Give Your Dog a Healthy Valentine
Monday, February 7, 2011
This happy four-legged friend enjoys sharing the V-Day love.
With Valentine's Day approaching, you might be tempted to give your canine pal a special treat or two. As tempting as it is to sneak him a piece of Valentine's candy, don't give in. Sugar is high in calories and chocolate is toxic for dogs.
If you choose commercial treats, stick to those that are low in sugar, sodium, and fat. Better yet, try substituting healthier treats in their place. You might be surprised how much your dog likes them.
Great Valentine's Treats
Dogs, like humans, enjoy a range of taste sensations: They especially love crunchy, sweet, and savory snacks. Here are 5 delicious choices that can easily be found in a typical kitchen.
Carrots: Bite-size baby carrots are a good choice—or slice whole carrots into two-inch sticks.
Green Beans: Choose either frozen, raw, or canned no-salt-added green beans.
Chunks of Apple and Banana: Many dogs love the taste of fruit. Just slice and serve.
Remember, your dog can't open the pantry or freezer to get himself a snack. What he eats is up by you. So choose wisely. As always, make sure treats don't make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. And keep in mind that treats don't always need to be the edible variety: your dog will also love a new chew toy or an extra long game of fetch.
The icing on the cake? cesar® treats! Your dog will love you forever once you bring home these bite-sized morsels in three delicious flavors. To explore the varieties, visit http://www.cesar.com/cuisine-and-treats/treats/filet-mignon.aspx.
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