In cultures throughout the world, food is currency for love, for close feelings, and so it goes in the cultural space we inhabit with our dogs. Treats in particular are rife with affectionate meaning and intention, perhaps precisely because they are not necessary for a dog’s optimal nutrition. They’re solely about expressing warm feelings. Indeed, Tufts board-certified veterinary nutritionist Deborah Linder, DVM, once wrote in the journal Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice that “Providing treats is a central component of many pet owners’ relationships with their…dogs.” Unfortunately, excess treats often contribute to unhealthful weight gain in our pets.
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