There are many things dogs and people have in common and love for food is certainly among them. We bond with our pets by giving them treats and that’s not a bad thing. But, just like people, our furry companions sometimes get too many calories from their favorite treats. So, how to make your four-legged friends happy without compromising their own health? Are there healthy dog treats in your kitchen? I’ll try to answer these questions.
First of all, treats are alright, but only if given wisely. If an owner isn’t careful, food treats can add too many calories to a dog’s otherwise healthy, normal diet. To avoid that, remember “the 10% rule”: treats and snacks should never make more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake. It depends on the treats your pets like, their weight and their activity levels how many treat that is. Ask your vet to get recommendations for your own doggy.
Some store-bought snacks are healthy, but most of them aren’t, because they’re high in sugar and fat. Instead, try offering your pet some vegetables and fruits. Broccolli, baby carrot or a green bean have virtually no calories, but your dog won’t mind at all! Our pets just want us to give them something, no matter if it’s fatty or not. What’s more, dogs are quite open to all foods and that’s why you should take a chance with some vegetables. Can dogs eat fruits? Apple slices (without seeds), banana slices, watermelon and berries can be a great snack option for your pet, while you should avoid raisins and grapes, since they can be toxic to dogs. Other low-calorie dog treats are plain rice cakes and popcorn (without butter or salt). In general, you should avoid anything that isn’t easy on dogs’ teeth, such as antlers, hooves and bones.
Finally, keep in mind that your pets would be happy even without (too many) food treats. Cuddle with them or take them for a walk and they’ll wag their tales happily just because of your attention.