A Dog's Favorite Thing - Other than You - Treats!

Dog treats are a great way to reward your furry friend, provide mental stimulation, and even support their health. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which treats are the best for your dog. Here’s a guide to the different types of dog treats and how to choose the best ones for your pup.

Types of Dog Treats

1. Training Treats

Training treats are small, low-calorie rewards used to reinforce good behavior during training sessions. They are typically soft and easy to chew, allowing for quick consumption so your dog can stay focused on the task.

• Popular Choices: Zuke’s Mini Naturals, Blue Buffalo Blue Bits, and Pet Botanics Training Rewards.
• Ideal For: Puppies and dogs undergoing obedience training.

2. Dental Treats

Dental treats are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. They usually have a chewy texture that promotes chewing, which can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

• Popular Choices: Greenies Dental Chews, Pedigree Dentastix, and Whimzees Natural Dental Chews.
• Ideal For: Dogs needing extra dental care and those prone to dental issues.

3. Chews and Bones

Chews and bones provide a long-lasting treat that satisfies your dog’s natural chewing instincts. They can help keep your dog occupied and promote healthy teeth and gums.

• Popular Choices: Bully sticks, rawhide chews, and antlers.
• Ideal For: Heavy chewers and dogs that enjoy gnawing.

4. Biscuits and Crunchy Treats

Biscuits and crunchy treats come in various shapes and flavors. They have a satisfying crunch that many dogs love and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals.

• Popular Choices: Milk-Bone Original Biscuits, Old Mother Hubbard Classic Crunchy Dog Treats, and Blue Buffalo Health Bars.
• Ideal For: Dogs that enjoy a crunchy texture and as occasional rewards.

5. Soft and Chewy Treats

Soft and chewy treats are easy to chew and often come in a variety of flavors. They are great for older dogs, puppies, and dogs with dental issues.

• Popular Choices: Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones, Hill’s Science Diet Soft & Chewy Training Treats, and Wellness WellBites.
• Ideal For: Dogs of all ages, especially those with dental sensitivities.

6. Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Treats

Freeze-dried and dehydrated treats are minimally processed, preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. They are often made from high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.

• Popular Choices: Stewart Freeze-Dried Liver Treats, Orijen Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, and PureBites Chicken Breast.
• Ideal For: Health-conscious pet owners and dogs with food sensitivities.

7. Homemade Treats

Homemade treats allow you to control the ingredients and tailor them to your dog’s preferences and dietary needs. There are countless recipes available online for nutritious and delicious homemade dog treats.

• Popular Choices: Peanut butter biscuits, pumpkin bites, and sweet potato chews.
• Ideal For: Pet owners who enjoy baking and want to provide personalized treats.

How to Choose the Best Dog Treats

1. Consider Your Dog’s Dietary Needs

• Allergies and Sensitivities: If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, choose treats that are free from common allergens like wheat, soy, and corn. Look for limited ingredient treats or those formulated for sensitive stomachs.
• Nutritional Value: Opt for treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

2. Match Treats to Your Dog’s Size and Age

• Size: Ensure the treat size is appropriate for your dog. Small treats for small dogs and larger treats for bigger dogs to prevent choking hazards.
• Age: Puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different dietary needs. Choose treats that match their life stage, such as softer treats for seniors or smaller treats for puppies.

3. Purpose of the Treat

• Training: Use small, low-calorie treats for training sessions to avoid overfeeding.
• Dental Health: Choose dental treats if you’re looking to improve your dog’s oral hygiene.
• Long-Lasting Chews: For dogs that love to chew, select durable chews or bones to keep them occupied.

4. Check Calorie Content

Be mindful of the calorie content in treats, especially if your dog is on a weight management plan. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

5. Read Reviews and Labels

• Reviews: Read customer reviews to learn about other pet owners’ experiences with the treats.
• Labels: Carefully read the ingredient list and nutritional information on treat packaging to ensure they meet your standards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog treats involves considering your dog’s dietary needs, size, age, and the purpose of the treats. Whether you’re training, promoting dental health, or simply rewarding good behavior, there’s a perfect treat out there for your furry friend. 

Happy treating,

The DogStoreOnline Team

Share your dog’s favorite treats and treat-time photos with us on social media using the hashtag #DogStoreOnlineTreats for a chance to be featured on our page!