What a better way to show you care than by giving your pet a delicious treat? Pet owners love showing affection by giving treats and there are thousands of varieties to choose from. How do you choose a nutritious treat?
Pet owners tend to give too many treats. This introduces many extra calories into a pet’s diet and may cause obesity. Obesity contributes to a wide range of health problems from arthritis to diabetes and obese pets live shorter lives.
Also, treats are not a complete and balanced like pet food and should not be used as the primary source of calories. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pets daily calories. If you tend to over fed them with treats they are more likely to skip their meal.
It is important to give your pet treats at the right time. Never for begging or whining but a reward for training or after exercise. When choosing treats, avoid those that are filled with sugar (corn syrup, molasses, fructose etc.) Salt, artificial coloring and flavorings or preservatives. There are many commercial treats are designed in color and appearance to appeal to pet owners, but most of these treats are poorly nutritious.
Consider:
•Treats that are meat based with no artificial ingredients. You can also use human foods as a treat but only lean meat and unseasoned.
•Fruits, veggies and even ice cubes as great natural alternatives to commercial treats.
•Any minimally processed natural treat that is low in calories, low in fat and high in protein.
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