There are many types of treats or dog rewards that we can find in the market, as well as in our own homes. The problem appears when choosing. Can my dog eat the same food as me? What is recommended to use as a reward in training?
To answer all these questions, on our site we are going to review the different reinforcements that we can offer our partner, which ones we should avoid and other fundamental advice to take into account. Find out below what are the best treats for dogs
What do the vets recommend?
First of all, it is essential to highlight that not all foods that are he althy for humans are also he althy for dogs. Some are prohibited or must be limited, which we will explain later.
Unlike cats, which are completely carnivorous, dogs are omnivorous opportunists. This means that, in addition to meat and fish, they can eat cereals, fruits and vegetables, yes, calculating the proportions correctly.
Remember that obesity in dogs is a real and very common problem, something you should take into account when choosing and offering treats to your dog. For example, if you decide to buy commercial snacks, don't hesitate to check their composition and calories This will let you know if it's possible to offer three treats at the same time or if it's It is preferable to use only one.
The important thing is that when reinforcing your dog you have moderation and learn to work with caresses or with your voice as well. Also, try to reward him with small amounts, not only to avoid obesity, but also so that he appreciates reinforcements more or to avoid satiating him Remember that you are not feeding him, you are rewarding him.
Treats, great for training dogs
When you are training or educating a dog, for example, teaching basic obedience exercises, it is ideal to have treats and treats to your likingto be able to reinforce it. Although it is not the only type of reinforcement that exists (we have previously talked about caresses or kind words), it is usually the best received.
By using positive reinforcement you will be able to observe how your dog learns and remembers more easily. It is also indicated to improve the bond with the owner or to ensure the welfare of the dog.
What to reward a dog during training?
It is very important to vary the type of treat, not only to balance diets, but also to maintain interest in the dog. You must find out which prizes he prefers and order them from highest to lowest value.
To review commands already learned, it is best to use treats with a low value. On the other hand, if you are trying to help him overcome a fear, teach him something very complicated, or try to get him to focus in a stimulating environment, you will need higher-value reinforcersIf you want to know more, do not hesitate to visit our article on dog training sessions.
Where can I buy them? What treats should I choose?
You can buy treats for dogs at an exclusive store for animals (online or physical) or in a supermarket, for example. Even in the Mercadona they sell treats for dogs. However, we recommend getting those that are high quality, organic and natural. Otherwise, some problems may appear, such as being overweight or diarrhoea.
There are many different products and finding the right one depends on the dog's needs and its acceptance. For example, we can find exclusive prizes for puppies or elderly dogs, although they are mostly for adult dogs. Also for overweight dogs, satiating, to improve the shine of the coat or for certain he alth problems, such as prizes for dogs with dermatitis.
Regardless of their composition, we can also find treats indicated by size, as prizes for small dogs or for large dogs.
Natural Dog Awards
We have mentioned in the previous section that the best treats for dogs are those made with natural ingredients and suitable for human consumption, but what are these treats like? In the market we can find all kinds of natural snacks for dogs, such as those offered by Altudog, a company dedicated to the manufacture of he althy and natural food for dogs. All its ingredients are of high quality, since they have been produced in its own human food plant. Among all its products, the wagyu cecina and the dehydrated chicken breast strips stand out., although they are not the only natural snacks that we can find. In general, they work with this type of meat, which dogs like a lot and is easy to digest. Likewise, being dehydrated, the animal can gnaw and keep itself entertained while enjoying he althy and balanced food. It should be noted that this company has its own dehydration room, so they do not require intermediaries to create their products. At Altudog, they also want to teach us how to reward our dogs with these natural snacks so that we know how to use them correctly.
But what if we don't want to offer commercial snacks? Are there he althy homemade treats? We'll talk about them below.
Home Dog Treats
It is not always necessary to go to a nearby store to buy dog treats. Perhaps, without knowing it, you already have some in your kitchen, totally natural and tasty.
Crispy Prizes
- Carrots, apples, pears, or green beans make great prizes. These fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, crunchy, and taste great, making them a convenient and inexpensive treat. You can offer them raw or cooked. Find out how to prepare dehydrated vegetables for your dog at home, following the advice of Lucy from Snouts, shown in the video.
- Liver. It will be enough to cut it into strips and bake it, without s alt or sugar. It is important to open the oven slightly to cook it, since this way we completely remove the moisture and obtain a completely crisp and tasty product, rich in taurine.
- Peanut butter is a good choice if you make it at home, with just peanuts. Some brands on the market add xylitol, an artificial sweetener not recommended for dogs.
Soft Prizes
- Blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Red fruits offer the dog natural antioxidants, and they are also very tasty!
- Potatoes or sweet potatoes are excellent and are often highly appreciated by dogs. You can bake them, boil them, and even prepare them in a nonstick pan.
- Chicken, turkey, beef or fish, whether boiled, baked, steamed… Remember to completely avoid s alt and sugar, as well as cooked bones and bones.
- Banana, melon or watermelon. Although we should not overdo it, due to its high sugar content, these fruits are usually very well received by the dog and can help you in an emergency situation.
Dogs, in general, adapt and get used to different types of food, especially if they are offered since they are puppies. Getting your dog used to eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables recommended for dogs is very positive and he althy for him.
What should we avoid when rewarding a dog?
It is important to remember that there are some foods that are prohibited for dogs, which should never be offered as a reward. We remind you of some:
- Chocolate
- Tea
- Coffee
- Milk
- Yeast
- Alcohol
- Onion
- Grapes
- Raisins
- S alt
- Raw eggs
- Raw meat
- Macadamia nuts
With raw meat it is important to make a small point, since it is not recommended to offer it when we do not know its origin or we do not know for sure that it is a quality product, free of parasites or bacteria. Therefore, it is advisable to freeze it beforehand. You will find all the details about the use of raw meat in this article: "BARF diet for dogs. Ingredients, quantities and recipes".
Can we offer bones to our dog?
This is a frequently asked question among dog owners. Cooked bones should be avoided entirely, as there is a high risk of them splintering and causing gastrointestinal obstruction, tearing, and could even cause choking. The most advisable thing is to bet on the meaty raw bones.
