Different Types of Dog Treats and Their Best Uses for Your Pup
Apr 24, 2024
Treat time! Those two magical words can spark a flurry of tail wags, expectant eyes, and zoomies to the treat jar. But in the large market of dog treats, picking the right treat for your dog can feel overwhelming. When shopping for the best dog treat, there are a lot of factors to consider including price, nutrition facts, size, flavor, and more. That, plus the concern that your dog will enjoy the treat, may leave you feeling defeated in the store.
Worry not, fellow dog lovers. Bully Sticks Direct is here to be your trusty treat guide! In this blog, we embark on a delicious exploration of the many different types of dog treats and the best uses for each.
The Right Treat Depends on Your Dog's Needs
The first question before buying dog treats is, what do we need treats for? There are many reasons why dogs love (and deserve) treats! For example:
- Treats for training
- Treats for snacking
- Treats as rewards
- Treats to ease anxiety & more!
Once you know WHY you’re shopping, you can figure out WHAT you’re shopping for.
Treats for Training Purposes
Whether you are working with a puppy or teaching an old dog new tricks, training treats are an essential tool for dog owners who are working on obedience and trying new commands. These treats are small and tasty, making them perfect for rewarding dogs during training sessions.
What is the difference between treats and training treats?
Training treats are made small because they are made to be given frequently whereas traditional treats are larger and meant to be given on occasion. Regular treats typically have a higher calorie count to keep your pet full longer. Training treats may be branded as “bits” or “bites”. Training treats are great for dogs of all sizes, especially small puppy mouths!
Treats for Snacking and Rewarding
Can you imagine eating the same thing every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? It’s not fun for dogs, either! Dog treats are a great way to switch up your dog’s diet. Common treat options include bully sticks, biscuits, bones, cookies, and jerky just to name a few!
For small bursts of flavor, consider bite-sized pieces of freeze-dried meat or oven-baked treats packed with real, whole ingredients. If your pup needs a longer-lasting challenge, go for a chewy bully stick or a treat puzzle stuffed with yummy surprises.
Remember, treats should be occasional, so opt for natural options with simple ingredients and low-fat content like those available from Bully Sticks Direct.
Treats for Easing Your Dog’s Anxiety
Yes, dogs can have anxiety, too! Many owners do know the power of dog treats to ease their furry friend’s nerves. Treats can ease your pet’s anxiety in a few ways:
- Dog treats distract your dog from their anxiety.
- Dog treats allow your dog to take their anger out.
- Treating your dog to a treat makes them feel rewarded and loved.
- Some treats have calming ingredients such as lavender or CBD.
- Treats can ease
the pain from teething.
Factors to consider when shopping for treats
Size and Age: Dogs of different sizes and ages have different nutritional requirements. For example, puppies may need smaller and softer treats, while adult dogs may prefer larger, more durable treats. Choose treats that are appropriate for your dog's size and age. Some brands, like Bully Sticks Direct, will have treats that vary in size to accommodate your dog’s needs.
Health and Dietary Restrictions: If your dog has any specific health issues or dietary restrictions, it's crucial to select treats that accommodate these needs. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure the treats you choose are suitable for your dog's health requirements. The problem with many mainstream dog treats is that they can often worsen your dog’s health, not improve it.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, such as wheat, corn, or soy. If your dog has any known allergies, choose treats that are made with as few ingredients as possible to avoid triggering these allergies.
Texture & Toughness: Dogs have different preferences for the texture of their treats. Some may enjoy crunchy treats, while others prefer soft and chewy ones. The toughness of the treat will affect the length of time it will take for the treat to be chewed. To entertain your dog for longer, choose a treat like a bully stick from Bully Sticks Direct!
Training Purpose: No matter their age, but especially if you have a puppy, if you're using treats for training purposes you should opt for small, bite-sized treats that are easy to carry and chew. These treats should be highly motivating and delicious to keep your dog engaged during training sessions.
Remember, treats should be given in moderation and should not make up a significant portion of your dog's daily calorie intake. Be mindful of the treats' calorie content, especially if your dog is on a weight management plan.
Incorporating Treats into Your Dog's Balanced Diet
When it comes to incorporating treats into your dog's balanced diet, moderation is key. Treats should complement your dog's regular meals and not replace them. Here are a few guidelines to help you ensure a well-balanced diet for your furry friend:
Choose nutritious treats. Opt for treats that are made with high-quality and few ingredients and provide essential nutrients. Look for treats that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health. Bully Sticks Direct offers all-natural treats that are made without added hormones, preservatives, or antibiotics.
Watch the portion size. Treats should make up only a small portion of your dog's daily calorie intake. Be mindful of the size of the treats you offer and adjust their portion accordingly, taking into account your dog's size, age, and activity level. Bully Sticks Direct has treats ranging in size to accommodate your dog’s unique chewing needs!
Consider the calorie content. If your dog is on a special diet or needs to manage their weight, choose low-calorie treats or even consider using small portions of their regular food as a reward. The simpler the ingredients, the better.
Balance the treats with regular meals. Dogs should still receive their regular meals that consist of nutritionally balanced dog food. Treats should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients from their main food.
Treat Your Dog Tastefully!
Treats are exactly that, a treat! It’s important to remember that treats are not meal replacements and do not have all of the vitamins, minerals, and proteins that dog food offers. Treats are great for training a new or old dog, rewarding good behavior, easing your pup’s anxiety, and more. If you want to take advantage of the wonderful benefits that dog treats have to offer, make sure you’re using high-quality and healthy treats like those from Bully Sticks Direct.
Did you know? When you buy from Bully Sticks Direct, you’re supporting a small business! Bully Sticks Direct is headquartered in Romeo, Michigan. We’re a family-owned business and we treat all dogs like our own. Shop online today and follow along with us on Instagram for product updates!
