Best Dog Treats: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners
Introduction
Contents
Dog treats are great for a good and well-behaved doggy, or let’s say just to brighten his day. In addition to a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, the Best Dog Treats, Chews, Toppers, and Supplements may help with training, dental health, various health issues, and nutritional deficiencies, or promote general well-being. All varieties of tasty treats for the discerning canine gourmand. It is hard to select the appropriate dog treats for your dog. There are crunchy dog treats, soft & chewy treats, long-lasting chews, etc. Dental dog treats and chews not only freshen breath but clean teeth for improved oral health, bones, bully sticks, and natural chews will keep teeth and gums healthy and strong to satisfy your buddy’s natural chewing instinct. Pill covers and wraps are a unique type of treat designed to conceal medication, making it easier to administer. Some dog treats are made with their specific health advantages in mind. These treats are often enriched with helpful ingredients designed to support joint health, digestive health, skin and coat health, calming effects, and a few more. You can discover treats specifically crafted to cater to the needs of almost any dog, including seniors, puppies, and those with food sensitivities (Allergies) or particular dietary needs, let’s say in the case of weight management. These conditions need to be addressed very carefully.
Be aware that many treats out there are full of common allergens and artificial junk that will do more harm than good. Remember to choose high-value treats that are small and rich in flavor for training rewards and consider natural and protein-rich treats for snacks. However, always choose healthy treats made from natural ingredients, and remember your dog’s age, size, and health problems if any.
Overview of the article
In this post, we have tried to cover the broader outlines that may be considered when we choose to buy dog treats for our furry companions. Topics covered are as under:-
a) Types of Dog Treats
b) Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Treats
c) Top Recommended Dog Treats
d) DIY Dog Treats Recipes and finally Tips
e)How to Store Dog Treats Properly
Types of Dog Treats
Natural Treats
Natural dog treats would be foods that are edible to humans and have not been processed in any way, examples are bananas, apples, and carrots. The only kind of dog treats that should be considered “natural” are these fruits and vegetables as has been acknowledged by our writer Jay B at Pine Strand Even as with humans, we know what is good food, bad food, healthy food, not healthy food, we all know that even the healthiest of foods can’t be eaten too much. We also have healthy snack alternatives for chocolate and sweets, for example. This is no exception in the dog world. Healthy dog treats which are natural treats too must come with natural ingredients, and no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is a must to be made with no added sugars and have sensible fat levels.
Feeding your dog natural treats that have high meat content is best. Dogs are natural carnivores, their digestive system is perfectly designed to process meat, not processed grains hence it is imperative to feed them with such a diet that will cater to their biological needs as well as promote well-being and health. Probably, these treats you give them will facilitate easy passage of their digestive system which would help in fewer stomach upsets and fewer trips to the vet.
Treat your dog to natural snacks that will not only satisfy cravings but also help maintain dental health and keep teeth clean.Offering your dog a range of natural treats can help prevent boredom and may usher enthusiasm. If you give your dog the same treat every day, they may become uninterested, which is quite natural. However, by changing things up and offering natural treats, your dog will be eager to try something new!”
Natural dog treats boost your dog’s energy and activity. The natural nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins in most natural dog treats can help maintain your aging dog’s energy and activity levels.
Examples of popular natural treats: They are typically parts of the animal that would have been discarded in the human meat industry. Some of these would be Pig’s Ears, Hairy Rabbit Ears, Chicken Feet and Cow Skin. These natural products are dried to remove moisture or at least reduce the available moisture in foods and they also make an amazing grain-free snack for dogs that dogs absolutely love. Being a dog owner, one would always want to have his or her pet healthy. One way to do this is by offering organic dog treats and steering clear of artificial processing dog treats.
Commercial Treats
Commercial dog treats are easily accessible and often found to be cheaper, but this lower cost can mean that they contain fewer desirable ingredients. As the famous saying goes, “Everything comes at a cost, Question is at what cost?: That should be the most pertinent question. These treats may contain certain artificial additives and fillers that offer little or absolutely no nutritional value and could be even harmful in the longer run. Well, this is not our objective.
