Dogs are always adorable, but they somehow manage to be super cute when they think they’re about to get a snack. Fido certainly does know how to cajole us into giving him treats! Treats are actually beneficial for your pooch: they brighten up his day, make him feel loved, and strengthen the bond between you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind here. A Greenbrae, CA vet discusses giving your furry friend snacks in this article.
Suitable Snacks
Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat, is always a great treat. Fido can also have cheese or eggs, as well as certain fruits and veggies, like bananas, apple slices, pureed pumpkin, carrots, string beans, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Homemade Goodies
If you like cooking, why not make Fido some homemade treats? You can mix and match any of the ingredients listed above. Other things you may want to incorporate include natural peanut butter, sodium-free broth, organic baby food, wheat germ oil, olive oil, plain yogurt, bacon fat, and/or bacon bits.
Begging
Some of our canine pals have their humans wrapped around their paws! We know, it’s hard to resist that sad puppy stare, but begging is bad petiquette. It can also be dangerous, as your pooch could convince someone to share something that isn’t safe for him. If Fido won’t stop begging, keep him in another room while you eat. Or at least offer him something healthy, like a carrot stick.
Unsafe Foods
Never give Fido anything that contains garlic, onion, scallions, or chives; nuts; mushrooms; pitted fruit, especially avocado; chocolate; caffeine; raw meat, dough, or yeast; grapes, currants, or raisins; alcohol; or xylitol. Fatty foods are also unsafe, as is anything high in sugar or salt.
Trick Or Treat
Many dogs like learning new things! Have Fido perform a command for his snack. Once he’s mastered the basics, like Sit and Lay Down, teach him some cute tricks. Shake and Roll Over will always be cute!
Avoid Overindulging
If it were up to Fido, he’d probably happily munch on bacon all day. However, you don’t want to overindulge your pet. Treats should only make up about 5 percent of his daily caloric intake.
Please reach out to us, your Greenbrae, CA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
