Dog Obesity?

    • Silver

    Dog Obesity?

     http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/646262.html

    ^^ You'll notice that many pets are receiving a calorie overload, and, because I don't want to stop rewarding my pup with treats, was looking for a healthier treat, per say. 

     

    So, I stumbled on Vet's Best Right Bites Health Management treats anddd was curious if anyone had purchased them before? They look like a good fit to keep Scout (my pup) well...fit.

     

    Your thoughts are most welcome! Big Smile

     

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

     I started my pup on baby carrots from his first day and he still sees those as an awesome treat

    I have no experience with the ones you mentioned

    • Gold Top Dog

     I use banana chips and Tootsie goes nuts for them.

    • Gold Top Dog

    I have not used those particular treats.

    I regularly use green beans as treats.  I also use a portion of the dog's food as training rewards.

    I'm not a big fan of gimmick-y "low calorie" or "weight reduction" treats.  It is easier, imo, to adjust the dog's meals around the amount of treats that you give throughout the day, than it is to worry with buying special treats.

    • Gold Top Dog

    I monitor the dogs reguarly and adjust the volume in the dinner bowl (they are fed twice per day).  I use really high quality treats for training that can be broken into small pieces and tiny bits of human food.  The only time I have had to do more is when there is a medical condition (hypothryroidism). Many folks with obeses dogs free feed. The amounts on most dog foods are a bit over what the dogs actually need in many cases.   When they see food in the bowl at human meal times, they assume the dogs are hungry and entice with high calorie.  Dog learns to wait them out and gorge....

    Its all about timing and measurement, n

    • Gold Top Dog

     I only use organic or homemade treats for the pups, you may want to try this recipe... I never have peppers on hand so I just increase the celery and carrots or sub green beans and the puppers go nuts!

    Low Calorie Treats for the Chubby Dog

    Veggie D'lites
    1 1/2 cup water
    3 tablespoons corn oil
    2 cups whole wheat flour
    1 1/2 cups white flour
    1/2 cup cornmeal
    1/2 cup celery, diced fine
    1/8 cup red bell peppers, diced fine
    1/2 cup shredded carrots
    1 clove minced garlic

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix water and oil. Add flour, cornmeal, vegetables and garlic. Knead dough for 2 to 3 minutes and roll into 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

    Never-say-diet Cheese Treats
    1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
    1/2 cup green beans, cooked and mashed
    3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
    1 cup beef broth
    1/4 cup skim milk
    1 tablespoon margarine

    Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix shredded cheddar cheese with flour. Add skim milk, margarine and beef broth. Knead dough until firm and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into tempting shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 30 cookies.