One Treat Daily: But Is That a Good Idea?
Imagine this:while watching your favorite TV show, you’re sitting on the sofa, pigging out on a bowl of popcorn. Your furball looks up at you with those enormous soulful eyes that always seem hungry in some way–you can’t resist giving it a little something now and then, right? Yes! But hold on, is it OK if that treat becomes an everyday thing?
Dogs love treats, but as responsible pet owners, it’s up to us to make the smart decisions for them. Think about it. Most dogs welcome the regular reward; all I can do is stress moderation! For instance, people take their training to extremes with a “training wall” that has special targets for marking repetitions of each exercise. Too many dog treats may lead them into obesity problems. It’s as bad as a dog having a heart attack and nobody wants to see a chubby Pooch lurching along like a cart horse with muffin tops!
If we consider pet training as supplementation, rather than restriction or punishment, it should be suitable for many dogs. Be sure the treats are nutritious. Among the countless alternatives to feed your dog attentively, try choosing treats that care for dogs in general-their heart health or dental needs. But don’t get used to treating your pet this way as their traditional eating habits. Treats are bonuses, not regular meals.
Almost like the ‘spice of life’! Change the treats you wish to feed your dog. A crunchy biscuit this morning. A chewy strip of delight tomorrow evening. Lots of variety. This will not only stop your dog from getting bored, but it will also provide a variety of different nutrients and experiences. Just keep to the golden rule–read the labels. No unpronounceable additives for your dog, now. You wouldn’t want that.
Of course, you can’t just imagine this is some kind of no-cost pastime. Fancy treats can sometimes make your wallet feel rather thin. And if you feel like having a go at doing it yourself. And if you happen to adore eating peanut butter or pumpkin… with a bit of luck, both you and your dog will find these little mouthfuls almost too good to stop eating. Don’t be astonished if your friends start reaching for them too!
As you could guess from a treat’s size, this is essential. Take a love token. Too much and it’s overwhelming. Too small and it’s merely perfunctory. Smaller dogs need fewer calories in their daily intake ̲ and if you’re not careful it’s like giving them hamburgers when they should be eating salads
Find any contraindicate symptoms of digestive illness after treats are introduced for which you don’t have the recipe? These are symptoms you must watch out for! Because a dog can’t tell you when he’s feeling unwell. His behavior will change to show what’s wrong with him. Keep an eye out for anything unusual and make a note of it
Consider treats to be a token of love, which can be offset and balanced off by activities. Get your dog involved in activities. Throw that tennis ball a few more times than you planned, teach them a new trick or two. That’s how they can shed those extra calories– and stay sharp while doing it.
“Too much of a good thing can turn bad,” as the old saying goes. Treats are no exception. Like money or cake or your favorite Netflix series — moderation keeps the whole routine exciting. Both you and your dog will be wagging for joy.
Treats are doggy currency in essence, Handle them wisely for a happy, healthy friend at your side. After all, the disease of obesity is not one that all furry little friends can survive.
The healthful dog can have a daily treat for that much longer life, trotting by your side through life’s adventures.
Delicious treats: are they a healthy indulgence or the dog’s equivalent to candy? Is your furry friend a canine couch potato with a penchant for snacks?
We all like to think of our pets as family members, but are all those rich tidbits really good for your dog?His snacks are no more important than ours is. Not to mention that we fetch enlightenment on whether your dog’s favorite treats contain more indulgence than nutrition.
Have you ever felt paralyzed in the pet food aisle, surrounded by colorful bags of treats shouting ‘natural,’ ‘organic’ or ‘grain-free’? It’s like every brand is screaming its wares. Each of these snacks claims to be the ultimate “goodie”! Manufacturers really are past masters at pulling on human heartstrings — and purse strings! But do they actually make the product any healthier?
What many dog treats consist of is barely a step removed from junk food. Loaded with unnecessary fillers, sugar and preservatives, these tempting tidbits can only lead to obesity and dental problems. It’s like feeding your pooch an endless supply of candy bars. Good for them now–not so great in the long run.
On the other hand, some nibbles are so full of good things that they might as well be called boosters. Proteins, vitamins and minerals are some examples of what’s nestled in that little package — which just so happens to also taste delicious! Whenever a large carrot is placed in front of Rover’s eyes, one never tires of seeing the look that comes into it. Some of the nibbles so offered definitely blur the line between treats and nourishment packed full with foodstuffs you forget they are even there to taste as good. That said, not all carrots are the same. Nor, I hasten to add, is it purely a question of whether the hoity-toity organics from a local wholefoods shop will be more acceptable to man’s best friend than those homegrown numbers over in your neighbour ‘s backyard. Remember when Grandma used to tell you, “Too much of a good thing can be bad!?” Well, so it proves yet even treats advertised to death as being extremely health-conscious should not constitute the bulk of your dog’s diet. Balance is the key. Think of them as the icing on the cake for a good diet, not as food.
Calories are what we are thinking about now. Pet treats can really lay it down! Who knew two little doughnuts would tromp the calorie count of a full meal? Of course, it is rather like the small print on candy wrappers: any person who reads it is buying the product for reasons other than simple greed. Many people who own pets do not bother. But it would be a good idea if you can manage it to avoid having some approximately spherical object with four legs in your living room. Now, on to training. There is no question that treats can be a powerful tool for success in this field by acting as positive reinforcement. But imagine if, every time one performed a task, the reward was ah fresh doughnut–exciting indeed, yet not sustainable after time. Change what you offer yourself fit side by screen stop. It ‘s time to talk about homemade tidbits. When making treats yourself, it ‘s kind of like baking a big batch of cookies for visiting friends. You control the ingredients and know what you ‘re feeding them exactly. Just go easy on offering anything dangerous (like grapes, onions, or chocolate) or your dog’s got it down pat either.
One thing dog owners must not do with their dog is to succumb to the temptation of those soft puppy dog eyes and keep passing treat after treat.In the end this is all about love, isn’t it? To truly love them is not turning down a treat while they pose as starving artists at the start. So whether you’re passing liver bites, always have balance and wisdom on hand. Study those ingredient lists, portion sizes, and be ever-ready (just in case those very big eyes are trying to persuade the sun into coming back up again). It’s expected that dog and snack will forever combine, yet like popcorn in a movie theater, it’s all about enjoying them in moderation. Maybe your four-footed friend can teach you something about restraint and indulgence–the next time you reach for that extra slice of cake.