Only Get Your Pup The Best Dog Treats
Part of the joy of having pets is surprising them with little treats. Some treats are purely for enjoyment while others have added health benefits like calming herbs. There are a variety of special snacks for dogs of all sizes. The idea of dog treats roots from the significance of strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Plus, a treat always comes in handy when you're training your dog, especially for rewards and instilling a sense of motivation in your pet! Therefore, we've put together a list of the best canine treats in 2021, as well as a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision. So, without any further ado, let's begin.
Buyer's Guide: Find Your Pup's Favorite Treats
Dogs love munching and what better way is there for them to munch than dog treats! Dog treats are a great way to bond with or train your dogs while also feeding them healthily.
When faced with the decision of what treats to buy for your dog, you must be very cautious as wrong choices may cause health problems for your dog. This is why we have put together a buying guide that will help you in choosing the best dog treats.
Important Considerations
Natural ingredients
Dog treats like natural chews do not contain any artificial supplements. They are much recommended and provide your dog with great sources of nutrition.
But as a dog owner, it is good to have variety. Checking the ingredients of pup treats is essential. It is advisable to get treats that do not contain excess fat, sugar, or salt. Ingredients like oats, protein, and fruit, make healthy dog treats.
There are a few things to be on the lookout for in a dog treat package label:
Origin of ingredients
A lot of dog treat brands may mention ‘natural’ in their labels just to attract unsuspecting dog owners. A good dog treat brand should also include the source of its ingredients. If the information is not found on the label, you can look it up on their online website. If you still cannot find the origin, it is not advisable to purchase dog treats from the brand.
Quality of ingredients
Dog treats having natural ingredients do not guarantee that it is of good quality. Ingredients like onions, raisins, are natural but may prove toxic for your dog. Thorough research should be carried out before making a final purchase decision.
Number of ingredients
The number of ingredients does not matter only if they are all of the good quality. However, it is quite common to see most commercial dog treats having unwanted preservatives or oils, that can be hazardous to the health of your dog. Your best bet is to select the one with lesser ingredients. Single-ingredient treats are very recommended, especially if your pup is susceptible to allergic reactions.
Health
The health of your furry friend is very important. Your dog should be checked by a vet, to make sure he or she has no allergies or health conditions. In the case of a health condition like arthritis, purchase dog treats that are formulated with supplements.
Calorie content
Too many calories in your dog treat are not beneficial and may lead to health issues like obesity which is a common dog problem. Dog treats with low-calorie content are advised because when your canine looks at you with brown, friendly eyes, you may be tempted to give her more than necessary.
Treat texture
Soft treats are preferable for senior dogs whose teeth are not so strong anymore. A puppy will also benefit from soft, chewy treats as its jaws and teeth are not fully formed. Firm treats, like dog biscuits, are beneficial for adult dogs because they help to maintain their dental health. They are long-lasting, help keep your dog busy, and ultimately away from trouble.
The purpose of the treat
The purpose of giving your dog a treat is a very important factor to consider. If you want to train your pup, the treat has to be filled with flavor so your dog can associate something delicious with good behavior, and be encouraged to do more of it. A more flavorful treat means fewer health benefits. During training, your pup gets multiple treat jackpots at a go. It is advisable to divide a piece of dog treat into two. This doubles the portion and reduces the treat intake of your dog.
The purpose of a dog treat can also be to supplement a health condition. In this case, your dog does not get multiple treat jackpots and should only be given when necessary.
The size of the treat
There are different sizes of treats based on the sizes of dogs. The smaller a dog, the smaller the treats should be. Dog treat brands produce treat sizes using this knowledge so you should be able to find the perfect one for your dog. Small treats are great for puppies so they can fit into their mouths properly. A large dog will prefer a larger treat so they can savor its flavor wholeheartedly.
Age of your dog
Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all have their own needs. The shape, size, hardness, and texture of treats need to match the age of your dog.
