The dos and donts of giving treats to dogs

Treats can be a wonderful way to reward your dog, reinforce good behaviour, and create joyful moments of connection. However, to keep your dog healthy and happy, it’s essential to give treats thoughtfully and responsibly. This guide brings you the vital dos and don'ts of giving treats to your dog, sharing practical advice on quantity, safety, and motivation.

1. Don’t Substitute Treats for Meals

It’s vital that treats complement rather than replace your dog's regular meals. Dogs should get at least 90% of their daily calories from balanced dog food, with treats making up no more than 10% of their daily intake. Overfeeding treats risks nutritional imbalance and obesity, so always monitor your dog's total calorie consumption.

2. Do Count Calories Carefully

Not all treats are created equal in calories. While some treats like small kibble pieces are low in calories, others such as fatty meats or crisps are much richer. Calculate the calorie content of treats you offer and adjust daily amounts accordingly to avoid weight gain.

3. Do Be Wary of Feeding Toxic or Harmful Foods

Feeding your dog human food scraps can be tempting, but it carries risks. Never feed foods known to be toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, or nuts. Also, watch out for hidden ingredients like artificial sweeteners (xylitol) or harmful marinades and oils. Always double-check ingredients before offering any scraps.

4. Do Choose Quality Dog Treats

Opt for dog treats that have transparent, natural ingredient lists and avoid those loaded with salt, sugar, artificial colours, or flavour enhancers. High-quality treats often focus on natural ingredients and some even provide dental health or nutritional benefits. Selecting well-made treats supports your dog's overall wellbeing.

5. Don’t Overfeed Treats

Give your dog just one or two treats at a time and avoid feeding large handfuls. Ration treats and take out only what you plan to give immediately. Overindulgence can encourage begging behaviours and impact your dog’s appetite for regular meals.

6. Do Teach Good Manners Around Treats

Train your dog to gently take treats from your hand and to offer behaviours like “sit” and “wait” before receiving them. This not only promotes good manners but also reduces the risk of treating-associated snapping or jumping up, making treat time safe and pleasant.

7. Do Use Treats as Motivation

When used sparingly, low-calorie treats can motivate dogs to exercise or engage in training. Especially for overweight or less active dogs, treats can encourage positive activity and mental engagement when paired with exercise.

8. Don’t Reward Begging or Bad Behaviour

Avoid reinforcing undesirable behaviour by giving treats only for calm, polite actions. Ignoring unnecessary begging and not giving treats for hyperactive or sneaky behaviour helps prevent bad habits from forming.

9. Do Look for Treats with Additional Benefits

Some treats are designed to support dental health, provide vitamins and minerals, or support skin and coat condition. Choosing these treats over those that simply taste good can add health value alongside the reward.

10. Do Remember You Are the Best Treat

Food is not the only way to reward your dog. Affection, praise, playtime, and interactive toys are often just as rewarding and help strengthen your bond without adding calories.

11. Do Supervise Treat Time

Always watch your dog while they eat treats to prevent choking hazards or accidental ingestion of unsuitable pieces. Safety during treat time is just as crucial as the quality of the treats themselves.

How to Adopt a Dog Responsibly

If you’re considering adding a new dog to your home, it’s key to seek responsible sources. You can find a puppy from reputable breeders or consider adopting from shelters. Ensuring your dog comes from ethical backgrounds supports animal welfare and promotes better health outcomes for your pet throughout life.

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Final thoughts on giving dogs treats

Giving treats is a delightful part of dog ownership but requires mindful practice. By following these 11 dos and don’ts, you can keep treats a healthy, rewarding experience, supporting your dog’s wellbeing and encouraging positive behaviour. Remember, treats are just one part of nurturing a happy, healthy dog.