The nutritional information of the packages should be checked when selecting a treat for your dog. Commercial treats, as a requirement, need to list the ingredients and indicate a guaranteed analysis that breaks down the product’s nutritional composition. Along with the product’s calorie content, this information can help you make an informed decision for your dog.
Ideally, healthy dog treats would be made from a few, in many cases, it could be singular, high-quality simple ingredients such as meat and nutritious carbohydrates. At the very least, however, you should avoid dog treats that contain artificial colors, any flavors, or synthetic preservatives, all of which may pose potential hazards to dogs.
Homemade Treats
It can be tough to find a treat for a picky eater or a dog having dietary restrictions due to certain health issues or allergies. Good, palatable treats can be pricey. Fortunately, homemade dog treats are made in one’s kitchen and can be easily and affordably prepared in one batch of many small treats. This includes including the popular “pyramid” variety that yields numerous small treats in a single batch
Homemade dog treats hold benefits besides the obvious – savings. You guarantee what your dear pet eats if you make the treats at home. Not only do you get rid of unwanted ingredients, but homemade treats can be great for training if cooked in bite sizes. But do not rush to whirl out your cookie sheet and mixer until you have consulted your veterinarian to make sure that your dog has no allergies to any ingredients.
In case you want to make some homemade dog treats, we’ve put together some of our favorite baking accessories, tips, and must-try recipes. Once you have ordered the mold, Dog Treat Molds Dog Bone Silicone Molds with Scraper, a Dog Biscuit mold for Baking and Freezing, Silicone – Candy Mold and Silicone Ice Cube Tray Nonstick Including Hearts, Stars, Shells, it is time to make the treats. The key ingredients are easily available in our kitchens. The ingredients are flour, eggs, broth, and water. It is also advisable to add some flavors, vitamins, proteins & fibers. Apples, carrots, peanut butter, etc. are a few that could be used.
My favorite dog treats include Baked Chicken Treats, Peanut Butter Treats, and The Bacon Pyramid Pan Treats. You can also create healthy dog biscuits by mixing bananas, oats, and peanut butter. Other great recipes might be banana bread recipe, chocolate chip banana squares recipe, Easy Sweet Potato Chews, Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Treats. There are plenty of dog treats that can be easily made and stored for your furry friend.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Treats
Honoring the unconditional love and loyalty of your canine companion is one of the most beautiful & a wonderful feeling of being a pet owner. According to Dr. B Subh one of our reviewers, he likes to address this as a “Serene or a Divine Feeling” and to express this love is to give treats. You show that love by giving him treats. Now, not all dog treats are created equal. There are factors you will need to consider while choosing them for your furry friend’s health and happiness.In my opinion, we should consider the Dog’s Age and Size, Dietary Restrictions, Source and Manufacturing, and Nutritional Content.
Dog’s Age and Size:
It is about creating special treats for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. The nutritional requirements of dogs vary at different life stages as is the case of humans. Puppies require higher levels of protein and energy to aid in their growth and development, while senior dogs benefit from a diet lower in calories and richer in antioxidants to help prevent obesity and age-related health issues. Adult dogs need a well-rounded i.e. Balanced diet that supplies all the essential nutrients necessary for their maintenance and activity.
Dietary Restrictions
Choosing the right treats for dogs with dietary restrictions is important. Healthy, low-calorie options can include vegetables such as baby carrots, green beans, broccoli, and asparagus.. One might even consider cucumber slices, zucchini slices, and apple slices (Ensure to remove the seeds). Small pieces of baked potato or baked sweet potato are great too, but avoid unripe potatoes or any part of the potato plant. Bananas are another tasty option!
Source and Manufacturing
The quality and source of the ingredients in your dog’s treats are extremely crucial. It’s best to choose treats from reputable manufacturers that emphasize quality and safety. Make sure the treats are made with ethically sourced ingredients, and stay informed about any recalls or problems related to the brand. Look for treats produced in facilities that adhere to strict quality control standards (It should mention “Edible”-Human Grade, Clear Country of Origin for all ingredients), so you can have confidence in the product’s safety.
