[ViciousXUSMC]

Are hotdogs ok to give for training treats?
I have seen it used/recommended a few times (even YouTube videos on how to cut it to portion)

Nova does not use kibble as a training treat so I wanted something cheap and effective. I tried a hotdog and she loves it (taught her how to sit with them) but I am concerned about continuing to use them if they are not really good for her.

My #1 thing by looking at the nutritional value is the sodium, so next run maybe a turkey/beef hotdog that has about 1/2 the sodium.

 

[SuperG]

I'm not a fan of hot dogs as treats.....if I did, I would use them sparingly.


SuperG

 

[Nigel]

I can't remember who, but someone recently posted their dogs blood work was off the charts after using hot dogs the day before, I believe the fat content was taxing the pancreas? Not 100% sure on this, I'll see if I can find the thread.


ETA, Found the thread, post #9
http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/diet-nutrition/538386-best-kibble-recommendations.html

 

[Emoore]

I used turkey hotdogs as treats all through agility training. . . but I cut them into dime-sized slices and then cut the slices into quarters. In the course of a 1hr training session he'd eat maybe 1/2 of a hotdog.

 

[Kahrg4]

I like cutting up string cheese instead of hotdogs. Plus my hands end up less slimey with cheese.

 

[nezzz]

If you want to use hotdogs, use the plain chicken ones, not those fancy types like bratwursts or chorizos, those have too much other indgredients I would think twice about when giving them to my dog. But it's not like the regular plain ones are any better with the preservatives or sodium but a little sausage never hurt any man or dog.

That said, I recommend using cooked liver instead. Most dogs I know love liver over any other food I know of.

 

[Lykoz]

Substantially better than probably most doggie treats without question.

From health and how much they like them.

Great treat. As other users posted, understand that it is processed and not a balanced meal. Vary up your treats when you can.

But it's really ok. I think it's a good treat when you realize it's convenient they love them, and is human grade food (junk food) but still human grade.

 

[misslesleedavis1]

I will go thru 1 hot dog a month. I like to switch it up, my guys like small penny sized pieces of cheddar cheese, recently cut up apple slices and half almonds.

 

[GSD07]

Hot dog gave my pup ear infections so we quit using them.

 

[Lykoz]

I will go thru 1 hot dog a month. I like to switch it up, my guys like small penny sized pieces of cheddar cheese, recently cut up apple slices and half almonds.

A single Hotdog? or you mean a hotdog pack?

 

[SuperG]

I'll buy whatever protein is on sale at the grocery store...say a round roast and cut it into 3/4 inch slices....throw the slabs on a rack with a drip pan underneath in the oven at 225 degrees and cook it just long enough ( flip it one time ) to get the outside dry. Then I cut it into appropriate sized cubes and then bag it up and put in the freezer. I used to dehydrate the same proteins but I think the additional moisture in the par baked version is better and you don't lose near the volume...

I probably used too many treats when she was a pup, so when I used hotdogs as treat I did notice a difference in her stool...definitely softer...so I moved on to a different source.

SuperG

 

[SuperG]

my guys like small penny sized pieces of cheddar cheese, recently cut up apple slices and half almonds.

Sounds like an appetizer tray...nice!

I know I have read articles regarding giving nuts to your dog as treats.....some suggest a bit of a warning....but my take is...moderation should be fine.


SuperG

 

[Bramble]

I've used hot dogs, I go for the ones that are uncured and free of preservatives. I also like using just a plain boiled chicken breast or thigh and cheese. All cut into tiny pieces that can be easily swallowed since my girl does not know how to chew. I like to portion out the amounts so I don't overfeed and vary treats so my dog doesn't get bored.

I also make my own baked liver treats. Pretty basic, just pureed liver, flour of your choice some water or broth to help mix it all together, put it in a pan and bake. I then cut them into squares and freeze. I take out what I will need for a week and keep them in the fridge. They are soft enough to break into small pieces and not too crumbly. My dog loves them and because I have family that hunts I get free venison liver.

 

[misslesleedavis1]

A single Hotdog? or you mean a hotdog pack?

No the equivalent of a single hot dog, a hot dog chunk here and there. I don't use them alot.

 

[misslesleedavis1]

Sounds like an appetizer tray...nice!

I know I have read articles regarding giving nuts to your dog as treats.....some suggest a bit of a warning....but my take is...moderation should be fine.


SuperG

I've heard that too but honestly I'm not going thru many almonds either. A handful to split between 3 dogs.

...I will fill their kongs with pb on occasion.

 

[Lykoz]

No the equivalent of a single hot dog, a hot dog chunk here and there. I don't use them alot.

Lol so little I use a **** of a lot more..

There not poison u know

 

[martemchik]

I've used hot dogs as training treats for a long time. They're perfect for luring because you can hold the whole hot dog in your hand and give it to your dog little by little without messing with little pieces of food that constantly fall on the floor and cause your dog to lose focus.

I can go through about a pound of hot dogs easily in a training session. The dogs don't seem to care at all.

I'm pretty sure hot dogs are being discussed mostly due to cost. That's why many people use kibble...cheap per pound. I get a 3lb pack of sugardale hot dogs for 2.99. In the summer months, with tracking, I've gone through 2-3 packs a week.

 

[SuperG]

Lol so little

A single hotdog in the USA is as big as a person's arm.....everything in the USA is big.......hamburgers the size of a manhole cover....oranges the size of a basketball...

Couldn't help myself...sorry


SuperG

 

[misslesleedavis1]

Lol I know they are not poison, I am not an anti hotdog household, just don't use them a whole lot.
We always have them though because the kids like them as snacks.

 

[LouCastle]

You can make hot dog slices less greasy by microwaving them on a couple of paper towels.