Your playful doggo needs variety in their food, just the way you need it. And what better way to do so than feeding a healthy treat to them? Whether it is just about spoiling your furry friend a bit while spending quality time with them, providing the nutritional support they need in addition to their daily intake, or rewarding them during training and when they behave as you desire; the great variety of dog treats available in multiple shapes and sizes come to your rescue to serve the purpose.

But, what types of treats are best suitable for your dog that will be safe as well as healthy for them? Go through this article to find out the aspects that need to be considered while selecting the treats that suit your dog the best and different types of dog treats.

Things to consider while selecting treats for dogs

Primarily, a treat cheers your beloved furry friend’s mood, but it can do more harm than good if it does not suit their health. To make a perfect choice for your furry buddy, consider the following points:

• Consider your dog’s age while selecting treats for them as their dietary needs will be different as per their life stage.
• The activity level of your pooch also plays an important role in determining their calorie requirements based on which, the treats ideal for them will be different.
• Take into account your fur baby’s medical history. Do not give them treats that contain ingredients they are sensitive or allergic to.
• Check the ingredients of the treats you intend to get for your furry pal. No matter how tasty they are, avoid giving treats that are filled with sweeteners, artificial additives and colours, and preservatives as they are not good for your canine’s health.
• Make sure that at any point, your doggo’s treat intake does not make up more than 10% of their total diet. Treats are supplementary food and not to be used as a replacement for your furry friend’s regular meals. Too many of them can lead to obesity and subsequently joint issues in your furball.
• Each dog is different and so are their nutritional requirements. Consult a veterinarian if you need help with selecting the treats that will suit your fur baby the best.

Types of dog treats: selecting the best

Dog treats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are plenty of options to select from. Here is a list of different types of dog treats with a brief idea of their suitability for canines:

• Crunchy treats

  Crunchy dog treats are the most easily available and least expensive ones. These baked treats come in a variety of forms like biscuits, bars, cookies, and dry kibbles. Due to their longer shelf life and ease of feeding, crunchy treats are the most popular among pet parents, and their scrumptious taste makes them instant favourites of dogs too. Good for dental exercise because of their hard texture, crunchy treats are ideal for everyday rewards and for serving as a fun snack to your furry companion. The healthy variety of Pedigree, Purepet, or Chip Chops crunchy treats available at Pawsandpaws can help you get the best ones for your fur baby.

• Soft treats

  With high moisture content and soft texture, soft treats are a delicious addition to your four-legged friend’s daily diet. The pleasing taste and the aroma appeal to your canine and are sure to become their desirable food variety. A great option for young puppies and senior dogs, soft treats are also preferable for dogs with dental issues or sore gums. SmartHeart’s creamy treats are one such option that grabs your pooch’s interest instantly and satisfies their taste buds without adding those unwanted extra calories.

• Freeze-dried & dehydrated/jerky treats

Made from a single ingredient and 100% animal meat, freeze-dried and dehydrated or jerky treats are a healthy variety that should be given in moderation to your fur baby due to their high-protein content. Available in plenty of forms like chicken, turkey, duck, kangaroo, beef, pork, seafood, and more, freeze-dried and jerky treats are super useful to be used as training rewards due to their tempting flavours. The chewy texture also helps keep your canine busy for a long time and control anxiety. Dogsee, Kennel Kitchen, and JerHigh offer a great collection of freeze-dried and jerky treats and bring you multiple tasty and nutritious treat options to select from.

• Bone-like treats & dental chews                                                                           

Perfect for providing dental exercise to canines, dental chews and bone-shaped treats help promote your furry friend’s dental health. These treats are usually made from digestible ingredients and help keep teeth clean by eliminating plaque while chewing. Good for keeping your furry companion occupied for long, they are high in calories and need to be given in controlled quantity. Dogaholic, Gnawlers, and Drools carry a great variety of dental chews and have options for every pet.

• Homemade treats & human food

  Human food (table scraps) like cheese, cookies, crackers, etc are not good options for dogs. But, it is not a bad idea to sometimes give a small piece of dog-friendly fruits or vegetables to your pooch as a treat to add variety to their routine food. Carrots, green beans, blueberries, and apples are healthy and safe options to name a few. Homemade dog treats made from safe-for-dog ingredients are also a good option, especially for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. However, keep in mind the size and calories while preparing treats for your furry family member at home.

To conclude

Dog treats are a great option for adding variety to your beloved furry friend’s food and for giving as a training reward for positive reinforcement. Though irresistible for pooches, the type and quantity of treats that suit the best to your pooch need to be selected after considering all the important aspects. Serving the appropriate amount of nutritious treats not only makes your dog happy but also helps keep them healthy.