Short answer: The best dog treat depends on what you give it for. For rewarding during training, choose small, soft pieces with a strong smell. To keep your dog busy for a long time, choose a chew that suits their size and chewing style. Keep all treats together below about 10 percent of what your dog eats per day, and if your dog has a sensitive stomach, choose one protein source at a time.
What types of dog treats are there?
This collection brings together all treats from Canis Snacks. They differ mainly in hardness, size and what they are meant for. The table gives a first impression; each type has its own page with a more detailed buying guide.
| Type | Purpose | Hardness | Please note |
|---|
| Chews (beef scalp, bully sticks, ears, hooves) | Staying busy for a long time, relaxing | Crunchy to very hard | Size to suit your dog, always under supervision |
| Training treats | Rewarding often and quickly | Soft or crunchy, small | Count them in the daily ration |
| Soft bites and biscuits | Snack between meals, older dogs | Soft | Check the ingredients on the label |
| Meat strips and meat cubes | Rewarding, variety | Tough to firm | Break large pieces for small dogs |
| Sausages | Rewarding on the go, in small pieces | Soft | Once opened, keep cool as stated on the label |
| Fish treats and organ meat | Variety in protein source and taste | Crunchy to tough | Strong smell; introduce gradually |
Which treat suits which moment?
- Training: choose something small that your dog can eat in one bite, so they are quickly ready for the next exercise. Among the training treats you will find the Canis Beef Lung Trainers, among others.
- Staying busy: a chew keeps your dog occupied for a while and helps them settle down. Which type suits your dog is explained in the chews buying guide.
- Between meals: soft treats such as the Canis Softies Chicken or a biscuit are ideal for dogs that do not want to chew hard (any more). Take a look at the soft bites and biscuits.
- Variety: alternate between protein sources, such as beef, chicken, fish or lamb, if your dog tolerates them well.
How many treats can a dog have per day?
A commonly used rule of thumb is that treats together should provide no more than about 10 percent of the daily energy. If you give a lot of treats on a particular day, for example during a long training session, give a little less of the main food. How to work this out for your dog is explained step by step in how many treats can a dog have per day.
Which treats are suitable for puppies and older dogs?
Puppies benefit from soft treats in small pieces. While their teeth are changing, roughly from 3 to 4 until 6 to 7 months, do not give very hard chews such as antler or horn. You can read more by age in from what age can a puppy have chews. Older dogs with sensitive teeth also often prefer softer or tough treats to very hard ones.
What if your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergy?
In that case, choose treats with a single protein source and try one new treat at a time, so you can see what your dog reacts to. Dogs that do not tolerate beef or chicken well sometimes do better on a different protein source, such as horse, rabbit or fish. If the symptoms persist, consult your vet. Whether grain-free helps is explained in grain-free dog treats and allergy.
How do you store dog treats?
Store dried treats in a dry, dark place and closed, preferably in a bag or container that seals well. That way they stay crunchy for longer and do not attract moisture or pests. Wash your hands after handing out treats and follow the best-before date on the label.
Ingrid's tip: Take a small bag with two kinds of treats on a walk or to training: an ordinary treat and something your dog finds extra tasty. Save the second one for the moment when things go really well, so it stays special.
Frequently asked questions
Are natural treats better than treats with additives?
Natural single-ingredient treats make it easy to see what your dog is eating. That helps especially with a sensitive stomach or allergy.
Can I give different treats together?
Yes, as long as your dog tolerates them well and the total stays within about 10 percent of the daily energy. Do introduce new types one at a time.
How long do dried treats keep?
That varies by type and is stated on the label. Storing them dry and closed helps to keep them in good condition.
Can my overweight dog still have treats?
Yes, in smaller amounts. Choose small pieces, break larger treats and count them in the daily ration.
Which treat is suitable as a reward during training?
Small, soft or crunchy pieces with a distinct smell work best, because your dog eats them quickly.
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 →
