As a provider of high quality natural pet food in PA, continuing to learn and educate about dogs’ diets is important to us.
The way that we look after our pets has changed in recent years, with more people trying to actively improve their pets’ quality of life. This is because we have realized that cats and dogs are more receptive than we previously thought, and show both mental and emotional intelligence which should be fostered. Nowadays on reviewing the way that we have been giving treats to our dogs, we’ve realized that it may be negatively impacting their quality of life.
Giving your dog a treat is a simple pleasure which is enjoyed by the owner as much as the dog, due to the typically strong bond between the two. Although what many people don’t realize is that most dog treats are actually quite unhealthy for them. Being a supplier of raw pet food in PA and nearby, we’ve been able to witness the positive effects of changing how you give your dog their treats.
Here are some tips on how to treat your dog without affecting their quality of life.
Natural Pet Food Near Me
Most people will give their dog a treat for one of two reasons: as a reward for good behavior, or to distract them for whatever reason. While this in itself isn’t problematic, it’s often the frequency at which treats are given for these reasons which can cause issues. As with our own diet, we only require a certain amount of nutrients and calories each day before the excess becomes ineffective. The same goes for dogs, and when they receive treats more often you may find it affects their bowel regularity and their mood.
Dog treats are only effective as a reward when they are infrequent, if rewards are given daily then they become a part of the dog’s diet, and the dog will repeat the behavior expecting a treat every time. Try to limit those store-bought dog treats to a maximum of three or four times a week, and preferably with good reason such as exceptional behavior or in the absolute necessity of a distraction.
Nutritional Value of Typical Dog Treats
While many dog treats will boast that they contain nutritional content which is good for your dog, they also often contain fillers, sugar or carbs, and high levels of sodium. These are not only unnecessary for your dog’s dietary requirements; they can actually harm their delicate digestive system. Instead of buying cheap dog treats or going with generic brands, it may be better to consider alternative treats which don’t contain unnecessary or harmful elements.
Liver Treats
While liver treats are often thought to be healthy for dogs, too much of them can cause problems like pancreatitis. If you’re giving your dog liver treats try to limit them to a few times a week, and to include other treats as well.
Alternative Dog Treats
A treat doesn’t necessarily have to be some sort of dried snack which can be quickly given to your dog. Instead there are different kinds of treats you can give your dog to suit different reasons. As each dog is different you may need to do some experimenting to find out what might work as a treat for your dog. Even something as simple as a special chew toy can function similarly to a treat if given to your dog as a reward for a moment, as long as it is then taken away until the next time.
Different Treats for Different Reasons
Having a variety of different treats, including those which aren’t edible, can be a great way to motivate your dog to do a variety of different things. Snack treats can be more appropriate for training purposes, whereas a nice smelly blanket may be enough of a distraction when needed.
Diet and How it Relates to Quality of Life with Natural Pet Food Near Me
When talking about dog treats we are essentially talking about the diet of our dogs, as regardless of how you consider them they’re absorbed alongside all the other food they’re given. Recent years have seen more pet owners researching and looking for raw pet food in PA and throughout the rest of the states. This has led to a variety of raw pet food providers which can help you assimilate the natural diet of your dog, leading to an improvement in health and therefore quality of life.
If you’re looking for natural pet food in PA or in any of the nearby states, check out our delivery schedule to see when we’re next dropping off to your area.
