Snacks Harmful To Dogs
Currently , we can find numerous dog treats in markets and pet stores. There are a wide variety of flavors, aromas, textures, shapes and benefits available to tutors. However, there are some snacks that can be harmful to dogs.
Many pet owners wonder if giving dogs treats is good. And what are the harmful snacks for them. In this article, we’ll look at why treats can be very helpful in educating your dog. In addition, we will show you which ones are beneficial to the animal’s health and which ones should be avoided.
Are dog snacks good?
The time to eat a snack can be a pleasure for your dog, who will also interpret it as a demonstration of affection. However, snacks can be much more than a simple pleasure for the animal’s palate.
The snacks as positive reinforcement in education
The snacks are also very interesting for the education of our dogs. Positive reinforcement, as an educational methodology, proposes to reward for teaching and stimulating.
In other words, by rewarding your pet’s good behaviors and acknowledging his effort, you don’t just encourage him to repeat those actions. It also boosts your pet’s cognitive, emotional and social skills.
The traditional methodology, which uses punishments or reprimands, subjects the dog to situations of humiliation and intense fear. These negative emotions cause enormous stress to the animal. Furthermore, they can also favor the development of numerous behavioral problems. Among them are: aggression, destructiveness, phobias and manias.
The belief that the owner must be the “dominant” and the dog must demonstrate its submission is totally false. Dominance is part of a system of social relationships and internal hierarchy of the canine species. That is, it only occurs between animals of the same species. Therefore, a man can never dominate a dog. That is, a dog will never be submissive to man.
A dog obeys its guardian thanks to the special bond they maintain, based on trust and mutual respect. And not because he’s submissive or dominated, much less because he’s scared. So remember to invest in positive reinforcement when training your best friend.
good snacks for dogs
In principle, all snacks made especially for dogs are suitable for consumption by our best friends. However, it is important to check the ingredients of each product to choose the most suitable one for our companions.
For obese dogs, for example, traditional sweets are not the best option due to their high caloric value. There are already light snacks (with less fat and calories), made especially for overweight or obese dogs.
On the other hand, puppies can benefit from sweets rich in calcium and protein, to promote their growth. Older dogs, on the other hand, generally like snacks with a softer texture, which make them easier to chew and digest.
In addition, we can find many snacks that help in cleaning our dog’s teeth and gums. Therefore, they are beneficial in preventing bad breath and tartar formation, especially in adult dogs.
Of course, moderation will be the key word when offering treats for your dog. In addition, we can also use fruits and vegetables or prepare homemade treats for our dogs. These options are more natural, fresh and will be very tasty for our companions.
Harmful Snacks for Dogs
Next, we’ve put together a short list of harmful dog treats that should be eliminated from your pet’s diet.
- Snacks and human foods : there are foods that can be consumed by humans and dogs, such as some meats, fruits and vegetables. However, our way of preparing them is not always suitable for our pets.
- Seasoned, salted, sweetened and fried foods are very harmful to the body of dogs.
- Candy with dyes and chemical additives : Preservatives, dyes, etc., can be harmful. It is better to choose natural or organic treats for your pet.
- Prohibited Dog Food : Of course, bad food for our dogs should never be offered as snacks. Among them, we find chocolate, avocados, citrus fruits, cookies and industrialized products (potatoes or snacks), among others.
- Dairy : Most adult dogs are allergic to lactose. The consumption of milk and dairy products can cause a hypersensitive immune system response.
Finally, it is noteworthy that snacks are not suitable to be the basis of your dog’s diet. They need complete and balanced nutrition to develop their physical and cognitive abilities. The ideal is to always have the guidance of a veterinarian to choose the best diet for your best friend.
