in mind that some jerky treats can be high in fat, so if that’s a concern, look for jerky made with low-fat meats like chicken.
Medicated Treats
Medicated treats are a blessing for pet owners struggling to give their pets medications. Some medications are now available in a chewy treat form that dogs eagerly consume. There are also treats, such as “Pill Pockets,” designed to hide pills inside a soft treat. It’s very important to store these medicated treats in a place where your dog cannot access them, as they may eat an entire package if given the chance. If your pet consumes more medication than prescribed, contact your vet or the animal poison control center immediately.
Rawhide
Rawhide treats are loved by some pet owners and avoided by others. Some believe rawhide is dangerous because dogs may swallow large pieces, posing a choking hazard. However, many vets consider rawhide safe for dogs when used correctly. Most experts agree that rawhide should never be given unsupervised. If the rawhide becomes too soft, remove it and replace it. Once it dries, it can be given back to the dog.
Homemade Treats
A relatively new trend is pet owners making their own dog treats. Many recipes are available, and homemade treats are often healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought ones. Homemade treats are especially beneficial for dogs with food allergies, as you can carefully control the ingredients.
When to Give Treats
Some pet owners give their dogs treats every day, while others reserve them for special occasions. You’ll need to figure out what’s best for your pet while considering his health.
Here are some good times to give your dog treats:
- As a reward during training
- When you put him in his crate for the day or night
- When you’re leaving for the day
- After his evening meal
When NOT to Give Treats
Some pet owners give treats at the wrong times. Here are situations when giving treats is a bad idea:
As a bribe: For example, if your dog has one of your favorite shoes and you wave a treat at him to get it back, you’re teaching him that stealing your shoes earns a reward!
When he’s sick: While it’s tempting to spoil your dog when he’s not feeling well, giving him treats can actually make his condition worse.
If your dog is overweight: While you can still give treats to an overweight dog, you’ll need to cut back significantly. Opt for low-fat treats or make them at home.
Giving your dog treats is one of the fun aspects of being a pet owner. Just be mindful of the types and quantities of treats you give. Remember, your dog’s health is more important than the temporary pleasure he gets from a treat!
