Best dog treats for your furry friend
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What are the best dog treats in 2024?
Getting dog treats is one of the best parts of your pet’s day. Whether it's for training or just to make your dog happy, check out our guide to buying the best dog treats!
Whether it's a reward for a well-executed command, a comforting treat to reassure a small puppy, or a well-deserved snack after the owner comes home, you might be giving your dog treats several times a day. That's why they must be made with good quality products. Choose organic or premium treats. There are also grain-free dog treats for dogs with digestive problems. Go for special dog training treats to teach your pet tricks, and chewable treats to prevent tartar build-up on their fangs.
Is a new puppy about to join your family? Stock up on sticks and chewy treats to welcome them like a king! They’ll soon feel safe and at home in their new environment.
Summary
Why should I give my dog treats?
Giving your dog a treat from time to time is a way to make them happy or reward them for something. Dogs are generally very sensitive to food, so knowing that they will get a tasty treat will make them obey quickly.
You can also give your dog treats to gradually befriend them. It usually works very well with fearful animals coming into a new environment. This will create a strong bond between you and your pet.
Hand out treats one at a time instead of giving your pet a handful as this would not be very healthy for them. Also, don't let your pet come to you to ask for a treat: the treat should not be taken for granted and you should be the one to decide when to give it.
What kind of treats should I give my dog?
You must make the difference between "training" and "fun" treats.
You can only give training treats when your pet obeys you and does the right thing. These dog training treats should not be given outside of these times, otherwise, your dog will not understand anything!
As for the "fun" treats, you can give them once in a while to share moments of affection with your dog.
What treats should I use to train my dog?
There are hypoallergenic, grain-free treats and CBD dog treats. The latter is very effective in calming the animal if they are stressed.
Choose gluten-free training treats if your dog has digestive problems.
In any case, you should choose high-quality organic treats. Not only will they provide your dog with vitamins, but they are also made from premium ingredients.
At what age should I start giving my dog treats?
You can start giving your dog treats as soon as they get home, usually at the age of eight weeks. Treats are a great way to help your dog get used to their new life. The appeal of food is very important for dogs of all ages!
Use natural treats to reward your puppy during training. Your pet will pay more attention to the commands you teach them if they know they can enjoy a chicken stick right after! Use small, low-calorie treats to keep your puppy from gaining weight.
There are special treats for puppies, and you can switch to adult treats when your puppy is one year old.
What treats are right for my dog's breed?
It's important to consider your dog's breed, as size and weight are key criteria when choosing treats!
A Chihuahua won't eat the same treats as a Leonberger, for instance, because they'd be way too rich for them. Pick treats that are the right size for your dog. This is usually indicated on the packet: small, medium or large breeds.
Some breeds are also more prone to obesity than others. This is the case for the Shetland Sheepdog, which is very greedy and easily puts on weight. In this case, opt for lighter, low-fat, high-protein treats.
In any case, don't overindulge your dog in treats, whatever the breed.
What are the dangers of giving my dog treats?
The main risk associated with treats is excess weight. Even if you think your dog looks even cuter when chubby, obesity can have dramatic consequences: cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, incontinence, diabetes and allergies. Therefore, you shouldn’t give more than one or two treats a day.
The desire for treats can also lead the dog to bark to ask for them. Be careful not to give in in this case. Animals that start to beg usually do so in an increasingly insistent manner. Of course, they don't understand how unpleasant it is for their owners!
Treats can also disrupt your pet's feeding cycle. If you give your dog treats throughout the day, their digestive system will be working constantly and they may end up with a stomach ache.
