What to Consider when Selecting a Treat

Choosing the right treat for your dog isn’t just about picking something they’ll like. It’s also about thinking why you’re giving them a treat in the first place.

Treats can do a lot more than just help with training. They can be good for your dog’s teeth, add important stuff to their diet, or just be a way to show them some love. If you know why you want to give your dog a treat, you can pick the best one for them.

There’s more to think about than just this though. You should also consider how old your dog is, if they have any health issues, and what’s actually in the treats.

Other Factors to Consider

Dog’s Age: The age of your dog matters a lot. Puppies need different treats than adult or older dogs. For example, puppies might need softer, nutrient-rich treats for growth, while older dogs might need treats that are easy on their teeth and stomachs.

Health and Diet: If your dog has health issues or special diet needs, choose treats that fit with their regular food and don’t make any health problems worse. For example, dogs at risk of obesity should have treats with fewer calories.

Ingredients: The ingredients in treats are very important. Choose dog treats with simple, whole food ingredients and avoid those packed with artificial additives, fillers, or added sugars to ensure your pet’s treats are healthy and beneficial.

Throughout the rest of this guide, we’ll dive into the various ways in which treats can enhance your dog’s life, covering everything from training to health and beyond.

We’ll highlight the types of treats best suited for each situation, ensuring you’re well-equipped to support your dog’s well-being across all aspects of their life.

Training Treats

Training is one of the main times when treats are not just helpful but necessary. They are a form of communication. They tell your dog, “Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted you to do!” in a language they understand instinctively.

This positive reinforcement makes training sessions more engaging and enjoyable for your dog, encouraging them to repeat those behaviours that earn them rewards.

Not all treats are created equal. The effectiveness of a treat depends on its value to your dog i.e. how much they want it.

When it comes to training you can use different treats depending on what it is that you’re looking to accomplish in your training session:

High Value Treats

In general, higher value treats are usually more aromatic, tastier, and are highly effective in capturing your dog’s attention and maintaining their focus. You should use these higher value treats:

• In highly distracting environments: If you’re training in a park or an area with lots of other animals and people, a high-value treat can help keep your dog focused on you.
• For difficult commands: When introducing new or challenging commands, high-value treats can provide the extra motivation needed to encourage your dog to learn.
• For fearful or anxious dogs: Dogs that are nervous or anxious can benefit from high-value treats during training sessions, as these treats can help make the training experience more positive and rewarding.

It’s important to note that what constitutes a high-value treat varies from one dog to another. For some, a piece of chicken or cheese might be the ultimate reward, while others might prefer a specific store-bought treat that’s particularly smelly or flavourful. The key is to identify what your dog loves most and reserve those top-tier treats for training sessions that require extra motivation.

Everyday Training Treats

These are treats that your dog likes but doesn’t find as irresistible as high-value options. They’re perfect for routine training sessions where you need to give frequent rewards without going over the top or causing dietary upset. You might want to use an every day treat:

• For easy commands or known behaviours: When practicing commands your dog is already familiar with, everyday treats are sufficient as a reward.
• At home or for basic training: For basic training sessions at home where there are fewer distractions, everyday treats can help establish a learning foundation without the need for more enticing rewards.
• For maintaining interest: In longer training sessions, alternating between low and high-value treats can keep your dog interested without overstimulating them.

Overall, the idea with training is to have a variety of treats at your disposal, allowing you to adjust based on the training scenario and your dog’s preferences and needs. Whilst we’ve focused on training treats here, the concepts of high value vs every day apply to all treats that you might feed your dog.

Dental Care

Dental health in dogs is often overlooked, yet it’s as essential as any other aspect of their well-being and can be easily addressed through a treat that your dog will enjoy!

Just like in humans, poor oral hygiene in dogs can lead to plaque build-up, gum disease, and even more severe health issues if left unchecked.

There is no substitute for brushing teeth, and there are even specialist doggy toothpastes if you want to do that. But we know most people aren’t going to brush their dogs teeth every day. So this is where dental treats step in, offering a practical and enjoyable way to help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their gums healthy.

Dental treats help to satisfy your dog’s chewing instinct and are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath as your dog gnaws on them. The secret lies in their texture and ingredients:

• Texture: Many dental treats have a unique, rough texture that helps scrub away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth as they chew. This mechanical action does its best to mimic the brushing of teeth, contributing to a cleaner mouth and fresher breath.
• Ingredients: Some dental treats also contain specific ingredients that promote oral health, such as enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar or additives that freshen breath.

