There are a number of different types of canine snacks available and all have slightly different benefits and uses, so making the right choice may seem like a bit of a stab in the dark. However, by taking just a few important factors into consideration, owners will be well on their way to picking the perfect treat for their canine companions.
Firstly, the intended use of the dog snacks must be considered. Will you be using the treats as rewards during dog training, as entertainment when you aren't in the room, or to improve dental hygiene? Or perhaps for a completely different purpose entirely. It is also important to consider how often you will be giving snacks to your pet. If this is a frequent occurrence, you might want to consider using smaller, low calorie treats so that your dog still stays healthy. Whilst dog treats are certainly better than table scraps when it comes to your pet's health, owners should bear in mind that snacks should only make up 10% of their dog's diet and calorie intake a day. Dog treats and snacks shouldn't be a substitute for food.
Similarly, it is advised that pigs' ears and snouts are avoided as a snack for canines because of their high fat content, plus the problem of them being processed with chemicals that could potentially be dangerous when ingested. If in doubt, consult a vet for advice on what foods are safe to give your dog.
If your intention is to find a snack for use when training your pooch, then soft chews are not only a tasty treat, but the perfect aid. Ideally these should be mini chews, because they take no time at all to eat so there is an instant response as well as a great taste. Because time is not spent getting through the snack, using these treats as positive reinforcement won't hold up training and will be more effective. One way of ensuring a particularly good reaction to learning is to use a treat that is specific to training. Ideally, you should opt for a chew that your dog particularly enjoys and keep this solely for use when training so that it remains associated with reward. Coloured soft chews are available and owners may find this useful during training sessions because they are easily spotted when laid out on the ground; really useful, for example, if your dog is required to follow a particular route or course.
Another factor to take into account is your dog's age; older dogs will generally have more sensitive teeth and may prefer softer chews. Additionally, think about whether your pet is suffering from any medical conditions, because, depending on the problem, snacks are sometimes targeted to combat this specifically. For example, dental chews can be used against poor dental hygiene. There are even hypoallergenic dog treats for those pets with particular food sensitivities or allergies.
For owners concerned about their pet's dental health, vets sometimes advise that using targeted dental chews can help. Just like us, dogs can in fact suffer from many oral problems, such as plaque and tartar build up, bad breath and gum irritation. It is important to keep these under control and if possible, avoid them completely. One way to help is to use chews specifically designed for dental hygiene. Many have a 'knobbly' texture and are resistant to crumbling, which causes a scrubbing action on your dog's gnashes. Not only do dogs love chewing, but this sort of treat is often longer lasting and, because it takes a while to get through, it will keep pets entertained as well as being of benefit orally. There are natural snacks available which help to clean a dog's teeth; they are vegetable based and have a very low fat content. This means that owners can keep caring for their dog's teeth without worrying about health problems associated with feeding a pooch lots of snacks.
Sometimes rawhide snacks are used to reduce plaque and tartar, but if you do choose to use treats like this then take a lot of care because, just as with bones, there is an associated risk of choking, gastrointestinal blockage and irritation. Dogs should always be supervised when eating this sort of snack to ensure that they are not harmed.
The final consideration when choosing a dog treat is your dog's preferences. No matter how carefully you select a food, if your dog doesn't enjoy the taste then it simply won't be eaten.
By following these few guidelines, owners will be on their way to finding the dog treat that's just right. Keep things varied and try something new every once in a while so that your pooch stays interested and happy with its doggy treats.
