How Dog Treats Can Improve a Dog’s Behaviour and Health
The benefits of giving your dog treats go far beyond just being a delectable snack. Treats can support their health and can even be used as a tool to shape behaviour and reinforce much-needed training habits. When used in the right way, treats can be fantastic in promoting your dog’s physical and mental well-being and can even strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
At Favour, we believe in offering only the best for your four-legged family members. That means choosing natural dog treats that are both rewarding and nutritious. In this article, we’ll explore how treats can play a vital role in your dog’s life and what you should look for when choosing the healthiest options.
How Dog Treats Can Reinforce Positive Behaviour
Training with treats is one of the most effective ways to teach your dog new commands and good habits. Whether you’re house-training a puppy, reinforcing recall or discouraging unwanted behaviours, treats are a brilliant way to provide a clear and immediate reward.
The use of treats helps to establish positive associations and encourage good behaviours - something that goes hand-in-hand with a naturally food-motivated species. For best results, opt for low-fat dog treats during training sessions to avoid overfeeding, especially if you’re repeating commands frequently. Consider choosing smaller, bite-sized treats too, to ensure they won’t fill your dog up too quickly or cause digestive issues.
Beyond training, treats can play a valuable role in strengthening the bond between you and your dog as well as helping your dog feel more comfortable around others. They’re frequently used during grooming sessions and vet visits to reduce anxiety and help dogs associate those (often nerve-wracking) experiences with something positive.
Treats can also be used as an excellent tool for mental stimulation. Puzzle toys filled with healthy dog treats encourage your dog to problem-solve and stay engaged, helping to reduce boredom and, in turn, reducing the risk of destructive behaviours at home.
Supporting a Dog’s Health with the Right Treats
While some treats will be packed with artificial additives, sugars and fillers that offer little nutritional value, others are made with natural, health-boosting ingredients. For example, treats formulated with the ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health and mobility; these can be especially good for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.
Those containing salmon oil, flaxseed, or omega-3 fatty acids contribute towards a shinier coat and can soothe sensitive skin. Meanwhile, dental chews are specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar through chewing, helping to freshen breath and maintain good oral hygiene.
Why Choose Natural Dog Treats?
Natural dog treats are made with minimally processed ingredients. This means that your dog will benefit from easier digestion and greater nutritional value. Additionally, natural treats often have a higher protein content due to coming from real meat sources, helping to support your dog's muscle mass and energy levels. There’s also a reduced risk of allergic reactions or upset to the digestive system from the lack of processed ingredients.
At Favour, we’ve developed natural dog treats that align with our high standards of quality and nutrition. We know that what you feed your pet matters, and treats are no exception.
Avoiding Difficulties With Treats
While treats can be a valuable tool for training and bonding, they can also cause problems if not used responsibly. Overfeeding is a common issue. Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. With treats often being so small, it’s very easy to go over that limit, especially during training sessions or when being looked after by different people.
Ingredient quality can be another concern. Avoid treats that contain excessive sugar, salt, or artificial additives, as these can contribute to dental disease, weight gain and even food sensitivities. Additionally, always be mindful of fat content, as too many rich treats can also lead to obesity and, in some cases, health conditions such as pancreatitis.
Treats Tailored to Your Dog’s Lifestyle
Whether you have a working dog, a couch companion, a senior or a growing puppy, having the right treats to hand can support their specific needs. For example, active dogs benefit from high-protein treats that help fuel their energy levels, while puppies need small, easy-to-chew treats that are gentle on developing teeth and easy to digest. Senior dogs, on the other hand, often require softer treats that are kinder on aging teeth and may also include added nutrients to support joint health and mobility.
Reward Your Dog in the Right Way
Dog treats are so much more than indulgent snacks. They’re tools for training, bonding and most importantly, can even support the health of your dog. With natural, low-fat dog treats, you can feel good about rewarding your dog every day and without ever compromising their health.
At Favour, we offer a range of healthy dog treats designed to nourish and delight your dog at every stage of life. Whether you’re reinforcing good behaviour or simply showing your pet some love, you can trust our treats to be a wholesome part of their daily routine. Discover our range of natural, low-fat dog treats at Favour.