Vet Care in Massachusetts: Does Your Pet Get Too Many Treats?

You love your dog and you want him to have all the best things in life, so you give him treats and other things that he enjoys because you know that he loves them so much. But how much is too much? How many treats are you giving your dog each day? If your dog is beginning to put on too much weight or is more lethargic than he used to be, you might want to reign in that treat-giving and speak with a professional at your next veterinary check-up.

Your vet at the Dartmouth animal hospital can let you know how many treats is appropriate each day for your pet and may even suggest healthier alternatives to the treats that you offer to your pet now. Veterinary care in Massachusetts is important for the long-term health and wellness of your pet, assisting with preventive treatments, vaccinations, nutrition, grooming, and even anxiety issues in dogs. Discuss any questions you have with your trusted vet.

What Kind of Treats Do You Get?
Believe it or not, the number of treats each day is not even as important as the type of treats that you are getting for your four-legged friend. Some treats are higher in calories, while others are low-calorie. Some treats have a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients, while others are all-natural and made from beneficial ingredients.

It can be hard to know what to look for, as the most popular and well-known dog treats are often the worst. The companies that make them spend oodles on advertising and marketing, distracting pet owners from what’s really lurking inside. Sure your dog loves them, but most people love snack cakes and shouldn’t have a half dozen or more in a day.

TREAT TIP – The general rule with regard to dog treats is that they should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. Different sized dogs, different breeds, they all require different calories in a day. Check out your dog’s kibble or wet food, add up the number of calories they consume in a day, and then check the treats to see how they measure up.

Filler Ingredients
When looking for healthy treats, you can always ask your vet at Dartmouth animal hospital. A veterinary check-up isn’t just about checking your dog’s weight and overall health, but also providing comprehensive veterinary care in Massachusetts. This is the time for you to bring up questions about anxiety issues in dogs, problems with behavior, questions about treats, and ask about anything else that you might be concerned about with regard to your dog.

Filler ingredients should not make up more than 35-40 percent of the dog treat. Filler ingredients include artificial flavors, salt, sugar, as well as wheat, corn or soy. Take time to really read the packaging and find out what’s really inside your pet’s favorite treats. Your vet can help you find health alternatives. It may take a few days for your dog to accept the new treats, especially if he has enjoyed the same unhealthy treats for a long time, but after a few days, he will look forward to the new treats just as much.

Natural Snack Options
Instead of purchasing processed treats, you can also give your dog natural snacks at home. Dogs love things like sweet potatoes, carrots, slices of apple and green beans. Not only do they taste great, but they offer additional vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants that are beneficial to your dog. These snacks can be used as a reward for good behavior, after a walk, during a road trip or anytime you would give other traditional dog treats. Discuss other natural snack options at your next veterinary check-up at the Dartmouth animal hospital.

Visit Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth
Pet owners from all over Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island have trusted the top quality veterinary care at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth for decades. Our team of highly trained and experienced staff can help you with a wide variety of issues at your next veterinary check-up. Bad breath, nutritional questions, anxiety issues in dogs and much more, can all be appropriately addressed with solutions that are right for your pet. Give us a call at 508-996-3731 to speak with one of our staff or to schedule an appointment for quality veterinary care in Massachusetts.