Photo by Justin Veenema

Originally Posted On: https://celebritydogwatcher.com/2020/04/the-different-types-of-treats-available-for-our-four-legged-friends/

There’s a reason we refer to pleading people as having “puppy-dog eyes.”

The look in a dog’s eye when he wants a tiny bite of whatever scrumptious sandwich or moreish meal you’re eating can melt the coldest heart. While some human food is OK for dogs, you’re better off buying tantalizing treats that are made for canine digestive systems — and canine tastes!

That’s why we’ve compiled this basic guide to the different kinds of treats to give your four-legged friends.

1. Crunchy Treats

When most people think “dog treat,” this is probably what comes to mind. Crunchy treats often resemble cookies for people, except possibly for the shape. And that’s perhaps why many people call these treats “cookies” or “biscuits.”

Crunchy treats can be formulated for specific health concerns such as joint pain or weight control, or different types of dogs, like older and less active ones.

2. Soft Treats

Soft, moist dog treats are another option. These come in a variety of flavors, formulations, sizes, and shapes. A lot of trainers and dog behavior experts recommend small, soft treats as the ideal reward when you are trying to teach a dog. It’s instant gratification, so the dog quickly learns the desired behavior.

3. Jerky or Freeze-Dried Treats

Next up are jerky-style treats and freeze-dried versions. These are made from meat or fish. That meatiness (or fishiness) explains their popularity with dogs of all types.

4. Chew Treats

Many breeds of dogs love to gnaw and chew, and if yours is one of those, you’ll want to keep some chewy treats on hand. Be careful, though, that your pup doesn’t gulp them down. They can cause stomach upset if not thoroughly chewed.

There are varieties of chewy treats that are intended to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Called dental treats, they aim to fight the tartar and plaque that lead to poor dental hygiene and bad breath. They usually have added vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s dental needs, as well.

5. Homemade Dog Treats

If you’re handy in the kitchen, you may want to whip up some homemade treats for your dog. There are heaps of recipes out there. You can bake crunchy, cookie-style treats, chewier bars, or even cupcakes that won’t compromise your dog’s health.

6. CBD Dog Treats

In the past few years, CBD has become all the rage — for pets as well as for people. The benefits are much the same, as well. Try CBD dog treats to support your dog’s joints and bones, heart, skin, and coat. They are also good for anxious dogs.

Your Four-Legged Friends Deserve the Best!

Whether you want to give your four-legged friends a snack, reward them for a job well done, or a lesson learned, or help safeguard their health, there’s a dog treat to do the trick!

And, now that you know the difference between them, you’re ready to shop with confidence.

Check out the rest of our blog posts for tons of helpful advice on pets, finances, travel, and more.