How to Choose the Right Treats for Your 7-Month-Old Puppy388

As your 7-month-old puppy continues to grow and develop, their nutritional needs will change. One important aspect of their diet is providing them with healthy and appropriate treats. Treats can be a great way to reward your puppy for good behavior, provide them with mental stimulation, and supplement their regular meals. However, it's crucial to choose treats that are safe and beneficial for their health.

Characteristics of Good Puppy Treats

When selecting treats for your 7-month-old puppy, look for the following characteristics:* Natural ingredients: Choose treats made with whole, unprocessed ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables.
* Limited carbohydrates: Puppies need a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Look for treats that contain less than 5% carbohydrates.
* Soft texture: Treats should be soft and easy for your puppy to chew. Hard treats can damage their teeth or cause choking.
* No added sugars or artificial flavors: These ingredients can be harmful to your puppy's health and contribute to weight gain.
* Appropriate size: Treats should be small enough to prevent choking hazards. Aim for treats that are no larger than the size of a pea.
* Low in calories: Treats should not contribute significantly to your puppy's daily calorie intake. Choose treats that are less than 10 calories each.

Homemade Treat Options

Making your own puppy treats is a great way to control the ingredients and ensure their healthfulness. Here are a few easy and nutritious homemade treat recipes:* Frozen banana bites: Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces and freeze them. These treats are a refreshing and healthy way to cool your puppy down on hot days.
* Peanut butter and apple slices: Spread a thin layer of unsweetened peanut butter on apple slices. This treat provides fiber, protein, and a crunchy texture.
* Sweet potato chews: Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender. Cut them into strips and dehydrate them in an oven or dehydrator until crispy.

Store-Bought Treat Recommendations

If you don't have the time to make homemade treats, there are several high-quality store-bought options available. Here are a few recommended treats for 7-month-old puppies:* Zuke's Mini Naturals: These treats are made with real meat or fish as the first ingredient and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
* Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats: These grain-free treats are made with real chicken or salmon and are a great source of protein.
* Fromm Family Foods Gold Rush Bites: These single-ingredient treats are made from freeze-dried turkey and are a great choice for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
* JustFoodForDogs Liverwurst: This spreadable treat is made with real liver and is a good source of iron and vitamin A.
* Stella & Chewy's Beef Liver Treats: These dehydrated treats are made with 100% grass-fed beef liver and are a rich source of protein.

Avoid These Harmful Treats

There are certain types of treats that you should avoid giving your 7-month-old puppy. These treats can be harmful to their health or pose a choking hazard:* Rawhide chews: Rawhide can be difficult to digest and can pose a choking hazard.
* Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter and damage your puppy's digestive system.
* Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
* Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
* Sugar-free treats: Sugar-free treats often contain xylitol, which is a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Conclusion

Providing your 7-month-old puppy with healthy and appropriate treats is an important part of their overall diet. By choosing treats that are natural, low in carbohydrates, and easy to chew, you can help support their health and well-being. Whether you choose to make homemade treats or purchase store-bought options, always check the ingredient list carefully to ensure that they meet your puppy's nutritional needs.

2024-11-15

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