The choice of treats depends on your dog's individual needs, age, activity level, and health. By being mindful of what you give your dog, you can better ensure its long-term health and well-being.
Finding the right treats for your dog can be a challenge, as the market is filled with countless options. There are many factors to consider, such as ingredients, the dog's age, activity level, and any allergies. In this guide, you'll get great tips on choosing healthy dog treats that suit your dog's specific needs.
Considerations you should make when choosing dog treats
When choosing treats for your dog, it's important to consider several factors to ensure both health and well-being. First and foremost, you should look at the ingredient list and choose treats with good and nutritious ingredients, free from unnecessary additives, colorings, or fillers.
Furthermore, it's a good idea to consider your dog's size, age, and any allergies or special nutritional needs. Calorie content also plays a role, especially if your dog tends to be overweight. Alternatives such as dried meat or other simple dog snacks can therefore be a good choice.
Finally, you should consider the purpose of the treats – whether they are just a small reward, used for dog training, or, for example, intended to provide longer chewing time. By choosing carefully, you ensure that your dog gets a tasty snack that meets its needs.
You can, for example, search for:
- Grain-free treats
- Low-fat treats
- Natural treats
- Hypoallergenic treats
- Soft treats
- Organic treats
- Meat-free treats
- Training treats
- Puppy treats
NOTE! If you buy dog treats produced outside the EU, it can be a good idea to pay extra attention to the ingredient list, the product's origin, and the manufacturer's quality assurance. Rules and control can vary from country to country.
🐾 Read more about ingredients in dog treats and snacks.
Natural and healthy ingredients in dog treats
Natural treats can be a good and nutritious choice for your dog, as they often contain few and simple ingredients. They can, for example, consist of dried meat, fish, fruits, or vegetables.
Natural dog treats with a high content of meat or fish can be rich in protein and other nutrients. When choosing natural treats, it's also a good idea to ensure that they fit your dog's size, age, and chewing needs, so they are both safe and suitable.
🐾 See our large selection of natural dog treats.
Which dog treats suit your dog's age and activity level?
- Puppies: Choose smaller and softer treats that are easy to chew. Puppy treats should also suit the puppy's size and age.
- Adult dogs: Dog snacks and treats should be used thoughtfully as part of the dog's overall diet. Training treats, chew products, or other snacks can be chosen as needed.
- Senior dogs: Older dogs may have more sensitive teeth and a lower activity level. Here, softer treats and products with an appropriate calorie content can be a good choice.
Hypoallergenic dog treats for dogs with special needs
Some dogs react to certain ingredients or protein sources, which requires extra attention when choosing dog treats. If your dog has a known allergy or intolerance, you should choose treats where the ingredient list is clear and where the ingredients the dog reacts to are not included.
Hypoallergenic or monoprotein treats can in some cases make it easier to find a dog snack that suits the dog's special needs.
Training treats vs. indulgence treats
You can use different types of dog treats depending on the situation they are to be used in. When choosing treats, you should therefore consider what they will primarily be used for.
- Training treats: Small and preferably soft treats that are easy and quick for the dog to eat. They are suitable as rewards during dog training, where the dog often receives many small rewards.
- Indulgence treats: Larger snacks or chew products that take longer to eat. They can be used, for example, when the dog needs something extra delicious or engaging.
See also our selection of dog training treats.
Avoid harmful and unnecessary ingredients in dog snacks
When choosing dog treats, it is important to read the ingredient list. Some ingredients you should pay particular attention to:
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol: Xylitol is very toxic to dogs and should never be given to dogs.
- Large amounts of salt and sugar: Choose dog snacks without unnecessarily added sugar or large amounts of salt.
- Unclear ingredient descriptions: If you want the greatest possible transparency, you can choose treats where the manufacturer clearly states what raw materials the product contains.
Read more in our guide on ingredients you should be aware of in dog treats and snacks.
Recipe: Make your own healthy dog treats
If you want full control over the ingredients, you can make your own dog treats. A simple recipe could be:
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter without xylitol
Mix the ingredients, form small balls or flat treats, and bake them at 175 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes.
Homemade dog treats allow you to choose the ingredients yourself and adjust the size of the treats to your dog.
If you don't feel like making your own treats, you can see our large selection of dog treats and snacks at Unikhund.
Want to know more about dog treats, dog training, dog health, and nutrition? Follow our blog for more tips and guides.
