Dog Treats that Really are a Dog's Treat

How to Choose the Right Snacks for Your Faithful Companion

Jul 1, 2009

Today's dog owner treats her pet like one of the family. The dogs are pampered with only the best. A great way to show she cares is to give it the best dog treats.

A dog treat is more that just a snack for the canine companion. Some breeds, such as those in the working group, are “food motivated”. This means that if you want them to learn a trick, they will be convinced to repeat the trick if you supply them with a little treat.

Different treats have their own uses. One way to use a soft treat is to employ the old “hide the medicine” trick by wrapping the medicine in a slice of meat or shove it into a piece of cheese. Crunchy treats help clean the dog’s teeth.

Regardless of what dog treats are chosen, be sure that the calories in the snack are taken into account and then reduce that amount from the daily food. Foods used as a treat are usually calorie-laden and if the dog eats much of it and then receives a full ration of food, obesity is the long-term result. It is important to find out your dog's calorie needs from his veterinarian, and while there ask what treats the vet recommends for your pet's breed.

One option available to the pet owner is certain types of people food. If you choose to use food that people eat, it is important to follow a few rules. Firstly, do not feed the dog chocolate. It contains a chemical that sends a dog’s heart racing and will create long-term damage. Secondly, no fatty foods like chicken skin. Cooked bones are also not acceptable because they can splinter and choke the dog or perforate his intestines. Lastly, be careful with rawhide dog treats because they also can splinter or be swallowed whole and cause problems.

Better choices for a homemade dog treat include small chunks of a hot dog, a chunk of cheese, apple slices or perhaps a small amount peanut butter smeared on a toy. Several pre-made dog treat options are available on the market but be sure to purchase a high quality brand to avoid filling your dog with empty calories.

The best choice would be a good premium dog food doled out in small amounts because it is scientifically formulated for your dog. A holistic, wellness dog food is not only good for the dog’s health, but they are tasty enough to be considered a treat. When training your dog, keep a handful of pieces in a pocket and dole them out one at a time as the dog performs the command successfully.

The copyright of the article Dog Treats that Really are a Dog's Treat in Dog Care is owned by Rhonda Hagerman. Permission to republish Dog Treats that Really are a Dog's Treat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.