Choosing the Right Treats

Giving your pet a treat is a great way to reinforce positive behavior. Here are some tips for making the right choice:

1. Choose commercial treats, which are more nutritious than table scraps and tend to have far fewer calories.

2. Offer treats designed to prevent dental problems. Both cats and dogs benefit.

3. Balance your young pet's diet. Treats are okay, but about 95 percent of his diet should be nutritious puppy or kitten food.

4. Avoid giving human food to cats. It often contains ingredients that can do harm.

Source: ASPCA and Scholastic Parent & Child (February/March 2008)