Dog Treats - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
To a dog, nothing says “great job” like a tasty treat. Whether he's earned a reward for obeying commands, being a good guy, or just being his loved one, your dog deserves the best.
Although many dog treats taste great, not all of them are healthy. As a daily part of your dog's diet, choosing treats with a good balance of flavor and nutrition is essential. But with endless treats available, it can be hard to know where to start. Does size matter? Is texture important? What ingredients should you look for and which ones should you avoid?
At Real Indian, we are dedicated to giving our readers the answers they need to find the best buys. We research, analyze and test the products, also seeking the advice of experts and the opinion of users. And you won't find any free samples in our labs. Every product we test is selected by us and purchased with our own funds.
If choosing the best dog treat drives you crazy, you've come to the right place. There is no time to lose? Find our five favorite dog treats in the product list above. Or read on to find the perfect treats for your best friend.
Benefits of Dog Treats
Your dog's tail and adorable eyes may be motivation enough to always have his favorite treats on hand, but there are other great reasons to give your dog treats too.
- Training
Most dogs would do somersaults for their favorite treat if they could. Using treats during training will not only give your dog an extra incentive to cooperate, but it will also keep him attentive longer.
- Reward Good Behavior
Rewards are a great way to reinforce good behavior. Giving Fido a yummy treat to keep him calm while you pet him or not jumping on visitors as they come through the door lets him know he's on the right track.
- Dental Health
Dogs are just as susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup as we are, and proper dental care is essential. Some treats are designed to improve oral hygiene. These help keep your pup's teeth and gums healthy, and certain varieties actively work to freshen breath and rashes; a huge plus for any dog owner!
The Ingredients of Dog Treats and Why They are Important
With a long list of essential nutrients to look for and an even longer list of artificial ingredients to avoid, treating your best friend can get tricky. Here's what you need to know about Dog Treat nutrition labels.
Quality Protein Should Top the List
Just because a dog treat has a high percentage of protein doesn't mean it's good protein. High-protein grains and vegetables are sometimes added to dog treats to increase protein percentages. These proteins are not as beneficial to dogs as quality meat proteins. Similarly, “meat proteins” or “meat derivatives” may be listed as the first ingredient, but these vague terms are often used to mask inferior protein sources.
Easily identifiable proteins should come first and be clearly listed. These may include:
- Chicken
- Cow meat
- Mutton
- Turkey
- Duck
- Rabbit
- Bison
- Fish
- Eggs
- Meat meal (must be specified: chicken/beef/lama/Turkish, etc.)
Whether the main protein consists of a single meat or a hearty combination, the nutrition label should never stop asking about the animal source.
Avoid Excessive or Unhealthy Additives and Fillers
The following ingredients are necessarily red flags, but should not be taken in large quantities, and some may not be suitable for all dogs. If you notice any of these in your dog's treats, remember that moderation is key, and watch for adverse effects.
- Sugar :
Too much sugar is not good for anyone, and the same goes for dogs. Chances are your pup gets a lot of natural sugar from other sources like fruits, vegetables, and grains. Adding unnecessary and highly processed sugars to the mix could lead to weight gain, tooth decay, hypoglycemia, cataracts, allergies, and many other conditions. Added sugar is not always obvious and can be categorized as sucrose, caramel or corn syrup.
- Salt :
Many dog treats use salt as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. Although salt is an essential part of every dog's diet, it should be consumed in adequate amounts. Excess salt can cause increased water intake and frequent urination, which puts a strain on the kidneys. An increased heart rate and dry mucous membranes are also commonly seen in canines that consume too much salt. As a general rule, salt, sometimes listed as sodium, should be one of the first five ingredients.
- Soy :
A common allergen with questionable nutritional benefits, soy is sometimes used as an affordable meat substitute. However, due to its reputation for causing gas and bloating, this is one filler you may want to avoid.
- Corn :
Corn is another grain that is often used to increase the protein content of cheaper dog food and treats. Aside from the fact that many dogs find corn difficult to digest, corn is not a complete protein and lacks essential amino acids. When used extensively as a protein substitute, some dogs may experience muscle loss.
- Grains :
While most dogs do well with the inclusion of healthy grains like oatmeal and brown rice, grains aren't a natural part of a dog's diet. As such, they shouldn't make up the bulk of any dog treat or food.
Skip the Artificial Preservatives, Sweeteners, and Processed Sugars
When it comes to preservatives and sweeteners, try to keep it as natural as possible. Some artificial ingredients added to dog treats to extend shelf life and improve palatability can be harmful.
Harmful Artificial Preservatives to avoid
- BHA and BHT are suspected carcinogens.
- Ethoxyquin, which is also used as a pesticide, can cause blood and liver disorders.
- Propyl gallate, used as a stabilizer in cosmetics and food packaging, may be linked to cancer and liver disease in dogs.
- Propylene glycol, sometimes used to keep dog treats moist, is a common chemical component of antifreeze.
- Harmful Processed Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners to Avoid
- Corn syrup, caramel, sucrose, fructose, and other processed sugars can cause high blood sugar and can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Natural Alternatives
- Vitamin C, vitamin E (often listed as “mixed tocopherols”), and certain essential oils (clove, sage, and rosemary) are preferred natural preservatives.
- Applesauce, honey, or molasses are healthier sweeteners if your dog already has a well-developed sweet tooth.
Types of Dog Treats
There's a dog treat for everyone. Experiment with different textures and flavors to find your dog's favorite.
- Biscuits :
These traditional baked dog biscuits are generally hard and dry, making them perfect for dogs who want a good crunch.
- Soft :
If you have a puppy or older dog who has trouble chewing hard biscuits, go for soft.
- Freeze Dried :
If you are concerned about preservatives and harmful chemicals, freeze dried dog treats are a great option. Most consist of a single meat, which is freeze-dried to preserve freshness and flavor. These treats tend to be a bit chewy but can be softened with water.
- Jerky :
Most dogs love the meaty flavor of jerky. These can be soft or extra chewy.
- Dental Treatments :
These treats come in the form of chews, bones, or cookies and are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
What to Consider When Buying Dog Treats
Don't forget to consider these factors when choosing a treat for your dog.
- Personal Preferences and Needs
Some dogs are happy eating just about anything, while others have more discerning palates. For training purposes, finding a treat your dog can't resist will increase the productivity levels of each session.
- Calories
If you don't keep careful track of the number of treats you give your dog, the calories can add up quickly. Choosing a low-calorie treat will prevent unwanted weight gain.
- Size
The smaller treats are’ not just for medium sized puppies or toy breeds. Small treats typically contain fewer calories, making them perfect for training or rewards. If you can't resist giving your dog an extra treat (or two!), keep a stock of mini treats on hand.
However, larger dogs that are given a limited number of treats per day will likely appreciate more substantial treats.
FAQ
Que. How Many Treats can I give my Dog per day?
Ans. This depends on a number of factors, including your dog's size, his activity level, and the number of calories per treat. As a general guideline, treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's diet .
Que. Can I Give my overweight Dog a treat?
Ans. With so many low-calorie options on the market, some as low as three calories per bite, there's no reason an overweight dog can't enjoy the occasional treat. However, you'll need to take extra care to make sure your friend's treatment doesn't interfere with your weight loss efforts. When in doubt, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Que. What is a High Value Treatment?
Ans. Although your dog may like several different treats, the one that motivates her to go above and beyond during training sessions will be her personal high-value treat.
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