Tips for “Treating” Your Dog Well!

  Posted on August 22, 2014  by joyofliving  No comments

Bolt, Yorkie-Poo guest blogger: Ah, treats! My favorite word in the world! While I may not come every time my master calls, when I hear the pantry door or the fridge door open, I will race to the kitchen in heightened anticipation of what is to come!

Nevertheless, despite all of the times I have dashed to the kitchen, panting breathlessly as I arrive, such physical efforts do little to ward of the perils of weight gain if I am not careful about my petite figure. Yes, it has been said that I like my groceries. I do, but I am not the best at mastering discipline over myself. Most dogs aren’t. As such, your furry friend relies upon you to make sure you feed him healthy treats in moderation. …and here are some helpful tips in that regard, courtesy of pets.webmd.com!

The general rule of thumb when it comes to snacks for your dog is to ensure that such goodies only comprise 10% of his daily caloric needs. Inquire of your vet as to how many treats that might be, as his recommendation will be based on your dog’s weight and overall activity level.

Instead of the store-bought treats, which are high in fat, sugar and a wealth of preservatives, offer your dog some veggies instead, such as a baby carrot, a green bean or some broccoli. (No, not dipped in cheese sauce, either…although that does sound good!)

How about some fresh fruit? Some great ideas are banana slices, berries, watermelon and apple slices (with no seeds!). Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate and anything with caffeine. Those can make your dog very sick.

Other fun ideas include air-popped popcorn with no salt or butter and plain rice cakes broken into small pieces.

Be sure to take into consideration your dog’s teeth. Do not offer him anything that is hard, such as bones, antlers and hooves. Those can do some serious damage to his teeth.

How do you tell if a treat is soft enough for your dog? Push your thumbnail into it. If it leaves a mark, then it is safe. If it does not, then it is probably too hard for your dog to chew safely.

Although we do love our treats, sometimes what we really want is more playtime and affection from you! Consider that…especially if your pet is showing signs of a muffin top!