- Tailored Dog Food Subscription Review - January 11, 2022
If you’re like most dog owners, you love giving your furry friend treats. Dog treats are a great way to show your pet some love and also help train them. But with so many different types of dog treats on the market, it can be tough to figure out which ones are the best for your pup.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about dog treats! We’ll talk about the benefits of treats, the different types of treats available, what to look for when choosing a treat, and our top product recommendations.
So whether you are a first-time pet parent, looking for a new tasty morsel to spoil your pooch with, or just looking for some advice on picking out a new treat for your pup, read on!
Bottom Line Up Front
Dog treats can be a great tool for training your dog, keeping your dog occupied, or simply bonding with your precious pup. There are many different types of dog treats on the market today, but the best contain quality ingredients and minimal additives. Some of our favorites include JR Pure Meat Training Treats, Kong Easy Treat Peanut Butter, and Fur On Rabbit Ears.
What are the Benefits of Dog Treats?
So, before we dive into the best types of treats for your pup, why should you even bother using dog treats in the first place?
Well, dog treats can offer a number of benefits for your pet. They can help with training, provide mental stimulation, and be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Giving your dog a treat when he has been good is a great way to reinforce the behavior – this means he is more likely to repeat it in the future.
Treats can also be used as a way to mentally stimulate your dog. If your pup is getting bored with his regular toys and isn’t being challenged enough, introducing new and different treats into his life can help to keep his mind active and engaged.
Next, when chosen wisely, treats can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet. Look for treats that are made with whole, natural ingredients and don’t contain any fillers or artificial additives. These kinds of treats will provide your dog with the nutrients he needs to stay happy and healthy – but we’ll cover that in more detail later.
Finally, dog treats can also be a great way to bond with your pet and show them how much you love them.
What Are the Different Types of Dog Treats?
So, what are the different types of dog treats available on the market? Here are some of the most popular options:
Training Treats
These are small, bite-sized treats that are easy to eat and perfect for use during training sessions. They are usually low calories too which means you can give your dog plenty of rewards without worrying about him putting on weight.
Long-Lasting Treats
Almost the opposite of training treats, these types of rewards are designed to last a while. This is perfect if you want to keep your dog occupied for a little while or if you are going out and need to leave him with a treat to keep him entertained.
Biscuits
Biscuits are a classic dog treat that come in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors. You can even make your own healthy biscuits at home using natural ingredients.
Chewy Treats
Chewy treats can be anything from a stick of dried sweet potato to a bully stick, but they are all designed to give your dog a good chew. This is perfect for teething puppies or dogs that tend to chew on everything!
Crunchy Treats
Biscuits are a great example of a crunchy treat, but as well as the classic, you can also offer your pet something a little different like kale chips or carrot sticks. These are perfect for dogs that need to gnaw on something to help relieve boredom or anxiety.
Human Food Treats
As well as things you can buy specifically from a pet shop, many of the products on our supermarket shelves can also make a great dog treat. Tinned hot dog sausages, boiled chicken breasts, and even small amounts of cooked vegetables can all be given to your pet as a tasty treat. Just make sure to check the ingredients list first to avoid anything that could be harmful to your dog.
Freeze-Dried Treats
Freeze-dried treats are a raw food option that is packed full of nutrients. They are usually whole foods that have been minimally processed, meaning they retain all of the goodness that fresh foods offer. They are perfect for fussy eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs as they are easy to digest.
Raw Treats
For dog owners that feed their pooch raw diets, you might want to consider giving them raw treats too. This could be anything from a piece of raw meat to a raw bone. Just make sure you choose bones that are the right size for your dog and that they are not splintered as these could cause an obstruction.
Dental Chews
Dental chews are designed to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Look for ones that are made with natural ingredients and are free from artificial flavors.
Our Top Dog Treat Recommendations
JR Pure Meat Training Treats
Duck, rabbit, venison, chicken, lamb, beef, kangaroo, seabass, and goat are just a few of the great tasting flavors available in JR’s training range. These treats are perfect for use during obedience training. They are low in calories and free from artificial additives – in fact, in all of their flavors, the treats contain 100% meat!
This means they are high in protein, and you can give your dog plenty of rewards without worrying about him putting on weight. The bite-size pieces also mean that they are suitable for small dogs as well as larger ones – you could even give them to puppies so long as they are over 4 weeks old!
Fur on Rabbit Ears
Ears and feet are a particularly popular long-lasting chew for dogs. They are full of flavor and usually high in protein, making them the perfect treat for dogs that need a little extra energy. Fur on rabbit ears is a great option as they are also rich in essential fatty acids, which can help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
Furthermore, the fur cleans the inside of your dog, flushing out digestion waste so more nutrients may be absorbed. Plus, the fur is what gives rabbit ears their distinctive function as a natural dewormer.
Greenies Dental Chews
From keeping teeth free of tartar and plaque to improving the distinct dog-breath smell, dental chews have a lot of benefits. Greenies dental chews are our top pick as they have been specifically designed to clean teeth right down to the gum line as well as freshen your furry friend’s breath.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has recommended them for at-home oral care, and they contain all-natural ingredients, are low in fat, and high in fiber – meaning they are good for your dog’s digestion too! Plus, they come in a range of sizes so you can find the perfect one for your pup.
