Jul 13, 2021 Dog-Freindly Items

2021’s Best Dog Treats

Dog treats are one of the best tools for positive reinforcement, whether it’s for training purposes, affection, or playing! Treats show your pup positive appreciation for their actions and rewards good behaviors. Dog treats can impact not only your relationship with your pooch but their behavior as well. Your dog’s dental health is also an added benefit for feeding them a rewarding treat! Read on for a guide to the best dog treats in 2021!

Are Treats Okay For My Dog?

Some dogs may want treats, but do they actually need them? Dog treats are one of the most important parts of training your dog and engaging in positive reinforcement rewarding. You should always consult your vet before changing or incorporating something new into your dog’s routine, as treats may not be a part of their medical plan, but usually, vets are pro-treats, within reason! Treats can also sometimes be a key part of your pooch’s plan for optimizing their health or disease prevention!

Although treats are important for many different activities, you should keep in mind how much your dog is ingesting. On average, your dog’s treats shouldn’t exceed more than 10% of their caloric intake. While this is subject to change depending on your dog’s breed and dietary needs, but tracking their calories from their regular food to treats, and even table scraps is important for remaining in the 10% allowance.

What To Look For In Treats

Purpose For Treats

You should always consider why you are giving your dog treats when deciding what to purchase. If you are giving treats for positive training, then you will want to buy treats that are smaller in size with good flavor. This will help encourage the idea of positive reinforcement to the action or behavior they are performing! But if you are using treats for supplements or dental care, then you want to buy treats that are specifically targeted to their health needs. If you are giving your dog supplemental treats, consult your vet before to ensure that your dog actually needs this in their routine!

Texture/Ingredients

Softer and more delicate ingredients are a better fit for puppies, senior, and smaller dogs due to their jaw size and ability to digest the treats benefits. Larger dog breeds can handle bigger and crunchier treats. It is important for your dog’s treats to be as safe and natural as possible, but to also avoid any rawhide treats!

Dental Well-Being

Some treats can have great benefits for oral health! Specific dental treats help remove tartar and built-up plaque on your pooch’s teeth. They can also help with treating tooth erosion that comes from your dog consuming too much vitamin c, like with fruit-based treats.