February 23rd is Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! If we could ask our canine pals what their favorite things are, it’s probably safe to say that biscuits would rank pretty high on the list. A local Eau Claire, WI vet offers some information on giving your pooch his snacks in this article.
Shopping For Fido
When choosing your dog’s treats, you probably don’t have to be too worried about whether he’s going to like it or not. Fido isn’t a very picky eater! The main thing here is to choose something that’s good for him. Get into the habit of reading labels, and opt for things that contain mostly meat, fish, or chicken. If you can’t identify or pronounce most of the ingredients, give it a pass.
Cooking For Fido
You may have noticed a rise in people cooking for their pups recently. Making Fido’s snacks is perfectly fine! Just stick with safe ingredients. There are lots of recipes online, but you’ll find that most of these start with a base. Some of the things you can use for this include plain yogurt, ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, liver powder, cooked or shredded meat, pureed pumpkin, and/or sodium-free broth. You can also add things like bacon bits, shredded cheese, cooked eggs, wheat germ oil, and/or safe fruits and veggies. Feel free to experiment and see what your dog likes!
Sharing With Fido
If you have a dog, we probably don’t have to tell you that our canine buddies are very, very good at getting us to share our food. Begging is bad petiquette! If you do give in, offer something you’re sure is safe for Fido. Never give your pooch garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; avocado; chocolate; nuts; meat on the bone; raw dough or yeast; or anything with a lot of salt, sugar, or fat.
Biscuit Etiquette
While there’s no bad time to give your pup a treat, it’s best to offer them as a reward for good behavior. Teach Fido to do a trick for his snack. This is also a great way to reinforce your pup’s training. Have your dog run through basic commands, like Sit and Stay. Once he has those down, show him a cute trick.
As your Eau Claire, WI veterinary clinic, we are happy to offer tips on feeding and care. Call us anytime!
