What Treats Are Good For Puppies?

Choosing The Right Dog Treats For Your Pooch

Every pet owner wants to find the best dog treats for their canine companion, but with so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to navigate and choose the right option. From all-natural crunchy biscuits to freeze-dried snacks full of flavor, there are countless options for selecting dog training treats. In this post, we'll break down the factors you should consider when shopping treats for your four-legged friend, from ingredients and flavors to breed preference and more!

Why Give Your Pet Treats?

Many pet owners see puppy treats as a simple way to show their furry friends that they care, but the benefits go much deeper than simply making your pup happy. Training is one of the most common uses for puppy training treats, as they serve as a positive reinforcement tool. They can also aid dental health by promoting chewing and reducing plaque buildup. High-quality treats like wellness soft puppy bites can supplement your pet's diet with added vitamins and nutrients. Choosing treats suited for your dog's age, size, and dietary needs is important to ensure they get the most out of this tasty reward system.

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Dog Treats:

Age

When selecting doggy treats, age is an important factor to consider. Puppies have developing teeth and require a soft and chewy treat. On the other hand, older dogs may require softer treats to chew due to weak teeth. Your dog's age may also impact the ingredients it can tolerate and may require specific vitamins and minerals. Treats for senior dogs may contain additional nutrients to support arthritis or joint problems. For puppies, treats should be balanced and rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus to promote growth and development. 

Ingredients

Checking the ingredients in dog treats is crucial to ensure you're giving your pup the best possible nutrition. Avoid dog training treats with artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and opt for natural treats. It is also essential to be mindful of your dog's food allergies. Avoid treats containing those ingredients if your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Avoid treats with fillers like wheat, soy, and corn, which provide little nutritional value and can cause digestive issues. Choose treats for puppies with green beans, bananas, berries, and more. The best dog treats are free from artificial flavors and rich in natural ingredients. Sweet potato flavor is a popular choice among pet owners.

Health History:

Before selecting dog training treats, it is important to consider your pet's health history. If your dog has diabetes, you may want to choose treats with low-fat and low-sugar content. Dogs suffering from allergies may require treats free of common allergens, such as wheat, soy, or dairy. If your dog has kidney issues, you may need to avoid treats with high protein content. Also, low-calorie treats may be the best option if your dog has a history of weight problems. Consult your vet for specific recommendations on the best treats for your dog's health needs.

Texture of Treat:

The texture of the treat is an important factor that pet owners must keep in mind while selecting dog treats. Dogs have different preferences regarding texture, which can be crunchy, chewy, or soft. Some dogs with dental problems require a crunchy texture to keep their teeth clean, while others may prefer soft treats that are easy to eat. It's essential to give your furry friend a texture that they enjoy so they look forward to getting rewarded. Moreover, the right texture can also be beneficial in maintaining good dental health.

Look For Companies that Prioritize Quality:

When choosing dog treats, pet owners must look for companies that prioritize quality over profit. Several companies compromise on the quality of ingredients to reduce costs, which can be detrimental to a dog's health. It's crucial to look for companies that use high-quality, natural ingredients, are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes, and are known for their commitment to quality. Quality treats can improve your dog's overall well-being, resulting in a happy and healthy furry friend. You can buy dog treats online from reputed online stores after reading reviews. 

Types of Puppy Treats:

Crunchy

Crunchy dog treats are a popular choice for pet owners who want to keep their dogs' teeth clean and healthy. These treats are made with a hard texture that requires dogs to chew, which helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Some examples of crunchy dog treats include biscuits, bones, and dental sticks. It's important to choose treats that are appropriately sized for your dog's breed and supervise your dog while they enjoy these treats.

Soft Treats or Training Treats

Soft and chewy dog treats are a great option for dogs who prefer a softer texture. These treats are often made with ingredients like fruit and vegetables and come in various shapes and sizes. Soft and chewy treats are an excellent option for training or as a reward for good behavior. Before giving your dog any new treats, it's important to read the ingredients list to ensure that they are safe and healthy for your pet.

Long-Lasting Chews

Long-lasting chews are a great way to keep your dog occupied and entertained for longer. These chews are designed to last longer and are often made with peanut butter and banana. It's important to supervise your dog while enjoying these chews and take them away once they become small enough to swallow. These chews can also benefit your dog's dental health. It is important to choose long-lasting chews that are safe and appropriate for your dog's size and chew strength. 

