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What Makes a Dog Treat a Good Choice?
A good dog treat should be appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and overall diet.
Smaller dogs usually need smaller treats, while bigger dogs may handle larger ones more easily.
It is also a good idea to look at the ingredients.
Simple ingredient lists can make it easier to understand what you are giving your dog. Depending on the product, dog treats may include ingredients such as meat, vegetables, grains, fruits, or other dog-safe foods.
The important thing is that the treat is made for dogs and fits into their normal diet.
Because no matter what your dog says…
A whole bag of treats is not a balanced breakfast.
Treats Should Be Treats
Dog treats are meant to be extras.
They should not replace your dog’s regular food.
Too many treats can add extra calories very quickly, especially with smaller dogs.
That does not mean you have to become the treat police.
It just means moderation matters.
Your dog may strongly disagree.
In fact, if dogs controlled portion sizes, breakfast would be treats, lunch would be treats, dinner would be treats, and bedtime would include a small emergency treat in case they became hungry while sleeping.
Fortunately, humans are still in charge of the pantry.
For now.
Treats Can Help With Training
Treats can be very useful when teaching dogs new behaviors.
If your dog learns that sitting, staying, or coming when called leads to something tasty, they may be more interested in repeating that behavior.
Small training treats are often useful because they can be given quickly without filling the dog up too fast.
This is especially helpful when practicing several times in a row.
Your dog does not know you are conducting a carefully planned training session.
As far as your dog is concerned, they have simply discovered a magical system where sitting down causes snacks to appear.
And frankly, that is a pretty good system.
Some Human Foods Can Be Dangerous
One important fact every dog owner should know is that not all human food is safe for dogs.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and foods containing the sweetener xylitol can be dangerous for dogs.
There are other foods and ingredients that may cause problems too.
So before sharing something from your plate, it is smart to make sure it is safe for your dog.
Your dog may look deeply offended when you refuse to share your chocolate cake.
Stand strong.
They will forgive you.
Especially if there is a dog-safe treat nearby.
Homemade Dog Treats Can Be Fun Too
Some dog owners enjoy making simple homemade treats.
Dog-safe ingredients such as plain pumpkin, certain fruits and vegetables, and other appropriate foods can sometimes be used in homemade recipes.
But always check that every ingredient is safe for dogs first.
Even foods that seem harmless to us may not be appropriate for every dog.
If your dog has allergies, health issues, or a special diet, it is a good idea to talk with a veterinarian before making major changes.
Meanwhile, your dog will supervise the cooking.
Very closely.
From approximately three inches away.
Treats Are Also About the Moment
The best thing about a treat is not always the treat itself.
Sometimes it is the little moment that comes with it.
Your dog sits.
You smile.
Their tail starts wagging.
You hand over the treat.
For about three seconds, you are officially the greatest person who has ever lived.
Then they check your other hand.
Because apparently being the greatest person alive means you should have brought two.
A Little Spoiling Is Part of the Fun
Dogs give us companionship, laughter, loyalty, and plenty of entertainment.
So giving them an occasional treat, a fun toy, or another little surprise can be part of the joy of having a dog.
If you are looking for treats, toys, beds, accessories, and more for your furry friend, visit www.myawesomedogstore.com and take a look around.
You might find something your dog loves.
You might find something useful.
And your dog will probably believe you should buy all of it.
Just remember…
You control the shopping cart.
Your dog controls the guilt.
