Everyone knows that dogs love treats! Dog treats are not just a snack but also a way of communicating with your pet and, therefore, an excellent means of getting close to your dog, training them, and rewarding good behavior.
There are many types of dog treats, including soft and crunchy over-the-counter snacks and homemade ones. Having so many options can make it difficult for owners to choose the best healthy snack for their pups. Here are some things everyone should look at when choosing treats for their dog.
Types of Dog Treats
Soft Treats
Although less popular than crunchy treats, soft treats are overall a good suggestion for puppies and older dogs as they are not as difficult to chew. There is a great variety of soft treats available in all shapes and sizes, from soft biscuits to burger bites.
Most treats, however, have artificial preservatives added to stay soft, making them rather unhealthy. So, make sure to take a look at the ingredients.
Crunchy Treats
Though old-fashioned to some, crunchy treats are one of the most popular forms of treats available to owners today. Most canines love the texture of these treats, and they can help with dental hygiene.
Dry, crunchy treats donât usually contain preservatives, like soft treats do, but can be full of fillers such as wheat and corn. Some even contain artificial flavoring.
Jerky and Meat-Based Treats
Jerky and meat-based treats are healthier than the previous two types. They can be made from various protein sources, such as poultry, pork, beef, seafood, and even kangaroo meat!
Texture-wise, they are somewhere between soft and crunchy ones, but their flavor makes them loved by most pets.Â
Dental Chews
Unfortunately, many owners forget about their dog's dental hygiene. According to PetMD, untreated dental problems in dogs can lead to conditions such as chronic kidney disease, and choosing the right treats can help prevent this.
These treats are made of digestible ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, glycerin, and cornstarch. They are hard and crunchy, resembling animal bones, so they support excessive chewing. This helps remove plaque and improves dental health.
Specialty Treats
Specialty treats are designed for dogs with certain health problems. This includes dogs with little to no teeth, dog allergies, or other issues that prevent them from eating regular types of snacks.
Some examples of specialty treats include grain-free treats, organic snacks, or hypoallergenic options.
Homemade Treats
While time-consuming, making dog treats from your home is one of the best options. This includes peanut butter dog treats, homemade dehydrated fruits and veggies, meat cookies, or frozen broth cubes.
Just be carefulâmany foods that are good for humans are harmful to dogs, so choose your ingredients wisely.
Dog Treats by Life Stage
Canines have various dietary needs depending on their life stage. As a result, your choice of treats should be age-appropriate. Hereâs what you need to know:
Treats for Puppies
Puppy treats should be soft and nutrient-rich so they can support a growing dog. Look for options with lots of protein and high-quality ingredients.Â
At the same time, these treats should be small and mushy, suitable for teething puppies. Â
Treats for Adult Dogs
While treats are not the primary source of nutrients for an adult dog, they should still complement a canineâs diet. Look for treats with healthy ingredients and a high-quality protein source, such as real meat and fish.
Make sure the treats you choose are low in calories. WebMD states that dogs shouldnât get more than 10% of their daily calorie from treats, so be mindful of that.
Treats for Senior Dogs
Senior doggie treats should be soft, easy to chew, with hypoallergenic ingredients that support joint health and the dog's overall wellness.Â
As senior dogs are more prone to weight gain, choose diet options without many calories to prevent overfeeding.
Choosing the Best Treats for Your Dog
When it comes to choosing the best dog treats, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:
Always check the ingredient list. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and instead look for whole grains, natural protein sources, and treats rich in vitamins and minerals.
Consider your dogâs unique dietary needs. You cannot choose the same treats for an old, overweight dog as you would for a young, growing puppy.
Buy from reputable brands that are known to produce quality products.
Treats for Training
Dog training treats are a powerful tool because they offer immediate positive reinforcement. This helps dogs learn to develop special behaviors. Small, palatable, high-value treats keep your dog focused and interested in training.
The type of treat doesn't really matter. From store-bought âcandyâ to peanut chews, everything can work as long as your pooch likes it.
Treating must be frequent and combined with a verbal command or praise to help condition the association. In time, you can wean your dog off treats and onto praise or other rewards, but they're priceless when learning things for the first time or reinforcing positive behavior.
Healthy and Nutrient-Rich Dog Treats
While some people might argue that there is no such thing as healthy dog treats, PetMD states that treats can be good for dogs as long as we give them to our pets in moderation.
Healthy, nutritious dog treats reward your dog while supporting their overall well-being. A treat is considered healthy if it:
Contains a limited number of ingredients.Â
Has as few calories as possible.
Doesnât contain any fillers or artificial ingredients.
Is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, glucosamine, or chondroitin.
Treat Safety and Storage
When picking the right treat for your furry companion, you need to make sure to avoid hard treats, such as rawhide or cooked bones. These can splinter and hurt or even choke a dog, especially puppies and small breeds.Â
Additionally, avoid treats with toxic substances, such as xylitol, chocolate, raisins, grapes, or too much salt.
Store dog treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight to keep them fresh and safe. Refrigerate or freeze homemade or other perishable treats, and always inspect expiration dates before using them.
A bad or unusual odor, visible mold, color changes, or texture changesâsuch as becoming too hard or mushyâare some indicators that a treat has gone bad.Â
Treats must always be discarded when they exceed the expiration date or exhibit any of these signs.
DIY Dog Treat Recipes
Making dog treats at home doesn't have to be hard. Most recipes are relatively simple to prepare, and your dog will love them!
Some of the easiest dog treat recipes are:
Peanut butter biscuits are made by combining peanut butter, flour, and an egg and baking.
Frozen yogurt bites: Mix yogurt and fruitsâmake sure those fruits have no pits if you're using them wholeâand freeze them, and your dog will get a tasty, refreshing snack.
Pumpkin chews are made by mixing pumpkin puree with oats and baking them until they reach that mushy yet crunchy texture.
Zoetis even has a good recipe for a homemade dog birthday cake - you can look up!
Remember to customize each treat to your dog's unique nutritional needs or food sensitivity.
Conclusion
Treats are such an important part of dog ownership, and they can make your dog a happier and healthier pup. And they are quite useful during training sessions! Experiment with a range of treats to see what your dog likes best. Typically, even the pickiest of eaters will love tasty snacks, so this is a fun process.
Sadly, the majority of dog treats are made from unhealthy ingredients but are calorie-dense, causing obesity and overall health decline. Be extremely selective when selecting snacks to maintain your pup's health.
And keep in mind: Treats are only healthy in moderate amounts. As hard as it is, try ignoring those puppy dog eyes to avoid overindulging.
When used correctly, treats play a major role in obedience training and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. If you have more questions, consult with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should dog treats be made at home or bought?
Either one is acceptable as long as the treats consist of healthy, safe ingredients. Homemade allows more control, while store-bought treats are convenient and are generally nutritionally well-rounded.
Should dog treats be a part of your dog's daily diet?
Treats can be a daily thing for a dog, but they must not exceed 10% of a dog's daily requirement to prevent overfeeding.
What do dog treats taste like?
For canines, dog treats are usually salty and meat, peanut butter, or cheese-flavored. To humans, though, they are tasteless or even revolting.
Is it harmful to give a dog treats for no reason?
Treats given for no reason are not terrible, but going overboard will result in weight gain, begging, and a setback in obedience training.
Do dogs really like treats, or is it just more food for them?
Dogs truly do love treats as they have high-value flavors and are rewarding, but some dogs would consider them as extra food, especially if they are food-motivated.
