Pet animals love treats just as much as we do. And what better way to cheer them up or reward them than with a special treat. But the healthy dog food tips that we apply to select meals for your beloved pet dogs should also be followed when selecting treats. Over the course of the day the number of treats adds up and if they are not well chosen, this could add to your pet’s existing health issues or worse create new ones.

Tip #1

Treats do not have to be food
It is you who accustom your dogs to receiving edible treats as a reward for doing something or just as a part of their daily routine. You can make your dog feel good with treats that are not edible. A 5-minute cuddle, a tummy rub or even throwing a ball can make your pet feel happy. They want your attention more than a treat to nibble on.

Tip #2

Read labels
Not all treats are made with healthy ingredients. Check labels before buying to see if the ingredients are low quality or full of high-calorie fillers. The last thing that a dog that is overweight would need is more empty calories.

Tip #3

Avoid overly hard food
Hard treats might occupy your dog for a long time but are not the best thing for dental health. Anything that is too hard might cause dental fractures. Treats that are made of rawhide are good as they soften as the dog chews on them. Watch your dog carefully and take the rawhide treat away when it becomes small enough to present a choking hazard.

Tip #4

How much is too much
It is generally good to limit treats to less than 10% of the dog’s overall intake. If you are feeding your dog more treats than this, it is going to be unhealthy in the long run. Being overweight is just as unhealthy for a pet as it is for the owner.

Tip #5

Treats that you like may not be good for your dog
Many foods that humans consider treats are potentially toxic to dogs. So, avoid sharing high sodium snacks, anything with chocolate or cocoa in it, caffeine, food with xylitol as a sweetener, alcoholic beverages, yeasty dough, grapes, and raisins.

Tip #6

Fruits and vegetables
Yes, fruits and vegetable snacks are as good for a dog’s health as they are for yours. When dogs are exposed to such food often they will willingly eat them. So, offer your dog a treat that is a slice of vegetables or fruits such as berries, bananas, watermelon and apple with the seeds removed. Fruit seeds and pits are toxic to dogs.

Tip # 7

Do Not Rely Too Much On Store-Bought Treats
When you accustom your dog to eating all kinds of food, you do not have to rely on store-bought treats to cheer them up. You can just as easily plan your pet’s treats along with your menu for the day and save them a few pieces of vegetable or fruit from your food prep. It is not the taste of the treat alone that matters to a dog. It is receiving something from you that is not a part of their daily meals and that makes them feel special and this is one of the most important healthy dog food tips.