Complete Guide to Buying Dog Treats 

Dog treats are an essential part of a dog's diet. They can be very useful training aids and can make treats or rewards for good behavior. They can also be used as a substitute for toys. Dogs love treats and if you want to socialize with your pup, treats are a way to do it. With pets becoming a part of our family, it is important to take care of their health. One of the best ways to do that is to provide them with the right kind of food and treats. But with so many options available in the market, the decision-making can be very daunting. 

As the name suggests, this blog is a complete guide on buying Dog treats.  We have included every possible detail that one needs to know about buying dog treats. All one needs to do is to go through the blog to know about the best dog treats in the market. This article will also help the dog owner to choose the right dog treat from a long list of options available in the market.

Why do you need Dog treats?

Dog treats come in handy during training because, while we'd like to believe our pets obey our instructions to make us happy, they're often aware that they'll be rewarded in some way. Treats can inspire and maintain the attention of dogs of all ages, and when combined with time and effort from their parents. They can be used to teach dogs excellent behaviour, tricks, and even induce activity in overweight dogs. The following are the most common uses for dog treats:

Training & Rewarding  

Treats are a simple way to show dogs that they're behaving well and that you want them to keep doing so. By rewarding your dog with "high value" treats for specific behaviours, you can help to establish them over time. Treats are an excellent way to train and encourage good behaviour in your dog. Giving your dog rewards for good behaviour is the most effective means of informing them of their good behaviour. We suggest saving the high-value treats for the best behaviour. It's best to keep the treats small so that your dogs can eat them quickly. Give your dog a variety of treats to keep them from being bored. When your dog behaves well, make sure to reward them.

Positive reinforcement

During training, dog training treats serve as a delicious reward to acquire new tricks and talents. Since you might need to use them frequently, opt for specific training treats that are low in calories like this one. One of the reasons that owners offer treats to their dogs is to show them that they are loved by their people. Giving your dog something he or she enjoys is a good idea. They will be grateful for your kindness, and always remember that a happy dog is a healthy dog.

Beat boredom

Make your dog's day by giving them a long-lasting treat or chew that will retain their attention for longer. Slower-eating treats are beneficial since they keep your pet occupied and entertained for an extended period of time. You can offer them a huge carrot or a bone-like treat like this in this situation.

Mental Stimulation

Treats can be used in combination with treat-dispensing dog toys or puzzles to keep a dog entertained for hours. Dog treats can also be used to play interactive games with your dog. You can stuff soft, scented snacks into a treat ball or a puzzle toy for him to sniff. This not only entertains your dog, but it also keeps his mind occupied. If you don't have any puzzles or treat balls, you can have your furry companion guess where you've hidden his reward by using your hands or a few cups. Dog Toys can help in mental stimulation.

Read: Choosing the right toy for your Dog

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Many treats are specially designed for better oral health. Snacks and treats can aid in the cleaning of your dog's teeth. They have untidy teeth, which leads to dental problems and an unpleasant smell. We do not intend to imply that some foods and treats are a substitute for regular brushing, but we recognise that it is a difficult routine to maintain for the owners.  Foods and chews that need to be chewed for a long time have an abrasive action that cleans teeth while also entertaining your dog. Chew Treats can help you maintain their dental hygiene and some treats like this can also help avoid bad breath in dogs and keep gums cleaner. 

Read: Regular Dental Care for your Dog - Everything You Need to Know

Health supplements

Treats can be used as functional food if your dog is a choosy eater. It's an excellent method to give your pet a dietary supplement that will keep him or her healthy and content.  There are a range of snacks on the market for various objectives, such as soothing, maintaining good skin and joints, supplements and so on. They could also be a disguised unappealing medication that your pet wouldn't get otherwise.

Different Types of Dog Treats

Soft Treats

Soft and chewy treats come in a variety of forms, flavours, and sizes. These are a great method to teach your pet new tricks. When training, make sure to utilise tiny sizes.  If your dog consumes the treats quickly, you can be confident that he or she enjoys being praised as much as the treat. Choose pet treat brands that are known for their good quality.

