Short answer: Choose meat cubes based on the protein source and on when you give them. For training, small pieces of a flavour your dog really loves work best. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or an allergy, choose a single protein source your dog has had little of so far. For most healthy dogs, meat cubes are a safe reward, as long as you count them towards the daily amount, break them into smaller pieces where needed and store them in a dry place.
What is the difference between meat cubes, cubes and fish cubes?
According to the label, meat cubes and fish cubes consist of 100 per cent of a single animal species. Cubes contain 86.5 per cent meat or fish from a single species, supplemented with ingredients such as vegetable protein, pea starch and glycerine. Beyond that, the main differences are the flavours and the packaging. A small pack is handy for testing whether your dog likes a flavour and tolerates it well. A large bag suits anyone who trains every day and already knows what works. The fish cubes are intended as a chew, so your dog will usually spend a little longer on them than on a training reward. Size and firmness may vary slightly from batch to batch.
| Type | Protein sources | Pack size | Handy for |
|---|
| Canis Vleesblokjes | duck, venison, chicken, rabbit, lamb, horse, beef, tripe | 150 or 1000 grams | lots of training, stocking up on a favourite flavour |
| Canis Cubes | duck, chicken, rabbit, lamb, horse, beef, ostrich, cod, tuna, salmon | 100 or 400 grams | trying out flavours, variety |
| Canis Zalm Blokjes and Canis Kabeljauw Blokjes | salmon, cod | 180 grams | calm chewing, fish as a change from meat |
Which meat cubes suit my dog?
- For training: choose a flavour your dog will really work for and break larger cubes into small pieces. That way you can reward often without adding much extra food. You will find more options under training treats.
- For an allergy or sensitive stomach: beef and chicken are among the protein sources that most often cause food allergies in dogs. In that case, it is better to choose a protein that is not in your dog's regular food, such as rabbit, venison, horse, duck or ostrich. To find out why the protein source matters more than grain, read grain-free dog treats and allergies.
- For a dog that needs to watch its weight: according to our labels, the Cubes (such as ostrich, horse or cod) and the Cod Cubes are lean; the single-species Meat Cubes contain a lot of fat, including those of deer, rabbit and horse. Give them in half cubes and in moderation.
- For a fussy eater: tripe and fish smell stronger than poultry, which makes them extra appealing to many dogs.
Are meat cubes safe for dogs?
For healthy adult dogs, meat cubes are a simple treat, but a few points remain important. Small dogs and dogs that gulp their food sometimes swallow a whole cube without chewing, so make it smaller. Stay with your dog while it chews the fish cubes, take away the last small piece and always make sure fresh water is available.
For puppies: small pieces and build up gradually. During teething, roughly from 3-4 to 6-7 months, a soft, small piece is more comfortable than something that takes a lot of biting. You can find it explained by age in when can a puppy have chews. When introducing a new flavour, start with a few cubes a day and wait a few days before trying something else. If your dog gets diarrhoea, starts itching or vomits, stop and consult your vet.
How many meat cubes can your dog have per day?
All treats combined should provide no more than about 10 per cent of daily energy. Dried meat is concentrated: a small weight contains a lot of nutrition. The daily treat calculation table shows what that means for your dog. If you train a lot, give slightly less of the main food or use some of the kibble as rewards. For nutritional values and feeding guidelines, the label on the packaging takes precedence.
Ingrid's tip: Before your walk or training session, put a measured portion in a pouch and break the cubes into small pieces at home. That way you know exactly how much you have given, and whatever is left over counts towards the next day.
How should you store meat cubes?
Keep them dry, cool and tightly sealed, out of the sun, in the resealable bag or a clean jar. Do not leave cubes in a coat pocket or bag for days on end. If they become damp, show signs of mould or smell different from usual, throw them away. Wash your hands after handing them out. The best-before date is on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can a puppy have meat cubes?
Yes, in small pieces and in limited amounts, so that its regular food remains the basis. Start with one flavour and keep an eye on its stools. For more suitable rewards, take a look at puppy.
Can I make meat cubes smaller?
Yes, you can do that with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. For small dogs and for training, a piece the size of a pea is often enough.
What is the difference between the tripe and beef meat cubes?
Tripe is the stomach of the cow and smells stronger than beef. Both have beef as the protein source, so neither is suitable for a dog with a beef allergy.
Is fish a good alternative if my dog does not tolerate meat well?
Fish is a different protein source and can be a good option. If an allergy has been diagnosed or is suspected, it is best to consult your vet first, who will also look at the regular food.
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.
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