Choosing a treat for your dog should be enjoyable, but with so many shapes, textures and proteins available, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to begin.
Should you choose a small training treat, a crunchy snack or something your dog can settle down and chew?
The best choice depends on your dog’s size, age, chewing habits and individual dietary needs. Here is our straightforward guide to finding a natural dog treat that suits your furry friend.
Start With the Purpose of the Treat
Before choosing a treat, think about when and why you will be giving it.
Small Rewards for Training
Training treats should be easy to carry and quick for your dog to eat. Smaller pieces allow you to reward good behaviour without interrupting the training session.
Suitable choices may include:
- Beef Liver Bites
- Beef Lung Cubes
- Natural Fish Sin Twists
- Natural Fish Skin Twists
- Natural Baltic Sprats
Remember that the reward does not need to be large to be exciting. For most dogs, the flavour and praise that accompany it are just as important.
A Satisfying Chew
If you want something for your dog to enjoy while relaxing, consider a more substantial natural chew.
Options such as Beef Tendons, Beef Trachea, Paddywack, Pizzle Sticks and Camel Skin
can provide a more involved chewing experience.
How long a treat lasts will depend entirely on your dog. A gentle chewer may take their time, while an enthusiastic chewer could finish the same treat surprisingly quickly!
A Crunchy Snack
Some dogs prefer treats with plenty of crunch. Chicken Feet, Rabbit Ears, Duck Necks and Fish Skin Twists offer different shapes and textures to explore.
Always select something appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing style, and supervise them throughout.
Consider Your Dog’s Size
A treat should be suitably sized for the dog receiving it.
Small dogs generally need smaller treats and manageable portions. Larger dogs and strong chewers may need a more substantial option that cannot easily be swallowed whole.
However, size is only part of the picture. Two dogs of the same breed and weight can have completely different chewing habits. One may nibble carefully, while the other tries to finish everything as quickly as possible.
Watch how your dog approaches new treats and use that knowledge when making future choices.
Think About Their Chewing Style
Most dogs fall loosely into one of these groups:
The Gentle Nibbler
These dogs like to take their time. They may enjoy ears, fish treats, meaty strips and moderately sized chews.
The Enthusiastic Cruncher
Crunchy treats such as Chicken Feet, Rabbit Ears or Fish Skin Twists may appeal to dogs that enjoy plenty of texture.
The Determined Chewer
Dogs that enthusiastically work through their treats may prefer thicker choices such as Beef Tendons, Paddywack, Pizzle Sticks or Camel Skin.
No edible chew is indestructible, so continued supervision is essential whichever type you choose.
Check the Ingredients
One of the advantages of choosing simple, natural dog treats is that the ingredient list is often refreshingly short.
If your dog has a known sensitivity, check every product description and label before feeding. Choosing a single-protein treat can also make it easier to keep track of what your dog has eaten.
Introduce one new treat at a time and begin with a small portion. This gives you an opportunity to see how your dog responds before offering more.
If your dog has allergies, a health condition or follows a veterinary diet, speak to your vet before introducing a new treat.
Try Different Proteins
Dogs can have preferences just like us. One may do anything for a fish treat, while another becomes very excited at the slightest hint of beef or duck!
Our natural treat selection includes a variety of proteins, including:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Duck
- Fish
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Rabbit
- Buffalo
- Goat
- Camel
- Wild boar
- Deer
Trying a small selection can help you discover the flavours and textures your dog enjoys most.
A Build Your Own Treat Box is a useful way to create a personalised mixture rather than committing to several larger packs at once.
Remember That Treats Are Extras
Natural treats should complement your dog’s normal, complete diet rather than replace it.
Even when a treat contains simple ingredients, the portion still matters. Small training rewards can quickly add up throughout the day, particularly when several family members are handing them out!
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that treats account for no more than approximately 10% of a pet’s daily calories. Your dog’s main food should provide the remainder of their balanced nutrition.
You can break suitable treats into smaller pieces or slightly reduce your dog’s usual food allowance when necessary. Your vet can provide individual guidance if you are unsure how much your dog should be eating.
Our Simple Natural Treat Checklist
Before giving your dog a treat, ask:
- Is it suitable for my dog’s size?
- Does the texture match their chewing style?
- Have I checked the ingredients?
- Is the portion appropriate?
- Can I supervise them while they eat it?
If the answer to all five is yes, you are off to a sensible start.
Treat Time Safety
Treat time should always be supervised, particularly when offering a new chew.
Provide fresh drinking water and choose an appropriately sized treat that your dog cannot easily swallow whole. Remove and discard the remaining piece when it becomes small enough to present a swallowing risk.
Stop feeding the treat if it develops sharp edges or if your dog tries to swallow large pieces. Dogs with dental problems, puppies, older dogs and dogs with medical conditions may need softer or more carefully selected options, so ask your vet when in doubt.
Every Dog Is Different
There is no single treat that will be perfect for every dog—and that is part of the fun of discovering their favourites.
Pay attention to your dog’s size, chewing habits, dietary requirements and favourite flavours. With a little observation, you can build a treat selection that suits them perfectly.
Explore our All Approved Treats collection to discover Chester-approved, naturally air-dried treats in a variety of proteins, shapes and textures.
Because every furry friend deserves a treat chosen especially for them.