Adding Variety to Your Treat Options

Obesity – not only has this become an epidemic in humans but also in our animals. One of the biggest issues I’ve come across working with animals is simply how easy it is for them to get far too chunky. Our pets are entirely dependent on us for their nutrition, so when their weight goes up the blame usually falls on us. Now the important thing to realize is that there is always an option to help our animals get fit. Where we may seem like a lost cause doing countless hours at the gym, some simple fixes in our pets lives can make all the difference in the world. Today I’d like to discuss some alternatives to the high calorie treats that line the cookie aisle.

When welcoming a new animal into our lives, it’s quite easy to shower them with love, kisses, and cookies. While the first two are not calorie ridden, the third can cause our tiny munchkins to blow up like a balloon right under our watchful eye. First things first, take a moment and look at what you are feeding. If you are feeding the correct amount, adjusting for age, size, and metabolism of your baby, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. My own pup suffers from anxiety and some seriously high energy. The recommendations for his body weight are actually nowhere near what he needs to be fed. Because of his activity level and emotional state, my dog gets double what is recommended. On the other hand, my family’s dog was pretty chunky when he was adopted, and even his recommended daily amount was a bit too high because he isn’t the most active little dude. That being said each animal is different, and with some trial and error you can easily find a good regimen.

Now that the daily feeding is under control, let’s talk about treating your fur baby. Often I find myself treating out of habit, simply because it’s what we’ve always done. Whenever they come in from outside, do well on a walk, or even sit on command, I tended to treat. The problem is that now my dog EXPECTS a treat when he does the most menial of tasks. In fact he will offer up an entire array of tricks just in hopes of getting that glorious cookie. I take full responsibility for this habit and am working hard to get it under control. While doing so I’ve found one of the best ways to help with weight control is to substitute the standard treat with a lower calorie option. For instance, green beans, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, sweet potato and even romaine lettuce or ice cubes have been a fantastic addition to the treat regimen. Rather than constantly feeding the standard doggy treats, I have a wide array of veggie options.

My own animals LOVE all of their new treat options, however I realize not all fur babies of the world are as receptive to change or new flavors. I’d suggest doing a walk through of the produce aisle the next time you are at the grocery store and picking out a few different vegetable options to try at home. Even adding a splash of fishy smelling herbs can make any item more enticing. The best thing any animal owner can do is to try, that way your pet isn’t reliant on a high calorie treat for every good behavior he or she offers. Of course the pet store may have some lower calorie treat options, but if your budget or your sense of smell isn’t happy with what’s out there, know you have variety!

Photo Credit
Sorcerer Mickey and Olaf Candy Apple Treats! via photopin (license)
Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie, Burnaby via photopin (license)
Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie, Burnaby via photopin (license)
Limón via photopin (license)
88/365 – 1/4/2011 via photopin (license)