Human Food

While dogs love their specially-made treats, they also enjoy a mug of human treats! When it comes to human food dogs can safely eat, eggs, peanut butter, and plain yogurt top the list. All these are high in protein and healthy fats, with no additives, seasoning, or sugar that can harm your dog's health. You can also mix these foods with dog food to add flavor while meeting your dog's nutritional requirements. However, always check with your vet before feeding human food, especially if your dog has any medical conditions requiring special diets.

Homemade Treats

Dog owners love homemade treats as they are easy to make, and you can guarantee their ingredients. They contain healthy ingredients, such as rolled sweet potatoes, and peanut butter, all mixed uniquely to suit your dog's diet and preference. These treats are also a great way to address your dog's allergies or dietary needs. On the other hand, homemade treats often have a higher percentage of calories than store-bought and, as such, should only be given in moderation. Additionally, always check that the ingredients are safe for your dog to consume.

What Dog Treats Should I Avoid Giving My Puppy?

Freeze-Dried Treats:

Freeze-drying dog treats have become popular due to their ability to preserve nutrients and flavor in food. However, not all freeze-dried dog treats are created equal. Some brands may contain harmful chemicals and additives that harm your puppy's health. Owners should avoid freeze-dried treats and select ones made with high-quality ingredients, without artificial flavors or preservatives.

Jerky Treats:

Jerky treats pose a danger to your puppy's health. Many jerky treats have been linked to kidney failure, which is caused by low levels of antibiotics in the treats. To ensure your puppy's safety, it is crucial to read the labels carefully and avoid jerky treats that contain synthetic preservatives or additives.

Rawhide Chews:

Rawhide chews are made from the hides of cows. These chews can be potentially harmful, too, as they can cause gastrointestinal blockages and choking hazards. It is essential to choose rawhide chews made from high-quality, organic ingredients and free from any chemicals or preservatives. You should also monitor your puppy's chewing behavior and avoid giving them rawhide chews.

Actual Animal Bones

Giving your puppy actual animal bones as a treat may seem like a good idea, but it can be quite dangerous. Splintered bones can choke or cause blockages in your pup's digestive tract, leading to serious health issues. Cooked bones are even worse as they are more prone to splintering and can cause harm to your puppy's digestive system. Instead, opt for durable rubber toys designed for dogs to chew on. These alternatives provide the same entertainment as real bones but without the risk of harming your furry friend.

Other Animal Parts

Dog owners often feed their pups with leftover scraps, including animal parts like liver, kidneys, and tongues. While these may seem like a treat to your dog, they can cause serious health issues when consumed in large amounts. These animal parts are rich in vitamins and minerals, but overindulging can lead to an imbalance in your pup's system, leading to liver or kidney damage. Avoid giving your dog these parts. Instead, stick to natural dog treats formulated to give your pup the correct nutrients and vitamins they need.

Cancer-Causing Dog Treats:

As a responsible pet owner, you must avoid feeding your puppy treats that may lead to cancer-causing agents in the long run. Such treats may include processed meat products containing harmful preservatives like nitrites and nitrates. Research suggests that prolonged consumption of these additives could lead to diseases such as colon cancer. 

Sugary or Artificially Sweetened Treats

Sugar-laden and artificially-sweetened treats can be particularly harmful to your puppy's health. These treats, in excess, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Furthermore, just like humans, dogs do not have the digestive enzymes to break down artificial sweeteners. This means that treats with artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can be toxic to your puppy's system. Instead, avoid these treats and opt for natural dog treats. 

Conclusion

It's always important to ensure that you're choosing the appropriate dog treats when reward-training or treating your pup. Not only do they need to have all the proper vitamins and minerals, but they should also be enjoyable for your pet and not just appease them on a short-term basis. Consider your budget when selecting treats, as well as the flavor preferences of your pup. Make sure it has all the necessary nutrients and comes from a trusted source that doesn't skimp on quality ingredients. With this knowledge in mind, you will be better equipped to select healthy treats for your four-legged family member that are enjoyed and appreciated by both of you in the long run. Happy snacking!