Dogs Eating Treats: A Guide to Creating a Balanced Treat Plan

Creating a balanced treat plan for your furry friend is a must, especially if they're eating treats regularly. According to the American Kennel Club, treats should not make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake.

To start, consider your dog's age, breed, and health status, as these factors can affect their treat needs. For example, puppies require more calories and nutrients than adult dogs.

The type of treats you give your dog also matters. Some treats are high in fat and calories, while others are low in fat and high in fiber. A good rule of thumb is to choose treats that are 50% or less fat.

Peanut butter is a healthy treat for dogs to eat in moderate amounts, but it's essential to limit their intake due to its high fat and calorie content.

Feeding your dog plain, unsalted peanut butter is crucial, as added ingredients like salt can be harmful.

Dogs should never eat xylitol, a sugar substitute found in candy, gum, and baked goods, as it can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels and even death.

Raw potatoes are toxic to dogs due to their high solanine levels, so it's best to cook them before serving.

Honey and peanuts can be fed to dogs in limited amounts, but be aware that they're high in sugar and fat, which can contribute to weight gain.

Some wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs and can cause mushroom poisoning, so it's crucial to be cautious about what you feed them.

Peanut butter is a healthy treat for dogs to eat in moderation. However, it's essential to limit their intake due to its high fat and calorie content, which can lead to weight gain.

Plain, unsalted peanut butter is the best option for your furry friend. Avoid peanut butter with added ingredients like salt, which can be toxic to dogs.

Some peanut butters may contain extra ingredients that can harm your dog. Always check the label to ensure the peanut butter is plain and unsalted.

Feeding your dog too much peanut butter can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis. So, it's crucial to limit the amount and choose a healthy option.

As a responsible pet parent, it's vital to be mindful of your dog's treat intake. Peanut butter can be a tasty and healthy addition to their diet, but only in moderation.

For another approach, see: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy

Avoid giving your dog table scraps as treats, as they can be toxic or highly fattening.

Foods containing garlic, onion, chocolate, grapes, and raisins should never be given to dogs, as they can cause life-threatening issues.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in candy, gum, baked goods, and toothpaste, is particularly toxic to dogs and can lead to liver damage and even death.

Processed forms of pork, like ham and bacon, are high in salt and should be avoided as they can harm your dog.

Cinnamon, while non-toxic, should be limited in your dog's diet, as it can irritate their mouth and digestive system.

Honey, due to its high sugar content, should only be given to your dog in very small amounts to avoid contributing to weight gain.

A dog has around 100 different facial expressions, but they're often quite subtle and hard to distinguish.

German photographer Christian Vieler captures these expressions by freezing motion, revealing a dog's emotions in the precise moment before catching or missing a treat.

Every shoot, Vieler looks for that specific moment when you can snap the funniest or cutest dog grin, which can't be seen without freezing motion.

Dog owners can try to capture these special moments by using a camera with a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion.

This dog is VERY fixated on the object, showing just how focused they can be on catching a treat.

In the net! Right at the back! showcases the dog's agility and quick reflexes.

Looks a bit like I imagine one aspect of dog heaven suggests that catching treats can be a joyful experience for dogs.

Wish me jowls would move as fast as me face! implies that even if a dog doesn't catch a treat, they can still have a lot of fun trying.

Treats can make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. This is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when deciding how many treats to give your furry friend.

To put this into perspective, if your small dog needs 400 calories a day, and each treat is 20 calories, they can have two treats per day.

Some recommended treats include dental chews that can help reduce plaque buildup on your dog's teeth. However, it's essential to supervise your dog when giving them dental chews to ensure they're not swallowing large pieces.

Dental chews can be given ideally three times per week, but dogs at risk of dental disease may benefit from one dental chew per day. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on giving dental chews to your pup.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when giving your dog treats:

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure about giving your dog a specific treat.

Feeding your dog treats can be a great way to show them love and reward good behavior, but it's essential to do it wisely. Honey, for instance, should only be given in limited amounts due to its high sugar content.

Honey is not the only treat that needs moderation - peanuts are another example. They're high in fat and can contribute to weight gain and pancreatitis if eaten excessively. And, as an added precaution, make sure to only give plain, unsalted peanuts to avoid any potential harm.

Raw potatoes are a no-go for dogs, as they contain solanine, a toxic compound that can harm them. If you do decide to feed your dog potatoes, be sure to cook them first to reduce the solanine levels. And remember, even cooked potatoes should be given in small amounts to avoid weight gain.

Discover more: Dog Eat Honey Nut Cheerios

Peanuts are a tasty treat for dogs, but they should be limited in your dog's diet.

Plain, unsalted peanuts are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.

Dogs may love peanuts, but they're high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain and pancreatitis if eaten too many of them.

It's best to only give your dog a few plain peanuts at a time to avoid any potential health issues.

Creating a suitable environment for your dog to eat can make a big difference in their appetite. Play to your dog's personality and switch up where they usually eat.

If you have a nervous dog, they'll likely prefer to eat in a quiet room or space in your house. This will help them feel calm and relaxed. You can even be in the feeding room with your dog to provide extra comfort.

On the other hand, sociable dogs will thrive in environments with plenty of people and pets around. Try incorporating activities during feeding to make mealtime more engaging for them.

Here's a simple guide to help you determine the best feeding environment for your dog:

Buddy Biscuits are a great option because they come in several flavors, giving pet parents the chance to offer their furry friends different choices.

Biscuit-derived treats are preferred because they are lower in salt and fat content compared to the meaty varieties.

Training treats are typically small, similar in size to a pencil eraser, and are lower in calories because manufacturers know pet parents will have to use many at a single time.

Dental treats are usually hard and intended for chewing, ranging from small treats to larger dental chews like Greenies.

Monitoring your dog's health is crucial when it comes to treats. Stand above and behind your dog to observe their waist taper, rib prominence, belly tuck, and profile silhouette every month.

You'll want to keep an eye on your dog's weight and adjust if they start to pack on the pounds. This can be done by putting your pup on a scale or using your hands to assess their body condition.

To evaluate your dog's body condition, feel their ribs, abdominal tuck, and waist indentation between the last rib and the hips. If you notice changes, cut back on calories and consider using weight control dog treats.

As our furry friends age, their needs change, and it's essential to adjust their care accordingly. Senior dogs do well with treats that are easy on their teeth and joints.

Stuffing a Kong toy with healthy treat alternatives, such as frozen banana chunks or blueberries, is a great way to show your pup love. This fun and interactive way of giving treats can be a great mental and physical stimulation for seniors.

Greenies can be given up to once a day to promote healthy teeth and gums. They are softer than the adult version, making them easier to digest and supporting healthy joints.

Monitoring your dog's health is crucial to prevent weight gain issues. You'll want to monitor your dog's body condition score every month by observing waist taper, rib prominence, belly tuck, and profile silhouette.

An expanding midsection and loss of definition signals a few too many treats. To do this, stand above and behind your dog, and take note of any changes.

You can also use your hands to assess your dog's body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs, the abdominal tuck, and an indention between the last rib and the hips.

If you start to notice changes in your dog's body condition, cut back on calories, and consider using weight control dog treats. And don't forget to talk to your veterinarian to nip any weight gain issues in the bud.