Giving our dogs a little treat is something that we can’t resist doing, and is one of the most joyful ways for us to show our affection. However, you may have had thoughts like ‘Are dog treats bad for dogs?’ or ‘Can puppies have treats?’
Here at Green Pantry, we believe that a treat should do more than just taste good… It should contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being. That’s why you should shop our full range of natural dog treats and make the choice to healthier alternatives. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the essential dos and don’ts of dog treats so that you can spoil your dog in the right way.
Let’s dive into it…
The importance of choosing the right treat
When it comes to treating your furry friend, it’s not just about a tasty snack. It’s about choosing a treat that supports their health and well-being. We all might be partial to sneaking our dogs part of our meal from the table, but in hindsight, this isn’t benefiting them at all.
Just like choosing a natural dog food, the wrong choice can lead to weight gain, digestive upset, or even long-term health issues. That’s why you should look out for treats that are made from natural ingredients that will support your dog to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Below, we’ve shared a guide to dog treats, to help you treat your dog without overindulging them. Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail.
- Choose quality over quantity – Remember, any human food can be toxic to dogs, and shouldn’t be fed to them, like grapes, chocolate, and raisins. Make sure you’re buying high-quality treats, like ours here at Green Pantry. They’re completely natural, but also incredibly delicious!
- Use treats for positive reinforcement – A lot of people use treats for training, and they’re an essential part of positive reinforcement. However, be careful not to overdo it!
- Be careful in moderation – Remember the 10% rule. Dog treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s calories per day. For more information, have a read of our blog How Many Treats Should I Feed My Dog Per Day?
- Be considerate of their needs – Think about your dog’s age, size, and health. For puppies, choose treats that are smaller and easier to chew. For senior dogs, look for low-fat options or treats that can help to aid creaky joints.
- Always provide your dog with fresh, clean water – Water is crucial for a dog’s digestive system to function properly, and will help to break down the treats you’re giving them!
Common dog treat mistakes to avoid
- Don’t overfeed your dog – Too many treats can lead your dog to become overweight and unhealthy, and it might also put them off their main meal.
- Don’t reward bad behaviour – If you’ve been feeding your dog too many treats, they might start begging. Don’t just give your dog a treat because they want one. You should do it to reinforce positive behaviour, not negative behaviour.
- Don’t give them treats with their meals – This can encourage selective eating, with the treats being the preferred option.
- Don’t feed your dog human snacks – While this is a given, some people still can’t resist giving their dog a small portion of their main meal. Highly processed snacks, fatty foods, and sugary treats are extremely harmful towards dogs.
- Don’t be inconsistent – If you’re using treats for training, be consistent with your rewards. Don’t give them a treat for their behaviour one day and not the next. This can confuse them and make training harder.
In summary, healthy (& tasty!) treats should be used in moderation and towards rewarding good and wanted behaviour. Natural treats are a far better choice for your dog as they are the canine equivalent of whole foods for humans. We’re sure your dog would thank you for it!
Are dog treats bad for dogs?
That depends. If you’re giving your dog Green Pantry treats, you can rest assured that you’re feeding your dog the most natural and healthy ingredients possible. You might not know it, but many treats that you’ll see stocked on supermarket shelves are often packed with cheap filler ingredients, artificial flavours, and unnecessary sugars, adding no nutritional value or goodness to their diet.
Our treats are made with 100% natural and air-dried ingredients, and are formulated to provide added health benefits, supporting digestion and weight control. You can shop our low-fat dog treats too, which have been specifically formulated to support your dog’s weight and vitality.
Our experts recommend…
Laura Ward, pet nutritionist, talks about the importance of our naturally focused recipes. She says:
“Many treats can contain artificial colours, synthetic preservatives, and added sugars. They can be high in fat or calories, and low in the types of nutrients you’re looking to boost in your dog’s diet – like omega oils, fibre, and antioxidants.
Go ahead and compare our wonderful Green Pantry air-dried treats to other dog treats. Choosing these high-quality treats will support and aid digestive issues, coat and joint health. I’d always recommend avoiding giving your dog human food as a treat, as highly processed snacks, fatty foods, and sugary treats are unsuitable for dogs and can often contain toxic ingredients.”
Take a look at some of our tasty, natural treats on offer:
- Our White Fish with Parsley & Potato Air Dried Treat – Made with MSC-accredited white fish, these treats deliver premium protein while being gentle on digestion.
- Our Beef with Sweet Potato & Oregano Air Dried Treat – Low in fat, these mouth-watering treats feature high-quality beef, sweet potato, and oregano to support their immune system.
- Our Chicken with Sweet Potato & Thyme Air Dried Treat – Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this is a treat that supports immune health, strong bones, and a healthy coat.
Still need convincing? Hear from our satisfied customers!
“AMAZING DOG FOOD AND TREATS! 5* all around, have a very fussy dog have tried all sorts of brands and different types of foods! This hit the spot, with BEEF being the favourite treat and white fish biscuits being the one for dinner time. If you’re thinking of trying green pantry don’t hesitate and do it today! Packaging and delivery spot on!” – Nicole, Trustpilot review
“At last a tasty natural safe treat. Easy to order. Trusted description of product. Speedy delivery. Good communication” – Belinda, Trustpilot review
Treat your dog the natural way with Green Pantry
Hopefully, this blog has taught you all the dos and don’ts when it comes to dog treats, including whether they are bad for your dogs and whether puppies are allowed to have them. With Green Pantry’s newest range of natural dog treats, you can rest assured knowing that your dog’s taste buds are satisfied without feeling guilty that they’re piling on any extra pounds!
If you require any more information, please feel free to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to get back to you or even chat to you directly on the phone. Just ring us on 01553 811 320.
