Treats are a wonderful way to show affection, reward positive behavior, and strengthen your bond with your emotional support animal (ESA). Whether you have a dog, cat, or another companion animal, offering treats can make everyday interactions more enjoyable. However, not all treats are equally nutritious. Some contain excessive calories, artificial ingredients, or additives that may not support your animal’s long-term health.
Choosing healthier options allows you to reward your emotional support animal while supporting their overall well-being. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting the right treats.
1. Check the Ingredient List
One of the first things to do when shopping for animal treats is to read the ingredient label. Look for products containing recognizable ingredients appropriate for your animal’s species.
For dogs and cats, treats made with ingredients such as chicken, turkey, fish, or other suitable protein sources can be good options. Be cautious with products containing excessive added sugar, salt, or unnecessary fillers.
Remember that an ingredient’s presence does not automatically make a treat healthy. Its nutritional value and suitability for your animal matter more.
2. Consider Your Animal’s Age and Health Needs
Every emotional support animal has different nutritional requirements depending on age, size, activity level, and health condition.
For example, senior animals may benefit from softer treats that are easier to chew, while younger animals may need smaller portions appropriate for their size.
If your ESA has food allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, or weight concerns, consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats. Choosing options that complement their regular diet can help prevent unnecessary health complications.
Read more: Health Reminders for Service Animal Owners: Vaccines, Diet, and More
3. Watch the Calories and Portion Sizes
Even nutritious treats can contribute to unhealthy weight gain when offered too frequently.
As a general guideline, treats should account for no more than 10% of your animal’s daily calorie intake, with the remaining calories coming from a complete and balanced diet.
Consider breaking larger treats into smaller pieces. Your animal can still enjoy the reward without consuming unnecessary calories.
4. Explore Safe, Natural Alternatives
Some everyday foods can serve as healthier alternatives to commercially prepared treats.
For dogs, small portions of plain carrots, blueberries, or seedless apple slices without the core can be suitable choices. Cats may enjoy small amounts of plain, thoroughly cooked chicken or fish without bones or seasoning.
However, foods that are safe for one species may be harmful to another. Avoid offering chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or products containing xylitol to dogs. Always research species-specific food safety before sharing human food.
5. Pay Attention to Your Animal’s Reaction
When introducing a new treat, start with a small amount and observe your animal’s response. Watch for signs of digestive discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or changes in appetite. These symptoms may indicate that a particular ingredient does not agree with your animal.
If unusual symptoms develop, discontinue the treat and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Read more: 8 Care Tips for Your Companion and Assistance Animal According to Veterinarians
6. Use Treats to Strengthen Your Bond
Treats can be useful for positive reinforcement, training, and creating enjoyable routines with your emotional support animal.
However, affection does not always need to involve food. Playtime, gentle grooming, interactive toys, and quality time together can also provide meaningful rewards.
Balancing food-based treats with other forms of attention helps maintain a healthy relationship without encouraging overfeeding.
Discover: Bonding Activities to Strengthen the Emotional Support Dog-Human Connection
Final Thoughts
Choosing healthy treats for your emotional support animal is about more than finding something they enjoy eating. It involves understanding their nutritional needs, selecting appropriate ingredients, and practicing moderation.
By making thoughtful choices and consulting your veterinarian when necessary, you can support your ESA’s physical health while continuing to nurture the companionship and emotional comfort they bring to your everyday life.
Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.
The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.
Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.
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