Choosing dog treats
When we want to give our dogs a treat, we want to be sure it’s going to be one they’ll love. But with so many different options out there, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Let’s take a look at the various types of dog treats and what makes each type unique.
Crunchy treats
These treats are typically dry and hard, providing a satisfying crunch when your dog bites into them. Crunchy treats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from cookies and bars to biscuits and kibbles. We even have several recipes you can follow to bake your own healthy dog treats at home.
Fruits and vegetables, like green beans, sliced apples and carrots, can also give a nice crunch and can keep a dog occupied for quite some time, and they’re low in calories too.
Chewy options
Dogs love to chew. It’s an instinct they have. So, to avoid your shoes or furniture being on the menu, it’s ideal to give them some chew toys and treats to help them scratch that itch.
Moist, soft, chewy treats come in a range of textures and flavours. From chicken and salmon nibbles to beef chews, treats like this are an ideal choice if your dog is older or has dental issues.
Freeze-dried and dehydrated choices
We all know how much dogs love meat, so needless to say, when meat is turned into jerky, it’s full of concentrated flavour and nutrition for pups.
Rawhides and long-lasting chew toys
Rawhide treats are made from the inner layer or horse or cow hides. The hides are cleaned before being cut or ground up, and are then pressed into chewy treats in a range of different sizes and shapes. Chicken, beef or liver flavours are often added to make them more tasty for dogs. It’s best to keep an eye on dogs as they chew on rawhide bones, and take them away after 10 minutes or so, as they can become choking hazards.
There are other long-lasting chews made from animal parts, such as pigs’ ears and animal bones. Again, make sure these are suited to the size of your dog and supervise them while they’re chewing. They can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated for ages.
Chewable kong toys that you can fill with treats or foods like xyltiol free peanut butter, canned pumpkin or yoghurt are also great options for keeping your dog occupied. Chew treats can have dental health benefits for your dog too, helping to reduce plaque buildup. Of course, no amount of treats are a substitute for regular teeth brushing.
Human foods
Always be cautious of giving certain human foods to dogs, as some can be poisonous to them. But there are some human foods that make ideal, healthy dog treats. Unseasoned lean meat is a tasty snack that they’ll quickly gobble up, plus there are plenty of dog-friendly fruits, like bananas, blueberries, mango, peaches (without the stone), pears, raspberries and watermelon, just to name a few! Be sure to remove pips, peels and rind! So now you’re aware of all the different types of dog treats out there, here comes the fun part - seeing which ones your dog loves the most.