Treats and Snacks
It's pretty safe to say that dogs love treats. And what a dog considers a treat can range from pieces of his regular kibble to commercial treats to bits of hot dog, cheese, fruits or vegetables. Dogs are pretty much happy with anything you give them to eat, but not all treats are created equal. Here are some tips on treating your dog healthily:
Keep treats special. Offer them only as a reward; don't just hand them out indiscriminately.
Limit treats. They should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily food intake.
Read treat labels. Avoid those that are high in sugar and fat, or give them only in small amounts.
Vary treats. Dogs like crunchy things, sweet things, and savory things. Offer bits of chopped apple, banana, or carrots, fresh or frozen berries, cubes of cheese or hot dogs, baked liver bits, and biscuits.
Tailor the treat to the occasion. Use tiny bite-size treats for training, larger biscuits or long-lasting chews for going into the crate or doing something else that doesn't require instant follow-up.
Know what's not a treat. Chocolate, grapes, alcohol, and onions are all toxic to dogs.
Dog treats are held to the same FDA and state labeling requirements as dog foods, but they're not required to be nutritionally complete. Biscuits are the exception to this rule, unless they're specifically labeled as a “snack” or “treat.” Rawhide chews, pig ears, and similar items made from animal materials or parts are considered food by the FDA, but unless they claim some nutritional value, such as “high protein,” their manufacturers aren't required to follow AAFCO pet food regulations. A treat product is required to list the manufacturer's address and to have an ingredient list if it contains more than one ingredient.
Among the great interactive toys for dogs are plastic balls or cubes that can be filled with kibble or other hard treats. When the dog pushes or rolls the toy, the food falls out through openings in the toy, which can be adjusted for difficulty. Hard rubber Kongs, which have an opening in the bottom, can also be used this way.