Featured:

Kennel Kitchen Soft Baked Fish Stick	Dogaholic Milky Chew Knotted Bone Style

Crunchy Treats

These are commonly referred to as dog biscuits, bars and kibbles and come in a range of sizes, shapes, and flavours. Make sure the size is appropriate for the dog's size. You should choose a brand that produces high-quality crunchy dog treats, as this is a good form of treat for your pet.

Featured Products:

Boo Boo's Best Super Food Nuggets Dog Treats - Turkey Recipe	Rena LOVE Hard Chicken Chips

Dental Chews & Treats

Contrary to popular belief, Dental Chews & Treats are not made from animal bones. Corn starch and other easily digestible components are used to make them. These treats must be chewed properly, and some experts claim they help with oral health. Dental treats and chews are created to help improve the health of your dog's gums and teeth.

These treats are better than bones, but if your dog gulps them down, they may induce gastrointestinal blockage. Dental fractures might occur if the treat is too hard for the dog to chew. As a result, make sure to select a treat that is the proper size and texture. Banging the chew on your knee is one technique to see if it's too hard for your pet. If your knee hurts, it's probably too tough for your dog's teeth. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog while they are chewing.

Featured Products:

Dental Captain Bacon Flavour Dental Twisted Stick with Chicken Wraps	Twistix Canister Vanilla Mint

Jerky Treats

Jerky treats created exclusively for dogs are available in a wide range of flavours. Only one single component (poultry, meat, or fish) is used in high-quality dog jerky, which is free of additives, fillers, and preservatives. These are specifically designed for dogs. They come in a variety of forms, including fish, liver, poultry, and meats. Many dog owners find that using this type of treat when teaching their dog is very effective. Choose a high-quality jerky treat from a reputable brand. 

Featured Products:

Chip Chops Sweet Potato Chicken	Kennel Kitchen Air Dried Mutton Jerky

Grain-Free Treats

Grain-free diets are a popular choice among dog owners. Grain-free dog treats and grain-free dog food are excellent choices for your dog because they are often produced with high-quality ingredients and can be simpler to digest due to the lack of fibre.

Featured Products:

Woofur Chicken with Apple Jerky Dog Treat	Scooby Crrrunch - Natural Yak Cheese Puffies for Dogs

Human food treats

You can feed your dog some human food. Crackers, cookies, cheese, hot dogs, and other foods should not be given.  Apples, chicken, seafood, carrots, and lean meat are all good options. Foods with sauces or seasonings should not be served to him. Onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins should not be given to your dog because they are poisonous to them.  Consult your veterinarian for information on what foods are safe for your pet to eat.

Read the comprehensive list of Foods that are toxic for Dogs & Foods that are safe for them in detail here. 

Specialty diet treats

Since some dogs have particular dietary needs, these special diet treats include a variety of supplements that can aid dogs with a variety of conditions. These are intended to assist in the treatment of health problems such as mobility and weight loss, as well as to improve their skin. These dog treats are also available in low calorie, low fat, high protein, and other variants.

Featured Products:

Dogaholic Max Chicken Bacon Strips BBQ	Dogaholic Calcium Biscuit

What Dog Treats to avoid?

Sugary Treats 

Sugar is a common unnecessary element that many manufacturers use to increase the taste of dog treats. This is most often the case with low-cost, low-quality treats. Sugar should not be a part of your dog's daily diet.

It promotes unhealthy weight gain and dental issues, but you might be surprised to learn that it can also cause serious illnesses like diabetes. Artificial sweeteners should be avoided in the same manner that refined sugar should be avoided in your dog's diet. Xylitol and sorbitol are very hazardous to dogs. It can lead to stomach issues, clotting issues, seizures, and even death.

Treats with High amount of Starch

To reduce production costs, a variety of dog foods and treats are made with low-quality starch and fillers. This is common with grain-free and gluten-free alternatives. Complex  carbs like tapioca and sweet potatoes should be used instead of grains like rye, corn, and wheat.  Excessive starch-containing snacks and dog diets should be avoided. Protein-based treats like this can be substituted for starchy treats.

