If you were to ask Santa what the number one gift asked for at Christmas was, he would probably tell you that most kids ask for a puppy. And why not? Puppies are adorable little balls of fur that provide endless fun, companionship and loyalty. They love to play until they fall asleep, and when they wake up they are always ready to eat. A good quality puppy food is essential to making sure your pup grows up to be a happy and healthy dog. Dog gourmet treats are extra enticing for puppies that are experimenting with tastes and textures. There are many puppy foods on store shelves, so make sure you choose a quality canine cuisine with all the essential vitamins and minerals puppies need.
Experts say it is best to start training at an early age, so it’s not too early to start simple commands such as “sit” as soon as you get your puppy. Dog treats work best when training, because puppies love to eat. Dog food companies even make special puppy biscuits for training. Start training for short periods at a time, as puppies tire very easily, and slowly increase the amount of time spent each day learning new tricks and commands, and use dog treats. Consistency is the key to proper training. Don’t expect miracles overnight, as training a dog takes time. But perseverance will pay off when you have a well-behaved canine that your whole family loves to interact with.
If you’re not ready for a puppy, you can always adopt an older dog looking for a good home. Like puppies, older dogs have specific nutritional needs required to maintain optimal bodily health, including joint and bone strength, strong eyesight, healthy skin and coat, etc. They may even want to have a dog breakfast one day! Older dogs are also more prone to gum and tooth conditions, so you’ll want to purchase dog treats that promote oral health and are a bit softer than those you’d feed a puppy. You’ll also want to feed your older dog the kind of pet food made especially for dogs in their senior years. These foods typically have additional vitamins and minerals to keep your pooch feeling perky.