How Many Treats Can I Give My Dog?
Giving treats to your dog is an excellent way to reinforce training, make them happy, or reward good behavior. However, it is essential to follow certain rules to avoid health problems.
Treats are a pleasure for your dog, but they should be given in moderation and with intelligence. By following these tips, you ensure a balanced diet and a healthy life for your companion.
Why Limit Treats?
Treats, while delicious for your dog, often contain extra calories that can lead to weight gain. An unbalanced diet can also cause nutritional deficiencies and long-term health problems. Excess can also lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Additionally, overconsumption of treats can make your dog less receptive to their main diet, leading to nutritional imbalance. Finally, some industrial treats contain additives or preservatives that can be harmful to health in the long term.
The 10% Rule
Veterinarians recommend that treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. For example:
- Small dog (5 kg): Daily caloric needs of about 200 kcal → 20 kcal maximum in treats.
- Medium dog (15 kg): Daily caloric needs of about 600 kcal → 60 kcal maximum in treats.
- Large dog (30 kg): Daily caloric needs of about 1200 kcal → 120 kcal maximum in treats.
Using this simple rule helps you avoid excess while maintaining nutritional balance.
Specific Needs of Each Dog
Each dog is unique, and their needs vary according to several factors:
- Age: Puppies and senior dogs have different energy needs.
- Activity: An active dog burns more calories than a sedentary dog.
- Health status: Dogs with weight problems, diabetes, or food allergies require special attention.
Consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your dog.
Types of Treats to Prefer
Not all treats are equal. Here are some tips for making the best choice:
- Natural: Opt for safe fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples (without seeds) or bananas. Other examples include blueberries, zucchini slices, and small pieces of cucumber.
- Nutrient-rich: Prefer treats containing proteins and vitamins. For example, pieces of dried chicken breast, dried fish, or treats enriched with omega-3.
- Low-calorie: Check labels to avoid caloric excess. You can also opt for watermelon cubes (without seeds), lightly cooked cauliflower, or treats specially designed for dogs.
Avoid treats containing chocolate, garlic, or sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. Also, never give avocados, grapes, or macadamia nuts, as they can cause serious problems like digestive issues, vomiting, or even kidney failure.
Appropriate Times to Give Treats
Treats are an effective tool for:
- Training: Rewarding desired behavior during training sessions.
- Special moments: Celebrating a birthday or good performance.
- Mental stimulation: Use interactive toys filled with treats to occupy your dog.
Avoid giving treats without reason, as this can harm discipline and their diet.
Signs of Overconsumption
Be attentive to signs that your dog is consuming too many treats:
- Weight gain.
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting.
- Refusal to eat their regular food.
- Behavioral changes, such as excessive agitation or dependence on treats.
If you notice these symptoms, reduce treats and consult your veterinarian.
Practical Tips
To integrate treats into your dog's daily life while maintaining balance:
- Cut treats into small portions to limit excess.
- Alternatives: Sometimes replace treats with non-food rewards, such as cuddles or games.
- Plan: Adjust the daily food amount according to the treats given.
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