Dog Snacks
Snacks for dogs could be an effective reinforcement technique, used while training.
However, the fact is that your dog does not really require the extra snacks, to help him get through the day. Therefore, uncontrolled dog snacks could actually contribute to the obesity concern, affecting many dogs these days. Nevertheless, snacks can serve a purpose, if used in the right way. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not eliminate them completely, but that you choose them carefully, by opting for healthy dog snacks that could improve your pet’s health and make him feel rewarded.
To avoid obesity related concerns, you should also include these snacks in your dog’s daily calorie count. When it comes to allowing your dog snacks or treats, you should follow a few basic ground rules. First of all, the total daily intake of snacks should never exceed 5% of the total daily recommended calories for the dog. Snacks should be used as a supplement, not as a substitute for a proper balanced diet.
You should avoid snacks that are high in fat. These treats should not be easily accessible; make your pet earn the snack. Healthy dog snack options could include fruit, vegetables, biscuits and homemade cookies. For convenience, you could make a large quantity of a healthy dog snack and put most of it away, for later use.
One healthy snack options that you can try is a dental treat, which will also keep the dog’s teeth clean and fresh. Some good brands of dental treats are available, which are not only low in calories, but also contain minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Carrots can be healthy snack options for dogs too and you do not have to fret about them consuming unnecessary calories. Frozen carrots are especially good, for teething puppies. In fact, you could make a lot of snacks at home, using vegetables, seeds, grain or fruit. There are several dog snack recipes that you can use, like:
Homemade Cookies for Dogs
- Butter/ Margarine - 12 teaspoons
- Plain Flour - 1 ¾ cup
- Toasted wheat germ - 2 teaspoons
- Sesame seeds - ¼ cup
- Ground walnuts - ½ cup
- Brown sugar - ½ cup
- Vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon
- Lemon rind - 1 lemon
Mix all the ingredients together and knead them thoroughly, to form dough. Divide the dough into six parts and roll each part to resemble a log. Wrap these logs loosely, in some wax paper and freeze them. Whenever required, thaw the log and cut it into slices. Each slice should be about ½ an inch in thickness. Place the thawed slices on an un-greased cookie sheet. Pre-heat the oven to 375 F and bake these cookies for about 12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool, before offering them to your dog.
|
