CAN I FEED MY PUPPY TREATS?
Of course, but treats should always be fed safely, in moderation and supplementary to a complete and balanced diet.
Just like babies, puppies can have sensitive stomachs, so it is important not to overfeed them or upset their stomachs. We recommend looking for treats that contain real ingredients (e.g. single protein treats) and avoiding treats that are high in preservatives, saturated fat and sugar, as these can cause stomach upset.
For young or very small puppies, we also recommend feeding soft treats rather than crunchy treats.
As always, we recommend that any time you change your dog’s diet, whether through food or treats, you do so gradually and you monitor their response to make sure their digestive system responds well to that food or treat. If your dog displays changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, we recommend slowing the transition down. If you have already transitioned gradually and your dog is still experiencing gastrointestinal upset, we recommend consulting your veterinarian. In some cases, it may be necessary to choose a different food or treat.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY DOG A TREAT?
Treats should always be given in moderation and supplementary to a complete and balanced diet. The rule of thumb is that treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s recommended daily caloric intake.
If your dog has not had a particular treat before, it is best to monitor how your dog is responding to the treat, as some dogs have sensitive stomachs and can suffer constipation or diarrhoea. For any dog, too many treats or certain kinds of treats (e.g. those with a high fat content) can cause stomach upset and / or inflammation, as well as weight gain.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL & SINGLE INGREDIENT PROTEIN DOG TREATS?
Many commercial dog treats are full of hidden nasties such as artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, as well as high amounts of starchy carbohydrates, sugar, multiple meat byproducts or derivatives and synthetic vitamins and minerals. While these ingredients may reduce cost and extend shelf life, dogs are not biologically designed to digest these ingredients. As a result, they can often cause stomach upset.
Natural and single ingredient protein dog treats, on the other hand, are full of naturally occurring goodness, and are generally a healthier more nutritious and digestible option for your dogs. There are no hidden ingredients which means you can be sure of exactly what you are feeding your dog – a natural, clean, and nutritious high protein treat.
Natural and single ingredient protein dog treats can also have other benefits:
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they promote tooth and gum health as they can help clean the teeth and gums by scraping tartar and plaque along the gumline when dogs gnaw on them, keeping the teeth white and breath fresh. In fact, the mere act of gnawing itself stimulates enzymes in your dog’s saliva that helps to break down tartar; and
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they can satisfy your dog’s innate need to chew and provide mental stimulation. You know what that means? With an appropriate outlet, your dog is less likely to chew unwanted items such as furniture or your clothing!
HOW DO I KNOW THAT A TREAT IS HEALTHY?
Many commercial treats have long lists of ingredients, including many we can’t pronounce.
As it can be difficult to decipher a list of ingredients, if in doubt, always look for treats that have few ingredients but that are healthy and natural ingredients you recognise. A good question to ask yourself is “Does this treat sound healthy?”.
Single ingredient natural dog treats like our Wholesome Hound Bully Sticks, Wagyu Beef Ears, Goat Horns and Veal Scrolls are a great option as you can be sure of exactly what you are feeding your dog – a natural, clean and nutritious high protein treat.
