Do you give your dog treats? Most dog owners purchase dog treats for various reasons. One primary reason is that it helps when trying to train puppies and adult dogs. There are so many cool facts about dog treats, and I would like to share some of them with you.
Fun Facts About Dog Treats
Here you will find some entertaining facts about dog treats for dogs. These facts will teach you more about dog treats and some really cool things that you may not have known, so check them out below.
1. February 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Day
On February 23rd, dogs worldwide can celebrate because it is national dog biscuit day. Dog biscuits are another term to describe dog treats. Not many people know about this holiday, but if you are reading this, mark your calendar to make sure you celebrate it.
Purchase your dog’s favorite treat and celebrate the day by giving your dog a few treats. You can even make your own homemade dog treats with simple ingredients like peanut butter and oats.
2. Invented by Accident
Dog biscuits or dog treats were invented by accident. During the 1800s in London, England, a butcher was trying to develop new recipes for biscuits. The recipe did not turn out the way the butcher wanted it because it did not taste good. His dog ate the entire thing up, which gave the butcher the idea of creating these biscuits for dogs.
He began to make these biscuits into dog bone shapes and started to sell them in the early 1900s. This recipe was sold to a businessman, and it was brought over to the United States and began selling there. The company applied for and received a patent, and the name was changed to Milkbone, which you know is a huge dog treat company today.
3. It can Be used to Teach your Dog Tricks
Dogs are usually highly motivated by food, so enticing your dog with a treat might allow you to train your dog to curb certain behaviors. However, big treats should not be given to your dog during training. Instead, tiny training treats are the best because your dog can enjoy multiple treats during your training sessions.
If you do not have training treats on hand, you can use Cheerios. While Cheerios do not provide your dog with any health benefits, they are not harmful. They are small and will work perfectly as a training treat. Soon your dog will forget about peeing in the house because it knows you will give it a treat for good behavior.
4. Don’t Over Feed your Dog
While treats are a great snack for your dog, they should only take up one-tenth of your dog’s daily calories. Treats do not give your dog all the nutritional requirements it needs. Make sure most of your dog is eating is a protein-forward dog food. Treats can be given to your dog in moderation for positive reinforcement. If you are introducing a new food, start with small portions and watch for any signs of an upset stomach or allergies.
5. Don’t Feed Dogs Bones
Bones and hooves are seen in the treat section of pet stores and regular grocery stores. Bones shouldn’t be given to your dog as they can hurt your dog’s teeth, it can also cause gastrointestinal blockage, and much more. In addition, cooked bones should never be given to dogs as they can become brittle, break off and cause even more damage. Hooves are also a no-no, as they splinter easily and can cause your dog to choke. Although treats may seem like the perfect reward for your pup’s good behavior, it’s essential to be aware of what is safe and not safe for them!
6. All Types of Dog Treats
Nowadays, there are so many different types of dog treats on the market. Some types you can buy are:
Biscuits – Biscuits are referred to as hard dog treats. They can come in so many shapes, flavors, and sizes. This is one of the most common types of dog treats. They are great for training, as they provide a reward that is easy to chew and tasty. Plus, their crunchy texture helps clean your pup’s teeth. But remember, too many biscuits can lead to weight gain – so watch the portion size! Jerky Treats – These treats come in various forms like chips, strips, or cubes.
Soft Treats – These are precisely the opposite of the hard ones above. These will be made softer and easier for your dog to chew. Good for puppies and senior dogs. They may come in a variety of flavors like chicken, beef, and other natural flavors. Additionally, they are often smaller than the hard treats so you can use them as training rewards without overfeeding your pup.
Dried Treats – Dried treats are usually like beef jerky for adults. This can be dried almost anything from turkey, chicken, beef, seafood, etc. These treats can be great for both puppies and adult dogs. They last a long time, give great nutrition, and are easy to travel with. Plus, they taste delicious to your pup! Look for high-quality ingredients that list the meat as the first ingredient, without any artificial preservatives or colorings. Another thing to look out for is if it has
Dental Chews – These are newer treats that help to clean your dog’s teeth while it chews on them. Some of these treats are digestible; it just takes a while compared to other treats. Make sure you know your dog’s chewing style and strength before selecting any hard chew. It is important to be mindful of the size, shape, and texture of the dental chews when selecting one for your dog. Some dental chews are designed to help reduce plaque, while others can help prevent tartar build-up.
Homemade Treats – You can always bake your dog your own treats. There are hundreds of recipes out there to help you make your dog your own healthy, preservative-free treats. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake up some yummy snacks for your pup. Be sure to check with your vet before trying any new recipes to ensure the ingredients are suitable for your dog’s health. Enjoy!
What is Special About Dog Treats?
While your entire dog’s diet should not be comprised of dog treats, there is something special about them. Dog treats come in a variety of flavors, sizes, and shapes. You can use them for training your pup or as a reward for good behavior. If you are looking for the perfect treat to give to your fur baby, then look no further than Dogable
Do Dogs Really Need Treats?
No, you do not have to give your dog treats, but your dog would certainly enjoy some. Treats are handy when training your dog. As I have said above, dogs are highly motivated by treats and can learn basic training and commands easier when trained, given affection, or motivated by getting that treat. Positive reinforcement works!
Who Invented Dog Treats?
The invention of dog treats actually happened by accident. A London butcher was trying to make a new biscuit recipe that did not taste good at all, and then he gave it to his dog, and the dog loved it. So there was the golden idea right there that took off to become a huge thing and now a huge industry in the space of pets.
Can I Give My Dog Treats for No Reason?
Yes, your dog would love to get a treat. You can give your dog a treat at any time for any reason. For example, you can give your dog a treat just because you love your dog. However, don’t give your dog a treat when your dog is exhibiting bad behavior unless you want to reinforce it!
Can Humans Eat Dog Treats?
Some dog treats may be fine for you to eat, especially if you made them and know what went into them. It is definitely not recommended to eat commercial dog treats as a human. Not only are they not designed for you, but the probability that you will enjoy them is also minimal. They are made with a different blend of ingredients and often have additives that may not agree with your body. Additionally, they may contain bacteria or other things that could make you sick. Bottom line: Save the treats for your pup!
What Dog Treats are Most Popular?
There are so many dog treats out on the market, so it can be tough to figure out which one you want to buy. There are also so many different types of dog treats on the market. Here is a treat option I suggest you purchase for your dog.
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The Milk-Bone Maro Snacks Dog Treats is a great treat option for dogs of all sizes. These treats contain actual bone marrow and a beef flavor. This will definitely satisfy your dog and can be cut into small pieces to use for training treats. There is also calcium inside of these treats to help support your dog’s bones and teeth. The treats are soft and chewy and come in a resealable bag that makes them easy to store. They can be given as a snack or used for training. My pup loves these treats! I would definitely recommend them.
Overall
I hope you found these facts about dog treats fun and valuable. I also hope that some of those questions answered in my article about dog treats helped too. So let me know what your dog’s favorite treat is or if you have any dog treat facts.
