What types of dog treats are available?

Dog treats come in a wide variety of types and ingredients, categorized into different categories based on their functions and characteristics. Each type of treat has its own advantages and disadvantages, so pet owners can select appropriate treats for their dogs based on their specific needs when purchasing.

I. Jerky-Style Dog Treats

Characteristics: Available in numerous varieties and shapes, these are among dogs’ favorite treats. Chicken jerky is most common, as chicken rarely triggers allergic reactions in dogs, making it relatively safe. Beef jerky is also popular, followed by duck jerky. Pork or lamb jerky is less common. These treats are typically dried, with varying moisture content leading to different types. Low-moisture jerky treats have longer shelf lives and are harder, suitable for young, strong dogs with good teeth. High-moisture jerky treats are softer and smell very fragrant, but they spoil easily. Avoid buying too much at once to prevent waste. Additionally, choose branded jerky treats or ones your dog has eaten before to avoid illness from hygiene issues.

II. Meat-Blended Dog Treats

Characteristics: These treats combine meat with other ingredients. Examples include meat jerky wrapped around flour-based crackers or cheese sticks, or treats shaped like sandwiches. Regardless of form, they clearly feature meat blended with other components. The key feature is using the appealing aroma of meat jerky to entice dogs to consume additional elements like carbohydrates, proteins, or dairy products. Typically made with moisture-rich jerky and other ingredients, these treats are almost always individually wrapped for extended shelf life, resulting in a higher price point. The upside is that these tasty treats often come in adorable small packages, offering a wide variety of choices.

III. Dairy-Based Dog Treats

Characteristics: For dogs who enjoy the taste of milk, dairy-based treats are a favorite snack. Cheese-based treats can also be beneficial for regulating a dog’s digestive system. While not all dogs prefer dairy treats, there are many varieties available, such as milk biscuits and cheese sticks. If your dog has a sensitive stomach to dairy, it’s best to avoid dairy-based treats to prevent diarrhea. Before buying dairy treats, try a small sample first. Avoid overly sweet dairy treats.

IV. Chew Treats

Features: Chew treats are typically made from pigskin or cowhide, designed specifically for dogs to chew on and pass the time. When selecting chew toys, avoid overly small sizes to prevent your dog from swallowing them whole.

V. Starch-Based Dog Treats

Characteristics: These resemble human cookies but have a much milder sweetness. Compared to meat-based treats, starch-based options are easier for dogs to digest. While jerky treats may cause indigestion or diarrhea if overconsumed or not chewed properly, starch-based treats avoid these issues. Some varieties are marketed as deodorizing biscuits, purportedly reducing fecal odor, though their effectiveness is limited. When selecting starch-based treats, simply choose flavors your dog enjoys.

VI. Sausage-Based Dog Treats

Characteristics: Sausage-based dog treats are relatively inexpensive and generally popular with dogs. However, excessive feeding is not recommended as they can cause bad breath and offer little nutritional value.

VII. Animal Bone Treats

Characteristics: Animal bone treats typically consist of large bones from sheep, cattle, or pigs. Primarily used for chewing and gnawing, they serve as a suitable choice for dogs.