Treats can be very nutritious to your dog. But treats do have a dark side to them that you might not be aware of!  They can cause chronic health problems any where from obesity to gastrointestinal troubles.

Have you ever checked the label on dog treats, Really checked out the fat content, calorie content? it is no different then you checking it out for yourself to make sure you are not getting too many grams of fat or calories. Your very careful about how much sugar and junk food your children eats, Well your dog is your child and you should take the same steps to take care of your dog. The rule of thumb is to keep the calorie intake for your dog at 10% or less of their daily intake.

Depending on the kinds of dog treats that you give your dog, you may have a hard time finding  the calorie information, but many companies do list the information or you may contact them either on their website or call and get the information that you need. their treats should contain the same high-quality that is in their dog food. If you are careful to give your dog a well balanced food for his health and nutrition, then why would you slack and give me a treat that is not good for him. treats are like junk food to a dog. Unless you give your dog vegetables or fruit for a treat, that's right a lot of dogs love vegetables and fruits for treats. Just make sure that you give them the right ones, Giving them the wrong fruits or vegetables could be very bad for their health, for example:

Apple Slices

Banana Slices

Berries

Carrots

Green Beans

Are great for your dog and most dogs love them.

Never feed your dog:

Grapes

Raisins

onions

Garlic cloves

Because they have potential toxicity that could harm your dog.

Be wise when giving your dog fruits and vegetables, if you have a dog that you feel takes large bites or swallows everything without chewing, then you might want to chop or mince the fruit or vegetable so that they can not choke on a piece too big. you should make sure no matter what the treat is that you give your dog, he or she is not biting off big chunks that could harm them.

Giving your dog rawhide bones and pieces:

Rawhide although fine for some dogs, It can pose a choking problem if they try to swallow the remaining piece that just wont go down without a problem. Remember that rawhide (skin) has a lot of collagen so it does not break down and does pose a choking problem. rawhide is not very digestible and is hard for your dogs delicate stomach. A better alternative could be pressed rawhide in small chunks that break apart very easily. Please be very careful when giving your dog a treat that is made overseas, the quality control in overseas factories is still in question. So keep buying in America, where you know it has been approved and there is no question.

Don't over treat your dog, Obesity is very common with people that give their dogs treats all day long. It is not fair to the dog, who has to carry around all that weight. Heart problems will arise and it will be you that is paying the vet bill, for something that could have been avoided if you would have been more picky about what you gave your dog for a treat and how much.