Nutritional Content
When choosing treats for your dog, it’s important to prioritize nutrition. The right nutritional content makes a world of difference says our enthusiast Mr. Sam P. We do, our dogs too require a balanced diet to stay healthy. Select treats that provide nutritional benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals. Aim for options that feature high-quality protein sources, and steer clear of those filled with artificial additives, fillers, or too much sugar. By opting for treats with a solid nutritional foundation, you help support your dog’s overall health.
Choosing treats for your dog requires careful thought about several factors as mentioned above. By selecting wisely, you not only enhance your dog’s health but also create joyful moments that deepen your relationship.
Treat time is not just about giving a snack, it’s a chance to express your love and affection for your faithful friend.
Our Top Recommended Dog Treats
Best Overall Treats :Full Moon Pet Chicken Jerky
Our pick for the best dog treats is Full Moon Pet’s Chicken Jerky dog treats.
Why is it the best Overall? because they are made with only four ingredients which include antibiotic-free chicken, and meet human consumption standards. The only caution can be dogs who are allergic to chicken, and senior dogs may find difficulty in chewing. Made from cage-free chicken inspected by the USDA, they are raised without antibiotics and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Besides chicken, it has organic evaporated cane juice, vinegar, and rosemary extract. It’s produced in small batches, roasted and smoked, to preserve the integrity of the nutrients in the ingredients as much as possible.
Although the natural sugar keeps the textured strips soft and chewy enough, even the smaller sizes need to be ripped or cut in half for smaller dogs, and also the older dogs who have difficulty with the tough texture. The treats are recommended for all breeds.
Stock Availability: Available
Best for Training:Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
The secret to successful positive reinforcement training is to find such a prize so scrumptious that he simply can’t resist it. The best healthy dog training treats will balance and be nutritionally sound, low to moderate calories, and without additives that can harm your dog.
The main Ingredients are beef liver and beef heart Pupford training treats are meaty, therefore tasty, for your dog. They consist of only three ingredients; they are simple and easy enough for most dogs to digest. They are freeze-dried, they say, in a process advocates suggest retains nutritional value much better than high-heat processing methods.
At less than one calorie per treat, these are perfect for giving with long training sessions-they will give your pup the satisfaction of a tasty snack without adding much to the daily calorie intake
Stock Availability: Available
Best for Dental Health:Greenies Teenie Original Dental Dog Treats
Greenies Teenie Dental Dog Treats takes care of your furry friend’s oral health. Original flavor dental dog treats come with a chewy texture that helps remove plaque and tartar, these are the two most common dental complaints received from the pet owners. Professional practitioners have approved this product for At-home oral health care, these natural dog treats induce oral hygiene, freshen breath, and are easily digestible, they also contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support your dog’s overall well-being.
Key Features:
All-natural dog treat that is high in nutrients
An innovative texture that cleans down the gumline, fights plaque and tartar, and freshens breath
Veterinarian-approved and VOHC-accepted
Mouthwatering taste for a more pleasurable experience
Proudly prepared in USA facilities using quality ingredients from around the world
Stock Availability: Available
Best Grain-Free Treats:Fruitables Baked Dog Treats with Pumpkin & Banana Flavor
If your requirement is a low-calorie treat that won’t irritate your dog’s stomach, this may be the answer, Fruitables Dog Treats Pumpkin & Banana Flavor. Fruitable treats are made with natural ingredients. However, this flavor does contain banana, which supports digestive health, spearmint to relax the system and soothe existing digestive upset, cinnamon for antioxidants, and pumpkin for immune health. The benefit is encapsulated in a fragrant snack that will soothe the dog’s stomach while providing a crunchy morsel.
Made in the USA and without artificial preservatives, these flower-shaped treats are both cute and healthy. Though appropriately designed for all breeds and ages, older dogs and dogs with small mouths or chewing difficulties may have difficulty breaking up the baked treats. These make a good alternative if your dog suffers from allergies and needs to steer clear of meat or meat byproducts, and this flavor is a quality, stomach-soothing option at an affordable price
Stock Availability: Available
Best Single Ingredient:PureBites Chicken Freeze Dried Dog Treats ( Single Ingredient)
Select from simple or single-ingredient treats for sensitive stomachs. It is recommended not to use meats with additives or preservatives, instead, freeze-dried meat is best.
