Does your dog perk up when you reach for his treats? Does Fido wake from a dead sleep at the sound of a cheese wrapper opening? If we could ask Man’s Best Friend what his favorite things are, we’re pretty sure that snacks would be at or near the top of that list. Treats are very beneficial, and are an important part of your pet’s care regimen. However, there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind here. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, a local vet discusses choosing dog treats.

Reading Labels

When choosing store-bought treats, get into the habit of reading labels. Look for products with ingredients you can actually identify. Meat, fish, or poultry should be listed first and most often on the label. We also recommend avoiding products shipped from overseas, as not all foreign countries follow strict quality control guidelines on pet products.

Tricks For Treats

Many dogs enjoy having ‘jobs,’ as it’s great for their self-esteem. If Fido doesn’t know basic obedience commands yet, take time to work on these. Otherwise, have him do a cute trick for his snack!

People Foods

As you may have noticed, Fido will eat, well, pretty much anything. He’s also very interested in your food. If you do indulge your furry buddy when he begs, be sure to only offer him healthy foods. Never give your canine buddy anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; alcohol; chocolate; nuts, especially macadamia nuts; grapes, currants, or raisins; pitted fruits; avocado; alcohol; or xylitol. Meat on the bone is unsafe as well, as are raw meat, dough, and yeast.

Safe Foods

Bacon may very well be Fido’s favorite treat, but don’t give him too much of this fatty snack. Cooked, plain meat, fish, or chicken is always a good bet, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat. Your pooch can also have shredded deli meat, hot dogs, or some cheese or egg. Certain fruits and veggies, such as banana, apples, carrots, spinach, pureed pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are safe, as are plain yogurt, natural peanut butter, and sodium-free broth. If you like cooking, you can use any combination of these to make homemade doggy treats. Please contact us at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair animal clinic, anytime. We’re dedicated to keeping your pet happy and healthy!