Like many pet parents, you probably love spoiling your furry friend, and one of the best ways to show your dog some extra affection is with a tasty treat. Treats aren’t just a way to bond and strengthen your relationship with your dog, they’re also powerful tools for training, encouraging good behaviour, and reinforcing commands.
However, to ensure your dog reaps these benefits, it’s essential to choose treats wisely. Size and quality matter greatly when selecting the right snacks for your pet. Giving your dog treats that are too large, too frequent, or of poor quality can lead to health issues and undermine the purpose of these little rewards.
The Importance of Size in Dog Treats
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog’s longevity and overall well-being. Treats can be surprisingly caloric, and when given in excess or inappropriately sized portions, they can contribute to unhealthy weight gain. This is particularly concerning for smaller breeds, which require fewer calories overall.
The size of the dog treats you buy for your pet will depend on their size, breed, and daily calorie needs. For smaller breeds, opt for tiny, bite-sized treats that are easy to chew and won’t contribute to overfeeding. Larger breeds may handle bigger treats, but even then, portion control is key. A helpful guideline is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Always check the packaging for serving size recommendations or consider breaking larger treats into smaller pieces for better portion control. By doing so, you can manage your pet’s calorie intake while still rewarding them effectively.
The Importance of Quality in Dog Treats
More than just tools for training rewards for good behaviour, dog treats also contribute to your dog’s daily diet. Low-quality treats generally include artificial fillers, additives and unhealthy fats, all of which can cause a variety of health issues, such as digestive problems, obesity, allergies, and even behavioural changes. High-quality treats, on the other hand, are:
Nutrient Dense
High-quality treats are made with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients that benefit your dog’s overall health. Here are some examples of nutritious ingredients to look for:
- Real Meats: Beef, chicken or lamb offer high levels of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, blueberries and spinach are nutrient-dense ingredients that include antioxidants, fibre and vitamins that aid in immunological health, digestion and energy levels.
Easy to Digest
The quality of a treat’s ingredients also impacts how easily your dog can digest them. Highly processed additives such as corn syrup, soy, and artificial flavours can cause gastrointestinal irritation, bloating, and other digestive problems.
On the other hand, treats made with natural ingredients like whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables are gentler on the stomach and promote a healthy digestive system. Selecting treats with easy-to-digest components reduces the risk of discomfort and ensures your dog enjoys their reward without unpleasant side effects.
Reduce Allergens and Sensitivities
Just like humans, dogs can develop food allergies or sensitivities. Low-quality treats often contain common allergens such as wheat, soy, or artificial additives, which may trigger reactions like itchy skin, digestive upset, or ear infections.
High-quality treats typically include hypoallergenic options, such as single-source proteins or grain-free recipes, making them safer for dogs with sensitivities. By choosing these treats, you can help your dog avoid discomfort while still enjoying a delicious snack.
Preserve Natural Flavour and Nutrition
Many low-quality treats rely on artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives to enhance taste and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, these additives provide no nutritional value and can even harm your dog’s health.
Premium treats use natural preservation methods and real, whole ingredients to retain their flavour and freshness. This ensures your dog gets a treat that’s both tasty and nutritious without unnecessary additives.
What to Look for When Buying Treats for Your Dog
Natural Ingredients
As mentioned, treats made from natural ingredients are a better option for your pooch. So look for products made from whole foods like meat, fruit, vegetables and cheese. This will give you peace of mind knowing your dog is eating a treat packed with nutrients that are essential for their health.
There are a lot of artificial ingredients that are often included in treats. Some of the most common you’ll find are:
- Propylene glycol – a form of antifreeze that can be hazardous to dogs if consumed in excessive amounts.
- Sodium benzoate – a preservative that can cause stomach upset and vomiting.
- Food Dyes – many popular dog treat brands use food dyes, which can be hazardous to your pet’s health.
- Sugar – too much sugar can cause obesity and other health issues in dogs.
- Artificial flavours – they are commonly used to conceal the flavour of low-quality components and can be harmful to your pet’s health.
Recommended Age
Pets, like humans, have varying nutritional requirements throughout their lives. Puppies require more protein and fat to promote their growth and development, whilst senior dogs may benefit from softer treats that are simpler to chew. Look for age-appropriate treats that are tailored to your pet’s unique nutritional requirements.
Nutritional Value
In terms of nutritional value, treats should be high in protein but moderate in calories. Protein is necessary for your dog’s growth and development, whilst calories supply energy. The best approach to guarantee that your treats are high in protein yet low in calories is to read the ingredient list. Look for meat, chicken, or fish as the first component, as these are all high-protein sources. Avoid treats containing fillers such as corn or wheat, as they can add unneeded calories while providing no nutritious value.
Allergy Certification
Allergy certification regulations vary by country, but in general, products certified by an official agency are safe for allergy-prone dogs. To be safe, always check the label of any dog treat you’re thinking of purchasing to verify if it’s accredited by one of these associations.
Additional Benefits
Certain treats can also benefit your dog’s oral health. Dental treats that encourage chewing and keep teeth clean can help minimise plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth damage and gum disease. Look for dental-specific treats, such as chews or bones.