All of PureBites’ chicken-based dog treats feature these aspects. For dogs who have sensitivities to chicken, PureBites comes
in some single-protein varieties, including beef liver, lamb liver, salmon, and duck liver. It also brings out jerky-style single-protein treats consisting of one or two ingredients only.
PureBites is a low-calorie, low-fat, crunchy chicken breast treat is easy for your dog to digest. Because of their very low-calorie content, the PureBites treats can be employed for training purposes and as an everyday reward
Stock Availability: Available
Best for Senior Dogs: Stewart Functional Treats Healthy Hips
Stewart’s Functional Treats Healthy Hips freeze-dried beef and sweet potato treats contain glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep your dog’s joints healthy, beyond just joint supplements. Stewart retains the flavor and nutrients in the final treat by freeze-drying the ingredients. Made with no additives or preservatives and high protein, supporting strong muscles and healthy hips.
Stewart’s treats can be everyday rewards or used to enrich training. They come in a resealable pouch, so you can store them easily, and they are meant for any breed and age of the dog. Some customers had problems with the packaging, so you may have to find another container to store these treats in if you run into those problems, too. With joint health-promoting ingredients mixed with higher protein content and ease of chewing, this is a stellar treat for senior dogs.
Stock Availability: Available
Best With Natural Ingredients: Portland Pet Food Company Grain & Gluten-Free Pumpkin Biscuits
Portland Pet Food Company is a family-owned brand that was created to offer scrumptious, tasty biscuits meant for allergic dogs, to make feeding your dog’s right ingredients free from stress. These human-grade Pumpkin Biscuits are made grain, wheat, gluten-free, and additives-free, thus, very suitable for grain-free diets. Handmade and twice-baked in Portland, Oregon, the biscuits contain only natural ingredients: garbanzo bean flour, molasses, cinnamon, pumpkin, and peanut butter.
These biscuits are undeniably light and crumbly, making them easy to break into smaller pieces. While this may occasionally result in some customers receiving crushed biscuits, the quality of the treat speaks for itself. If you’re seeking a premium snack made in the U.S. with all-natural ingredients, or if your dog has multiple allergies, this is a top choice for your household.
Stock Availability: Available
Best for Large Breeds: Chicken Jerky Dog Treats by Pūr Luv
Pūr Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are protein-packed strips that will please your large dog’s need to gnaw. They only have a few ingredients, chicken, vegetable glycerin, and salt, and are easily digestible. All natural with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives these healthy nutritionally textured treats offer stimulation for the large breed dog. As with most chew toys, they are also a healthy substitute for rawhide, because it fills that chewing urge, but is very edible.
It’s in a resealable bag to keep it from getting rock-hard. Like with any treat, though, supervise your dog while they eat it, because the large pieces are a little difficult for some dogs to bite. These Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are perfect for the dog lover who wants to make sure their large dog is receiving adequate protein without all the fillers and preservatives.
Stock Availability: Available
Best for Small Breeds: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Zuke’s Mini Naturals is inspired by the founder’s dog, Zuke’s Mini Naturals have been manufactured to give healthy dog treats that energize the canines. The said small chewy treats are suited for use in training or to be used with interactive dog toys because of their sizes and textures.
Those qualities make these treats ideal for smaller dogs as well. Just 2 calories per treat, these good things won’t compromise the dog’s diet too much giving you peace and satisfaction. This is a product that is allergen-free dog treats, soy-free, wheat-free, corn-free, no artificial colors & flavors, and preservatives-free. It has vegetables, oats, rice, and proteins, with added vitamins and minerals to help your pup’s health issues.
The resealable package will make it easier to bring them on adventures. Aside from their size, these treats are chewy and simple to eat which is advantageous for older dogs and for those dogs that have dental problems.
All of Zuke’s treats are made in the U.S. in SQF-certified facilities.
Stock Availability: Available
DIY Dog Treats: Recipes and Tips
The good thing about dog treat recipes is that they are relatively simple and easy to follow. Simple homemade dog treats can be made with just three ingredients, banana, peanut butter, and oats. Treat your dog to healthy and delightful homemade treats! Whether you want to make a healthy dog treat, or you want to try to replace your dog’s favorite brand of dog biscuit, or if you want to make a softer dog treat, well this is the place to look into. Ensuring your dog’s well-being is vital, so it’s extremely important to select a healthy dog treat recipe.
