Low Cal Treats for the Pudgy Pooch

Recently, I talked a little about upping the exercise ante for your pudgy pooch. That is often easier said than done, however, particularly when you have a dog who has become used to the sedentary lifestyle. An overweight dog may find exercise uncomfortable, taxing, or downright painful. Your job as a responsible, loving caregiver, is to turn that around. The best way to do so is often by incorporating food into the exercise regiment. However, you'd be amazed at how calorie-dense many of the commercial doggie-treats are. Here, then, are a few healthful alternatives that will get your pup running for his leash

(1) Reduced fat string cheese. One "bar" is about 70 calories, and most dogs are wild about cheese. Cut it into pea-sized pieces and refrigerate prior to the walk, so that you can grab a handful on the go.

(2) Apples. Yes, that's right... Apples. Unlike carrots or celery (which many dogs are actually nuts about, as well), apples are sweet enough to satisfy most meat-and-potatoes pooches. If you have a dog that is easily food motivated, apples may be just the thing for him. Excise the core and seeds, cut into small pieces, and refrigerate.

(3) Sandwich meats. Oh, the response you'll get. The thing to know about processed sandwich meat is that it's often packed with salt and preservatives. To avoid that, choose an all-natural turkey or chicken from your local deli. As with the other treats, cut into small pieces and refrigerate.

(4) Doggie treats. Rather than using calorie-dense, preservative rich bones, try for a higher quality treat like freeze dried lamb or liver. Pea-sized or a little larger is the most desirable size for training, and will keep the calories to a minimum.

I like to make kind of a doggie-version of GORP for my walks, mixing in the aforementioned apples, deli turkey, string cheese, and high-quality dog treats like freeze-dried lamb. I make a mix with enough for both the morning and evening walk the night before, and keep it in a sealed container. That way, it's a simple matter to just go to the fridge, fill the Treat Tote, and get going.

One final note to keep in mind when you're up against the battle of the bulge: calories definitely do count. Remember to factor treats into your dog's daily calorie allocation. Consider replacing breakfast with treats given during walk time in the mornings, and you'll be sure to see results!