Did you know that 62% of female pet owners allow their furry friends to sleep in the bed with them? Male pet owners aren’t nearly as lenient; only 38% of them invite the dogs and cats to snooze alongside them.
No matter where your dog sleeps, you surely care about the food and treats that you give them. Treats are fun to give to a dog, and they are also necessary if you are trying to train a pooch. But the huge variety of popular dog treats can make it confusing to choose!
Never fear! Read on to learn the lowdown on the best treats for your best friend.
First, a Look at What Not To Feed Fido
Dogs love to gnaw on bones, but it turns out that bones are something of a no-no. The same goes for hooves, deer antlers, pig’s ears, and rawhide chews.
What’s the problem with giving these to your dog to chew on? There are several potential issues, say veterinarians and dog nutrition experts.
One concern is that these “treats” are too hard for the dog’s teeth. You run the risk of a serious doggie dental bill if your pup breaks a tooth while crunching on a bone or antler.
Another problem? Hooves, bones, and the like can splinter and cause puncture wounds, or even damage to the internal organs. If the dog chews the item into smaller chunks or bits, these can present a choking hazard.
Rawhide chews and pig’s ears are often treated with chemicals that can cause stomach upset and stain your carpet and other surfaces. If they are not treated, they can harbor some pretty gnarly bacteria.
Some experts say that you can still give these items, as long as you follow precautionary measures, but many dog owners steer clear of them, just to be on the safe side.
Now, On to the Tantalizing Treats!
As you are no doubt already aware, treats come in many different sizes, shapes, textures, and tastes. However, they can all be classified according to a few categories. These include:
- Crunchy cookie-style treats
- Soft, moist treats
- Jerky and freeze-dried treats
- Chewy treats
Within each of those categories, you’ll also need to choose between organic and non-, treats made with CBD for dogs, and nutritional content.
How to Choose Dog Treats
Which of these styles of treats is best to give to your dog? It depends on a number of factors, not least of which is your bowser’s tastebuds! As you experiment with different treats, you will learn which ones your dog likes, which ones they really like, and which ones they go absolutely bonkers for!
Your decision should also consider whether or not the treat is being used for training purposes, if it addresses a health concern such as bad breath, and, of course, cost.
Most dog owners find that keeping a selection of treats on hand is a smart idea. Save the extra-delicious ones for special occasions. If you use treats to reward good behavior as a training tool, use that kind only for training.
There will also be times when you want the dog to work a little bit for his snack. Invest in a couple of treat dispensers that will challenge his brain or keep his hunting skills sharp.
Read the Labels
Have you ever eaten kale chips? If so, you probably did so because they taste good and they are a healthier alternative to potato chips. This is the same mindset you should employ when picking out treats for your pupper.
Organic dog treats are always a good choice. So are treats that are all-natural, and that do not contain wheat, corn, and other fillers. It should go without saying that artificial colors and flavors are not very good choices.
Check the ingredients for any treat you are considering giving to your dog. In general, those made with only a handful of ingredients are better, nutritionally speaking.
If your dog has allergies, you will also need to check the label for triggers. Soy and corn are some of the most common allergens.
Some Popular Dog Treats Have a Purpose
CBD dog treats are becoming more and more popular, as they can actually be helpful for health reasons. CBD can ease arthritis and joint pain, calm an anxious dog and combat chronic inflammation.
Don’t worry — they don’t contain any THC, which is the psychoactive substance that causes the “high” associated with marijuana. Your dog won’t get stoned on CBD treats!
There are also a number of treats available to help with canine dental hygiene. Bad breath is a fairly common problem for dogs (and their owners!) and treats can help remove the plaque and tartar that lead to bad breath and dental decay. They aren’t a substitute for regular brushing, though.
Less active and senior dogs may not be as spry as they once were, and therefore, can’t burn off the calories from treats as easily. Look for lower-calorie snacks, or feed them fewer treats, to ensure they don’t gain weight.
A Look at Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog treats are another popular option, but experts caution that they may not be the best idea. Commercial treats are carefully formulated in terms of their protein, fat, calories, and other elements.
It can be difficult to achieve the same healthy balance when you bake your own dog cookies. That said, the occasional homemade treat probably won’t hurt as long as you use a recipe for dog-friendly baked goods.
That’s Our Dog’s-Eye View of Treats!
We hope that you have learned something about how to choose from the most popular dog treats to find one — or several — that will tantalize your pup’s taste buds!
Have you ever given your dog CBD treats? What is his or her very favorite treat? Let us know how you choose cookies for your canine by leaving a comment below!
