Let’s be honest. Giving your dog a treat is probably as much fun for you as it is for your pooch. Who does not love seeing their dog’s rapt attention, delighted anticipation, and tail-wagging joy during the snack-feeding ritual?
But it is important to remember not to get too carried away. If you are feeding your dog snacks all day, at what point do treats stop being treats? More importantly, experts warn that moderation is key and that treats should be less than 10% of your adult dog’s total daily calories.
Five Tips For Healthy Snaking
- Read the label. Nutrition, more than any other single factor, will determine your dog’s future health and happiness. Before you feed your canine companion anything, including meals or snacks, it’s critical to know precisely what is in your dog’s food.
- Go natural. The healthiest pet treats are made from human-grade, whole-food ingredients. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unwholesome treats out there masquerading as healthy. So be vigilant, and read those labels!
- Tailor treats for your dog. When choosing a snack, it is essential to consider things like your dog’s life stage, weight, allergies, physical health, and lifestyle. Different dogs have different nutritional needs, and it’s important to consider them when feeding snacks.
- “Weigh” your options. Unfortunately, 54% of dogs are overweight or obese, and, like humans, over-snacking can be part of the problem. If your dog is a big bundle of love, choose treats wisely. Try safe fruits and vegetables or other low-calorie snacks.
- Consider medical conditions. Many dogs with health issues can still enjoy an occasional treat. Check with your veterinarian because there are treats that work for dogs with medical conditions.
