Dog Treats and Snacks

What Are Dog Treats Used For?

Dog treats are not just a way to spoil or please your dog. Small, bite-sized treats that can be eaten quickly are an essential training tool, helping to maintain your dog’s attention and motivation without unnecessarily interrupting the training session. Larger, firmer treats, such as chew bones or dried organ meats, can keep dogs occupied for longer and may also help support dental care. Functional treats are designed to address specific needs, such as supporting digestion, joints, immunity, or dental hygiene.

Whatever your reason for choosing treats, they should always form part of a carefully balanced feeding routine and should never replace a complete and balanced diet.

When choosing dog treats, we recommend focusing on four main factors:

Purpose of the treat – For training, choose small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly. For longer-lasting entertainment, opt for firmer and larger chews. If you are looking to support a specific health need, consider veterinary or functional treats with targeted ingredients.

Ingredients – A high-quality treat should ideally contain meat from a clearly specified source and have a transparent ingredient list. Avoid products with excessive amounts of artificial colours, preservatives, and flavour enhancers.

Size and age of your dog – Smaller breeds generally do better with smaller and softer treats, while larger dogs may need more durable options. Puppies should be given softer treats designed for their age and development. Senior dogs may benefit from treats that are easier to chew and digest.

Daily allowance – Treats count towards your dog’s total daily calorie intake. Always give them in moderation and make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a training treat and a regular dog treat?

Training treats are designed to be given frequently and repeatedly. They are usually small, soft, easy to eat, and highly aromatic to help keep dogs motivated. Regular treats are often larger or firmer and are more suitable as an occasional reward or as a way to keep a dog occupied for longer.

The key difference is that during training, you need a treat your dog can eat within a second or two so they are immediately ready for the next command.

Can dog treats replace part of a dog’s regular food?

Dog treats are complementary food and should not replace a dog’s main meals. As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than around 10% of a dog’s total daily calorie intake.

If your dog receives treats regularly, adjust their main food portion accordingly. Otherwise, your dog may gain excess weight or receive insufficient amounts of important nutrients from their balanced diet.

How can I tell a high-quality dog treat from an average one?

Start by checking the ingredient list. In a high-quality treat, meat or a clearly identified meat meal should usually appear among the main ingredients and make up a significant part of the recipe.

Avoid treats with unnecessarily long lists of additives, artificial colours, and preservatives. It is also a good sign when the manufacturer specifies the exact type of meat used instead of relying on vague terms such as “meat and animal derivatives.”

Are pressed buffalo-hide bones safe for dogs?

Extra caution is recommended with these products. Chemically processed or bleached rawhide chews may contain substances that are not ideal for dogs, and swallowing large pieces can lead to digestive problems or blockages.

If you want to give your dog a buffalo-hide chew, take a look at our dog chew bones and choose products with a simple, natural ingredient list and minimal processing. Always supervise your dog while chewing and remove the treat if large pieces begin to break off.

How should I choose a treat if I do not know what my dog likes?

Start with a smaller pack or sample and try a few different types, such as soft treats, crunchy treats, or dried meat.

Every dog has individual preferences, so a treat that one dog loves may be ignored by another. Also monitor your dog’s digestion when introducing a new treat. New ingredients should be introduced gradually, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

When should I avoid choosing dog treats based mainly on price?

Price can sometimes provide a rough indication of ingredient quality. Very inexpensive treats may contain a lower proportion of meat and higher amounts of cereals, fillers, or lower-quality substitute ingredients.

However, a more expensive treat is not automatically better. The best approach is to read the ingredient list carefully and evaluate the product based on its composition rather than price alone.