Gilpa

Treats Results

10/09/2020

Gilbertson&page_treats_articleDog treats are an important part of how we feed our dogs nowadays. In our survey last month 50% of owners reported feeding treats and 74% fed these every day. 

Treats can be an important part of a daily dental hygiene routine, dental treats can help clean the surface of the teeth either through the chewing action or the presence of enzymes or chemicals within the treats themselves. Ideally however, these should be combined with teeth brushing as well and a dry kibble diet (without added simple sugars or ingredients that coat the teeth) which will also help to keep teeth clean.  

Tasty treats and training treats can be a great way of rewarding good behaviour with your dog and keep their interest focused on you. Occasions like visits to the vet, noisy areas in towns where they are reluctant to go can all be rewarded with treats to make future visits go smoothly. And of course training itself! Whether this is at home or in a class, treats can improve focus and incentivise your dog to perform at their best for you. 

However, the downside to treats is that they are an easy way to overfeed your dog and add on weight. Tasty treats and training treats are often higher in fat, salt, sugar and calories as well. Reducing meals to account for these extras will help, but ideally treats should make up no more than 10% of the overall diet to ensure your dog gets the full nutritious benefit of his or her main meals.