Feeding Dog Treats for a Happy and Healthy Dog

Feeding dog treats can be a great way to show your furry friend some love and reward good behavior. However, it's essential to choose the right treats for your dog's age, size, and dietary needs.

According to the American Kennel Club, a healthy dog should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake from treats. This means that if your dog needs 1,000 calories per day, they should only have 100 calories from treats.

Treats can be a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog, especially if they're high in fiber and low in fat. A study found that dogs who received fiber-rich treats had improved digestive health and reduced shedding.

Some dogs have food allergies or sensitivities, so it's crucial to choose treats that are made from novel protein sources like venison or duck. These protein sources are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

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When choosing dog treats, read the list of ingredients to ensure they're made from recognizable food items like chicken breast, beef liver, or sweet potato.

A shorter list of ingredients is usually a sign of a less processed, more nutritious treat.

Treats with a high proportion of peas, lentils, or potatoes in various forms have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, although the FDA is still investigating the science behind this potential risk.

Even if you have an active dog, too many treats of low nutritional value can be harmful, so consider their overall caloric intake.

As little as 10% to 20% extra calories from treats can profoundly impact your dog's waistline, so audit how many treats they receive daily and cut back if necessary.

Choosing treats for your dog requires some thought, especially since size and texture preferences vary widely from dog to dog. Reading reviews and talking to dog-owning friends can help you make informed decisions.

Small breed dogs, like Uli, may prefer smaller, chewier treats that are easier to manage. Little treats are more convenient for smaller breeds, but they still need to chew to keep their teeth healthy.

The size and texture of treats can be obscured when buying online, so it's essential to pay attention to these details. You can also consider your dog's flavor preferences, as some dogs have specific protein or flavor preferences that will draw them to one treat and turn them off another.

Small breed dogs, like my own Uli, prefer smaller, chewier treats that are easy to bite into. This is because their smaller teeth and bite size make it difficult to take on hard, crunchy treats.

The size of a dog's bite can vary significantly, making it essential to consider this when choosing treats. I've found that very thin or flexible jerky treats are perfect for small breeds like Uli.

Reading reviews and talking to dog-owning friends can help you make informed decisions about the size and texture of treats for your dog. This is especially helpful when buying treats online, where details about size are often obscured.

Size and texture preferences vary widely from dog to dog, and even from dog owner to dog owner.

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The cost of dog treats can add up quickly, but it's not all about the price tag. Some treats are more expensive because they're made with higher-quality ingredients.

Packaging can be deceiving, especially when shopping online. Think about how many treats your dog will go through each day and how long each one will last.

A bully stick is a good example of a treat that's more expensive per piece because it lasts longer than a liver cracker. You'll get more bang for your buck with a bully stick.

Some dogs have specific protein or flavor preferences that will draw them to one treat and turn them off another.

Your furry friend may turn up their nose at a new treat regardless of its great ingredients, so it's essential to choose a flavor they'll love.

Each treat has a list of available flavors, so you can pick the right one based on your dog's preferences.

Dogs can be picky, and what works for one dog may not work for another, so don't be discouraged if your dog doesn't take to a certain treat right away.

The Strategist team tests treats on their own dogs and makes notes, so you can see which flavors drive dogs wild in a good way.

Dogs should not receive more than 10% of their daily caloric intake from treats. This means if your dog needs 400 calories a day, they can have only 40 calories from treats.

High-value rewards and dog biscuits should be given sparingly, no more than 1 – 2 treats per day. Training treats can be given in higher volume, particularly if they are less than 3 – 5 calories each.

For a small dog that needs 400 calories a day, and the treats you give them are 20 calories each, they can have two of them per day.

For adults, it's essential to keep treats in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

High-value rewards and dog biscuits should be given sparingly, no more than 1-2 treats per day. This is especially true for dogs with higher caloric needs, such as young and active dogs.

