Learn how to choose the best snack for your dog.
Snacks are an excellent way to treat your dog, and there are many alternatives for snacks and treats, from pieces of raw meat to cookies of vegan origin.
With so many choices, how do you choose the right snack for your dog? Here we tell you more about this.
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Although it is difficult to resist those pleading eyes, you should not give your dog table scraps or your food as a snack. Our food tends to be high in fat, seasoning, salt, and sugar.
Besides, human food may upset your dog or even intoxicate it.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SNACK FOR YOUR DOG
- Always read the snack label and follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.
- Choose snacks with few ingredients of high quality. The first ingredient on the label is the one found in the highest proportion of the snack.
- Prefer always those snacks that use Vitamin C and E as preservatives.
- Verify that moisturizers are also natural, such as molasses and vegetable glycerin.
- Ideally, prefer sugar-free snacks or choose natural ones with honey.
- Avoid additives, preservatives, and chemical and artificial colors.
- Choose those that contain the minimum fat with good quality, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.
- The snack label must include calorie information. Choose low calories to avoid excess energy.
- Respect the portions. The manufacturer usually includes a guide for the amount you can give per day according to the weight of each dog. Do not give more than the recommended amount and frequency.
- Consider the age and size of your dog. Puppy snacks have different ingredients than adult or senior dog snacks.
- Snacks must have a correct size depending on the bite and the strength or difficulty chewing your dog may have according to age.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST TREATS FOR YOUR DOG
Snacks change according to the size of each dog’s muzzle. In this way, it facilitates the grasp of the snack, preventing it from being swallowed and causing suffocation.
Choose snacks formulated and manufactured, especially for dogs. Consult your veterinarian before offering a new snack to your furry friend, especially if you suspect food allergies or any underlying disease.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOG SNACKS?
Treats and snacks are great rewards if you want to train your dog and help with positive reinforcement.
If your furry friend trains every day, it may be necessary to reduce his daily food ratio to avoid being overweight.
In addition, some snacks help maintain proper dental hygiene or promote joint health with ingredients such as glucosamine.
Snacks help to stimulate your dog’s mind for hours when used with puzzle-type dispensers such as a Kong toy or ice cubes.
The ideal snack should be healthy.
Remember that snacks do not have all the nutrients your dog needs, so it does not replace its usual diet.
To avoid giving excessive treats and prevent unhealthy weight gain, Vets recommend that snack or treats never make up more than 10 percent of dog’s diet.
If you suspect your pet is overweight, consult the vet before giving snacks to your dog.
If your dog has some underlying pathology, either metabolic as diabetes or if it has kidney or liver deficiency, you should also consult a veterinarian.