Just like humans, it’s important that you give your dog the balanced diet that they require. Too many treats and you could end up with an overweight pooch. But when your young dog is in training, it can be very difficult to offer a balanced diet when you are rewarding them for their obedience.

Natural dog treats are a good solution to this doggy conundrum. Like any treat, they should be used sparingly, but when you compare them to other shop bought pet treats – that’s where the real difference lies. Cheaper products are bulked with a multitude of ingredients to alter the look, colour and texture of the treats. Not only are these ingredients unnecessary and a waste of calories, they aren’t always very good for your dog either.

As if you didn’t already know, dogs can come with sensitive tummies, especially when they are puppies. In this case, you may want to take their diet right back to basics so you can control their intake. Natural dog treats often use very gentle ingredients that are rich in protein – perfect for dogs.

Some dogs suffer from allergies which are heavily influenced by their diet. Did you know that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help soothe your dog’s itchy skin? Or if your dog has an irritable stomach, rice and oat based treats can help regulate their digestion. Natural dog treats are more likely to be hypoallergenic, making them a safe option for your pet.

Today there is more choice of natural dog treats than ever before. Billy and Margot, for example offer up a wide choice of naturally flavoured treats that your dog will love. For training, give them tiny bite size strawberry and apple biscuits as rewards. For something chewy, there’s the Liver Bites which are packed full of protein. Whatever you feed your dog, keeping it natural is always the best choice in maintaining good health and a balanced diet.