We all like to reward our furry friends with a tasty treat from time-to-time, but we also want to make sure that we’re only offering the best dog treats in a way that won’t be detrimental to their health.
Here we provide a run-down on everything you need to know so you can make the best decision about how to reward your pooch.
Types of treats for dogs
Just as humans each have different tastes and preferences when it comes to food, so do our four-legged companions and there’s a treat to satisfy every palate.
Here’s a run-down of the main types of dog treats you can choose from to find the one that best suits your pooch:
- Crunchy dog treats: Available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and flavours, crunchy treats for dogs include things like biscuits, bars and cookies. Generally with a very low moisture content, crunchy treats often include ingredients such as peanuts, honey, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken. Some also contain grains, preservatives and artificial colours and flavours.
- Soft, chewy dog treats: Soft treats for dogs have a higher moisture content (around 25%) and often contain humectants (antibacterial moistening agents) which prevent them from drying out so they stay soft, chewy and easy for your dog to bite into. Because they are soft and easy to chew, they’re a great choice to use as a reward when training as they can be consumed quickly. They often also have a strong odour which most dogs find highly appealing.
- Freeze-dried, dehydrated or jerky dog treats: Typically made from a single protein ingredient such as chicken, beef, liver or seafood which has been dehydrated, they are often preservative-free while still having a long-shelf life. Dogs particularly like these treats for their strong flavour.
- Animal parts: Animal parts such as pig’s ears or rawhides are popular treats for dogs, but should be used with caution. While tasty, pig’s ears can be very high in fat and are often heavily processed and treated with a range of potentially harmful chemicals. Rawhide is another animal part which when used as a dog treat can be beneficial in supporting your dog’s oral and dental health, but can be the cause of gastrointestinal obstructions and other complications.
- Animal bones and hooves: While generally not recommended (especially when cooked), when served raw and with constant supervision, many dogs can safely enjoy a treat of raw animal bones or hooves.
