Everyone loves treats. Treats are a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog, to reward good behaviour, and they can even be a great tool to keep your dogs entertained during stressful periods or alone time. At Omni, we've designed some treats to help with both general training and specific issues, and created a guide to help you choose what works best for your best friend.
Are there treats that could help my dog's skin?
Absolutely, our yummy 'Shiny Coats' treats are delicious, full of omega oils (great for keeping the skin hydrated), magnesium (which helps the skin regenerate and repair), iron (important for healing minor injuries and to counteract oxidative stress) and beta carotene (may boost collagen). We have found that dogs absolute love these delicious treats, and our recipe is formulated to target problem areas of skin and fur to help your dog always look in tip top condition.
Are there any treats to help with my dog's joints?
Omni has created a tasty treat selection to help your dog's joints - 'Supported Joints'. These are useful for dogs who are returning to normal mobility after a trauma, and for dogs with more chronic problems, like arthritis. Our recipe contains glucosamine (this can slow down cartilage degeneration, and may reduce pain, and can increase the joint fluid which lubricates and supports smooth movement), curcumin and turmeric (which both have reported anti-inflammatory effects), and our dogs absolutely love them.
Are there any treats for dogs with delicate stomachs?
So many dogs have issues with diarrhoea or even vomiting when they try new foods, especially treats, which is why we have developed a flavoursome treat that will suit your dog's stomach down the to the ground. 'Sensitive Tummies' is what we recommend - full of both pre- and pro-biotics, with chicory root too, which helps their gut health by providing good bacteria and improving their poo consistency. They are naturally free from common allergens like meat protein, dairy soya, corn and wheat.
Are there any treats that could help with a very excited or nervous dog?
Yes, at Omni we know how distressing it can be for you and your doggo when they are anxious and not their happy calm selves so we have formulated 'Peaceful Dogs' treats. These contain valerian root which has been used for thousands of years to help improve sleep, and also can help alleviate anxiety. Lemon balm is another key ingredient in this recipe, may help reduces stress and anxiety. Together, these have been formulated to help your dog relax, and can be a delicious treat before bedtime.
What about treats for my puppy?
We have created a treat specifically for our younger 4-legged buddies - 'Growing Puppies', which can be used for all of that important training as they learn and grow. They taste particularly delightful, designed to keep your puppy's attention! They are also rich in calcium, vitamins and antioxidants to support your puppy's healthy growth and development.
Are dog treats high in calories?
Remember- all treats are additional calories on top of their daily required ration. Treats and scraps from the table are the most common causes of gradual weight gain. To stay in optimal shape, we should save treats for when they are deserved and use them in moderation. Make note of the number of calories per treat, and try to go for the lower calorie alternative. On those days they get more treats, reduce their food portion size that day so that they’re not getting overfed. If your dog enjoys eating, why not give them carrots or cucumber sticks? The extra crunch with refrigerated veggie sticks are low in calories and aid teeth cleaning for an added bonus!
Are treats safe for my dog?
Make sure that your dog does not swallow large, solid chews in one! Although with time they will dissolve in the stomach, they can occasionally cause trauma whilst moving through their throat or guts, and at worst cause obstructions. It’s really important that treats shouldn’t be harder than their teeth (e.g. bones). This can result in their teeth chipping or fracturing, which may need surgical removal to prevent nasty tooth root abscesses.
How to give dog treats?
When you’re going to be out for a short while, distract your dog by hiding treats to keep them entertained. A small amount of Xylitol-free (xylitol is a type of sweetener that is toxic to dogs) peanut butter, wet food, frozen treats takes time to eat and is fun for them too. Puzzle feeders and scavenger hunts are also a great way to give treats or even their normal meals. The challenge offers mental stimulation, entertainment, as well as slowing them down. Remember, for these purposes, you can just use their meal time Omni or Omni treats!