Whether as a reward for good behaviour or simply to show them we love them, we all like to give our dog treats. Many dogs are given rewards or tasty morsels between meals as part of their daily diet, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, just as long as it is done in moderation and the food is appropriate.
Many people do not realise the calorific value of most dog treats, each portion of which can each contain a few hundred calories. Therefore, rewarding a pooch with a few extra nibbles each day, over a prolonged period of time, can really make a difference to the weight of even a fairly active dog.
Unfortunately, obesity is a growing problem for dogs, largely due to overindulgent owners, and it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. However there is no need to upset your dog by cutting out treats completely. You can still reward your pup, and do so without worrying about the impact on their health, simply by checking labels and trying to avoid snacks with a high fat or sugar content along with those containing numerous preservatives, artificial colours and flavourings. Many experts are promoting the growing range of natural and organic treats, a wide variety of which you will find available in your local pet store or from suppliers online.
There are many variables to take into account when assessing your dog’s diet, from their size and age to their activity levels, but awarding carefully selecting treats in moderation, along with a quality pet food at meal times, should help keep your dog both happy and healthy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.