Training treats can be given in higher volume, particularly if they are less than 3-5 calories each. This makes them a great option for training sessions.

Dental treats and chews are great for dogs and help to reduce plaque buildup on their teeth. They should be given ideally three times per week, but dogs at risk of dental disease may benefit from one dental chew per day.

If you're unsure about how many treats to give your dog, consider their daily calorie needs. For example, if your dog needs 400 calories a day, and the treats you give them are 20 calories each, then they can have two of them per day.

Puppies need healthy treats during training to help them learn obedience. These treats are natural and don’t contain preservatives or artificial colors.

They have many beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and normal development in puppies.

You can also consider all-natural biscuits that contain healthy ingredients to support development in puppies.

Ingredients like chicken, carrots, oatmeal, and apples provide a great source of important vitamins and minerals.

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When giving your dog treats, it's essential to consider their health and allergies. Some dogs are sensitive to ingredients like peanut butter, so it's crucial to introduce new treats gradually to monitor their reaction.

Dogs with dental issues may need treats that are easy to chew and won't exacerbate their condition, such as soft or chewy treats.

Keep in mind that treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake to avoid overfeeding and maintain a healthy weight.

As your furry friend ages, you'll want to consider their special needs. Senior dogs do well with treats that are easy on their teeth and joints.

Stuffing a Kong toy with healthy treat alternatives like frozen banana chunks or blueberries is a great way to keep your pup engaged and happy.

Greenies are a great option for seniors, promoting healthy teeth and gums. They can be given up to once a day.

Their special formulation is softer than the adult version, making them easier on sensitive teeth. They're also easy to digest and support healthy joints.

Don't over-feed your dog with treats, as they still need to consume plenty of food at mealtimes.

Chocolate is a definite no-go, as it can be harmful to your pet, so make sure it's out of their reach.

Feeding human snacks and junk food to your dog is a big mistake, as it can provide more calories than necessary and harm your dog.

Treating your dog when they're hyper will only reinforce negative behaviors, so wait until they're calm before giving them a treat.

Don't give treats during mealtimes, as they should be given when your dog is hungry enough for a treat, but never replace regular, nutritious meals.

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If you're looking for alternatives to traditional dog treats, you have plenty of options. Green beans, carrots, blueberries, and bananas are all healthy alternatives that can be given in moderation.

Some dogs may accept their regular kibble as treats throughout the day, which can be the healthiest option for them. This means pet parents can simply set aside a portion of their meals and use it to reward them.

A general rule is to limit treats to no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric needs. This means if your dog's regular meals provide 1000 calories, you should limit treats to 100 calories or less.

Here are some healthy dog treat options to consider:

Remember to always read labels and adjust your dog's intake accordingly, especially when it comes to low-calorie alternatives like kibble.

When it comes to training, treats are a great motivator, but it's essential to use them wisely. Generally, dogs can have two to four appropriately-sized treats per day, especially if they're at a healthy weight for their breed.

You'll likely go through a lot of treats in the first year of your pup's life, so it's a good idea to keep them fresh and secure. Treats designed for dog training are usually small and low in calories, and unless you're doing multiple training sessions per day, they won't make a significant impact on your dog's weight.

Sealing the bags or storing them in airtight containers can help keep the treats fresh and prevent your dog from scoring an easy snack.

If you're looking for alternatives to traditional dog treats, you've got plenty of options. Consider using green beans, carrots, blueberries, or bananas as healthy alternatives.

Some dogs may be perfectly happy with their regular dog food as treats throughout the day. In fact, this can be the healthiest dog treat option for them. Just be sure to reduce the amount of kibble being offered at mealtimes.

You can also use your dog's kibble as a treat, setting aside a portion of their meals to reward them throughout the day. Kibble is typically lower in calories than traditional treats.

Here are some healthy alternatives to traditional dog treats:

Remember, any food outside of a dog's normal diet should still be given in moderation. And be sure to check the label to see how many calories are in each treat.