How to Give Treats to Your Dog: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Dog treats are a great way to reward good behavior, support training, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. However, knowing how to give treats to your dog correctly is essential to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Choosing high-quality, natural treats — like those from the Wild Bites Natural Dog Treats collection — makes a big difference in your dog’s nutrition and overall well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Giving Treats to Dogs?

Treats are more than just a snack. When used properly, they offer several important benefits:

• Reinforce positive behavior during training
• Strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners
• Support dental health through chewing
• Provide additional nutrients when made with natural ingredients

Natural dog treats made with simple, real ingredients are easier to digest and help avoid unnecessary additives in your dog’s diet.

How to Choose the Right Treat for Your Dog

Before offering any treat, it’s important to consider your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all require different nutritional support.

When choosing treats, prioritize options that are:

• Made with natural, high-quality ingredients
• Free from artificial colors and preservatives
• Appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing ability
• Easy to break into smaller pieces for training

You can explore natural options designed for daily rewards in our Wild Bites collection.

Types of Dog Treats

There are different types of treats available, each serving a specific purpose:

• Training treats: Small, soft, and easy to chew
• Dental treats: Help clean teeth and support oral health
• Natural treats: Made with meat, vegetables, and simple ingredients
• Functional treats: Support joints, skin, or digestion

Natural treats are an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or pet parents looking for a cleaner diet.

How Many Treats Should You Give Your Dog Per Day?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats can lead to weight gain and health issues.

For medium-sized dogs, this usually means one to two small treats per day, depending on activity level. Adjust your dog’s regular meals accordingly to maintain a balanced diet.

How to Use Treats During Training

Timing is key when using treats for training. Always reward your dog immediately after the desired behavior to reinforce positive associations.

Small, natural treats work best, allowing your dog to stay focused without getting full too quickly. Rotating flavors can also help maintain interest and motivation.

Risks of Giving Too Many Treats

Excessive treat consumption can lead to obesity, digestive issues, and long-term health problems. Treats high in sodium or artificial ingredients may also negatively affect your dog’s kidneys and digestion.

Choosing natural treats and controlling portion sizes helps reduce these risks.

How to Store Dog Treats Properly

Store dry treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, reseal packages properly to preserve freshness.

Always follow storage instructions on the packaging to ensure safety and quality.

Why Choose Natural Dog Treats?

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