At Drool Pet Co, we know you love to spoil your four-legged canine companion, that’s exactly why we do what we do. However, it may come as a shock to discover that around 41 percent of household dogs in Australia are overweight or obese. The sad fact is that dogs that are considered obese, on average, live 2 to 3 years less than dogs that are considered healthy as well as the increased likelihood of diabetes, heart problems and osteoarthritis. Overweight dogs can also get pancreatitis due to fatty dog foods.

All dogs deserve treats, to deprive them would just be cruel, so don’t let these statistics scare you from giving your pup a surprise for being well behaved or just downright cute. It’s also worth noting that certain dog breeds are more likely to become overweight from genetics than others, such as Beagles, Dachshunds and Labradors, so even if your dog is wearing a few extra kilos it’s not always a direct result of their diet.

It’s recommended that treats should make up 10% of a dog’s diet, so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best weight friendly treats that your pup can sink their teeth into without the added guilt factor, because let’s face it, none of us can resist those gorgeous puppy dog eyes of theirs that beg for after dinner snacks.

Chicken Breast Jerky

Meat makes for a great treat for any and all dogs and allows for variety so they can get their tails wagging over some new mouth-watering flavours. Chicken breast jerky is an excellent option for overweight dogs as it’s downright delicious and has all the benefits for their health journey. Chicken breast jerky is low in calories and fat so if the goal for your dog is to slim down then these are perfect. Chicken is also an excellent source of protein and vitamins that can strengthen their bones and immune systems. Our Drool Pet Co range of chicken treats, including our high quality chicken breast jerky gives off a great crunch that not only makes them delicious but also helps promote the health of their teeth and gums.

Kangaroo Leg Bones

Another great lean meat option for dogs struggling with their left over winter weight is kangaroo leg bones, these treats are ideal for adult dogs that could sit and gnaw at it all day which is beneficial for their dental health. The meat on the bone is incredibly low in fat but very high in B vitamins, iron, zinc and omega 3’s which is all the good stuff to keep your older dogs joints in top condition. Again this meat is high in protein with an extra benefit of being suitable for dogs that have food allergies or intolerances. Drool Pet Co have high quality dehydrated kangaroo leg bones available with all the essential nutrients your big dog needs to satisfy their treat cravings.

Fish

While fish is relatively new to the dog treat game, they make a great addition to meals as well as stand alone treats as they give your pooch a unique serving of nutrients. Drool Pet Co’s Tuna Fish for dogs contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that give your dog a silky soft coat and can also reduce inflammation. It also contains selenium, magnesium and potassium on top of vitamins B3, B6 and B12 which can also be a source of energy, which could prove useful if you’re looking to get your dog moving more. This treat should typically be given in moderation as a little goes a long way with dogs to see the benefits. Drool Pet Co’s extensive range of fish treats will be sure to have your dog’s tastebuds on the edge of their seats.

Goat

Goat meat is another among the great sources of protein as well as having less calories compared to meats such as chicken or beef so it makes for the perfect alternative if you’re looking to cut back on your dog’s diet. Goat meat is also incredibly environmentally friendly as they’re not farmed to the same degree as chicken, lamb or beef which causes less impact on the environment. Similar to kangaroo meat, goat meat is suitable for dogs with allergies or intolerances so this means they can have more freedom and variety in their diet choices. Drool Pet Co has got the goat treats for your canine covered, our goat tripe treat is our top choice if your new to introducing this meat variety into your dog’s diet. Dehydrated for convenience and to ensure all the nutrients are contained, our goat tripe is rich with probiotics and digestive enzymes to aid in digestion and gut health which is essential for healthy weight management for dogs of all breeds.

At the end of the day, a general feeding guide of 2 meals a day at morning and night as well as feeding them based on their breed and the amount of physical activity they get up to plays a big factor in their overall health. Besides, you know your dog best and have their backs, so go give them a big belly rub and a delicious treat from us here at Drool Pet Co, they’ve earnt it.