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Treats are a popular tool to use in training, and many people like to give their dogs little tidbits of food as a way to show affection. But from a nutritional point of view, too many treats can be problematic.
Dogs get all of the nutrition and calories they need from a complete and balanced dog food. Treats that are given in addition to a dog's regular diet add calories, fat and extra nutrients that may not be good for your dog.
The Risks of Excessive Treats
The extra calories contained in treats can be an issue for dogs. These extra calories, if not burned off through extra play and exercise, can lead to weight gain and even obesity, which carries with it increased risk of certain health conditions.
In addition to extra calories and fat, people food can also raise additional issues for your pet. To avoid these and do what is best for your dog, never supplement his diet with people food.
Responsible Treating
A responsible way to give food as treats is to measure out your dog's daily allowance of kibble in the morning, and dip into that for training treats. This way you can give your dog a food reward for a job well done and not worry about extra calories.
Of course, it is possible to feed commercial dog treats responsibly. Treating should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. Monitor your dog's body condition and adjust food and treats accordingly.
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