Kong Easy Treat Peanut Butter
Kong is often a go-to brand for the best dog treats, and for good reason. Their range of products are high quality and offer a variety of benefits for your dog. The Kong easy treat peanut butter is our favorite as it can be used as a stuffing for your dog’s Kong toy or onto a licky mat – keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated – or simply given to them as a delicious treat.
It is made with natural ingredients, is low in sugar, and contains no artificial flavors. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats for your dog!
Nature’s Menu Raw Beef Meaty Chews
One of our favorite raw dog treats, these Nature’s Menu meaty chews are perfect for dogs that are on a raw diet. They are made with 100% raw meat and are typically stored frozen to retain all of the goodness that fresh foods offer. They are easy to digest, satisfyingly chewy, and bone free – ideal as an introduction to raw chews or as a supplement to a raw fed diet.
Castor and Pollux Peanut Butter Cookies
These tasty peanut butter flavored treats are grain-free and made with quality ingredients. The primary ingredient is organic free-range chicken, but they also contain organic peas, organic brown rice, and organic oats.
They are perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities as they are free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, and dairy. Plus, the discs are also small and thin, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes. They can also be broken down to use in training and positive reinforcement.
What Criteria Did we Use to Come Up with These Suggestions?
We used a range of criteria to come up with our suggestions for the best dog treats. This included looking at the ingredients, benefits, type of treat, and reviews from other pet parents.
First, we looked at the ingredients to make sure they were all-natural and free from artificial nasties. We also looked for treats that were low in sugar and high in protein and considered what kind of dogs these treats would be suitable for, as well as whether they were grain-free and/or organic.
Next, we looked at the benefits of each treat and how they could help your dog. For example, some treats are great for cleaning teeth or freshening breath, while others are perfect for mental stimulation or training.
Finally, we read through reviews from other pet parents to get their thoughts on the treats. This helped us to narrow down our choices and come up with the best options for your dog.
What Should You Look for in a Dog Treat?
So, let’s talk a little bit more about what you should look for before selecting a new type of treat for your dog. These are some of the top things to look for:
Ingredients
The ingredients in the dog treats you purchase should be one of your first considerations when looking for the best dog treats. So many treats on our shelves these days contain ample amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors – all of which are bad for your dog’s health.
Instead, look for treats that contain all (or mostly) natural ingredients and are free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Preferably, dog treats should also be high in protein and low in sugar.
Benefits
When looking for the best dog treats, you should also consider what benefits they offer. Some treats are great for cleaning teeth and freshening breath, while others help with mental stimulation or training.
There are also those that provide a source of essential vitamins and minerals or help to support joint health. It’s important to think about what you want your dog to get out of the treat before making a purchase.
Type of Treat
Another thing to consider is the type of treat you want to give your dog. For example, do you want something chewy or crunchy? Something soft or hard? Something that’s easy to digest or takes longer to eat? The type of treat you choose will depend on your dog’s individual preferences, as well as their age and overall health.
Size
Next, it’s also important to think about the size of the treats you are purchasing. For a smaller dog, like a pug or a chihuahua, you’ll want to choose something that’s small and easy to chew.
We’ve bought treats for our pug before, and he’s had a lot of difficulties actually fitting them in his mouth – in the end, we had to give them to our larger dog because he just couldn’t eat them. So, size is very important.
This is also the case if you’re looking for treats for a puppy, or treats for training. Puppies, like small dogs, may find it difficult to swallow or chew larger treats. And if you’re training your dog, larger treats means you’ll end up giving your dog a much larger volume of treats during a training session – potentially resulting in your precious pooch putting on a lot of unwanted weight.
How Long Will it Last?
If you’re looking for boredom buster treats, or something long-lasting for when your pup is home alone, a simple dog biscuit just won’t do!
For this, you’ll want something that will take them a little longer to eat, like a chew or a Kong stuffed with their favorite treat. This is also the case if your dog is a heavy chewer – you’ll want something that’s tougher and more durable so it doesn’t get destroyed in seconds.
Flavor
You’ll also want to think about the flavor of the treat. Most dogs are happy with anything that’s meaty or savory, but some have more specific preferences. For example, our dog loves chicken flavored treats, but she’s not so keen on beef. If your dog is a bit fussy when it comes to flavors, it’s worth trying a few different options to see what they like best.
Price
Last but not least, you’ll also want to think about how much you’re willing to spend on treats. Dog treats can range in price from a few dollars for a small bag of biscuits, to $30 or more for a large box of gourmet treats.
As a general rule, the more meat content in the treat the more expensive it is – of course, this is also a reflection of the quality of the treat, as it’s usually the lower value treats that contain less nutrition. As such, it’s important to find something that’s within your budget, but also offers good value for money, and isn’t going to pump your pop full of junk.
Top Q and A for How to Find the Best Dog Treats
Question: What is the Healthiest Treat for Dogs?
