A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Treats

Training

Pet treats are most commonly used as training rewards by pet parents. Training your pooch involves various types of methods, techniques and philosophies. Positive reinforcement is the best way of training, and treats make the whole session much more enjoyable for your furry friend. 

Using treats as a way to teach commands and reward for good behaviour will ensure your pooch takes an active interest in the same.

Prevent destructive behaviour

There must have been times when you have seen the cushion shredded into pieces or your favourite bedsheet torn beyond repair. Moreover, when your pooch looks at you with puppy eyes, scolding him/her doesn’t remain an option anymore. Treats can be a saviour in this regard that can keep your pooch busy when bored. 

Excessive barking, chewing household items and self-harm are some symptoms of boredom, especially if they are alone at home. Give them a treat and be assured that your house is not being destroyed, while you get your tasks done.

Nutrition Boost

A lesser-known reason for treating, but healthy dog treats, is that it can provide the nutrition boost your pooch needs. If your pooch is underweight, highly energetic or recovering, treats can help maintain muscle mass and activity levels. 

In case of puppies, providing nutritious treats can help them with a growth spurt during the transition period. 

Sign of Affection

A treat need not be given every time only as a part of training or when your doggo fulfills a command. It can also be a way to show how much you love them and appreciate them for being a part of your life. Be it a special occasion or a festival, doggos also deserve a gift just like the rest of the members of their hooman family. Wrapping up all natural dog treats as a Diwali or Christmas present does not only make them overjoyed, but also appreciate and love their pet parents all the more.

What are the types of dog treats?

Natural Chews

Canines, by birth, always have the instinct to chew. Natural chews are always recommended as they do not contain any artificial supplements and thus prove to be healthy. Chews like cheese treats can also be a great source of calcium that will fulfill the dietary needs of your doggo.

Chews are also recommended to keep your pooch mentally stimulated, controls anxiety in them and satisfies their instinctual urges. In case of teething puppies and active dogs, chews can provide peace and quiet - both for you and your doggo.

The hardness of natural dog chews can vary, so make sure that you’re choosing the right chews for your doggo, based on their habits, needs and size. For example, a small size chew may not be the right fit for a large breed dog or a puppy who has the tendency to gulp food. On the other hand, if the chews are too hard, it may lead to splinters, teeth damage or other dental issues.

Soft Treats

Soft treats are ideal for young puppies who are yet to fully develop their teeth and gums and senior dogs with weakened dental health who are unable to chew hard chews. They are also beneficial for dogs with dental issues or sensitive palates.

Soft treats tend to always have a strong scent and flavour, along with a fine texture to keep doggos interested in the treats. Always choose soft treats that are high in protein and low in fat so that your doggo - be it a pup or a senior one - gets the best of nutrition while keeping their weight in check.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze drying is basically a process where the moisture is removed from the ingredient. All nutrients are preserved in this process as it does not involve cooking or any application of heat.

Freeze-dried dog treats are a healthier alternative that is getting increasingly popular. These treats are generally single-ingredient treats with low calorie and high nutrition content. This is the reason why such treats become an ideal choice for training. As doggos have to be given treats at regular intervals during their training sessions while they fulfill each command, what’s better than giving treats that would be healthy and non-fattening!!

Dog Cookies

Dog cookies are a classic dog treat and probably the oldest type of dog treat. Cookies or biscuits work well as routine rewards. When opting for cookies, you should always choose the ones that are made with lesser ingredients, low glycemic index and more nutrient -rich carbs like oats or legumes instead of potatoes or wheat.

What to keep in mind when choosing dog treats?

When it comes to dog treats, it’s not just the taste but a lot of other aspects need to be considered before making the final choice. Treating your doggo should be able to enrich their experience and make life more healthy and pleasing. Things to keep in mind include - 

1. Age

Healthy dog treats have nutritious value and so, your pooch’s age is an important factor to take into consideration while choosing treats. Apart from that, treats come in various shapes, sizes and hardness, and you need to choose one that matches with your pooch’s age. For example, a healthy dog treat for large dogs may seem to be a good treating option for a Great Dane or English Mastiff, but it is not the right choice for a Poodle or Dachshund. 

2. Health history

If your pooch has a medical history, make sure you visit the vet to know the right diet for your pooch. Like humans, dogs also may have food restrictions based on their health and have a reaction to certain ingredients that their body is not used to. Consulting an expert will give an idea of what to feed and what not to feed your pooch and accordingly, you can opt for premium quality healthy dog treats. 

3. Ingredients

This is one of the most important aspects to consider while purchasing dog treats. Treats have quite an impact on your pooch’s eating regimen. Choose treats that are natural. Also, treats that have minimum ingredients are a better option as they don’t have any additional or unnecessary fillers.

Healthy dog treats that are a source of protein are recommended, and the ones loaded with fat and sugar must be avoided. Another important thing to notice is whether the treat contains any by-product ingredient, like the by-product of chicken. It is not a healthy thing to consume regularly by your pet, the same way it is not good for you.  

4. Texture of treat

Treats that are a little hard and firm will be helpful for your pooch in reducing plaque and tartar and maintaining oral health. Lost lasting treats will make sure that your pooch spends more time gnawing at it, leading to tooth scraping. It will also keep them engaged for a longer time for you to finish your chores.  However, if you have a senior dog, provide softer treats that would be easy on the ageing teeth. 

Things to check in your dog treat package label

1. Source of Ingredients

You may come across a lot of dog treat brands that mention ‘natural’, but the source of the ingredients are not mentioned. However, it is always a good idea to know the source of the ingredients of the treats that you’re giving your doggo. For example, Dogsee treats are sourced from the Himalayas, which finds mention on the labels.

