Are You Killing Your Dog Softly With Treats?

Some snacks for dogs, especially those cute bone shaped biscuits can look very much as if they are made of the same stuff as kibble. However, they are not. Quality kibble is intended to be a complete meal for dogs; treats are meant as occasional snacks.

Letting your dog eat too many treats at the expense of proper meals would be like us eating granola bars all day long—removing the required nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals) from our diet.

Even if the labels on the package clearly states that it is made from “real meat” or includes nutrients that are good for dogs, the proportions in which the ingredients are combined make them inappropriate for forming the bulk of your dog’s diet.

If this treat-pampering habit goes on, you’d be asking for many for health problems such as obesity, heart problem, indigestion, lethargy, constipation, and the list goes on.

Your dog love treats just like we crave for “sinful” foods. The same theory applies; do not over indulge your dog with too many treats. Keep his daily diet a good and balanced one. Such as kibbles with canned dog food or canned dog food with rice, or your homemade canine gourmet meals (my preferred choice). Try to incorporate vegetables and fruits into your dog’s diet, such as chicken and rice with boiled carrots and apple pie for dessert. For more cooking inspirations, check out my dog food recipes category.

Reserve treats for special occasions. Use them sparingly during training or occasional rewards for good behavior or as part of playtime or to entice your dog to eat should he gets finicky about his regular prepackaged meals.

Treating your dog gently with your LOVE and TIME will bring many health benefits.