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We love to indulge our dogs with treats and snacks. It’s a way to show our affection, reward good behaviour, or simply spoil them a little. While these treats bring joy to our dogs, they can also contribute to unwanted weight gain if not managed carefully. In this article, let’s look at how to treat your dog without adding extra pounds, ensuring they stay happy, healthy, and in shape.
Treats and snacks are an integral part of a dog’s life. They can be used for training, reinforcing positive behaviour, or simply as a bonding experience between you and your dog. However, it’s important to remember that treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s daily caloric intake. According to most veterinarians, treats should not exceed 10% of a dog’s total daily calories. This means that the bulk of your dog’s nutrition should come from a balanced and complete diet, with treats being an occasional bonus.
Many dog owners are unaware of the caloric content of the treats they give to their dogs. Even small treats can pack a significant number of calories, especially when given frequently. A single biscuit or chew can contain as many calories as a portion of your dog’s regular meal. Over time, these extra calories can add up, potentially leading to weight gain. To prevent this, it’s important to understand the caloric content of the treats you’re giving your dog. Read the packaging and be mindful of the portion sizes.
Not all treats are created equal. Some are loaded with fats, sugars, and artificial ingredients that can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. When selecting treats for your dog, it’s essential to choose options that are not only lower in calories but also nutritious.
1. Natural Treats
Opt for natural treats such as fruits and vegetables. Carrots, green beans, apple slices (without seeds), and blueberries are excellent low-calorie options that also provide essential vitamins, fibre and phytonutrients. Vegetables can be lightly steamed to improve digestibility. Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables like this Licked CRONCH Freeze Dried Dog Treats (Rainbow Cauliflower) is a good, healthy treat for dogs. Freeze-dried yogurt or kefir like this Wonderfur Bites Freeze Dried Kefir Dog Treats is another healthy option for pet parents wanting additional gut, digestive and immune system support.
2. Lean Proteins as Treats
Treats made from lean proteins, such as chicken breast, turkey, or fish, are a great choice. These treats are typically lower in fat and calories while providing high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance. Boiled or steamed lean meats, air-dried or freeze-dried single, lean protein are all healthy choices.
3. Commercial Low-Calorie Treats
Many pet stores offer specially formulated low-calorie training treats designed to satisfy your dog’s cravings without contributing to weight gain. Look for treats that are made with natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, and clearly labelled as lower calorie or weight management treats.
Portion control is crucial when it comes to treating your dog. Even healthy treats can contribute to weight gain if given in large quantities. To avoid overfeeding, consider the following tips:
1. Break Treats into Smaller Pieces
Instead of giving your dog a whole treat, break it into smaller pieces or choose treats that come in small bits like this WildChow Freeze Dried Training Bites. This way, your dog gets the satisfaction of multiple treats without the excess calories.
2. Use Treats Sparingly
Reserve treats for training sessions, rewarding good behaviour, or special occasions. Avoid giving treats randomly throughout the day, as this can lead to overfeeding and unnecessary calorie intake.
3. Adjust Regular Meals
If you’ve given your dog a few treats during the day, consider reducing the portion size of their regular meals to account for the extra calories. This way, you can balance their overall caloric intake. Even then, be mindful that treats should not replace your dog’s base diet. Most treats are not nutritionally complete or balanced. Your dog will still need to get most of his nutrients from his main meals.
Exercise is a vital component of maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, and it can be easily incorporated into treat-giving routines. Combining treats with physical activity not only helps burn off the extra calories but also keeps your dog mentally stimulated and engaged.
1. Treat-Dispensing Toys
Consider using treat-dispensing toys that require your dog to work for their reward. These toys can provide mental stimulation while ensuring your dog burns calories during playtime.
2. Active Training Sessions
Incorporate treats into active training sessions, where your dog has to perform commands, tricks, or exercises to earn their reward. This not only reinforces positive behaviour but also helps keep your dog physically active.
3. Use Treats for Outdoor Activities
Take your dog for a walk, run, or hike, and use treats as rewards for good behaviour during these activities. This encourages exercise and helps prevent weight gain from treat-giving.
Regularly monitoring your dog’s weight is essential in ensuring they stay within a healthy range. Even with careful treat management, it’s possible for weight gain to sneak up over time. Keep your dog’s weight in check!
1. Weigh Your Dog Regularly
Weigh your dog regularly to track any changes in their weight. Expect to weigh your healthy, adult dog at least twice yearly. Growing puppies and dogs with certain health conditions that may affect their weight, will need to be weighed more regularly. If you notice a gradual increase (or decrease), it may be time to reassess their diet and treat-giving habits.
2. Body Condition Scoring
Learn how to assess your dog’s body condition using a body condition score (BCS) chart. This simple tool allows you to evaluate whether your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight based on their body shape and fat distribution.
3. Consult Your Veterinarian
If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or unsure about the appropriate amount of treats to give, consult your veterinarian. They can provide personalised advice to suit your dog’s specific needs.
Treats are an enjoyable part of your dog’s life, but they must be managed carefully to prevent unwanted weight gain. Choose healthier treat options like lean proteins, practise portion control, and incorporate adequate exercise into your treat-giving routines. This way, you can indulge your dog without compromising their health. Remember, a balanced diet and regular monitoring of your dog’s weight are key to ensuring they stay happy, healthy, and at an ideal weight for years to come.
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