Wag's Guide to Dog Treats: Which Ones Are Best for Your Pup?

Hey, friends! Wags here! 🐶

If there's one thing I know a thing or two about, it's treats. Crunchy treats, chewy treats, meaty treats... honestly, just hearing the word treat gets my tail wagging!

But here's something you might not know: Not all dog treats are made for the same purpose.

Some are great for learning new tricks, others give us something fun to chew on, and a few even help keep our teeth clean.

So, I thought I'd share a little guide to help you humans pick the right treats for your four-legged best friends.

Let's dig in!

🦴 1. Training Treats: Good Dogs Deserve Rewards!

Best for: Learning commands, practicing tricks, and rewarding good behavior.

Ever wonder why we dogs suddenly become excellent listeners when treats are involved? Motivation, my friends!

Training treats are usually small, soft, and easy to eat. That means we can grab a quick reward and get right back to learning.

Wags' Tip: Keep those training treats small! We love getting rewarded often, but we don't need a whole biscuit every time we sit.

🥩 2. Freeze-Dried Treats: Tiny Bites, Big Flavor

Best for: Picky eaters, training, and adding flavor to meals.

Now we're talking!

Freeze-dried treats are made by removing moisture at low temperatures, helping preserve flavor and nutrients.

You'll find options like beef liver, chicken, salmon, and turkey. Some even contain just one ingredient.

And trust me, a little piece of freeze-dried liver can get a dog's attention pretty quickly!

Wags' Tip: Some of these treats are rich, especially organ meats. Start with small portions so our tummies stay happy.

🐕 3. Natural Chews: Keeping Those Jaws Busy

Best for: Supervised chewing, enrichment, and satisfying our natural urge to chew.

Sometimes a dog just needs something to chew. It's in our nature!

That's where natural chews come in. Some popular options include:

• Bully sticks

• Beef collagen sticks

• Beef cheek rolls

• Yak cheese chews

• Tendons

Different chews have different textures and firmness levels. Some last longer than others, depending on how enthusiastically we chew.

Wags' Tip: Humans, this one's important! Always keep an eye on us when we're chewing. Pick the right size, avoid chews that are too hard for our teeth, and take away small pieces we might swallow.

🦷 4. Dental Treats: Fresh Breath, Happy Smiles

Best for: Helping support healthy teeth and gums.

Okay, I'll admit it. Brushing my teeth isn't exactly my favorite activity.

Thankfully, certain dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar while we chew.

Look for dental chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for tested dental benefits.

Wags' Tip: Dental treats are helpful, but they don't replace brushing or visits to the veterinarian. Sorry, fellow pups. I tried!

🍪 5. Soft and Crunchy Treats: Everyday Favorites

Best for: Walks, quick rewards, and those little "just because" moments.

Some dogs love a satisfying crunch. Others prefer something soft and chewy.

Soft treats can be great for puppies, older dogs, or anyone who prefers an easier texture. Crunchy biscuits come in all kinds of tasty flavors, including pumpkin, peanut butter, and sweet potato.

Personally? I'm not too picky!

Wags' Tip: Check the calories, especially with larger biscuits. Even little snacks can add up throughout the day.

🍎 6. Single-Ingredient Treats: Simple and Delicious

Best for: Dogs with certain ingredient restrictions and humans who prefer simple ingredient lists.

Sometimes simple really is better.

Single-ingredient treats are made from just one ingredient, like dried apples, beef liver, turkey liver, or fish.

They're a great option when you want to know exactly what's going into your dog's belly.

Just remember, not every ingredient is right for every pup.

Wags' Tip: If your dog has allergies or special dietary needs, always check with your veterinarian before introducing something new.

🐾 Wags' Quick Treat Cheat Sheet

Not sure which treat to choose? Here's my easy guide!

If Your Dog...	Try...
Is learning new tricks	Small training treats
Is a picky eater	Freeze-dried treats
Loves to chew	Appropriate natural chews
Needs dental support	Dental chews
Loves everyday rewards	Soft or crunchy treats
Needs simple ingredients	Single-ingredient treats

Wait! How Many Treats Can We Have?

I was hoping you wouldn't ask this question.

As much as we'd love unlimited treats, there's a rule our humans should follow.

Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of our daily calories. The rest should come from complete and balanced dog food.

Yes, that includes dental chews and those delicious natural chews, too.

Apparently, giving our humans puppy-dog eyes doesn't change the math. I've tested it.

A Final Woof From Wags 🧡

Here's what I want every pet parent to remember: the best treat isn't always the fanciest or most expensive one. It's the one that fits your dog's needs, keeps them safe, and makes their tail wag.

At Wiggies Pet Store, my humans believe shopping for your pets should feel personal. They care about helping you find the right products, not just selling you something.

And me? Well, I'm the official taste-testing enthusiast. (At least, that's the job title I've given myself.)

So whether you're looking for training rewards, natural chews, or simple single-ingredient treats, come see what we've got!

🐾 Explore Dog Treats at Wiggies Pet Store

Until next time, keep those tails wagging!

Wags 🐶
Chief Treat Officer, Wiggies

Real People. Real Care. Happy Pets