If we’re honest, our fur babies deserve endless treats.
However, according to the American Kennel Club, the recommendation for dog treats should only be 10 percent of a dog’s daily diet.
This means that we need to limit our dog’s treats to the best on the market.
Whether you’re looking to reward them for their excellent behavior or simply just because they are cute – our pups should look forward to their snack time.
Below, I’ll let you in on all the most popular dog treats available in 2020 and whether or not they are safe to give your dog.
What To Look For In Popular Dog Treats
With so many options on the market – from gluten-free treats to ones containing hemp powder – it can be difficult to discern which ingredients are beneficial.
A good rule of thumb is not to feed your dog anything you wouldn’t eat. However, keep in mind that there are some exceptions to this rule since dogs would be happy to eat kangaroo jerky and peanut butter bacon flavored treats.
In general, it’s important to stay away from treats with fillers and preservatives and to stick to treats with high-quality ingredients and small amounts of sugar.
At the end of the day, know your dog’s needs and which treats would be best for him or her. For example, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, try looking for treats that are easy to digest, low-fat, and free of dairy.
Whatever type of treat you choose to give your dog, be sure to pick a brand you’ve done your research on and feel confident in.
Let’s take a look at all the different kinds of tasty treats you can feed your pup.
Crunchy Dog Biscuits
The most popular dog treats you’ll find on the market are by far biscuits. This classic type of dog treat comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Nowadays, you’ll find a lot of different options for biscuits, such as grain-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Before limiting your dog to specific ingredients, talk to your vet, and ask them what’s necessary for your dog’s diet.
Soft, Chewy Treats
The opposite of a crunchy biscuit is a soft, chewy one. If your dog has sensitive teeth or just has a hard time chewing hard treats in general – opt for something softer and smaller like a Greenie, which supports dental health and tastes delicious to dogs.
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
Humans aren’t the only living creatures that love beef jerky – dogs do too. Freeze-dried and jerky treats come in a handful of flavors (some more exotic than others), such as biltong, crocodile, ostrich, and kangaroo.
However, opting for what’s available like beef or poultry is fine. Just be sure you choose a credible brand made in the U.S. You can even make your own at home by using a food dehydrator.
Animal Bones, Hooves, and Rawhides
Since the beginning of time, dogs have been given various animal bones and rawhides. However, as more studies have been performed, experts are finding that bones don’t make the best dog treats. Not only can bones cause a dog’s teeth to chip or break, but they’re also hard to digest and can cause dangerous blockages in the intestines.
You’re probably better off avoiding this kind of treat – however, there are digestible bone alternatives out there if your dog really enjoys eating bones.
Gourmet Dog Treats
We all have that local baker who offers dog-friendly, gourmet treats like cupcakes and cookies. While it’s always a good idea to support a local business, keep in mind that these treats are usually filled with sugar and dairy and can be high in fat.
Just like humans – dogs need to limit their intake of sweets and fatty foods. We recommend giving these to your pup on special occasions – especially their birthday!
Human Treats
Most of us are guilty of giving our dog some human food every now and then. Certain fruits and vegetables such as carrots, blueberries, and seedless watermelon are healthy dog treats.
However, there are a handful of human foods you should never feed your dog such as chocolate, avocados, grapes, and more.
Diet and Supplement Treats
Sometimes our furry friends are just not in the best shape. Whether it be from weight issues, arthritis, or anxiety, you’ll want to give them comfort food that will heal them – not hurt them.
There are several safe dog treats out there that can help with these issues, including diet treats that are low in fat and even ones that include important vitamins and minerals to help keep their hips and joints strong and healthy.
You may have even seen treats on the market that are made with hemp oil or powder. As crazy as it sounds, these treats are designed to provide relief for a number of issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Arthritis
- Cancer Symptoms
- Digestive Problems
- Allergies
You can find the best treats for dogs, including quality organic hemp treats at places like Thryv Organics.
Just remember to talk to your vet about hemp treats before giving them to your dog and the appropriate dosage for his or her breed and size.
Other Fun Ways to Give Your Dog Treats
Why simply hand your dog a treat when you can incorporate fun games that exercise their mind?
There are several options out there that can make eating treats a fun challenge for your dog. For example, you can experiment using a dog treat puzzle or filling a Kong toy with peanut butter and a surprise biscuit hidden inside.
Your pup will be sure to thank you!
Which Tasty Treat Will You Choose?
Considering all that you now know about the most popular dog treats, which type will you choose? Whatever you decide, do your research so you can rest assured your dog is eating quality ingredients.
For more helpful articles about dogs, check out the “pet” section on our blog.
