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With so many choices out there, how do you choose the best dog treats for your pup? For most dogs, food rewards are the most convenient and effective way to influence your dog’s behavior. Before choosing any dog treat, make sure to review the ingredients list. Always consult with a veterinarian if your dog has food sensitivities, weight-related issues, or you have other concerns.
But how do you choose the right treat for your dog? Read on to find the best treats for your dog based on health, age, lifestyle, and more.
Types of Dog Treats
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are great options for dogs, because they are digestible and don’t splinter like bones can. Bully sticks are an all-natural treat. If your dog has food allergies, bully sticks can be a good option, since they have a single ingredient. Bully sticks are usually made from beef, chicken, pork, or buffalo.
Soft Dog Treats
Soft dog treats are great choices for any dog, especially puppy and senior dogs. Since these treats are easier to chew, soft dog treats are ideal for dogs that can’t chew on hard treats. They’re also often moist, so these dog treats taste extra delicious to many dogs. Try soft dog treats for training!
Dog Cookies
Dog cookies are another favorite for everyday treats. You can even make them at home if you’re feeling adventurous! Dog cookies tend to be effective training treats, as well as good day-to-day treats to reward good behavior.
Dog Bones
When you think of a classic dog treat, you probably think of a bone! Animal bones are a good source of minerals, and chewing them has many benefits for dogs. But giving your dog the wrong kind of bone can be dangerous. Poultry and pork bones should be avoided completely because they can splinter. Supervise your dogs whenever they’re chewing bones, and opt-for dog-safe bones for them to chew on.
Dog Jerky Treats
Jerky treats for dogs are often good mediums between a hard bone and a soft, moist dog treat. Jerky dog treats can be high in protein and very nutritious for your dog. Just make sure to look at the ingredients of jerky for dogs before giving it to them. Jerky for dogs shouldn’t include any spices, and dog-specific jerky should be given to dogs, not jerky made for people.
Freeze Dried Treats
Freeze-dried dog treats tend to be very digestible since the process of freeze-drying removes all moisture from the treat. They’re long-lasting, and freeze-dried treats are considered a healthy treat option for dogs, depending on their ingredients. They’re easy to store and can be kept for a long time, which can also make freeze-dried treats good special-occasion treats.
Calming Dog Treats
If your dog gets very nervous or has trouble winding down, calming dog treats can be a good option. They are often made with soothing components that help dogs calm down. They should be used only as directed, as over-use could potentially be dangerous. Calming dog treats are great to give your dog before grooming, traveling, or going to the vet.
When to Use Dog Treats
Training Dog Treats
Dog treats are often a key component of dog training. Rewarding your dog when they’ve done something well only continues to motivate good behavior. Treats are a great way to get your dog to learn new cues and tricks, too. Treats like dog cookies and soft dog treats are good options for training.
Hip and Joint Dog Treats
There are specific dog treats that are specifically made to support your dog’s mobility. These are great choices for senior dogs to help keep their joints healthy, too. What better way to disguise helping your dogs health than a yummy joint health treat?
Dental Dog Treats
Dog dental care is super important, and a great way to get your dog’s teeth plaque free is with dog dental treats. These dental dog treats can specifically target things like plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. Plus, your dog will just think they’re getting a yummy treat!
Special Occasion Dog Treats
Treats that you only give your dog sometimes, like on holidays or when they’ve been really good, are special occasion dog treats. These can include any treats your dog loves, but doesn’t get often. Freeze-dried dog treats, soft, moist treats, or bully sticks can be examples of these.
Diet-Friendly Dog Treats
If you’re trying to watch your dog’s weight, you especially don’t want to overfeed them with treats. Opting for low-calorie dog treats is a good way to make sure your dog is still getting all the good stuff, without the unnecessary calories. Diet-friendly dog treats are also often healthier, but if you’re unsure what’s best for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Choosing the Right Treat for Your Dog’s Age
Treats for Puppies
Puppies usually need softer dog treats, especially when they’re teething. Since you’ll likely be doing a lot of training with them, soft dog treats or dog cookies are good options for puppies.
Treats for Adult Dogs
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, the treats will also vary. You might be very active in their training and use a lot of dog treats for that. If you do dog sports together, a lot of treats could also come into play there. Whether you’re out and about or lounging around giving them something to chew on, make sure you’re feeding them dog treats that motivate them and positively reinforce good behavior.
Treats for Senior Dogs
Senior dogs often need softer dog treats as they can’t chew on hard bones and chews like they used to. Hip and joint supplement treats may also make their way into your senior dog’s treat rotation, as well as weight-management treats.
Delivering Dog Treats in a Fun Way
Dog Treat Dispensers
Dog toys that dispense treats as well as dog treat dispensers are fun options of giving your dog extra treats throughout the day. Treat dispensing toys are good options if you need to keep your dog busy. What better way to motivate them than a delicious treat that they can smell, but just need to get to?
Dog treat dispensers are also good for when you want to reward good behavior when you’re not at home. Some dog cameras have treat dispenser options, so you can reward good behavior on the go.
Dog Treat Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys for dog treats are another great way to get your dog’s gears turning. These puzzle dog toys are great if you need to keep your dog stimulated, or you aren’t home for long periods of time. Puzzle toys for dogs allow them to use their natural instincts to find treats hidden within them. Snuffle mats are another great option for this, and you can hide small dog treats within these as well.
Dog Treats for Training
Dog treats are a great positive reinforcement method for dog training. Whether your puppy is learning new cues or you’re teaching your senior dog new tricks, dog treats provide positive connections between those actions in your dog’s mind.
Ready to start training? Start with these five basic commands. The most important part of treat training is that your dog stays healthy, stimulated, and has fun. Enjoy!