Answer: The healthiest treats for dogs are those that are low in fat and calories, and high in protein. You should also look for treats that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Question: What is the Best Type of Dog Treat?
Answer: The best type of dog treat depends on your individual dog’s preferences. Some dogs prefer hard or crunchy treats, while others prefer soft or chewy treats. You should also consider the size of the treat, as well as how long it will last.
Question: What are the Worst Treats for Dogs?
Answer: The worst treats for dogs are those that are high in fat and calories, and low in protein. You should also avoid treats that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Rawhide is also a big no-no because it can be a choking hazard.
Question: How Much Should I Spend on Dog Treats?
Answer: You should spend whatever you’re comfortable with, but as a general rule, the more meat content in the treat the more expensive it is. You should also look for value for money – avoid cheap treats that are full of junk, and don’t overspend on gourmet treats that your dog may not even like.
Question: What are Some of the Best Treat Brands for Dogs?
Answer: Some of the best treat brands for dogs include JR, Kong, Nature’s Menu, and Castor and Pollux. These brands offer a variety of healthy and delicious treats that your dog is sure to love.
Question: What Dog Treats Should I Avoid?
Answer: One of the main ingredients you should avoid in dog treats is rawhide because it can be a choking hazard. You should also avoid treats that are high in fat and calories, and low in protein. Finally, avoid treats that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Question: How do I Choose the Right Size Treat for My Dog?
Answer: The size of the treat you give your dog depends on their age, weight, and activity level. For puppies and small dogs, choose a smaller treat that is easy to chew.
For medium and large dogs, choose a bigger treat that will last longer. For very active dogs, you may want to choose a harder treat that will take them longer to eat. However, it will usually offer guidelines on the type of treat suitable for your dog on the packaging.
Question: How Often Can I Give My Dog Treats?
Answer: Treats can be given as often as you like, but it’s important not to overdo it. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health issues. In actuality, roughly half of all pets in the United States are overweight, putting them at greater risk for a variety of illnesses.
As a general rule of thumb, if you give your dog regular treats, you should deduct this from their food allowance to ensure they do not gain unnecessary weight. This is especially true if you regularly participate in obedience training sessions with your pup.
Question: Can I Use Dog Food as Treats?
Answer: If you have dog food that your dog particularly loves, or your dog is just particularly food-oriented, you can actually use small pieces of their regular food as treats! This is a great way to save money, and you can be sure that your dog will not be getting chubby from too many treats.
FAQs
Answer: The healthiest treats for dogs are those that are low in fat and calories, and high in protein. You should also look for treats that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Answer: The best type of dog treat depends on your individual dog’s preferences. Some dogs prefer hard or crunchy treats, while others prefer soft or chewy treats. You should also consider the size of the treat, as well as how long it will last.
Answer: The worst treats for dogs are those that are high in fat and calories, and low in protein. You should also avoid treats that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Rawhide is also a big no-no because it can be a choking hazard.
Answer: You should spend whatever you’re comfortable with, but as a general rule, the more meat content in the treat the more expensive it is. You should also look for value for money – avoid cheap treats that are full of junk, and don’t overspend on gourmet treats that your dog may not even like.
Answer: Some of the best treat brands for dogs include JR, Kong, Nature’s Menu, and Castor and Pollux. These brands offer a variety of healthy and delicious treats that your dog is sure to love.
Answer: One of the main ingredients you should avoid in dog treats is rawhide because it can be a choking hazard. You should also avoid treats that are high in fat and calories, and low in protein. Finally, avoid treats that contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Answer: The size of the treat you give your dog depends on their age, weight, and activity level. For puppies and small dogs, choose a smaller treat that is easy to chew.
For medium and large dogs, choose a bigger treat that will last longer. For very active dogs, you may want to choose a harder treat that will take them longer to eat. However, it will usually offer guidelines on the type of treat suitable for your dog on the packaging.
Answer: Treats can be given as often as you like, but it’s important not to overdo it. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health issues. In actuality, roughly half of all pets in the United States are overweight, putting them at greater risk for a variety of illnesses.
As a general rule of thumb, if you give your dog regular treats, you should deduct this from their food allowance to ensure they do not gain unnecessary weight. This is especially true if you regularly participate in obedience training sessions with your pup.
Answer: If you have dog food that your dog particularly loves, or your dog is just particularly food-oriented, you can actually use small pieces of their regular food as treats! This is a great way to save money, and you can be sure that your dog will not be getting chubby from too many treats.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best dog treats, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to consider what your dog’s individual preferences are. You should also consider the size of the treat and how long it will last.
Next, you need to look for treats that are low in fat and calories, high in protein, and free from a lot of artificial ingredients. Finally, consider your pup’s age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog stays healthy whilst eating those yummy goodies.
Overall, the best dog treat is one that is healthy, yummy, and will make your pup happy! We believe that the treats listed above are the best dog treats on the market, and we hope that you’ll find the perfect one for your furry friend! So get out there and start dishing out the good stuff! Your pup will thank you for it!
