Should you feed your dog treats?

To treat, or not to treat.... that is the question.

And as dog-mad owners ourselves, we know just how easy it is to reach for another tasty tit-bit for your beloved pooch whether it's because they look so darn cute (that's a reason right?!), or whether you're desperate for five minutes break from their excited I-love-you-so-much licking (we all like to have a bathroom break by ourselves from time to time!).

TV Vet and Barking Heads resident expert, Dr Scott Miller, says: “Whether used as food incentive for training or as a tasty snack, it’s important that treats are healthy and will not lead to upset tummies.

Here are Dr Scott’s top three things to consider when offering a treat to your furry friend.

🐾 Avoid highly fatty treats! Many owners admit to feeding their dog from the plate, but high fatty human foods can cause gastro-intestinal upsets and genuine discomfort. Bacon rinds, ham and cheese are all titbits regularly fed to a grateful pooch, but they won't be so grateful for the vet visit that may ensue after high fat foods pass their lips and into the gut, sometimes leading to vomiting and diarrhoea.

🐾 Count the calories! We all know that tasty treats can add up to weight gain, and this also applies to our canine companions. Keep an eye on the calorie intake of your dog, and if you are using a lot of treats for training purposes, then maybe reduce the amount of food in their main meals to ensure a trim waistline.

🐾 Check the protein source! The protein source in foods is the main cause for dietary allergic reactions, so it's best to stick to the same protein that’s in your pet’s regular food. If your canine has a fairly robust constitution, then you might consider trying different protein-based treats, though do keep an eye on their bowel motions during the experimental phase.

Barking Heads is delighted to launch a new range of Tuck Shop treats are a NEW, healthier way to treat…and they taste YUMMY (if you’re a dog).

Available in four fabulous flavours, every TUCK SHOP TREAT is made with high-quality, natural ingredients. We haven’t added any nasty artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and every doggylicious mouthful is lower in fat and easy to digest (for perfect poops!).

Is my dog overweight? Read our blog by Vet Dr Scott Miller and Barking Heads to find out more!

*The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified pet health provider with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s health*