Puppy treats are a great way to show love and affection towards your dog. Treats help the bond you share with your dog grow. They work as praise and send your dog positive vibes from you. Additionally, treats act as positive reinforcement during behavior training. If you give your dog a treat when he does something good, he understands that you are rewarding his good behavior. While puppy treats can be very delicious and make training fun, it is very easy to overdo giving them, which can be extremely unhealthy. Giving too many treats to your pup can lead to obesity. Read on to learn how many treats are considered healthy.
The Consequences of Overdoing Treats
Giving your dog too many puppy treats to eat can mean too many calories. This is particularly important in smaller dogs and breeds who are less active by nature. Such dogs are more prone to obesity because their calorie intake is higher than the number of calories they burn. Because extra calories are easily stored in dogs’ bodies as fat, the extra weight puts strain on their muscles and joints. Obese animals have shorter lifespans and are at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, such as heart problems and respiratory issues.
Not only does giving your dog too many treats lead to health issues, but it can also negatively change your pup’s behavior. If you overdo treats, he will become conditioned to expect a treat every single time he shows good behavior. Or every single time you walk near a certain cabinet in the kitchen. Or every single time he hears the refrigerator door open. An occasional puppy treat, here or there, is completely fine. Just be sure to use treats in moderation and in small quantities.
Make sure not to over-reward your dog during training with treats, espeically if your dog is done growing. One to two treats at a time is a good way to maintain balance. Never feed treats to your dog in handfuls. Always ensure he works for the reward and give it to him only when it is well deserved. In addition, be sure to use other forms of positive reinforcement during training, such as praise, affection, and playtime.
How Many Puppy Treats Should you Give your Dog?
Dog treats should make up no more than roughly 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. This is to ensure your dog is getting adequate caloric intake from his main meals so that his diet remains nutritionally balanced. For example, if your dog requires 400 calories daily, he should get no more than 40 calories from treats and 360 calories from his regular meals.
The number of total calories a dog needs depends on several factors, such as his breed, age, and activity level. Some breeds of dogs are more active than others, and younger dogs burn more calories than older dogs. Consult with your Veterinarian to determine the correct number of calories to feed your dog on a daily basis. Ensure that you subtract the number of calories he receives from treats from his regular meal intake. It is much easier to control your dog’s weight than to try to get him to lose weight after he becomes obese.
Never give treats immediately before or after meals. This will ensure that your dog’s appetite for his regular meals remains intact. Remember to monitor your dog’s weight regularly to ensure he is at a healthy weight and adjust treat giving accordingly.
Whenever you use treats to reward good behavior, do so in moderation. Remember that treats are not the only way to reward your dog. Your love and affection is praise in itself for your dog. So is spending quality time being active with your dog. Activities such as playing fetch, going to the Dog Park, going for a walk, or hiking upstate are all great ways to bond with your dog while simultaneously exercising your pup. These activities will not only strengthen the bond you two share, but will also ensure your dog remains mentally and physically healthy.
Buster and Whiskers is a Dog Walking Service, Dog Training Service, and Dog Hiking Service located in Astoria, NY. We offer affordable and quality Dog Walking Services, Dog Training Services, and Dog Hiking Services in Astoria, Queens, NY. Contact us if you need a reliable and professional Dog Walker here in Astoria, NY.