Nutritional content
Nutrients in your dog’s treats should be bought under the age, breed, and body size of your dog. Puppies and senior dogs will need more protein than adult dogs. A fatty acid like D.H.A. present in a dog treat is excellent for brain development in puppies. Treats are not a dog’s main meal so be careful not to overfeed them with it.
Does my pup need treats?
Training
Dog treats are most commonly used as a means to train your pup. Positive reinforcements like giving your canine a tasty treat are a great way to help him or her listen to you. Rewarding your dog with treats makes the whole training process enjoyable both for you and your dog.
Bonding
Giving your dog treats helps to build trust between you two. A treat need not only be given during a training session, it is also a way of showing affection to your dog.
Nutrition boost
Apart from the normal meals of your dog, dog treats provide an additional nutrition boost. If your pooch is underweight or obese, dog treats can help bring her back to normality.
Keep them busy
Dog treats, especially natural chews, keep your canine busy. Rather than eating your shoes, they will be more focused on the treats you have for them.
Detailing Our Favorite Dog Treats of 2021
Greenies Dog Treat
– Best Overall
Say goodbye to your dog’s bad breath with these Greenies Dental Dog Treats! These daily treats are designed to help keep dogs’ teeth and gums clean and healthy! They aren’t only tasty and nutritious but also ensure regular dental care for your dog.
Since these treats are crispy, they reach more tooth and gum surfaces, making your dog’s dental care easy. The ingredients in these dog treats are easy for pets to digest and include vitamins (A, B12, E, B6, and more), minerals, folic acid, biotin, amino acids – everything your dog needs to stay on top of its health game! Keep in mind that these treats aren’t meant for small dogs under 15 pounds or puppies less than 6 months old.
Chippin Puppy Treat
– Runner Up
Formulated by veterinarians, the no-wheat, no-corn, and no-soy dog treats for young puppies are an excellent choice for your sensitive little fellas. The vegetarian-friendly option comes in a variety of delicious flavors that your puppy cant’ resist. If your main concern as a pet owner is to nourish your four-legged buddy with high-quality treats, this is the right pick.
The all-natural dog treats are crunchy and small in size, making them perfect for your little pup’s smallmouth. It is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive tummies and allergies as they’re easy to chew and digest. The crunchy treats are rich in protein, essential omegas such as omega-3 and B-12, and other healthy nutrients to ensure your pup’s incredible health and wellness.
Good’N’Fun Dog Treat
– Honorable Mention
Made with real meat and hides, these creative treats are designed to satisfy both taste and nutrition! We love these because, in addition to encouraging constructive chewing, these kabobs for dogs also support dental health and oral care!
This triple-flavored dog treat comes in a resealable bag that keeps these dog treats fresh for longer periods of time! They have an authentic, pleasant scent. Dogs may need supervision when enjoying these treats because some can break up the rawhide easily. Also, be cautious since these can also cause intense flatulence, so for some dogs, they’re better as an occasional treat – you’ll have to figure that one out as it comes. And yes, they taste as good as they look (for your dog); made with premium chicken, hearty liver, and wholesome ducks.
Milk-Bone Dog Treat
– Also Consider
Made with real bone marrow and loaded with calcium, these dog treats are wholesome and taste like a dream for dogs! It comes in multiple sizes and jars – you can get one for each if you’ve got multiple dogs at home.
Dogs enjoy the meaty flavor and texture of these treats. They’re sized for all dogs; this one’ a 40 Oz. jar but it’s available in multiple sizes. The screw-top canister keeps them fresh but easy for you to access. Each treat has just ten calories, designed to satisfy your dog with real bone marrow ingredients. The treats can be split for smaller dogs or you could go for smaller treats as well. Your call! While some dogs love the taste, a few others may not. (You’ll have to test that one out on your own)
People Also Asked
A: Dog treats are foods apart from your dog’s normal meal that serve as a reward, health supplement, or bonding utility.
A: No. Giving your dog table scraps spoils her in the process so it’s not advised. It may also lead to obesity.
A: Absolutely! But be sure to give in moderation. Don't just shower your pup with treats because you can't resist its cuteness.
