If the warm months make your pup feel a little overheated, this cold treat will probably help. According to the AKC, apples can provide vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. Sometimes you want to have treats handy for impromptu training, for example, to reinforce good behavior around the house, such as lying quietly on a dog's bed. In these cases, having food in your pocket or a bag of dog treats at all times will allow you to offer an immediate reward.
Perishable treats, such as leftover chicken, simply won't work. Look for non-perishable treats that you can carry with you, such as freeze-dried liver or dry treats cut into small pieces. Teaching your dog to love his crate, helping him pass the time while you're away from home, or encouraging him to lie down quietly next to you while you watch television are perfect situations for a lasting gift. If you want to make sure that the treats you give your dog are healthy, pay attention to the nutrition appropriateness label of the Association of Food Control Officials (AAFCO) (which usually appears in small print on the bag).
I still want to give her treats that encourage her to chew because they're beneficial to her teeth and keep her busy, but I'm looking for very thin or flexible jerky treats to fit her smaller complexion and bite. Another option from Zuke's, these treats come flavored with meat and chicken and are a good choice for dogs with joint problems, according to the brand. And every time someone from the strategy team tries one of these treats on their dog, we'll take note of it, too. While watching a puppy struggle with an oversized bone seems adorable, giving a dog a treat that's too big or too small for him can be dangerous.
Soft dog treats are also great for training because, compared to crunchy ones, they are easier and quicker for your dog to eat. Pet Botanics' bacon-flavored dog treats, which have just 3 calories each, are made with real pork liver, according to the brand. These dental treats have the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which means that a group of veterinary dentists and dental scientists reviewed the manufacturer's trial data and confirmed that the treats reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Since most of the brand's treats contain only one protein, they're a good choice for “dogs that may have sensitive bellies and allergies,” he adds.
The quickest way to differentiate between treats that are good for your puppy and treats that are just well-marketed junk food is to read the list of ingredients. I give these treats to Bella when I teach her new orders and, to reward her good behavior, she loves the taste of bacon and, since they come in small, low-calorie balls, I can give her several treats at once while keeping track of her nutritional intake for the day.
