In addition to their basic diet, owners treat their dogs with tasty treats as a reward for good behavior or to please the animal. It's important to choose the right treats that won't harm your pet's health.
Types of dog treats
Dogs are given treats for the following purposes:
- Rewards and motivation. Treats are used in training dogs for correctly performing commands. Rewards build motivation, making training faster and more successful. Treats are also given as a reward during litter box training.
- Health promotion. Dog treats are available that contain vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients. While dogs often refuse to take pills, they happily eat tasty treats. Owners even use soft treats to hide pills during treatment.
- Distraction. Puppies often destroy furniture and other objects due to their mischievous nature. Adult dogs chew on things when their owner is away, expressing sadness. This can be solved with special long-lasting treats. Treats made from tendons and cartilage will keep your pet occupied for a long time and help moderate their behavior.
How to give a treat to a dog
Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's diet. Treats are primarily used as a reward during training. They should be given to the dog only after a command is successfully completed. Treats should be combined with gentle petting and praise. This develops a reflex in the pet and facilitates effective training. Treats should be small enough to allow the dog to swallow them quickly and avoid being distracted by chewing.
How to choose the right treat
Treats should be chosen based on the dog's breed, size, and age. It is not recommended to feed your pet treats from the table. Dogs love sweets and baked goods, which, due to their high sugar content, can cause diabetes. In small quantities, 1-Dried fruit can be given twice a week. Chocolate is strictly prohibited, as it affects the nervous system and can be fatal.
Dog treats are best purchased at specialty stores and veterinary pharmacies. Treats should not contain salt, sugar, spices, or preservatives. Healthy treats that can be made at home include beef by-products, chicken breast, and gizzards. Beef bones are best. They don't contain sharp parts and won't harm the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Cooked bones should not be given, as they can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. Beef trachea is beneficial, as it cleans teeth and prevents tartar.
Some dog breeds are prone to obesity. It's best to choose reduced-calorie treats for them. Small dogs (Chihuahuas, Toy Terriers, and Yorkshire Terriers) are picky eaters and have poor digestion. Feeding them treats can cause them to refuse their usual food or even become ill. Treats for small breeds are specially formulated in small portions to avoid disrupting their diet and harming their health.
If your dog suffers from allergies or skin conditions, it's best to consult a veterinarian before purchasing treats. They can help you choose a hypoallergenic treat and explain how to administer it. When used correctly, treats can facilitate training, protect your property, and improve your dog's health.
