Dogs are arguably one of the best companions that humans can keep and anyone that owns a dog wants to keep their dogs happy at any cost. One of the best ways to keep your dogs happy and healthy is to provide them with an ample amount of suitable treats.
Dogs are always on the lookout for treats. Apart from keeping dogs healthy and happy, dog treats also provide numerous other benefits for your dog, which is certainly something that you should opt for.
There are thousands (or even more) dog treat products available out there, which might make it slightly difficult for you to choose the right one for your dog. There are so many variations that you can now get, making it confusing to select the best dog treat. Fortunately, we have prepared a detailed guide that includes everything you need to know about the best dog treats in 2021. This guide will help you buy the best dog treat because your pet deserves the best.
Why are the Best Dog Treats Important?
The importance and usefulness of dog treats cannot be emphasized upon enough. There are countless benefits that dog treats provide and here are the most important ones that you need to know:
Keep them Happy
Offering dog treats to your pets is one of the best ways to keep your pets happy. If you own a dog, you would certainly want it to be happy, which is why dog treats are important. Just like humans love treats/snacks, dogs also love being treated with something other than their usual dog food. Providing dog treats on set intervals can keep your dog happy and more playful.
Provide Behavioral Training
One of the most crucial phases of keeping a dog is the one where you’re training the behavior of your dog. Dogs can be trained to exhibit a variety of behaviors and perform numerous tasks and this is where dog treats come into play. Dog treats have proven to be one of the most effective and efficient ways to train your dog. This technique has been used for decades, all over the globe.
When dogs are learning something new, you can reward their behavior or performance everytime they do what you need them to do. The best way to reward their behavior is to provide them with their favorite treat, which motivates and encourages your dogs to repeat the same behavior and be more obedient. Consequently, it is important for you to be able to select the best dog treats for your dog.
Keep them Healthy
Giving treats to your dogs is a great way to keep them healthy. Firsty, a measured amount of treats will make sure that your dogs weigh as much as they should and you can keep a check on their weights to prevent them from getting overweight or underweight. You can also increase or decrease the amount of treats if your dog needs to gain or shed some weight.
Moreover, treats can also be used to provide dogs with supplemental nutrients that are crucial to their health and well-being. Dog food can sometimes lack certain nutrients and you can cover this deficit using the right dog treats. If you’re using the right mix of dog feed and dog treats, your dog is more likely to be healthier and happier.
What are the different types of dog treats?
There are different types of dog treats and you can opt for a certain type, depending upon the breed, age, and behavior of your dog. Different types of treats are suited for different purposes and it is very likely that you’ll have to keep at least a couple of different types of treats to keep your dogs happy, healthy, and satisfied. While there’s a very long list of dog treats that you can opt for, here the most common ones:
Chewy Treats
Chewy treats is a very popular type of dog treat. Often made of natural ingredients and nutrients, chewy dog treats are given to dogs that have an instinct or urge to chew. While the urge can be due to multiple factors, failure to address this inctict will promote destructive behavior amongst your dogs as they would continue chewing anything that they’ll find. By offering them some chewy treats, you can control their instincts to chew and they’ll stay well-behaved.
Cookies
Cookies are amongst the most commonly found dog treats. As suggested by the name itself, dog cookies or biscuits are provided to keep dogs happy. These treats also come in handy when you’re training your dogs.
Soft Treats
Soft treats are best suited for younger dogs that are in the process of growing new teeth or shedding old ones off. Since the teething process can cause irritation and pain, dogs can seek comfort using these soft treats. These treats can also improve the development of young dogs’ teeth and gums.
What ingredients to look out for while buying the best dog treats?
While there’s no rule of thumb about which ingredients are good and which ones aren't, you can certainly keep a few things in mind while buying dog treats. To begin with, it is highly recommended to go for ingredients that you’re familiar with, so that you can account for any ingredients that your dog is allergic to. Moreover, it is always a good idea to prefer products that are made of mostly natural ingredients, as it would be healthier and less riskier for your dog. If you come across an ingredient that you’re not familiar with, it would be a good idea to avoid feeding that to your dog, as it is a risk that should not be taken.
What are the things that should be avoided while buying the best dog treats?
It would be a good idea to avoid dog treats that include preservatives, artificial colors, humectant, and synthetic chemical sweeteners. While these elements certainly make treats more appealing by making them tastier, more colorful, and long-lasting, it is recommended that you should avoid these elements whenever you can. Of course, things such as preservatives might be necessary in limited quantities for some treats; however, you should make sure that the quantity and quality of these elements is optimal, in order to keep your dog safe and healthy.
FAQs
How often should I offer treats to my dogs?
Generally, dog treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Of course, this can vary in accordance with the situation and circumstances.
Can dog treats be used for bad breath problems as well?
Absolutely. There are certain dog treats that can take care of the dental hygiene of your dogs by controlling the amount of bacteria and plaque.
What is the best size for dog treats?
The size of a dog treat depends on the size of the dog and it requires your judgement to choose the right size. You need to make sure that the size of a dog treat isn’t too big for a small dog as some dogs might find it difficult to chew and it could potentially become a choking hazard.