What counts as a treat?
Dog treats can help us and our dogs in many ways every day, build that all important relationship, reward good behaviour, help with training, and can even keep your dog stimulated, occupied and happy.
Treats come in all shapes and sizes, from handy pocket-sized bites perfect for training, to larger, longer-lasting chews to help stimulate their mind.
What makes a treat 'good'?
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
100% natural
- Made from pure meat, fish or quality plants
- Easily digestible
- Prepared to preserve goodness and flavour
- Tasty enough for even the fussiest canines
How can I ensure my dog's treats are healthy?
- No added sugar or unhealthy additives
- Easy-to-recognise ingredients so you know exactly what you’re feeding
- Prepared in a healthy way such as air drying
- Make it a treat, not a habit
- An enjoyable supplement – never more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories
- Counted and under control
What should I avoid giving my dog?
- Avoid toxic ingredients to dogs like grapes, raisins, onion, chocolate and nuts
- Watch out for high levels of salt and fat
- Feeding scraps of your food or leftovers, as hidden ingredients can be dangerous
- Avoid rawhide! It often contains harsh chemicals and can be too tough to digest
What makes a treat 'good'?
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
100% natural
- Made from pure meat, fish or quality plants
- Easily digestible
- Prepared to preserve goodness and flavour
- Tasty enough for even the fussiest canines
How can I ensure my dog's treats are healthy?
- No added sugar or unhealthy additives
- Easy-to-recognise ingredients so you know exactly what you’re feeding
- Prepared in a healthy way such as air drying
- Make it a treat, not a habit
- An enjoyable supplement – never more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories
- Counted and under control
What should I avoid giving my dog?
- Avoid toxic ingredients to dogs like grapes, raisins, onion, chocolate and nuts
- Watch out for high levels of salt and fat
- Feeding scraps of your food or leftovers, as hidden ingredients can be dangerous
- Avoid rawhide! It often contains harsh chemicals and can be too tough to digest
Why do we give treats?
Treats help build a bond with your dog, they are an effective tool when training, they allow you to refine and compliment nutrition, and they bring a little fun and excitement into your lives too!
5 things to look out for when treating your dog:
1. Watch the calories
Make sure you use treats carefully
2. Don't go overboard
Too much and it’s not a treat anymore!
3. Limit what you give
Give one or two treats at a time - never handfuls!
4. Teach good behaviour
Associate treats with good behaviour
5. Don’t reward begging
Treat on your terms only
When to treat?
When training with your dog, a treat is the perfect little reward for learning new things. Be sure to incorporate treats as part of your daily routine so that your dog comes to understand your patterns and find treats a great way to feel reassured and secure. But don't go overboard!
Treats should also be used when your dog needs a little extra energy – if you’ve been out and about on a long walk or a big day out.
