There are many reasons why we give our dogs treats. Sometimes, owners use dog treats to reinforce desired behaviors. Other times, owners provide them in order to help their dogs learn a desired response to a new command. Still other times, treats might be used simply as a way to express affection for our four-legged companions.
It’s important to realize the right dog treats can prove instrumental in motivating a specific behavioral response from your dog. Moreover, treats help ensure your pooch remains engaged during your training sessions, and healthy over the long run. On the other hand, the wrong treats can have the opposite effect, especially when given in excess.
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The Different Types of Treats for Your Dog
Below, we’ll provide an overview of the different types of treats you can offer your canine. You’ll discover that some work better than others, depending on the circumstances and your goals.
Crunchy versus Soft Treats
Some are hard and crunchy; others are soft and pliable. Treats of both varieties are available in different flavors and sizes. Generally, smaller is better because they are less likely to become stuck in your dog’s throat.
When you’re training your dog, it’s a good idea to use softer treats. The hard and crunchy variety tends to break apart, which will distract your canine while he tries to clean up the pieces. Any distraction is an obstacle during training.
Dog Treats That Taste Like People Food
There are many dog treats that are formulated to taste like foods normally eaten by people. For example, some taste like liver while others are reminiscent of seafood and various meats. While these morsels are effective for training purposes, a lot of owners mistakenly believe they are always preferred by canines. In reality, it depends on the dog. Some canines will enjoy them; some won’t. The only way to know whether your dog likes these types of treats is to offer them and note his reaction.
Good For Oral Health
Some dog treats are designed to promote good oral health. They require a lot of chewing, which helps to keep your pooch’s teeth and gums clean. The problem is, if they’re swallowed, the wrong size can cause choking or problems in your canine’s GI tract.
If you’re going to give him treats that are meant to promote dental health, make sure they are the right size for him. Then, avoid letting him chew them unsupervised.
Table Scraps And Other People Food
First, some types of table scraps can be beneficial to your canine. For example, small pieces of lean meats and seafood carry nutritional value. The danger is that there are plenty of foods that can make your dog sick. Grapes, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts are all potentially harmful to your dog. Plus, veterinarians suggest the quickest path to canine obesity is through table scraps because there are far more calories contained in them than in treats.
The takeaway with table scraps is this: they can be good for your dog’s health. However, owners can do plenty of harm if they’re unaware regarding the types of foods their canines should avoid.
Dog Treats Are An Indispensable Training Tool
One of the most compelling reasons to provide your dog with treats is to influence his behavior in a way that conforms with your wishes. In fact, most professional trainers extol the benefits of using food as a positive reinforcement tool.
When you purchase treats for your dog, make sure they have similar ingredients to those you’ll find in commercial dog foods. Commercial brands are already formulated to deliver the vitamins and nutrients your canine needs. Don’t make the common mistake of providing him with certain treats just because the flavors appeal to you. Your dog is bound to have different tastes. Let him decide the flavors he enjoys.
Homemade Dog Food and Treats
Quality dog food and treats are very important if you want your dog to remain healthy and active. Making quality food for your dog can be the best solution if you want to have a healthy dog that will do what you want it do. This is because sometimes the food you purchase for your dog might be of low quality and perhaps, not safe for your dog.
As such, home made dog food and treats are the best solution for your pet. Making quality dog food is easy. All you require is to mix vegetables, starches and some meat. However, you need to know the following before and when preparing dog food and treats;
You need to consider the impact of the treats and food on your dog. For instance, if you are switching to homemade food for your dog from bought food, you may consult with your vet to find out possible effect of the foods on your dog.
Dogs Need a Balanced Diet
When preparing homemade dog food and treats, you need to understand that dogs need a balanced diet. The diet should have starch 30 percent; vegetables should also be 30 percent and meat 40 percent. Giving your dog this treat will ensure that it remains healthy and fit for role you want it to play in your home.
It is also important that you try mixing ground turkey, carrot and rice when making your homemade dog food. There are also popular meals which are manufacture using brown rice, ground beef, carrot and brewer’s yeast.
To ensure that you give your have the best dog food and treats to keep your pet healthy, rotate the foods to give your dog a wide variety of meals.
Give the dog Pasta, Potatoes, Rice and Oatmeal so that it can have enough starch.
Good dog food and treats will not only make your dog healthy. They will also ensure that your dog is happy and playful. Ensure that you store the dog’s meals in a refrigerator but not for over three days.
