Short answer: For training and puppies, choose small, tender Softies or soft Soft Bones. For an in-between reward, pick a biscuit that suits your dog's size. Soft treats are safe as long as the size is right, you count them towards the daily amount and, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you try one protein source at a time.
What is the difference between Softies, Soft Bones and dog biscuits?
Softies are small, tender pieces made from a single type of meat, such as Canis Softies Kip, Canis Softies Hert or Canis Softies Konijn. You can easily break them into even smaller pieces, which makes them handy as rewards during training. You'll find more choice among our training treats.
Soft Bones are soft bone-shaped treats in various flavours and sizes, from Canis Soft Bone Mini Mix to Canis Soft Bone Mix. Biscuits such as Canis Duo Rund, Canis Mono Botjes 4-MIX and Canis Mini Botje Zalm are baked and crunchy. They break easily, but take a little more chewing than a softie.
| Type | Example from our range | Texture | Chewing time | Suitable for |
|---|
| Softies | Canis Softies Lam | Soft and tender | A few seconds | Training, puppies, older dogs |
| Soft Bones | Canis Soft Bone met Zalm en Rijst | Soft, pliable | Short | In-between rewards, sensitive teeth |
| Biscuits | Canis Duo Gevogelte | Crunchy | Short | Adult dogs, rewards at home |
| Rawhide | Canis Rawhide Donut met Eend M 80-90 gram | Tough | Longer | Supervised chewing |
Which soft treat suits my dog?
- Puppy: Canis Mono Botjes Puppy MIX or Softies in small pieces. While your puppy is teething, a soft treat is more comfortable than a hard chew. Also read from what age a puppy can have chews.
- Older dog or sensitive teeth: Softies and Soft Bones, as they take little effort to chew.
- Small dog: the mini versions, such as Canis Duo Mini Gevogelte or Canis Soft Bone Mini Mix.
- Large dog: larger biscuits such as Canis Mono Koek Groot or Canis Mono Botjes Lam & Rijst Groot, so he doesn't swallow them in one go.
Is a soft treat safe for your dog?
Soft treats are easy to chew, but a dog that gulps its food will sometimes swallow them whole. So choose a size that suits your dog's mouth. Give them by hand or break them into pieces. Always make sure fresh water is available.
This collection also includes Canis Rawhide met Kip 12,5CM and the Rawhide Donuts. These are chews rather than soft bites. Only give them under supervision and in a suitable size. Take away the last small piece. You'll find more information under rawhide for dogs.
Which soft treat should you choose for allergies or a sensitive stomach?
Beef, dairy, chicken and wheat are the most commonly reported sources of food allergy in dogs. If in doubt, choose a treat with a single type of meat and introduce it gradually. Less common protein sources such as rabbit or horse are then a logical first choice. Mixes, Canis Soft Bone Kaas and grain-based biscuits are less suitable if you want to find out what your dog is reacting to. A gluten-free treat is not automatically suitable. Always go by the label. If the symptoms persist, see your vet. Also read when grain-free really helps.
How many soft bites or biscuits can you give?
Treats combined should provide no more than around 10 per cent of your dog's daily energy intake. With a small dog, every biscuit therefore counts for a lot. If you give lots of rewards, for example during a training session, feed a little less of the main food. Nutritional values vary by type, so check the label. Use the calculation table in how many treats can a dog have per day to work out the right amount for your dog.
Ingrid's tip: Break a Soft Bone or biscuit into quarters before you start training. To your dog, a small piece is just as much of a reward, and you can reward four times as often without the daily amount creeping up.
How should you store soft treats?
Store soft treats in a cool, dry place and tightly sealed, for example in the resealable packaging or a jar with a lid. This keeps them tender and prevents mould. With large packs, regularly check that the treats still smell and look right. Wash your hands after handing them out.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have dog biscuits?
Yes, in small pieces and suited to his size. A special puppy biscuit or a soft softie is more comfortable than a hard treat while he is teething.
Are soft treats good for the teeth?
Soft treats and biscuits do not clean the teeth. Brushing remains the foundation of dental care. Choose soft treats to reward your dog, not for his teeth.
Why are my softies going hard?
Soft treats dry out through contact with air. Seal the packaging properly after each use and, if you have a small dog, it's better to buy a smaller pack.
Can I put soft treats in a snuffle mat or treat ball?
Yes, small pieces of Softies or mini biscuits work well for this. Do remember to count them towards the daily amount.
Sources
About the author
Ingrid Kooijman is the founder of Canis Snacks. She selects natural single-protein dog treats, sells them online and at markets in Brabant, and answers dog owners' questions about food and chews every day. Questions about these treats? Email info@canissnacks.com.
Not sure which treat suits your dog? Try the treat guide →