Chip Chops Chicken Tenders

Real Bones of animals

Real animal bones, giving the impression that they are harmless. There is no doubt in the fact that these are tasty and address the natural tendency of chewing. They are mentally stimulating and also develop strength in dogs. But,  They can even be harmful to your pet's health.  This is because hazardous germs such as e.coli, listeria, and salmonella can be found on them. It's critical to eliminate any germs, which requires cooking the bones, which makes them brittle, and brittle bones can harm your dog's mouth.  It can even break into bits, causing choking or intestinal injury. Instead use Chew Treats to satisfy your dog's requirements.

Rawhide

Rawhide is a leather byproduct. Because it contains relatively little nutritional or economic value, the second layer of animal skin is discarded. As a result, they are the most cost-effective reward for dog owners.  Rawhide treats are enticing since they last a long time, but the primary issue is that they can cause choking or intestinal blockage. It is also processed with a variety of poisonous compounds that are detrimental to dogs, including sodium sulphide, bleach, formaldehyde, and even glue. Instead, use treats like this that are rawhide-free. 

Rena LOVE Chicken Wrapped Double Sticks

Toxic human food

When dogs see some human foods, they get really excited. It may be the most cost-effective and accessible treat, but some human foods are safe for your dog while others are harmful. Grapes, nuts, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolates, and chives are just a few of the foods you should never feed your dog. 

Read the comprehensive list of foods that are toxic for Dogs in detail here. 

When should you avoid treating?

Treats should not be used to bribe your dog during training; rewards should be given only after a command has been completed and not before as your pet will eventually stop following your instructions if they are not given a treat. Some dogs may develop bad manners as a result of these delicious treats. Jumping up, snapping, snatching, or asking for treats are examples of inappropriate behaviour that should not be rewarded. Make sure your dog understands there won't be a constant supply of treats and they'll have to wait patiently for their reward and gently accept it from your hand.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie consumption, according to the basic principle of treating. If you spoil your dog too much, he or she can become overweight, putting their health at risk. Treats should never be substituted for meals, and you should never take more treats out of the container than you planned to give, since this may cause your pet to miss their main meal.

Read: A Complete Guide on Feeding Your Dog

How to Choose Pet Treats in India?

Pet's age: Since treats have nutritional value, your furry friend's age is an important consideration to consider when selecting treats. A nutritious dog treat, for example, might be a fantastic choice for an English Mastiff or a Great Dane, but it might not be the bad choice for a Dachshund or a Poodle.

Treat ingredients: One of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing dog treats is the ingredients. Treats have a big influence on your dog's eating habits. As a result, always choose snacks that are natural and created with the fewest ingredients possible so that you can be sure they are free of unwanted fillers.

Pet Health History: If your pet has a medical history, make an appointment with a veterinarian. The veterinarian will advise you on the best nutrition for your pet. They, like humans, may have dietary restrictions based on their health. Seeing a veterinarian can help you figure out what to feed and what not to feed. The vet can also provide you with superior quality nutritious dog treats.

Treat Texture: Firm and hard dog treats aid in the removal of tartar from your dog's teeth, resulting in better oral health. Make sure the treats aren't too rough, otherwise you'll end up scraping thier teeth. Pet treats will keep them occupied long enough for you to finish your work. If you have an older dog with aged teeth, give him/her softer treats that are easy to chew.

Flavor: Dogs, like people, like their food to have a distinct flavour. Make sure the natural treat you purchase has a variety of flavours that will appeal to your dog. You can experiment with different dog treats to find which ones your pet enjoys the best.

Price: You'll come across a variety of treats with varying prices. As this is a recurring expense, choose one that is reasonable and does not burn a hole in your wallet.

Final Words

Using a range of treats for various purposes can benefit your pet in a variety of ways, but overfeeding can be dangerous. Dogs need to eat to stay healthy, so keep an eye on your treating habits and make sure you're not over-treating your pet.

With so many treats on the market these days, it's crucial to know what's truly inside! Many treats are heavy in salt, sugar, and additives, and while your dog may enjoy them, they are not healthy for their wellbeing. Treats made entirely of natural ingredients are not only delicious, but they also offer your pet with all of the nutrients he or she requires to stay happy, healthy, and active. 

We at PetPedia.in want to ensure the very best for your pets. Shop from our range of Dog Treats mentioned in this article and more at our Dog Shop and get them delivered fast and safe. 

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