You need to have plenty of treats on hand when raising a puppy. You will need good, healthy treats to positively reinforce wanted behavioral traits during training and reinforcement sessions for dogs of all ages.
The problem is that there are a lot of “junk food” snacks for canines that offer little nutritional value. As the dog’s owner, it becomes your task to try to choose healthy alternatives that will not lead to obesity and food allergies.
The healthier manufactured treats are usually available at pet stores where you will most likely find a bigger selection than from the shelves of grocery stores. Read the ingredients and the label as though you were buying the food item for yourself. Compare products.
Ask questions if you’re confused about things such as moisture content and the amount of protein in dog treats. Consult with your veterinarian for guidelines for healthy treats for your breed of dog.
If you like to cook, there are many recipes available online and in pet food cookbooks. Making your own dog treats is one means of insuring that your puppy is getting the best, most wholesome foods because you control the ingredients that go into the snacks.
One recipe for healthy dog biscuits is as follows. Combine two-and-one-half cups of whole wheat flour with one-half cup of powdered milk, one-half teaspoon salt, one-half teaspoon of dried parsley and three tablespoons of dried liver powder. Cut in six tablespoons of meat drippings or margarine until the mixture is the consistency of cornmeal. Mix in one beaten egg and one teaspoon of brown sugar. Add about one-half cup of ice water. Mix and roll or pat out mixture until it is one-half inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in a 350-degree oven.
Another option is mix three-and-one-half cups of whole wheat flour with two-and-one-half cups of oatmeal. In a small saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of corn oil, two cups of water or milk, 2 ounces of carob (do not use chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs) and three tablespoons of brown sugar until all melts. Add to the flour mixture and mix well. Pat the mixture out onto a greased cookie sheet until batter is one-half inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Bake one hour at 350 degrees.
Don’t overlook fresh foods as healthy dog snacks. Many raw vegetables provide lots of good nutrition without causing the dog to become overweight. Try carrot slices, green beans, squash, cabbage or broccoli. Do not use onions or garlic, as they can be harmful to a dog’s health.
Dogs also enjoy raw fruits. Apple slice and berries are quite popular. Avoid grapes and raisins.
Fruits and vegetables are a good source of antioxidants, soluble fiber and roughage, all of which promote good intestinal health.
A raw or very lightly cooked egg can make a nutritious treat for dogs. One a week is sufficient and helps promote a shiny, healthy coat.
Do not overfeed treats of any kind. An obese dog is one that is more prone to illness.
Related posts:
- Healthy Dog Treats
- How Many Treats is Too Many?
- Recommended Foods/Treats For Different Size Dogs
- Is That Table Food Healthy For Fido?
- Top Six Ways To Keep Your Puppy Healthy
