How to Balance Dry Dog Food & Treats for a Healthy Diet

We all love spoiling our furry friends. Treats can seem like the ideal way to express our affection, and those puppy-dog eyes are difficult to refuse. However, a diet that consists only of snacks and sweets is unhealthy for dogs, just as it is for us. Although they are fun for your dog, treats shouldn’t make up a large percentage of their regular diet. Because even the best treats for dogs are still just ‘treats’, not a full meal! Premium, well-balanced dry dog food is the foundation of a dog’s diet. Read on to know how to maintain your dog’s happiness, health, and energy levels by finding the ideal ratio between dry dog food and treats.

Why Dry Dog Food Should Be the Foundation

Kibble is made especially to satisfy a dog’s nutritional requirements at every stage of life. A high-quality kibble will offer a complete and balanced supply of:

Protein: Essential for muscle building and repair.
Carbohydrates: Provide energy.
Fats: Important for healthy skin, coat, and hormone production.
Vitamins and Minerals: Support overall health and bodily functions.
Fiber: Aids in digestion.

In contrast to treats, which are sometimes heavy in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, dry dog food is intended to be a dependable and steady source of nourishment. Consider it your dog’s primary meal, the source of the majority of the vital nutrients they require to survive.

Understanding the Downside of Too Many Treats

While treats can be useful for training and rewarding good behavior, overdoing it can lead to several health problems:

Weight Gain and Obesity: Overindulging in treats can result in weight gain and obesity since they are frequently high in calories. Dog obesity may lead to a number of health concerns, such as diabetes, heart disease, joint troubles, and a shorter lifespan.
Nutritional Imbalances: Your dog might not be receiving enough of the vital nutrients in their dry food if treats account for a major amount of their diet. This may eventually result in deficits and health issues.
Digestive Issues: Dogs that have trouble digesting certain foods may have gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting or diarrhea.
Finicky Eating Habits: Your dog may develop finicky eating habits if they get overindulgent in goodies and lose interest in their normal diet.
Dental Problems: Many sweets include a lot of sugar, which can lead to dental issues including cavities and plaque accumulation.

Calculating Your Dog’s Daily Calorie Needs

Before you can determine how many treats are appropriate, you need to know your dog’s daily calorie needs. This will vary depending on factors such as:

Weight: Larger dogs require more calories than smaller dogs.
Age: Puppies and young, active dogs need more calories than older, less active dogs.
Breed: Some breeds are naturally more active and require more calories.
Activity Level: Highly active dogs burn more calories than sedentary dogs.
Health Conditions: Certain health conditions can affect a dog’s calorie needs.

The best way to determine your dog’s specific calorie needs is to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s individual factors and provide a tailored recommendation.

The 90/10 Rule: A Guideline for Balancing Dry Dog Food and Treats

A good rule of thumb to follow is the 90/10 rule. This means that:

90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from their balanced dry dog food.
10% of their daily calories can come from treats.

So, if your dog needs 1000 calories per day, only about 100 calories should come from treats. This might seem like a small amount, but it adds up quickly!

Choosing Healthy Treats

When selecting treats for your dog, opt for healthy, low-calorie options. Here are some tips:

Read the Label: Look for sweets with recognized ingredients and avoid ones that are full of sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Consider Single-Ingredient Treats: Options like freeze-dried meat, sweet potato chews, or carrot sticks can be healthy and satisfying.
Choose Small Treats: You may reward your dog more regularly with smaller treats without stuffing too many calories in your dog.
Vegetables and Fruits: Carrots, apples (without the core and seeds), blueberries, and other tiny fruits and vegetables are adored by dogs.
Homemade Treats: You can maintain control over the ingredients and make sure they are wholesome and nourishing when you make your own dog treats. There are a ton of recipes on the internet.

Practical Tips for Balancing Dry Dog Food and Treats

Measure Food Portions: To make sure you are giving your dog the right quantity of dry food, use a measuring cup. As a starting point, refer to the feeding instructions on the food box; then, based on your dog’s weight and activity level, make any necessary adjustments.
Count Calories in Treats: Find out how many calories each treat has by reading the box. To make sure you don’t go over the 10% limit, keep a running record of the goodies you give your dog during the day.
Adjust Meal Portions: To make up for the extra calories, cut back on your dog’s dry food portion if they receive a lot of treats on a given day.
Use Treats Strategically: Treats should not just be given for the purpose of doing so, but also mainly for teaching and rewarding excellent behavior.
Break Treats into Smaller Pieces: To extend the shelf life of bigger treats and lower total caloric consumption, break them up into tiny pieces.
Offer Praise and Affection: Your dog may only desire your attention at times. Provide alternative rewards such as play, petting, and verbal praise.
Incorporate Exercise: Your dog can burn calories and maintain a healthy weight with regular physical activity.
Monitor Your Dog’s Weight: Weigh your dog frequently and keep an eye on their physical health. Their ribs shouldn’t be too covered in fat, so you should be able to feel them.
Consult with Your Veterinarian: Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s nutrition and request individualized advice.

Making it work

It is crucial to balance the Best healthiest dry dog food and treats for keeping your dog in excellent condition. Knowing their caloric requirements, giving healthy treats, and adhering to the 90/10 rule will keep your furry companion well-nourished and able to enjoy the occasional treats as well. Treats should be supplemental to a well-balanced diet, not the entire meal. With a bit of planning and effort, you can keep your dog happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.

FAQs

How many treats should I give my dog each day?

Treats should make up only 5% to 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Consult your vet to determine the exact number of treats based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and health.

What are healthy treat options for dogs?

Healthy treat options include small pieces of vegetables like carrots or broccoli, plain Cheerios, air-popped popcorn (no butter or salt), or a portion of their regular kibble.

Can I use training treats as part of my dog’s daily food intake?

Yes, you can set aside a portion of your dog’s daily kibble to use as training treats. This helps ensure they are still getting a balanced diet.

How often should I feed my dog?

Most adult dogs do well with two meals a day, spaced 8-12 hours apart. Puppies may need to be fed more frequently.

What should I do if my dog is always hungry?

If your dog always seems hungry, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. You may need to adjust their food portions or switch to a diet food that is more filling. Make sure they are not just seeking attention before increasing their food intake.

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Nellie Carnes

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