Training Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Tummies
Need to get some training done but dread being bombed right out of your bedroom, or cleaning up a mess? There are ways around that! Try these tricks and sleep sweet!
Go natural.
Sometimes what dogs are sensitive to is the coloring, preservatives, and fillers (like soy) in store-bought dog treats. When you use real, fresh foods, such as chicken or turkey breast, lean steak, or string cheese, often the problem disappears. Avoid the cheap store-bought treats, and go for the things you’d buy in the human-food section of the store. Don’t be afraid to read the label!
Try fruits and veggies.
Many dogs will work for peas, carrots, blueberries, apple, etc., and often these foods are easier on your dog’s tummy. Do some experimenting and see – we once had a dog in class who worked for canned green beans. Just no grapes or raisins, please – they’re toxic to dogs.
Go with what’s already working.
If your dog has a commercial food that they do well on, look at the ingredients list on the package, and use the main protein source (ex. chicken) in your training. That will hopefully minimize the shock to your dog’s system – it’s not 
special chicken in dog food; it’s just chicken. Make sure if it tends to be a richer type of meat (ex. lamb), that you use the leanest cut you can find.
Try the canned version.
No matter what kibble your dog is already on, there’s usually a canned version of the same brand and type. This will have the same or similar ingredients, just in wet form. Put it in a dishwasher safe squeezable container, such as this travel shampoo container, to make it easy for training. One lick = one reward.
Make your dog’s own food more appetizing and use that.
Fill a ziploc bag or tupperware full of your dog’s kibble, then put a hot dog (or piece of fish, or other really stinky treat) in, shake it up, and put it in the fridge for a few days. Then remove the hot dog and throw it away. The hot dog smell will have permeated the kibble, making it more exciting and worth your dog’s while to work for during training sessions.
Take some preventative measures.
Ask your vet if a good doggy probiotic or any other digestive supplement might help. They can be very effective! You can also try canned pumpkin (not the sugary pie filling, just the pumpkin) with your dog’s meals. It’s full of fiber, so it will regulate his system and *ahem* firm things up, and most dogs think it’s yummy! Start slow with this, though, and gradually increase the amount your dog gets until his stools seem perfect – each dog will react to pumpkin a bit differently and you don’t want to go too far in the wrong direction.
