Does your canine buddy like treats? If not, you may want to make him an appointment, as that’s definitely not normal! Most dogs are very, very very enthusiastic about treats and snacks. And while giving Fido a special something isn’t rocket science, there are some things to consider. A local Biloxi, MS vet offers some insight on this below.
Is It Good To Give My Dog Treats?
Treats are certainly beneficial for Man’s Best Friend! There are actually quite a few positives about giving your furry pal a yummy snack.
Bonding: Dogs are capable of forming remarkably strong bonds with their human pals. Fido has gone above and beyond for us, and has even risked his life to save ours. That special bond doesn’t form by itself, though. It’s important to make sure that your dog feels loved and safe with you. Treats are a wonderful way to do that!
Training: We all love snacks, right? A yummy treat can definitely be a great little mood boost or pick me up. Fido won’t be very impressed by a gold star or an A on his report card, but he’ll definitely appreciate a treat. (Tip: when training, use small portions, so you don’t inadvertently overfeed your student.)
Tail Wags: Treats are also just a good way to brighten up your pet’s day. Fido looks adorable when he’s angling for something yummy.
Stability: Our canine pals can be quite adventurous, but at the end of the day they really do thrive on routine. Giving Fido a treat—even a small one—at the same time every day can help contribute to a sense of security, which will help him feel safe.
What Are The Best Treats To Give Your Dog?
There’s an almost endless selection of treats you can buy for your canine companion. These include things like bully sticks, beef strips, dental chews, jerky treats, crunchy treats … the list goes on. Fido of course would be more than happy to sample all of these, and would even try some twice just to ensure their quality.
However, you can’t just rely on your canine pal’s rather unrefined palate to judge. It’s important to check the label, and make sure that your pooch is getting some quality treats. Of course, reading pet food labels can be a bit tricky, to say the least. The big thing is to choose products that list meat, fish, or poultry first and most often on the label. As with human food, pet food manufacturers must list ingredients proportionately, so that the first thing on the label is the largest percentage of the recipe. You’ll also want to avoid things with fillers like corn syrup and sugar. It’s best to avoid things with long, complex lists of things you can’t pronounce or identify. Of course, your Ocean Springs, MS vet can also be a great source of info on this.
Is It Okay To Let My Dog Beg?
Fido isn’t exactly shy about plying us with that sad, soulful stare, and hoping to cajole us into sharing some of our food. We know, it may be hard to resist, but try not to go overboard. It doesn’t take much at all to overfeed your pup. Even eating ten calories too much each day is a pound a year. A hundred extra calories a day is a pound a month. That will add up quickly for a pooch! If you can’t resist Fido’s theatrics, offer him something healthy, like a carrot stick or a green bean, instead of that meatball he’s hoping for.
Weight gain isn’t the only reason to curb your furry friend’s love of snacks.It’s also bad petiquette! If Fido knows that he’ll get rewarded for begging, he may continue to get pushier and pushier about it. Eventually, some pups can become downright aggressive.
Last but not least, there’s also a chance that Fido could ask for—and score—something that isn’t safe for him. This is something to consider if you have young children: little ones may not understand that dogs can’t always eat the same things we can, and may innocently try to share something your pooch shouldn’t eat.
In short? Try not to indulge your furry friend. If you really can’t help spoiling your pet, at least have him do a trick for his treat first.
What People Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs are always very curious about what their humans are eating. Meat, fish, and poultry are fine, as long as you’ve removed the skin, bones, and fat. Just be careful with fatty meats, like bacon, sausage, and ham. Small amounts on occasion are okay, but you don’t want to give your canine pal too much. Organ meats, such as liver, should also be limited. Ask your Ocean Springs, MS vet for more information.
What Foods Are Not Safe For Dogs?
As to unsafe foods, some of the things to avoid include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; avocado; pitted fruit; and chocolate. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as are raw dough and yeast, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, and anything that contains xylitol, which is often labeled as birch sugar.
Can I Make Dog Treats?
Absolutely! There are tons of recipes online. Typically, you’ll want to start with a base. This may be something like ground beef, minced meat, shredded chicken, or something similar. Other options include wheat germ oil, pureed pumpkin, and ripe bananas. You can then add sodium-free broth, water, fat-free yogurt, or even baby food to thin the mixture out. To customize the cookies, you can also add things like natural peanut butter; olive or wheat germ oil; cheese; bacon bits; whole-wheat flour; eggs; bananas; kibble, or bits of safe veggies, such as peas, carrots, or spinach. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Here are a few possible recipes:
- Pumpkin Nibbles: Combine pureed pumpkin with ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and whole-wheat flour. You’ll want to mix the wet ingredients first, then add the oats and flour. Separate into individual portions, and bake for about 20 minutes at 325.
- Apple/Chicken Bites: This is a healthy snack that you and Fido may both enjoy. Mix one and a quarter cups of grated carrots, a cup of grated apple, a half cup of natural peanut butter, two eggs, and some instant oats. You’ll want two bowls: one for the PB and eggs, and another for everything else. Mix them separately, then combine together and separate into small servings. Try cooking for 15 minutes at 350.
- Sweet Potato Jerky: Jerky is a great treat for dogs. It not only tastes great, but also has a chewy texture that will satisfy your pet’s need to chew. It’s also easy to make. Just slice a sweet potato lengthwise into thin strips. You’ll want them to be about a quarter inch thick. Put them on a cookie sheet, and cook at 225F for about 3 to 4 hours. You can adjust the time – you may need more time if you want them crunchier. Just make sure that the strips aren’t a choking hazard.
Make sure you are only using safe ingredients. If you aren’t sure whether something is suitable or not, err on the side of caution and leave it out. Ask your vet for more information.
Make an appointment at our Biloxi, MS Animal Hospital
Do you have questions about your dog’s diet or care? Contact us, your local Biloxi, MS veterinary hospital, anytime! We are dedicated to offering top-notch care!
