Giving treats to your dog: everything you need to know
Treats for dogs are more than just a treat. They play an active role in your dog's development and strengthen the affectionate bond between you. What's more, they're a key reward in your dog's training process. When your dog follows a command perfectly, a treat from time to time expresses your satisfaction. However, when it comes to giving your dog treats, you need to follow certain essential rules to safeguard his health and behaviour.
Practical advice for giving your dog treats with complete peace of mind
Discourage your dog from begging
Your puppy's instinct is to ask for food when you're preparing a meal or eating at the table. If you give in, he'll feel dominant, because all he has to do is ask for it.
Avoid human food
Family members usually give the dog table scraps as treats. These are often pieces of meat and sweets. At best, these foods unbalance the animal's diet, and at worst, make it ill. Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine, an extremely dangerous substance for dogs, capable of causing fatal poisoning if ingested in large doses.
Say goodbye to sugar
It's tempting to give your dog a sugar cube while you're having your coffee. But you should know that giving a single lump of sugar to a 10 kg dog is the equivalent of a human adult ingesting 7 lumps! If your dog eats too much sugar, he'll need much more energy than he needs and will quickly become overweight, with serious consequences for his health.
Choose special dog treats
Treats specially developed by vets offer every guarantee of vitamin and mineral intake for your dog. Bones, strips and chew sticks will satisfy your dog while avoiding excess. Some are even designed to meet the specific needs of dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages.
Avoid giving your dog treats for no good reason
While using treats to reward your dog when he follows commands perfectly is a good idea, it is not advisable to offer this type of reward without good reason. Your dog must clearly associate the concepts of obedience and pleasure. Otherwise, he may show signs of psychological disturbance in the long term.
Choosing the right treats for your dog
Choosing treats for your dog should be done wisely and responsibly. You need to take into account a number of criteria that will influence your dog's health and well-being.
- Take your dog's size and age into account: Dogs of different sizes and ages have different nutritional needs. For example, a growing puppy needs more calories and nutrients than an adult dog. Similarly, a small dog does not have the same needs as a large dog. So it's crucial to choose treats suited to your dog's age and size.
- Look at the ingredients: As with your dog's food, it's important to look at the ingredients in the treats you buy. Opt for treats made with natural ingredients and avoid those containing artificial colourings, preservatives and flavourings. High-quality meat-based treats, such as those offered by Marly & Dan, are an excellent choice.
- Check the nutritional value: Treats shouldn't form a large part of your dog's diet, but they should still provide nutritional value. Look for treats that contain vitamins and minerals essential to your dog's health.
To sum up, to choose the right treat for your dog, consider its size, age, nutritional needs and preferences. Treats should not replace a balanced diet, but they can be a healthy and enjoyable addition to your four-legged friend's diet.
Discover the benefits of dog treats
Why choose Marly & Dan treats for your dog?
When it comes to dog treats, Marly & Dan stands out for its commitment to the health and well-being of your four-legged friend. We offer products that are not only bursting with flavours that dogs love, but are also designed to be nutritionally balanced and beneficial to your dog's health.
Marly & Dan offers a range of dog treats that :
- Made from 100% natural ingredients, guaranteeing food safety for your dog.
- Contain salmon as the main ingredient, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for the health of your dog's skin and coat.
- Have been developed with a vet to ensure they meet your dog's specific nutritional needs according to breed, size and age.
- Contribute to your dog's oral health thanks to their unique texture which helps reduce tartar and plaque build-up.
Choosing Marly & Dan means choosing a brand that understands that dogs are more than just pets - they're integral members of the family. The company is committed to providing dog treats that are not only delicious, but also designed to help your dog stay healthy and happy throughout its life.
To make sure your dog gets all the benefits of Marly & Dan treats, consider adding the following products to his diet:
- Marly & Dan Jerky bar treats
- Marly & Dan Soft & Chewy treats
- Marly & Dan Dental Sticks
- Marly & Dan salmon skin treats
Every dog deserves the best, and that includes the treats we give them. Be sure to choose Marly & Dan for high quality, tasty and nutritious dog treats. Choosing the right treats for your dog not only nourishes his palate, but also supports his health and strengthens your bond of love and mutual respect. Be judicious and choose healthy, balanced treats like those offered by Marly & Dan. That way, every reward will be a demonstration of your affection and a step towards the well-being of your faithful companion.