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With so many choices out there, how do you choose the best for your pup? For most dogs, food rewards are the most convenient and effective way to influence your dog鈥檚 behavior. Before choosing any dog treat, make sure to review the ingredients list. Always consult with a veterinarian if your dog has food sensitivities, weight-related issues, or you have other concerns.
But how do you choose the right treat for your dog? Read on to find the best treats for your dog based on health, age, lifestyle, and more.
Types of Dog Treats
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are great options for dogs, because they are digestible and don鈥檛 splinter like bones can. are an all-natural treat. If your dog has food allergies, can be a good option, since they have a single ingredient. are usually made from beef, chicken, pork, or buffalo.
Soft Dog Treats
are great choices for any dog, especially puppy and senior dogs. Since these treats are easier to chew, are ideal for dogs that can鈥檛 chew on hard treats. They鈥檙e also often moist, so these dog treats taste extra delicious to many dogs. Try for training!
Dog Cookies
are another favorite for . You can even make them at home if you鈥檙e feeling adventurous! tend to be effective training treats, as well as good to reward good behavior.
Dog Bones
When you think of a classic dog treat, you probably think of a ! are a good source of minerals, and chewing them has many benefits for dogs. But giving your dog the wrong kind of bone can be dangerous. Poultry and pork bones should be avoided completely because they can splinter. Supervise your dogs whenever they鈥檙e , and opt-for for them to chew on.
Dog Jerky Treats
are often good mediums between a hard bone and a soft, moist dog treat. can be high in protein and very nutritious for your dog. Just make sure to look at the ingredients of before giving it to them. shouldn鈥檛 include any spices, and should be given to dogs, not jerky made for people.
Freeze Dried Treats
tend to be very digestible since the process of freeze-drying removes all moisture from the treat. They鈥檙e long-lasting, and are considered a healthy treat option for dogs, depending on their ingredients. They鈥檙e easy to store and can be kept for a long time, which can also make good special-occasion treats.
Calming Dog Treats
If your dog gets very nervous or has trouble winding down, can be a good option. They are often made with soothing components that help . They should be used only as directed, as over-use could potentially be dangerous. are great to give your dog before grooming, traveling, or going to the vet.
When to Use Dog Treats
Training Dog Treats
are often a key component of dog training. Rewarding your dog when they鈥檝e done something well only continues to motivate good behavior. are a great way to get your dog to learn new cues and tricks, too. Treats like dog cookies and soft dog treats are good options for training.
Hip and Joint Dog Treats
There are specific dog treats that are specifically made to support your dog鈥檚 mobility. These are great choices for senior dogs to help keep their joints healthy, too. What better way to disguise helping your dogs health than a yummy ?
Dental Dog Treats
Dog dental care is super important, and a great way to get your dog鈥檚 teeth plaque free is with . These can specifically target things like plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. Plus, your dog will just think they鈥檙e getting a yummy treat!
Special Occasion Dog Treats
Treats that you only give your dog sometimes, like on holidays or when they鈥檝e been really good, are . These can include any treats your dog loves, but doesn鈥檛 get often. , , or can be examples of these.
Diet-Friendly Dog Treats
If you鈥檙e trying to watch your dog鈥檚 weight, you especially don鈥檛 want to . Opting for is a good way to make sure your dog is still getting all the good stuff, without the unnecessary calories. are also often healthier, but if you鈥檙e unsure what鈥檚 best for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Choosing the Right Treat for Your Dog鈥檚 Age
Treats for Puppies
Puppies usually need , especially when they鈥檙e . Since you鈥檒l likely be doing a lot of training with them, or are good options for puppies.
Treats for Adult Dogs
Depending on your dog鈥檚 lifestyle, the treats will also vary. You might be very active in their training and use a lot of for that. If you do dog sports together, a lot of treats could also come into play there. Whether you鈥檙e out and about or lounging around giving them , make sure you鈥檙e feeding them that motivate them and positively reinforce good behavior.
Treats for Senior Dogs
Senior dogs often need as they can鈥檛 chew on hard bones and chews like they used to. may also make their way into your senior dog鈥檚 treat rotation, as well as .
Delivering Dog Treats in a Fun Way
Dog Treat Dispensers
as well as are fun options of giving your dog extra treats throughout the day. are good options if you need to keep your dog busy. What better way to motivate them than a delicious treat that they can smell, but just need to get to?
are also good for when you want to reward good behavior when you鈥檙e not at home. Some options, so you can reward good behavior on the go.
Dog Treat Puzzle Toys
are another great way to get your dog鈥檚 gears turning. These are great if you need to keep your dog stimulated, or you aren鈥檛 home for long periods of time. allow them to use their natural instincts to find treats hidden within them. are another great option for this, and you can hide small dog treats within these as well.
Dog Treats for Training
are a great positive reinforcement method for dog training. Whether your puppy is learning new cues or you鈥檙e teaching your senior dog new tricks, provide positive connections between those actions in your dog鈥檚 mind.
Ready to start training? Start with these five basic commands. The most important part of treat training is that your dog stays healthy, stimulated, and has fun. Enjoy!