How many treats can my puppy have?
Puppies love them and we love to let our pet have them: Treats can be a great way to bond with your pup and make it happy. There are some aspects, however, that you need to consider, like the amount and type and how not to encourage begging.
Puppy treats come in many different forms and can be made from a variety of ingredients. The type of treat you choose for your pup will depend on your budget, pup’s size and age, and your pup’s health and dietary needs. Here are some of the most common types of puppy treats and their pros, cons, and costs.
Biscuits and cookies are usually made with grains, such as wheat or corn, and are often flavored with meat or cheese. Pros: Biscuits and cookies are a great treat to use as a training reward. They are also easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Cons: Some brands of biscuits and cookies can be high in fat and contain preservatives. Costs: $1-$5 per package.
Freeze-dried treats are made from real food, such as fruits and vegetables, and are freeze-dried to preserve their freshness. Pros: Freeze-dried treats are highly nutritious and provide great antioxidants and vitamins for your pup. Cons: These treats can be expensive and not all dogs will enjoy the taste. Costs: $5-$15 per package.
Natural treats are usually made from raw, natural ingredients, such as beef, chicken, or fish. Pros: Natural treats are usually high in protein and contain no artificial colors or flavors. Cons: These treats can be expensive and may not be suitable for dogs with allergies. Costs: $5-$20 per package.
Chew treats for puppies are a great way to help your pup stay entertained and to help with teething. They provide puppies with the opportunity to engage in a healthy chewing activity. Pros: Chew treats are a great way to keep your pup distracted from inappropriate chewing, combat boredom and also help to keep your pup’s teeth clean and healthy. Cons: These treats can be expensive and also be a choking hazard if your pup bites off pieces that are too large or chews it too quickly. Make sure to get treats appropriate for puppies and not just adult dogs. Cost: Basic chew treats can cost anywhere from a few dollars to over $20. Natural chew treats can cost even more, ranging from $10 to over $50.
How many treats can a puppy have?
That depends on the size, age and activity level of your puppy. Generally, puppies should be limited to two treats per day, and these should not exceed 10% of their total daily caloric intake. If uncertain, consult your vet on how many your pet can have. Remember that treats are meant as a special extra and should not be constantly given. Obesity can lead to severe health issues and obsessiveness about treats can cause behavioral problems.
Do not reward your puppy with a treat if it´s begging for one. You need to decide when you grant your puppy a treat. If your pet scratches for more, sits in front of the cabin with the treats or the bag of treats, if it whines, do not give it a treat. Why not? Because it will learn that that strategy works and will use it continuously to get more treats. It also leads to overfeeding.
Once your pet is grown up, the begging can become extremely annoying or even fervid. In some cases adult dogs have started biting when they did not get their treat as demanded.
To avoid begging you should also keep your pup entertained as some tend to become obsessive about food out of boredom. A pup needs regular exercise and fun things to do, like exploring new areas or playing with you ir with other dogs. Teach them a command or trick and praise them for their learning progress. For more information, visit our page on training.
Last but not least: Do not feed your puppy with your own food, such as cooked food. Whether it´s a slice of ham, a piece of pizza or fried chicken, food for people is not made for dogs and their digestive system. They can develop stomach ache, severe health issues or even suffer from poisoning.
For more information, visit our page on a healthy puppy diet.
