If you were to write down every dog treat you can think of, you’d have a list the length of your arm – or possibly even longer! There are all sorts of treats available, from small, squidgy training treats to huge shank bones and dried animal parts, and everything in between. But how do you know when to give your dog these kinds of treats, and what are the best ones to choose? Your Dog’s Club are here to give us the low-down.
What dog treats are good for training?
When you’re focusing on training your dog, you want your dog treats to be small and easy to eat but stuffed full of flavour! Squidgier, softer treats tend to work better for training, as they smell more strongly than their biscuity counterparts – this can really drum up your dog’s excitement and get them ready to learn.
Be prepared to go through a lot of treats in training sessions, especially if you’re attending training classes, so break any larger treats into smaller bits – most dogs work best for treats about the size of your little fingernail, but giant breed dogs will likely need something a bit bigger, just as toy breeds may need something smaller.
Make sure you account for all of these treats in their diet by feeding them smaller meals on the days you train, to help keep them healthy and lean.
What dog treats are safe for puppies?
When you bring a new puppy home, you want to do everything possible to avoid upsetting their sensitive stomachs (and avoid the ensuing vomit and diarrhoea!). It’s a wise idea to not introduce any foods or treats they haven’t had before in their first week with you, as they will be settling in and feeling extra delicate. During this time, you can reward any good behaviour with some of their usual food, or with play and affection.
After that initial settling in period, you can (and should) start to introduce some extra treats. It’s a good idea to start with protein-based treats, focusing on high-quality, easily digestible ingredients, as this will support their growth without upsetting their stomach. Small pieces of tinned tuna or salmon (in water), some cut up bits of cooked chicken, some dried sprats, or some freeze-dried chicken pieces can work really well at this time.
After a couple of weeks, you can start to add in a few more treats, but make sure to only introduce one type every few days so you can monitor if they cause your puppy any discomfort. Stick to small and soft treats as these will be easier for your puppy to eat!
Remember, whilst treats are a fantastic addition to your pup’s daily life, you shouldn’t feed too many of them. Try to stick to using treats for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, as this will help them to stay in tip-top condition.
Which biscuits are best for dogs?
Some dogs love a good crunchy biscuit, but the wrong biscuit can lead to blood sugar spikes, and a grumpy puppy when their blood sugar crashes back down again shortly after. The good news is that there are a variety of good biscuits out there that can still tantalise your dog’s taste buds, without destabilising their mood and giving you a terrier tantrum to deal with.
The main thing to look for in biscuits is what carbohydrate source they use: you want to avoid generic terms like ‘cereals’ and refined grains, such as wheat flour, as these are primarily responsible for spikes in blood sugar. Instead, opt for treats that use wholegrains, such as oats, brown rice, or whole wheat flour. A source of protein is also beneficial.
What is a good treat for an old dog?
Old dogs can definitely still learn new tricks, contrary to popular belief, and they can still have treats! The important thing to remember with older pups is that their teeth may be a little more worn and more sensitive than they used to be, so they can often benefit from having softer treats that are easier to chew.
Are dog chews healthy for dogs?
To put it bluntly: yes! Dog chews are beneficial for our dogs for so many reasons. They can help our dogs to keep their teeth clean, stave off boredom, and even feel more calm and relaxed. Above all, though, chewing is a very natural behaviour for our dogs and, if we don’t give them a way to satisfy their need to chew, they will find other ways to do it – like chewing up the furniture.
If you want something long-lasting for your dog to chew, it’s better to opt for a chew toy, such as a Bamboodle or a Nylabone. Shank bones and antlers can also be a great addition for your dog, although you need to supervise them with these items just in case they chomp off any bits, as these can be a hazard. There have also been cases of dogs breaking their teeth on antlers, so monitor these closely and avoid giving them to young or old dogs with more fragile teeth.
Edible chews can also be great for dogs, as this can satisfy their need to chew but also offer them extra nutrients (and dogs usually find them super tasty!). Something like a yak milk chew or a W’zis chew can be a good place to start, as most dogs love them but they’re fairly unoffensive to our weak human noses! If you’re feeling a bit more brave, dried animal parts are also fantastic – dried pieces of rabbit skin are good for a quick snack, or you can opt for something like a beef trachea which will last a lot longer.
This should give you the foundation you need to select the best dog treats for your dog but, if you still have questions, you can always read more on The Dog Blog or get in touch with us. Simply email us as woof@yourdogsclub.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to help put a wag in your dog’s tail!
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