Is it OK for me to give treats to my dog?

There's a huge selection of doggy treats on the market, many of which come from reputable dog food manufacuring names – a fact which gives many dog owners sufficient reassurance to believe that the treats are healthy, and good for the dog. And of course, because we humans love nothing more than to enjoy the occasional snack or treat for ourselves between meals, we are naturally inclined to believe that we're simply showing our pets how much we love them by offering them the same opportunity. As a result, the majority of dog owners are known to regularly give their dogs something to snack on in between meal times.

Unfortunately, this can often do your dog more harm than good. Certainly, quality brand name products will be a lot better for your dog than junk food items and table scraps – but if these other, less beneficial items make their way into the animal's diet on a regular basis as well, then the healthy treats you offer will not be very effective in keeping the diet healthy and nutritious.

 

 

Remember that if you're feeding your dog a high quality dog food, then he is receiving exactly the correct balance of nutrients that he requires to remain happy and healthy. Dog foods from reputable manufacturers have been carefully formulated by experts to ensure that they give the dog all the essential ingredients for an excellent canine diet. If you then start to offer table scraps, leftovers, unhealthy snacks and treats in between meals, your dog will be consuming much more than is necessary. It is extremely likely that a dog being offered regular “treats” like this will gain excess weight. Many dogs are also likely to experience digestive problems, or even allergies.

And of course, your dog doesn't care in the slightest what you give him as a treat. That tail will be wagging just as much if you present him with gristle and fat leftover from the dinner table as it would if you offered him a juicy bone or a veterinarian-approved doggy snack. So the responsibility for providing a healthy diet is entirely the owner's – and for the dog's own good, you need to resolve not to give your dog unhealthy or inappropriate foods just because you know he'll like them. He'll like a healthy snack just as much!

Snacks and treats in between meals are really not necessary for your dog. Why not try throwing a ball for him for 10 minutes if you want to give him a treat? Or taking him for a short wal around the block? Or even just playing and giving him a cuddle? Any of those would be just as much of a treat to any dog!

But if you really must offer treats and snacks, then first be aware that you should cut down the amount of regular food you feed in accordance with this. Overfeeding is not good for your dog. Also, try to make the treats themselves smaller – break down the portions so that you are not giving the dog as much to eat between meals. And thirdly, be selective with the treats you choose to offer. We all know not to feed a dog chocolate, but we should really extend that to include all foods that are specifically manufactured for human consumption. Good quality doggy treats, fed in moderation, are a good option – they probably won't do anything to benefit your dog's health, but if you're careful not to overindulge him, they shouldn't have any detrimental effects either. Also good are natural, healthful items such as small pieces of apple, or baby carrots. Or you could even give your dog an ice cube to lick and crunch and chase around the floor! He'll enjoy it just as much as he would cookies or scraps, and it will be so much better for him, too.

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