Choosing a dental treat

In the UK, you could opt for treats endorsed by reputable bodies like the British Veterinary Dental Association to ensure they meet high standards for your pet’s oral health.

Enrichment & Well-Being

Beyond training and dental care, dog treats can play a role in enhancing your dog’s day-to-day life through enrichment and fun activities.

Just as we humans enjoy activities that challenge our minds and senses, dogs too thrive on mental stimulation and novel experiences. Treats can be an excellent source of such enrichment, offering not just a tasty reward but also an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation.

When it comes to enrichment its as much about how you offer treats to your dog as it is what you treat them. Utilizing toys, snuffle mats, and other engaging tools to dispense treats transforms a simple snack into a rewarding, brain-stimulating game.

Interactive Toys and Treats: Incorporating treats into toys that require a bit of thought and effort to access can turn treat time into a fun, brain-stimulating activity. Toys like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing balls encourage your dog to think, solve, and work for their reward, mirroring the mental stimulation they would get from foraging activities in the wild.

Chew Treats for Relaxation: Long-lasting chews, such as dental sticks or safe, natural chews, serve not just as a snack but as a soothing activity. The act of chewing can be incredibly calming for dogs, helping to reduce anxiety and promote tranquility, especially during times they’re left alone.

Snuffle Mats for Scent Work: Utilizing a snuffle mat to hide treats engages your dog’s powerful sense of smell, encouraging them to sniff out their rewards. This activity not only provides mental stimulation but also slows down their eating, making treat time last longer and more satisfying.

The benefits of enrichment

Using different kinds of treat activities helps keep your dog’s brain busy and stops them from getting bored, which means they’re less likely to chew things up or bark too much.

These fun treat games also get them moving, which is good for their body as well as their mind. Plus, when you spend time setting up these activities and watching your dog enjoy them, it shows them you care, making your bond with them even stronger.

Gourmet Treats for Bonding

Gourmet treats are all about giving your dog something special, and you dont need any other reason other than that you love them.

These treats are crafted to be delicious and appealing, making them an ideal choice for celebrating special moments or just because you want to make your dog happy. It’s about finding those unique treats that light up your dog’s eyes and tail – a way to say “I love you” without words.

As much as we love to spoil our dogs, it’s important to remember that gourmet treats should be given in moderation. This brings us on to our next important treat topic; Which is moderation – how many treats should you be giving your dog?

How Many Treats Should You Give?

When it comes to treating your dog, finding the right balance is key. Treats are an essential part of training, bonding, and rewarding your dog, but it’s important to ensure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. This guideline helps maintain a healthy balance, ensuring that treats complement their meals without leading to overfeeding.

If your training routine or bonding activities require frequent treating, consider the types of treats you’re using. Opt for lower-calorie options or treats that serve a dual purpose, like dental health or enrichment, to keep your dog’s diet balanced. It’s all about rewarding your dog in ways that support their health and happiness without going overboard.

Every dog is different, and so is their diet and activity level. What works for one dog may not work for another, so it’s important to adjust the amount and type of treats based on your dog’s specific needs. Keep an eye on their weight and overall health, and if you’re unsure, consult with your vet to find the perfect treat balance.

Treats are a wonderful way to enhance your dog’s life, whether through training, dental care, or simply showing them love. But remember, moderation is key. By carefully selecting treats that fit within your dog’s dietary needs and using them wisely, you can enjoy the benefits of treating—strengthening your bond and supporting your dog’s learning—without compromising their health.

Conclusion

Through this guide, we’ve seen that dog treats are much more than just little snacks. They play a big part in helping with training, keeping teeth healthy, making your dog’s day more fun, and helping you show your love. Choosing the right treat at the right time can make a big difference in your dog’s life.

But the most important thing we’ve talked about is being careful with what treats you pick and how often you give them. Treats should add to your dog’s regular meals in a good way, not take over their diet. It’s all about picking treats that are good for your dog, considering what they like, what they need, and how old they are.

Giving treats is also about showing your dog you care. It’s a way to help them learn, make sure they’re eating right, and build a strong bond with them. With so many choices out there, it’s good to know what to look for and how to use treats in the best way.

In short, treats can do a lot of good for your dog when used right. They’re a small part of your dog’s day but can make a big impact on their health and happiness. Let’s use what we’ve learned to make sure our dogs get the most out of every treat, keeping them happy, healthy, and close to us.