Dog treats may serve several purposes for us and our canine companions — It can be a way for us dog parents to show our love and affection to our furry pals; may help strengthen our bond with them; and may also be used as a reward when our dog shows good behavior. These treats that we offer, however, shouldn’t take a toll on our dog’s health. Rather, it should be a healthy and nutritious snack that would complement their diet, without replacing their full meals.
In maintaining our furry pal’s health, a proper and balanced diet is essential. This goes to show that in keeping our beloved dogs healthy, we must choose not just their main food, but also their treats wisely. Finding treats that are of high quality and appropriate for their biological makeup, as well as ones that would meet their unique specific needs is key.
We only want what’s best for our dogs, and with the variety of options available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. Read on as we talk about some tips on how to find the best dog treats that are not just yummy but also healthy for our best friends.
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Content:
- Training Treats for Dogs
- Natural Dog Treats
- Best Puppy Treats
- Small and Large Dog Treats
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Training Treats for Dogs
Offering your dog treats during training can be a healthy opportunity to bond and teach your pup commands and tricks. During obedience training or potty training your puppy, for example, using treats may help them better understand the behavior that you want them to learn. Just remember to be mindful of the amount of treats you give per training to avoid overfeeding them.
Best dog training treats tend to be small and have fewer calories in them since pet owners will have to offer it several times per training session. Examples of good and healthy dog training treats may include:
- Healthy biscuit treats
- Cooked lean meats such as boiled chicken breast, cooked without any oil or seasoning
- Chopped fresh vegetables such as carrots or broccoli
- Apple slices
- Peanut butter
- Squash or pumpkin
A good pet camera such as the Petcube Cam may come in handy when training your dog. With the camera, you can watch your dog’s progress in training as well as be able to determine areas for improvement. You also get access to a 24/7 online vet service that allows you to consult with certified vets, may it be about the best dog training treats to treatment options for certain illnesses.
Alternatively, if you want to enhance the training experience, Petcube Bites 2 Lite is the perfect product. Not only does it feature an innovative pet camera, it also has a fun built-in treat dispenser to help you train and have fun with your dog or puppy remotely.
But what about treats? An awesome complement to the product is Petcube POPs, an all natural crunchy dog treat for enhanced fur and skin care. They’re packed with rabbit meat, a little egg yolk, vitamins E & C, and other good stuff for your dog. It’s Non-GMO, without any preservatives, and is composed of human grade ingredients. This matches perfectly with the Petcube Bites 2 Lite for interactive treat tossing, even if you’re away!
Natural Dog Treats
When choosing treats, check the list of ingredients. All natural dog treats have a lot of benefits to complement your dog’s diet. Say no to treats that contain artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings. Instead, go for ingredients that are natural and wholesome such as lamb, chicken, sweet potato, and squash. Avoid certain ingredients such as corn, soy, wheat as these can result in allergies and gastrointestinal issues.
Note that some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients, so make sure that the treat that you choose doesn’t have the ingredient that your dog is allergic to.
In cases of severe allergies, emergency veterinary care may be needed. And because pet emergencies may come unexpectedly, it helps to prepare in ways that we can. Petcube’s Pet Emergency Fund, for example, offers pets and pet owners the security and much needed support in times of emergencies.
A subscription offers a $3000 for pet emergencies for upto 6 pets, which can be used once per year. And because they pay the vet clinic directly, you won’t have to worry about paying for the expenses and rather, focus on taking care of your pet during treatment. A subscription also gives you access to a 24/7 online vet service for first aid guidance and emergency triage. Things like these make a whole lot of difference during pet emergencies.
Best Puppy Treats
When choosing dog treats, it is also important to consider your dog’s age. Puppies, for example, would benefit from treats that are soft for easy chewing. Ideally, the best dog treats for puppies are:
- Natural and free from preservatives and artificial ingredients
- Those that contain essential vitamins and minerals and omega fatty acids that would aid in their healthy development and coat. Ingredients such as chicken, apples, carrots, and oatmeal are great sources of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
A great example of a healthy puppy treat is Petcube POPs, a tasty and crunchy dog snack for healthy fur and skin. It contains the right mix of rabbit meat, a hint of egg yolk, vitamins E & C, among other nutritious components.
Small and Large Dog Treats
Note that different breeds and dog sizes have various nutritional needs. In choosing dog treats, factor in your dog’s breed and size in terms of portioning. Make it a point to check the feeding guidelines to determine the appropriate amount for your dog. Calculators may help you measure how many calories your dog needs per day. Remember that treats shouldn't replace their food. Rather, treats should complement their full meals.
Consider the treat’s size as well as your dog’s chewing capabilities. Small breeds, for example, would benefit from smaller and softer small dog treats that are specifically designed to benefit their size and chewing abilities. Large dog breeds, on the other hand, benefit from larger treats that allow for lengthier chews. Dog treats for large dogs tend to be bigger, with more chewing capacity.
In both cases, choosing treats that contain natural ingredients and no harmful additives would be beneficial.
FAQs
Low protein dog treats - who are they good for?
Dogs with certain health issues may benefit from having less protein on their diet, including treats. For instance, those with kidney disease, liver disease, and bladder stones may need to cut back on protein. Consulting with your vet is best to determine your dog’s specific dietary needs.
If my dog has a sensitive stomach, which dog treats would be best for them?
Depending on your dog’s specific needs, dog’s with sensitive stomachs often benefir from treats that are:
- Contain easily digestible carbohydrates (avoid fillers like wheat, corn, and soy)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Contain high-quality animal protein from a single source
- Have no artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
- Contain healthy animal fat (e.g. salmon oil)
- Great sources of dietary fiber
- Contain prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy digestion
Who benefits from high protein dog treats?
Among those who benefit from high protein dog treats are puppies. According to Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, protein is essential in the growth and maintenance of muscles to help keep dogs active and strong. This is especially beneficial for puppies who need to build and develop their muscles as they grow.
What are some ingredients of dog treats for allergies?
Dogs with allergies may benefit from hypoallergenic snacks. Single-source proteins such as fish or duck, or gluten-free/grain-free treats are usually recommended. Note that it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian first if the specific treat would meet your dog’s needs.
Conclusion
Finding healthy dog treats may be daunting, what with the many options available today. However, considering our dog’s specific needs as well as checking the ingredients would help us choose the best dog treats for our furry pals. Consulting with a veterinarian is always best to determine whether a treat is appropriate for our dog. Remember that treats shouldn’t replace our dog’s full meals, and should only be given to complement their diet.
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