Choosing Dog Biscuits
There certainly are plenty of different doggy treats to choose from. While Fido may very well be delighted with any of them, it’s up to you to make sure you are offering your canine buddy only healthy, safe snacks. Get into the habit of reading labels, and choosing products made of things you can actually identify. We also advise picking brands that are made here in North America, as many overseas manufacturers do not have very strict guidelines for pet products. It’s also a good idea to keep track of pet food recalls. One good site for this is the AMVA product recall page, which is located here.
Homemade Goodies
If you enjoy cooking, you may want to consider making your furry pal some yummy snacks. Here’s an easy one: mix pureed pumpkin with natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and eggs. Mix the batter up, divide it into small portions, and bake it at 375 for about 20 minutes. You’ll find many other great recipes online. Just be sure to choose ones that use healthy, dog-safe ingredients. Wheat-germ, shredded beef or chicken, cheese, egg, bacon bits, bananas, and peanut butter are all good options. Ask your vet for more information.
Treats As Tools
Treats can make wonderful training aids. They are a great way to immediately reward your pooch for doing something good. If your canine friend is still learning basic commands, don’t be afraid to incorporate yummy snacks into Fido’s training sessions. Just be sure to choose smaller treats: otherwise, your adorable student may get quite full, and become more interested in a nap than in his classes!
Begging
We know, Fido looks absolutely adorable when he is hoping for a treat. It’s fine to indulge your pup with snacks, but don’t go overboard. Man’s Best Friend’s talent for begging is one of the biggest factors behind canine obesity. While we can’t deny that chubby dogs are cute, that extra weight can be very dangerous! Ask your vet for advice on giving your pooch treats.
Please contact us, your local Moorpark, CA animal hospital, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. We are here to help!