The 5 Best Treats For Any Type Of Dog

Dog treats are more than just a way to spoil your furry friend — they can also serve an important purpose in training, behavior modification, and even dental health. From crunchy biscuits to chewy jerky, the market for treats is well-saturated with options to suit every taste and dietary need. High-quality treats made with natural ingredients can provide essential nutrients and promote overall health, while specialized treats can address specific issues such as anxiety or joint health. With that being said, it’s essential to choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and health needs and to be mindful of the calorie content to avoid overindulgence. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, helping with training, or just sharing a moment of love and affection, dog treats are a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.

Best Dog Treats to Consider

Choosing the perfect dog treat can be a daunting task. There are enough options on the market to make your head spin, but to streamline your search, we suggest focusing on a few key features: ingredient quality, size and texture, and the treat’s intended purpose. On top of that, you might want to consider how many calories the treats have. Let us elaborate.

To state the obvious, it’s important to consider the quality of the ingredients because these treats, after all, will be eaten by your dog. So first, be sure to look for treats made with natural, safe ingredients that are easy on the stomach. If you can, avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and other harsh chemicals that can lead to digestive issues. You might also want to opt for treats made with high-quality protein, whole grains, and vegetables that provide a balanced diet for your pup. You may need to experiment a bit, too, because ingredients that work for some dogs may cause digestive issues for others.

Next, take into account the size and texture of the treat. If your dog is large, they can probably handle large treats. But small pups with weaker jaws may find it difficult to chew and swallow large treats. The intended purpose of the treat is relevant too, because some treats are formulated with different goals in mind, such as improving joint health or calming a nervous dog.

And as we mentioned earlier, you might want to pay attention to the calorie content of the treat as well. Treats can be high in calories, so if your dog is on a weight management plan, consider choosing treats that are low in calories or formulated for weight loss.

By keeping these tips in mind, you should be able to select the perfect treat for your pup without any hassle.

Stella & Chewy’s Dog Treats

Paw-licking good, these mega-popular treats from Stella & Chewy have earned a reputation as being irresistible to dogs. Made in the USA from just a single ingredient, these treats are sourced from freeze-dried raw lamb hearts, so they’re a potent source of pooch-friendly nutrients. They are a bit pricy, but you get what you pay for, and in this case, what you pay for is top-tier quality. This isn’t just a tasty treat — it’s one that can bolster a healthy, science-backed dog diet. You probably don’t want to use these all the time, but as an occasional treat, few can compete with these.

Pros:

• Single-ingredient formulation
• Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
• Not as stinky as some potent treats

Cons:

• Can be a bit hard to break into smaller pieces
• A bit greasy; you might want to wash your hands after handling these

Zuke’s Dog Treats

We all love seeing the look of joy on our pups’ faces when they realize we are indeed about to give them a treat. But with great power comes great responsibility. We know that we have to be sparing with the treats we give, lest they lose their meaning and cause our pooches to gain excess weight. If you’re looking for a low-calorie treat you can dole out more often, this is a fantastic pick. Each treat contains less than three calories, so you can give them to your dog without expecting the pounds to pack on. And low-calorie treats aren’t just good for slimming — they’re also ideal for dog training because they’re used as a way to reinforce desired behaviors.

Pros:

• Also great for training your dog
• Easy to chew, so they’re good for dogs of all ages
• Resealable pouch to preserve freshness

Cons:

• They might crumble if you try to break them into smaller pieces
• Your dog might not find the chicken recipe appealing, but most dogs do

Nature Gnaws Dog Treats

Not every treat needs to be a one-and-done little morsel. For teething puppies, sometimes the best treat is one that lasts, because a teething puppy wants nothing more than to chew and chew and chew some more. This pack of bully sticks and chew sticks offers them the ability to do just that. We love that the pack includes a combination of soft and crunchy treats. That way, you can choose the right one for any moment. For example, if you plan on relaxing on the couch, you can toss Buster one of the firm bully sticks and let him chomp away. It should last him a while, and you’ll be nearby to monitor him to make sure he doesn’t try to swallow the thing whole in his excitement.

Pros:

• Available in different sizes for small and large dogs
• The rough texture can also help improve dental health as it scrapes away tartar and plaque
• Plastic-neutral certified; company commits resources towards removing plastic from the seas

Cons:

• May upset some puppies’ stomachs
• We recommend supervising your pup to ensure they don’t try to swallow these

Savory Prime Dog Treats

If you want a treat that your dog won’t be able to get enough of, you’ve found it. This one is derived from cod fish skin, making it a protein-packed option full of healthy omega fatty acids. These are crucial for overall health, but where they really shine is in promoting a healthy coat with a bright sheen. Crunchy, delicious, and as close to gourmet as it gets, these treats are an excellent addition to any pooch’s pantry. These come in handy on those occasions where you want to really treat your dog to something special.

Pros:

• Packed with healthy omega fatty acids
• Good for dental health, too
• Consists of 70% crude protein

Cons:

• As you might expect from a product made of fish skins, this has a strong fishy scent
• Produced in China, which may turn some folks away

Best For Dental Health

These treats are a win-win for you and your dog. What your dog will get is a delicious, chewy treat, and what you’ll get out of it is a dog with improved dental hygiene. Not only does this mean Fido’s breath won’t stink so badly — it also means his heart may be healthier as a result. Greenies have been around for a while, and during that time, they’ve garnered quite some buzz. That’s because nobody does what they do better than them. Their dental treats are available in all kinds of variations to suit any pooch. We love that they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and other goodies, too. And you only need to give your pooch one of these treats a day to see the benefits.

Pros:

• Easy to digest
• Can freshen breath thanks to its plaque- and tartar-busting properties
• Available in many quantities, so you can buy in bulk or opt for smaller pouches

Cons:

• Contains glycerin, which may upset some canine tummies
• Isn’t as beneficial as tooth-brushing, so don’t use these as a replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my dog human food as a treat?

Some human foods, like chicken and carrots, can be safe and healthy for dogs in moderation. But before you start letting Buster lick up the leftovers off your dinner plate, it’s important to know which foods are potentially toxic to canines. For example, chocolate, grapes, and onions are off-limits. Before offering any new foods, check with your vet — or at the very least, search the internet — to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for your dog.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

This depends on many factors, such as your dog’s size, age, and activity level. Are they a fully-grown canine or just a small puppy? They’ll need treats to suit. As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Be sure to factor in any treats you give during training sessions, as well as any other sources of calories like table scraps or dental chews.

What’s the deal with treats that supposedly improve a dog’s dental health?

These types of treats are specially formulated to improve dental health in a number of ways. For example, some are textured to scrub or gently scrape the teeth, while others contain enzymes that break down plaque. That being said, it’s important to note that dental treats should not replace regular brushing and professional cleanings.

Are grain-free treats better for my dog?

Not necessarily. While some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to grains, many grain-free treats contain other ingredients that can cause issues, such as excessive fat or protein. It’s best to choose treats based on your dog’s individual needs and preferences, rather than solely on whether they contain grains. If you suspect your dog may have a food allergy or sensitivity, talk to your veterinarian about testing and appropriate dietary options.

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