Is There Such a Thing as Giving Your Dog Too Many Treats?
Food treats are a useful tool to bond with your dog. Dogs have a reputation for being obsessed with eating, and their excitement quickly turns into a positive feedback cycle. Your dog will associate their food-reward behavior with seeing you and happy feelings, which will strengthen their bond with you even further. This effect isn’t limited to just your pet, though; humans benefit from this cycle as well, receiving a hit of serotonin when we make our dogs happy.
Your best bet is to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If you give too many, they can cause stomach issues (and stools that are too loose) in the short term. On the other hand, in terms of long-term effects, weight gain is imminent.
Dogs can end up with severe health problems when they're obese.
What's the best way to tell when the dogs have had too many treats?
Figuring out the daily treat limit for your dog can help your pet get into shape and teaches you how to care for your pet. To do this, find the chart on the bag of pet food. The chart should say how many cups you should be feeding your pet daily based on their weight, and how many calories are in a cup of food (again, factoring in the age and activity level of your dog).
How do treats affect the feeding time of a dog?
You are probably wondering if it is OK to stack one product on top of another. In general, it means you should adjust how much you feed your dog so that they will not get too many calories. Keep in mind that some ingredients are better than others, and that treats should not be considered a replacement for a meal. This way, your dog will get all of the vitamins and minerals they need.
Is one treat more appropriate than others for dogs?
While it’s fine to give your dog treats every so often, keep your dog's health in mind when giving them treats by only giving them treats that they can eat. Let's observe some of the most popular types:
- Biscuits - These are great dog treats without heavily affecting any budget. High-quality brands have meat or meat meal as the primary ingredient listed. There are fruits and vegetables listed for a tasty, healthy reward. It's not very calorie-dense especially compared to jerky, but you should pay attention to the calorite count.
- Human foods - We've all done it; our doggos have gotten a slice of ham, cube of cheese or some other meal sample from us. When your pet’s not using the calories he needs for his exercise, you’re going to see him get fat. However, dogs don’t have a lot of room for calories that are just sitting around. Before long, your pet will be gaining weight.
Adirondack Pure Chicken Dog Treats
Good choices include air-popped popcorn, non-fat yogurt, lean turkey and lean berries.
- Jerky treats - These meaty, chewable treats are packed with calories and protein. A few pieces of jerky will go a long way in terms of cutting through stimuli. Make sure that large breeds get no more than a few per day; small dogs, on the other hand, should only have one.
Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Crunch Cage-Free Duck Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
Conclusion
Bond with a dog is achieved ideally through treats. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats under 10% of a dog's caloric intake on a daily basis. Certain human foods are better than others; biscuits and jerky treats are good in moderation.
Looking for dog treats and other pet supplies in Bentonville? Get in touch with Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming in Bentonville today! We’ve got certified pet dietitian & pet nutrition specialists on board, with pet supplies and pet grooming available as well.