Please remember to avoid ingredients that aren’t suitable for dogs. Check out these veterinarian-approved recipes for homemade dog treats that are suitable for canines of any age, and explore our top healthy treat recipes below.
How to Store Dog Treats Properly
As advised by the US FDA, proper storage of pet food and treats is essential to maintain their nutritional value, keep crucial information accessible in case of issues, and prevent health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe conditions that can result from overeating or consuming food meant for another pet. It is vital to store natural dog treats correctly due to the potential for faster spoilage without preservatives during processing. By storing them properly in an airtight container made of metal, glass, or heavy-duty plastic, which should always be clean and thoroughly dry before adding new food, you can preserve their freshness, flavor, and prevent bacterial or mold growth. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to keep all dry food, treats, and chews in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture, instead of exposing them to temperature fluctuations in areas like the garage, porch, or outside, to ensure your dog’s health and safety.
- Always store pet food and treats in their original containers or bags. This document ensures that you have immediate access to critical information, including the UPC code, lot number, product name, manufacturer, and “best by” date. Such information is essential in case of a product defect or recall. When submitting a complaint regarding pet food, it is mandatory to provide the lot number, “best by” date, and the complete product name. This information is vital for achieving an effective resolution.
- When transferring dry pet food to a storage container, it is advisable to place the entire bag into the container rather than pouring the kibble directly. This practice helps maintain the integrity and freshness of the food.
- When moving dry pet food to a new storage container, it’s important to select one that is clean, dry, and has a secure lid. This ensures the quality and freshness of the food. This ensures the food stays fresh and prevents your pet from getting into it. Always keep vital information handy, including the UPC code, lot number, product name, manufacturer, and “best by” date. I recommend attaching this information to the outside of the container for easy access and remember to update it each time you open a new bag of kibble.
- Always wash and dry the storage container after finishing one bag of kibble to effectively remove residual fat and crumbs from its surfaces.
- Store dry pet food and unopened canned food in a cool, dry place below 80°F. Any excess heat or moisture will break down the nutrients, so proper storage is essential.
Pet food and treats are similar to other food products, they can be tainted with harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. To significantly reduce your risk of getting sick from contaminated pet food, it’s important to adhere to these safe handling tips (safe handling tips)
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FAQs
It is almost common knowledge that most dog treats, bones, and a few food products contain preservatives that are designed to extend the shelf life. These could mean that you do not need to buy as often as you may need to, but on the other hand, it is also extremely important to note that these additives have known carcinogens that can lead to serious health issues such as failure of the liver and kidneys. Kindly note that some of these preservatives can be found in a few pesticide product formulations, anesthetics, and antifreeze, so you have to be extremely careful of what you give to your dog.
Preservatives to avoid include:
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
- BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
- Ethoxyquin
- Nitrates/Nitrites
- Propyl Gallate
- Carrageenan
- MSG
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate
The number of treats one must feed the dog must be regulated by the size, weight, and activity level of the dog in question. Treats should not be a recipe for a quarter of your dog’s daily diet, this is a no-no… Big dogs require more calorie intake than small and inactive dogs, so large moving dogs can take more treats than small and inactive ones. It is recommended always to respect the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, to monitor the number of treats that your dog consumes, and to seek your vet’s advice in case of a change in your dog’s weight. The health of your dog needs it.
Many human foods are safe and excellent treats for dogs. Carrots, blueberries, peanut butter, apples, sweet potatoes, green beans, cucumbers, pumpkins, and eggs should be in your dog’s treat rotation. Bananas can be offered, but only in moderation. Avoid giving your dog anything with seasonings, additives, or toxic ingredients like garlic and onions. These can harm your dog. Always prioritize their health and safety by selecting the right foods.
It could be due to digestive issues, a sore tooth, or some other health concern that’s making your dog feel unwell. If your dog usually enjoys treats during training but suddenly shows no interest, it’s wise to consider a potential medical issue with your furry friend.