Are we stingy?

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

We only give Snickers a tray cookie about twice a week. My friend who has a Pug said the dog should have a cookie 2-3 times a day so they aren't hungry. What do
you all think? We feed Snicks breakfast and dinner and he gets training treats when we are in training mode. But extras like banana cookies from Blue Buffalo are doled out sparingly and always earned with a stay, shake,down. My friend has me worried that we are depriving him.

[Adina P]

Find me some scientific info recommending regular treats to prevent 'hunger' in dogs and I'l buy it. Until then YOU have nothing to worry about :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I never fed my kids treats so they wouldn't be hungry (that's what meals are for), and I don't do it with my dogs either. I save treats for training rewards, and even then they get very few.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Mine only get treats 2-3 x per day and Peri's are ALWAYS accompanied with training. Do not worry about it!

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Thanks I feel better hearing from
others.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Dogs NEVER NEED treats. Their normal meal should be sufficient calories for them. Many dogs are fat because their owners are not aware that treats have calories and don't adjust their daily meal intake. Some dogs - like some of us - just like food and can always eat, but it doesn't mean we neeeeeeed to.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I give treats as rewards for whatever I ask of them. We are constantly in training mode so they do get more often BUT their dinner consists of only 1.5 cups of kibble with homecooked meat and veggies. (Charli is 49 lbs and Samantha is 69 lbs).

The treat I give them are Zukes, mini's are 2 calories each and they are soft enough to cut into super mini pieces with a finger nail. Charli will eat a craisin or string bean as a treat; Samantha - no way anymore.

I use chicken jerky when the go potty in their pen and when we work on recall. Those are the only 2 times I use them - they are the super high value treat.

I do order homemade cookies that are super high value treats. Organic and literally homemade but not in my home - WOL! Rarely they get these just because..

But if you choose not to treat except for training - he is in no way being deprived! Your friend is wrong - IMHO.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I do the Zukes minis too - they are awesome.

[Camilla and Darwin]

We love Zukes minis!

[F, Calla & Luca]

The less I treat the better the doodles seem in terms of "output". I use Zuke's minis and dried chicken primarily. My dogs get treats for popping into their crates readily, which they always do because they get a treat, and this makes life so much easier for me. Sometimes, but not always, they get treats for being especially obedient and sometimes just because I feel like treating them. The treats make up a very small portion of their intake and they definitely are getting plenty of nutrition without them.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Ok, now maybe I'm feeling like the bad Mommy ...... I think compared to all of you, I over treat. Not something I didn't already know, but it works for me. We have treat jars all over the house. There are potty treats at the back door, go to your room treats, training treats, get up on the grooming table treats, be good while grooming treats, etc. Different values for different things! We use mostly treats that have joint supplements in them, as well as some of the treats are just dog food, but a different food than they normally eat. But, we were just at the Vet and weights are fine so I'm ok with it, as it works for us.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My Doods want YOU TO BE THEIR "BAD MOMMY". They like the idea of treat jars all over the house...LOL.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

You know now that I think of it I might be known in some places as the "treat lady". When I am out with the girls I have a pouch that I wear that has treats, potty bags, hand sanitizer etc on it. My moms dog charges the door when she sees me coming. Yesterday at the Vet (there are 6 house dogs as I call them that are always there) and then every dog in the waiting room was sitting in front of me because of my treat pouch. We left empty! I always ask their moms 1st of course .... but it was kind of cute! I thought that Sophie took treats easy, but there was a big ole black lab there that was so incredibly gentle it was almost like he took it with his lips. Sweet sweet boy.