The dog treats aisle has become similar to our potato chip aisle. The options are endless, the flavors are wild, and it’s difficult to choose just one. Ever tried to grab a bag, and your dog just turned its nose at you? Picky eaters are not only human. Let’s first talk about the flavors of dog treats. Duck, chicken or beef? Although you might think that your dog cannot tell the differences, I assure you, they are not fooled. Dogs do have taste buds, though they are fewer than ours. However, their powerful sense of scent makes up for this. Clever, right? When it comes to sniffing things out, they seem to have superpowers.
Consider the ingredients before you go out and buy all kinds of treats. Ingredients matter. You wouldn’t consume something that you couldn’t say. Why should your pet? You should look for ingredients that are simple and don’t sound as if they belong in a textbook of chemistry. It’s all about real meat, whole grains, and vegetables. Any other suggestions? You might think that your dog doesn’t care about preservatives. But their stomach could have something else to say.
You’ve probably seen the mini-treats. Size doesn’t matter when you have a small dog. This is like giving them a deliciously-scented morsel to savor, without having to worry about the calories. If your dog is larger, however, you will need to feed them a heavier snack. Overindulging is not recommended. You’ve probably experienced a tummyache after eating too many biscuits. Yes, dogs also experience this.
It’s part of the enjoyment to spoil your pet, isn’t it? Remember, there is a fine balance between love and overindulgence. Maintain balance. Just treat them as a treat. Your dog’s food shouldn’t be dominated by treats. They should be a nice addition to your dog’s healthy diet.
Treats can be more than delicious bites. Training is a great use for them. When your dog finally mastered “sit”, after 20 attempts, positive reinforcement and the promise a treat will work wonders. Every pet owner should know how to negotiate. Here’s an important tip: don’t let anyone see you sweat. Confidence is the key, even if you are bribing.
The cost is also something to think about. Costs can quickly escalate as you pile baskets upon baskets of doggy treats into your cart. Some premium brands are expensive, but they say that their products are fit for royalty. Good quality does not have to be expensive. There are plenty of tasty and nutritious foods that don’t cost a fortune. You can never go wrong with a little search.
And don’t forget about the homemade option. Have you tried making your own sweets? Refresh your aprons. You can find many easy recipes with minimal ingredients that will bring your dog great joy. Bake biscuits or whip up some peanut butter treats. It’s a great way to know what’s in the treat and add some love. It’s not rocket science to select dog treats, but there are challenges. To achieve a win/win scenario, you should balance price, flavor and health. Remember this the next time you are browsing through the dog treats: a happy puppy equals happy family. But don’t spoil them too much.