What about Treats?
Dogs are crazy about treats, so much so that they are a huge aid in training as well as a great way just to show your love. Dogs relish biscuits, freeze-dried liver, preserved tendons, jerky treats, gristle, pig ears, hooves, and a host of animal body parts that make some of us feel squeamish. They also love nylon bones, dental bones treated with chlorophyll for clean teeth and fresh breath, rawhide, and real bones — fresh, frozen, or preserved. Like chew toys, these provide good chewing activity, strengthening jaw muscles and cleaning the teeth in the process. Still, some may be too big or too hard for small dogs, causing tooth fractures.
When it comes to cookies and biscuits, the smaller the better. Dogs don't know the difference, and they don't need the extra calories. As you would with dog food, look for healthy ingredients. Cookies should not be high in sugar or fat, and their ingredients should complement the good food you feed your tiny dog. Some contain meat and cheese, while natural varieties offer peanuts, yogurt, apples, bananas, fish, and sweet potatoes plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Some are simply a premium dog food in cookie form.
Look for whole-grain sources and good proteins. If yours is an older dog, offer treats with glucosamine and chondroitin to relieve arthritis and joint pain. If you have a chubby canine, go for the low-calorie biscuits.
Don't let your dog fill up on treats before meals. If you use treats for training, cut back on meal portions after the training session so you won't over-stuff your little dog.
Rawhide and bones, real or processed, present a potential choking hazard, so dogs should be supervised while enjoying these treats. If they break off a piece and ingest it, they can choke. If it lodges in their digestive tract, dogs can suffer an intestinal blockage that can be fatal. Pups with tiny teeth or dogs that are extremely powerful chewers should not be given real bones. They can chew too hard and fracture their teeth or splinter the bones. Hard rubber toys with healthy treats stuffed inside are safer for them. Don't be afraid to sparingly offer raw carrots, apples, bananas, or a bit of cheese instead of store-bought goodies. Avoid raw white potatoes, especially if they have sprouted or have green skins. Milk and cream can cause diarrhea but yogurt and cottage cheese are fine.
Finally, remember that human snacks are often dangerous to dogs. Treats are a great way to show affection to your little dog but your time, attention, kind words, and hands-on pats are also a great way to show your love.
