If you’ve just brought a new Border Collie into your home, chances are that you’re trying to train them. And to make training easier, most people would recommend incorporating treats into the training routine.
With that said, finding treats for Border Collies is not an easy task. Border Collies have certain dietary requirements that need to be met if you want to sustain a healthy lifestyle for your pet.
When looking for treats for Border Collies, you can either make your own or buy them off the shelf. But regardless of what kind of treats you’re giving your dog, it’s crucial that you get treats that meet their dietary needs and won’t be unhealthy for them.
So in this guide, we’re helping dog owners to figure out which treats would be the best for their Border Collies. We’re taking a look at things to look for when buying commercial dog treats, according to the experts at Spot & Tango, while also breezing over a couple of options for people looking to make dog treats for their dogs.
What To Consider When Buying Dog Treats for Border Collies
There’s nothing wrong with buying commercial dog treats. Not only are these convenient, but the right options are actually beneficial for dogs in moderation while also tasting great. With that said, there is also a fair amount of dog treats on the market that isn’t that good for Border Collies, despite them tasting great.
That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to the nutritional facts of the treats you’re buying your dog, whether it’s a Border Collie or another breed. So, here are some of the key things you need to look out for when finding the right commercial dog treats for a Border Collie.
Protein Content
Border Collies are natural carnivores, like all dogs. This is why it’s important to find treats with high protein content, as this is crucial for a Border Collie’s diet. The high protein content is always recommended when finding a treat for Border Collies. Granted, they should be getting the majority of their protein intake from their dog food, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid protein when getting treats.
Fat Content
Another thing that Border Collies need a lot of, according to PetMD, is fat. Remember, these dogs were originally bred as herding dogs. This is why they have a lot of energy and strength. But to maintain that energy and fuel their bodies, Border Collies need a fair amount of fat in their diet, which they can get from treats.
With that said, dog owners need to play a sort of balancing act when it comes to the fat in their pet’s diet. Too much fat can cause your dog to gain some pounds, and if you don’t do anything about it, your dog could get obese.
Dogs gaining weight from too many treats is a very common issue for dog owners. This is why you need to make sure their treats have some fat, but not too much fat that it will actually cause them to gain weight.
Taste
Another thing to consider when buying dog treats for dogs is how they taste. Now, we don’t mean heading to the store and tasting them yourself. However, it’s important to find treats that your dog likes to eat. Remember, dogs can be picky eaters, so there could be a high chance that your dog doesn’t really enjoy the taste of the treats you buy.
If your dog doesn’t like the taste of the treats they’re eating, there’s no point in feeding it them. Treats are supposed to be a reward that tastes better than their regular food. That is why finding treats that your dogs enjoy eating is absolutely crucial.
What Natural Dog Treats Can I Give My Border Collie?
Okay, so now that you know what things to look for when buying dog treats, you may be wondering what your options are if you feed your dog homemade treats. Well, nowadays, there are tons of recipes available online for homemade dog treats that aren’t just healthy but affordable and tasty.
Here are some options for people looking to make or feed their dog natural treats.
Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
Frozen dog treats are always a great option for dog owners. Aside from being easy to make, these dog treats will last you a long time in the freezer. So, you can make large batches that you can ration over a couple of weeks for your pet, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Our ideal recipe for frozen dog treats contains chicken stock and small pieces of meat like chicken and beef. All you have to do is mix the chicken stock with a bit of water, boil the meat until cooked, then freeze the liquid into cubes.
The result is going to be a flavor and nutrient-packed treat that your dog will surely enjoy.
Fruits & Vegetables
If you don’t want to spend a couple of hours in the kitchen making dog treats from scratch, you can also try out fruits and vegetables. The downside to feeding your dog fruit and vegetable treats is that they won’t be getting that much protein and fat. However, they will be getting vitamins and other essential nutrients.
Some fruits and vegetables that are great for dogs include cucumbers, apples, watermelons, squash, and cantaloupe. With that said, remember that fruits have a fair amount of sugar, so you don’t want to feed your dog too many fruits to avoid diabetes and other problems.
Conclusion
If you have a dog, then it’s important to have a stash of treats that you can give them as a reward or as a snack. You can make your own treats or buy some from the store. However, the most important thing is to find healthy treats that your dog likes eating.
And once you find the right treats, ensure not to feed your dog too much. Treats are a special snack, and feeding your dog too many treats can result in them gaining weight and developing other problems.
But if you feed them the right treats in moderation, your dog will surely have a good time. Each dog is different, even if they are the same breed, so be ready for some trial and error before landing on the perfect treat for your Border Collie.
