Dog treats come in all shapes and sizes, with nearly every ingredient a canine could crave. But how do you choose the right one for your dog? Pet stores offer so many options that picking the right one (or two, or three!) can be overwhelming, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro!
What to Look for in a Treat
There are treats for training and rewarding, as well as treats designed to keep your pooch busy and out of trouble. Some treats are meant for bedtime, while others are perfect for car rides or simply rewarding your dog for being a good companion. The common thread through all of them is that they should be healthy, safe, and not given to the point of excess weight gain.
Mass-Market Dog Treats
Much like human treats, many dog treats are loaded with sugar, salt, or chemicals to enhance flavor and preserve freshness. Always read the ingredients on treats just as you would on your own store-bought snacks.
Safety is also a concern with certain types of dog treats. For instance, something as simple as giving a dog a bone can lead to broken teeth, swallowed sharp fragments, or even a bone lodged in the dog’s jaw that may require anesthesia and surgery to remove. This is not an exaggeration—ask your veterinarian about bones, and they’ll give you the full, often frightening, details. When picking out a bone, look for a strong, straight femur that’s at least 4 inches long (even for small dogs), and check it for cracks regularly. Avoid knuckle bones, as the cartilage is easily chewed off, potentially causing constipation or a blockage.
A popular recommendation for dogs suffering from separation anxiety is to give them a rubber toy stuffed with biscuits and peanut butter as a distraction when you leave. This is a great way to manage separation anxiety and also works well for high-energy dogs who need something to do other than destroy your furniture. However, keep an eye on the toy, and as soon as it starts to break down or your dog begins to chew pieces off, toss it out and buy a new one. A torn toy can quickly lead to a serious emergency!
Homemade Dog Treats
Want to know exactly what’s in the treats your dog loves? Try making your own! There are many great recipe books available for making healthy dog treats at home. It’s a fun way to involve the kids in “baking,” although they probably won’t be asking to lick the beaters afterward!
Doggy Bakery Treats
If pureeing liver doesn’t sound like your ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon, consider visiting a local doggy bakery. These bakeries specialize in healthy, organic, homemade-style treats for both dogs and cats. They often cater to dogs with food allergies, so if your dog has issues with certain ingredients like wheat, beef, or eggs, let the bakery know, and they’ll bake a batch of specialty cookies just for your pet. Plus, these bakeries are often fun to visit, as many allow dogs inside and even host walking or social clubs for dog lovers.
Specialty Packaged Treats
In the past decade, small-scale producers of healthy dog treats similar to those from bakeries have emerged. These treats are packaged and sold at various locations across the country. Like the treats from doggy bakeries, they’re high-end, often organic, and made with specialty ingredients like bison or venison. They smell so good, they might even outshine the human treats at a bakery or deli!
Special Note: Treats for Training
Training treats are typically small but packed with a big burst of flavor and scent—the smellier, the better for most dogs!
Not long ago, dog trainers believed that verbal rewards were sufficient during obedience sessions, but that’s no longer the case. Rewarding your dog with a treat for correct behavior is the fastest and easiest way to train them, especially if they have a high food drive (and who doesn’t love food?). Once your dog masters a new trick or command, you can gradually reduce the frequency of treats during training sessions.
Most professional trainers recommend using soft treats for training, as they’re easy to break apart into smaller portions. These treats are also easy for dogs to swallow quickly without requiring much chewing.
Whether you’re using treats for training or managing issues like separation anxiety, it’s important to monitor your dog’s weight. Dog treats, like human treats, are often high in calories! Fortunately, there are low-calorie and high-fiber treats available, which can provide a similar effect. The best part is that dogs love to exercise, so they’ll enjoy working off the calories just as much as they enjoy eating them!
Treats are an excellent motivator and trainer for your dog, just like they are for you and your kids. Be mindful of the ingredients—avoid treats with chemicals or excessive sugar—and keep an eye on your dog’s weight. Otherwise, enjoy giving your dog a treat—after all, they’ll certainly enjoy it!
