Dog-friendly treats

Why give your dog treats?

For the same reasons as humans: to reward him. For a dog, receiving a treat gives him great pleasure, same as humans when they indulge in a chocolate bar or a sweet dessert.

However, it is important to respect the dog's physiology and not give him anything as a reward. If sweets trigger a pleasant reaction in humans, they are to be strictly forbidden for dogs.

The canine digestive system is not able to absorb the same food as the human body. Therefore, we must be reasonable and respect three important items.

What treats to give your dog?

Human treats are to be totally forbidden for the dog. It is important to only provide the dog with food that is suitable for his body, whether for his daily diet or treats given occasionally.

It is therefore strongly advised to give the dog treats specially designed for him. They are completely different from human food and are safe for the dog's body.

There are many varieties of smart treats for dogs. Tender, crunchy bites, cookies and pieces of dried meat. There are several categories of treats that can be given for different reasons.

Treats – Pleasure

For the dog's pleasure alone, some treats are more tempting than others, giving him pure pleasure. This can create a bond between the master and his dog when the master is willing to provide him with a few treats simply to please his dog.

It is always nice to please your dog, and humans, being used to a varied diet, sometimes like to vary their dog's food a little. The treat thus provided soothes the master while allowing him to create a special emotional bond with his dog.

• Dried chicken breast fillets
• Dried pork ears
• Dried beef skin
• Education treats

When the dog is in training, he is constantly working and sometimes needs a little encouragement. Petting and congratulations encourage him, but the reward of the treat is very interesting, rewarding and motivating for the dog.

For a well-executed order, even if it is very simple, the reward is always appropriate and makes the dog twice as happy, giving him a sense of accomplished duty.

Learn more about dog training.

However, one should never give an education treat without reason, because the dog will no longer make the connection between reward and obedience. It is best to choose and divide treats into categories, always giving the same treat for the same reason, especially for dog training.

• Cookies respecting the nutritional needs of dogs

Treats – Health

Continuous good hygiene is often difficult to provide for a dog. Some so-called “healthier” treats are then very effective in performing regular dog hygiene without any trauma to the dog.

Teeth are often the first target of these pleasant hygiene measures. The various chewing or nibbling products are generally very effective against tartar and bad breath in dogs.

• Chewing Bone
• Notching slices
• Gnawing sticks

Specialty dog treats are generally excellent for health, whether they are for education, hygiene or just for fun. Bites usually made of meat mixed with cereal are low in fat and can be given to the dog without risk of obesity.

Some biscuits are even designed to provide essential nutrients to the dog in a very palatable way that can help fill some nutritional deficiencies.

How much to give?

In order for the treat to remain a pleasure for the dog, it must be rare. It is therefore preferable to limit quantities and reserve treats for special occasions established in advance.

When to give them?

The same rule should be established for treats as for food and never let the dog beg or claim treats. At all times, it should be the dog's owner who decides when to give the treats.

They should never be given at the table or during meal preparation so that you don't give your dog a superior position by responding directly to his request.

The treats must be given in a timely manner to prevent the dog from demanding them at any time.

Conclusion

All dogs like to be pampered by their owners and when a treat appears, the dog feels happy and appreciated. The dog's pleasure is an essential part of his daily life.

However, treats should be regulated by an effective reward system based solely on the owner's decision to give the treat and not at the request of the dog.

The important hierarchical principle in the dog's life must be reflected even in the daily reward system so that the dog always knows who asks and who gives.

Treats are another good way to reward your dog while ensuring his place in the hierarchy by not responding to the dog's request but, on the contrary, by deciding where, when and how the dog will get his treat that gives him such pleasure.

Nowadays, nothing is easier than pleasing your dog. Specialty stores are full of inventive toys and treats to keep you dog busy and give him immense pleasure. A toy or a treat or both together, like the well-known “Kong” for example, will delight both dog and master.