Giving Your Dog Treats

Does your pooch come running at top doggy speed when he hears a food wrapper? If there’s one thing Fido gets excited about—aside from bacon, walks, and car rides—it’s treats. While your furry buddy would probably happily snap up anything you put before him, it’s best to stick to safe, suitable options. A Marietta, GA vet discusses giving Fido treats in this article.

People Food

There are some people foods you can share with your pooch. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is fine. (Note: you should limit organ meats, such as liver. Too much of these can make your cute pet very sick!) Fido can also have a bit of cheese, some eggs, or certain fruits and veggies. Always research new foods to be sure they are safe.

Store-Bought Treats

When shopping for treats, get into the habit of reading labels. Opt for brands that use whole, natural, ingredients, and list mostly meat, fish, or poultry.

Unsafe Foods

Not everything is safe for Fido! Avoid anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; pitted fruit, especially avocado; meat on the bone; raw meat, dough, or yeast; nuts; chocolate; grapes, currants, and raisins; mushrooms; caffeine; alcohol; or xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

Homemade Snacks

If you like cooking, you can make your canine buddy’s snacks. Just stick with ingredients that are safe for dogs. Some good ones are ripe bananas; pureed pumpkin; natural peanut butter; plain yogurt; organic gravy; shredded meat; bacon bits; and sodium-free broth. You can mix and match these for a base, and then add things like kibble, shredded meat, or bacon bits. Look online for recipe ideas.

Tricks For Treats

Dogs really love to please their owners. Have Fido do a simple trick for his treat. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate: even Sit or Shake Paw will work. This is a great way to boost your pet’s confidence. Fido loves being rewarded for being a good boy!

Begging

Man’s Best Friend has been our companion for thousands of years. Fido has had plenty of time to figure out how to pull our strings. He’s also absolutely perfected that ‘sad puppy’ expression that is so effective at getting us to fork over yummy snacks.

Please reach out to us, your local Marietta, GA et clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!