If the information is not available on the label, you can look up their respective website for the same.

2. Quantity of Ingredients

The number of ingredients that go into making a dog treat does not matter only if all of them are high-quality, and provide health benefits. However, most commercial treats that are available nowadays contain a lot of unwanted fillers, synthetic colours, preservatives and artificial flavouring that can have adverse effects on your doggo’s health. Therefore, the lesser the ingredients, the better the quality of the treat. Apart from that,  for pooches that have a sensitive stomach or are prone to allergic reactions, single - ingredient treats are the best option.

3. Ingredient Quality

Even if the ingredients in your chosen dog treat is natural, it does not necessarily mean that it would be suitable to feed your doggo. For example, foods like chocolate, onions, raisins, etc can prove toxic for them and should be avoided. Conduct a thorough research and be aware of what should be fed to your furry friends before choosing a dog treat. 

Also, make sure to check the calorie and fat content in the label before making the purchase. Treats should not be the reason for your doggos to experience any health issues.

Dog treat ingredients that you should avoid

A lot of dog treats contain certain preservatives and chemicals that can be toxic and negatively affect your pet’s health. Such ingredients are normally added to extend the product shelf life or cut down manufacturing costs. They may not have any immediate impact but can cause chronic health issues in the long run. 

Avoid dog treats if you see any of the following ingredients in its composition - 

1. Preservatives

While shopping for pet treats, ensure to check the packaging and choose a brand that does not contain any preservatives. If you notice ingredients like potassium sorbate, ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT or calcium propionate, it is best to avoid such treats. 

2. Artificial colouring

Do you know that your doggo is not at all concerned about the colour of the treats that they munch on? Treats are given artificial colouring so that it appeals to pet parents. Hence, avoid buying treats with artificial colour, as it is unnecessary and can also prove to be harmful.

3. Chemical humectants

Humectants such as propylene glycol are sometimes used in dog treats to prevent it from drying and remain chewy and moist. It is also used to prevent discolouration in meat treats. This ingredient can greatly disrupt the digestive system and lead to intestinal lesions as well as blockage. There are other food-sourced and natural humectants available that are not harmful to pets, so check the package label well before purchasing.

4. Synthetic chemical sweeteners

Chemical sweeteners like sorbitol are added to dog treats to enhance the taste. However, it can cause a plethora of health problems like obesity, tooth decay, nervousness and allergies. Sorbitol is also known to be a reason for arthritis and digestive issues like stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and bloody stools. Another disadvantage is chemical sweeteners will make the treats so sweet that your pet can develop a taste for it and overeat treats while rejecting less sweet and healthier food options. 

Dogsee Chew: 100% Natural & Human Grade Dog Treats

Pooches are the most lovable members in the family and keeping them healthy and happy is an important responsibility. Dogsee Chew ensures that your pets benefit in every aspect from every treat they have, be it health or behavioural. Dogsee has the best dog treats that are 100% natural, grain and gluten-free treats, available for dogs of every age, size and breed. It contains no artificial flavours, colouring, preservatives or chemicals. 

Dogsee dog treats can be categorised into 3 different product lines - 

1. Dogsee Chew Hard Bars

Dogsee Hard Bars are long-lasting human grade chews made from the finest cheese of the Himalayas. The bars are sun dried and smoked to perfection for more than 35 days, making them a yummy treat for your doggos. The bars are rich in protein and calcium and are available in 3 different sizes for large, medium and small dogs.

The major benefits of Dogsee hard bars include -

• The long lasting chews can keep your dog occupied for a long time.
• The hard texture helps control tartar and plaque to maintain good oral health.
• The rich cheesy flavours of the bars help maintain fresh breath of your doggos.

2. Dogsee Chew Puffed Treats

Based on the traditional and centuries-old recipe - churpi, Dogsee Puffed Treats are the perfect healthy snack that is yummy and serves as an ideal training treat. The soft treats go easy on the gum and are rich in protein. Puffed treats are also sun and smoke-dried for over 35 days and then heated which gives it the puffy texture. 

Dogsee Puffed Treats are available as - 

Puffies - Puffies are bite-sized, easy-to-feed treats, which makes it one of the best dog training treats. Being high in protein and low in fat, these treats are ideal for weight management. 

Puffy Bars - Handcrafted especially for senior dogs who love cheesy bars but may not be able to chew on the hard ones. Puffy bars are easy to eat and digest, and the uneven shape helps in the easy removal of plaque and tartar. 

Crunchies - Crunchies are soft puppy treats, with a delicious crunchy texture that makes it ideal for small dogs. They are also the perfect treat for your doggo’s healthy skin and shiny coat. 

3. Dogsee Crunch

Made from real fruits and veggies, Dogsee Crunch are single-ingredient training treats that serve as a great snack for puppies. These freeze-dried dog treats retain all essential nutrients. Crunch is available in 4 different flavours - 

Apple - Crunch Apple are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that keeps the skin healthy and the fur shiny, along with boosting immunity. These treats also aid in digestion. 

Banana - Crunch Banana are rich in Vitamin B6, and also contains potassium that helps in building strong muscles and bones. It is also a source of natural antioxidants, which makes it a must-have in your doggo’s diet. 

Beetroot - Crunch Beetroot are filled with iron that helps in the creation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. It also contains potassium, which is a great immunity booster.  

Coconut - Crunch Coconut are fat-separated treats to provide your doggos with the best nutrition. These treats are rich in dietary fibres that help maintain a healthy gut.

Dogsee always believes in only one motto - when it comes to our cute furry babies, Feed Healthy, Feed Natural!

Happy Pet Parenting!