If you’re like most pet parents, you love giving your pet a little treat from time to time. But you may also have questions. Are the treats I buy unhealthy? How many should I give them? When should I give treats?
These are all good questions because they show that you care about your pet’s health and want to learn how to be the best possible caretaker. So, let’s get into it.
When should I give my pets a treat?
That’s up to you! They can be used as part of training, as an incentive or reward for good behavior, as part of a balanced diet, or simply as an occasional treat. You may even want to take inspiration from Pavlov and give them a treat every time you trim their nails or bathe them. This way, you can create an association between an unpleasant experience and a pleasant one.
How many treats can they have?
The answer depends a lot on the type of treat you’re handing out. If it’s a healthy treat designed for teeth cleaning or a nutritional supplement, it can be a daily treat. But higher-calorie treats with a lower nutritional value should be given less frequently.
So, think about the purpose before selecting a treat. When training a puppy, for example, you will likely end up providing many treats per day at first. In this case, you’d want to use a small, low-calorie treat. A quick rule of thumb is that they should never exceed 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
What should I look for when buying treats?
The first step is to look at ingredients. The very first one on the list should be meat or fish. Next, look at the other ingredients. Your goal should be to find treats that contain minimal fillers (such as corn, wheat, and soy) and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Prioritize buying treats that are low in calories and high in nutrients such as omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
You should also consider the size and texture. For example, large treats might pose a choking hazard for small pets. And finally, be sure to get treats that don’t contain any allergens or ingredients that may harm your specific pet. When in doubt, ask your vet if there are any kinds of treats you should avoid.
Can human food be used as a treat?
Absolutely! It’s a great option if you do your research and ensure that you’re choosing foods that are safe and healthy for your pets. You can avoid buying packaged treats by giving your pets healthy alternatives, such as unseasoned, cooked chicken pieces, green beans, or carrot sticks. But don’t just give your pet any old human food as a treat. Always do your research before introducing any new food. And start small to see how they respond.
Treats can be a great way to train your pets or show them how much you love them. So, we fully support pet treats! But, as with everything related to your beloved pets, it’s essential to know the facts so that you can keep them safe and healthy.
