Getting back to training? Or starting a new fitness exercise?
In this week’s blog, we’ll be covering the best training treats that will keep your pets motivated and happy without pilling on the pounds.
So let’s start by having a look at long-lasting treats and chews that can be used to hold your dog’s attention during a fitness, massage or physiotherapy session:
Kongs- kongs are my go-to they slow down even the fastest eaters and can be stuffed with anything you want. Plus they also come in a choice of 4 different strengths!
Here are a few of my favourite stuffing choices-
Banana either stuffed or whole
Dog-friendly peanut butter to help stick treats in but use it sparingly
Courgette either cubed or whole
Carrot either cubed or whole
Broccoli
Apple
Moist kibble
Long-lasting chews such as yaks milk chews, antlers and hooves are great for power chewers.
Want to support a small local business in the process? Check out Muddy Paws and Waggy Tails here.
Their usual food frozen in a slow feeder is a great way to ensure a low-calorie count but keep your dog occupied for longer
But what about if we want to do some more active training and need our dogs to keep moving?
Here are the 5 best small low-calorie training treats:
Cubed courgette- courgette is mainly water and therefore doesn’t contain any calories! Plus most dogs love it! Give it a try in your next session and see if your dog is a fan too.
Cubed carrot- carrot does have a large amount of sugar (still much less than conventional treats) but used sparingly it can keep your dog interested in your other veggie treats, aim for 1 in every 10.
Your dog’s low-calorie kibble- if your dog is on a specialist low-calorie diet use this kibble as treats too, but remember to subtract it from your dogs daily food ration.
Broccoli- Broccoli, like courgette, is mainly water especially if you boil it and leave to cool so is very low in calories and dogs love it too.
Whole insect or fish treats- these treats are higher in calories than the veg alternatives but are also full of healthy nutrients and oils. If your dog is on a special diet stay away from these unless you have consulted your vet.
Prefer to watch? Check out the YouTube Video here-
If you’re worried about your dog’s weight be sure to speak with your local vet about your concerns. Even if you are not keeping an eye on your dog’s body condition score is a great way to keep your dogs fit and ready to train and compete.
You can use our simple body scoring system below to get started:
And if you think you’d like to get back to or start agility training check out our free webinar here:
Is your dog ready to get back to agility training?https://mailchi.mp/9e42df63117f/ready-for-agility-webinar