5 Tips for Giving Your Dog Treats

Most pet owners choose to give their dogs more than just dog food.  Treats are often an important part of the dog’s diet.  Unfortunately, many owners go overboard with treats and this often leads to weight gain and an unhealthy pet. Listed below are 5 tips for giving your dog treats.  Allow these tips to help keep your dog healthy and allow it to enjoy special treats during the day. 

Burgess Sensitive Gourmet Treats

Choose to give your dog treats instead of bones or other table food

Table food can be filled with ingredients that can be harmful to your pet’s diet.  It can cause digestive problems and also deter your dog from eating dog food.  To avoid these problems, give your dog treats that are made specifically for its dietary needs.

Give dog treats at the proper time

When used right, dog treats can be very effective. Avoid giving your dog treats during times when it is overly excited as this condones the behavior.  Treats are perfect for positively reinforcing good behavior.  

When using treats for training, avoid giving too many treats near meal time 

Dog treats are the perfect tool for training your pet to do tricks.  However, if you choose to give them near meal time, you run the risk of ruining your dog’s appetite. While most dog treats are healthy for your dog, they still won’t provide enough nutrition to sustain your pet.  Meal times are important. Avoid feeding your dog too many treats near meal time.

Find treats that will be helpful for your dog’s dental needs

A dog’s teeth and gums are a crucial part of health. Without strong, healthy teeth, your dog’s diet will be affected.  When searching for treats, look for those that are formulated to help improve your dog’s teeth.  From cleaning to fresh breath, there are many dental treats available that your pet is sure to enjoy.

Never give your dog chocolate

Dogs will eat almost anything that you put in front of them. They won’t reject food that is not good for them. It is up to you to know what foods are harmful for your pet.  Chocolate is one of those foods.  

Use the tips above when giving your dog treats. Treats are great for bonding and when giving correctly can actually improve your dog’s health.  What treats will you choose to encourage your pet?

Feeding Tips for a Healthier Dog

Is your dog in optimal health?  Many times, the health of your dog relies heavily on feeding habits.  If your dog’s health is in jeopardy or you simply want to ensure that it is getting proper nutrition, the following information will be helpful for you.  Use the dog feeding tips listed below for a healthier pet...

Focus on the quality of the dry dog food

Your dog will only be as healthy as the food that you choose to feed it.  Choose a dry dog food brand that is known for quality and that guarantees health benefits for your pet.  When it comes to dog food, dog sacrifice your dog’s health for inexpensive prices.  Higher quality food will cost more but will be worth the cost in the long run. 

Burgess Supadog Beef Casserole

Feed your dog at least twice a day 

Instead of feeding your dog one large meal in the morning or afternoon, choose to divide the food up into two feedings.  This way, your dog doesn’t have to go as long between feedings and will have something to look forward to throughout the day. 

Choose dog snacks fortified for nutrition

As tempting as it may be to give your dog table scraps, choose snacks that are fortified with nutrition.  These snacks are safer for your dog’s health and will also help it to stay at a healthier weight. 

Find a dry dog food that your pet enjoys

If you want your dog to be healthier, consider finding a food that it truly enjoys.  Play around with flavors until you find the one that your pet enjoys.  If your dog doesn’t like the food, it isn’t likely to eat as much of it.  Finding food that your dog enjoys will encourage it to get the proper nutrition it needs to stay healthy. 

Avoid over feeding your dog

Over feeding your dog can be just as bad as under feeding it.  The amount of food that your pet needs on a daily basis will depend heavily upon how much it weights and its physical activity level.  If you have questions about how much to feed your dog, call your veterinarian for advice.

Use the feeding tips listed above to help ensure that your dog is in optimal pet. Pay close attention to the quality of your pet’s food and ensure that snacks are fortified for nutrition.  What will you to ensure that your pet is getting adequate nutrition?