As pet owners, we love to show our dogs how special they are with an occasional dog treat. Luckily these days there are quite a variety of snacks from which to choose. Just like humans, our dogs love the occasional tasty snack, but it is always best to stick to healthy dog treats. But how do you determine the right treat for your Greyhound? There are several things you should consider when selecting a healthy dog treat for your Greyhound.

Many dog treats are now formulated with supplements like glucosamine, which can help maintain joint health and even relieve symptoms of arthritis. Learn to read labels and check ingredients. Treats that contain garlic, vitamins and organic ingredients are a great way to create healthy dog treats. Treats loaded with sugar and fat aren't good for you or your dog! Look for treats made from whole grains like oats or quality, single source proteins like chicken or lamb. Fish is a great snack for dogs, and it's low in fat and calories. A good way to be sure that you are giving your dog the healthiest treat possible is to make your own. There are many good receipts available, you can find many on the Internet. These days you can find great healthy dog treats at specialty pet bakeries that make delicious dog treats in all flavors and varieties.


Dog treats can have a useful purpose as well, for instance treats are great rewards if you're training your dog through positive reinforcement. If the treat is particularly tasty this can be an added incentive for your Greyhound. So for the best results use a treat you know your dog loves. A good idea for training is to use a healthy variety of hotdog or turkey dog, take one and cut it up into small bite size pieces and put some in a zip lock baggy. You can pull them out as needed on walks or as you reward them in training sessions. These types of treats are good because you can keep them frozen and use as needed.

Overindulgence can be the cause of weight gain. This is because we don't necessarily realize how many treats we give our dogs throughout the day and how many calories those tasty dog treats really contain. For example, a large biscuit may contain well over 100 calories. Don't let treats make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet. Make sure your dog's overall diet is balanced and nutritious and she/he will be with you for a long, long time.



Following is an easy receipt that you can use. You can replace the bacon with other kinds of meat and using all organic ingredients is always best.


Ingredients:

3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup bacon grease -- or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 slices bacon -- crumbled
1/2 cup cold water

Mix ingredients together -
Cut or shape pieces and lay out on a floured baking pan
Or roll out until about 1/2  inch thick and cut later.
Bake for 35-40 minutes at 325 degrees
Let cool and harden.
Your Greyhound will love you!