Dog Treats 101: Types of Dog Treats & How Many Treats a Day for a Dog

What are the types of dog treats and how many should I feed a day?

As members of our family, we always want to ensure that our furrier friends are kept happy and healthy. That means an appropriate amount of playtime, a delicious diet, and sometimes, their favourite treats. Feeding dog treats is a wonderful way to provide your dog with a tasty snack, and for those more stubborn pooches, can act as a handy tool for training. 

However, it’s essential to understand that not all dog treats are created equal. In this blog post, we will explore the types of dog treats, what treats are good for dogs, and how many treats you should give your dog each day.

When choosing a dog treat for your pup, it’s always important to read the labels so you know what’s inside. According to Nom Nom Now, here’s what to look for and what to avoid when trying to figure out what treats are good for dogs.

What to look for in dog treats

• Short, high-quality whole food ingredient list
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Natural preservatives like vitamins C and E
• Natural humectants to help promote moisture content

What to avoid in dog treats

• Sweeteners
• Products with long ingredient lists
• Chemical preservatives
• Chemical humectants

What are the types of dog treats?

The type of treat that is given depends on the individual needs of the dogs and the purpose, such as training, recreational chewing, and more. From dental dog treats to calming dog treats, there are several types that you can give your dog.

Raw bones

From big dogs to small ones, and from tough chewers to gentle ones, Bold by Nature carries dog raw bones that all pups can enjoy as a treat. As far as our beef bones for dogs go, we recommend raw marrow bones for dogs or beef knuckles. You can serve these raw dog treats right out of the freezer, but make sure to dispose of them when they become too small.

Raw bones are not only delicious for your dog, but can provide an array of benefits! They are a type of treat that can help your dog’s teeth stay healthy and clean, alleviate boredom, and provide collagen to make their coat shine and act as a natural (and healthier) alternative to factory-made treats. They’re also excellent dog treats for our pups who have a neverending urge to chew and can act as great dog calming treats for those pets that need to take it down a level!

Training dog treats

Training dog treats are what most trainers consider “high reward”, tasty bite-sized pieces that most dogs recognize as higher value due to their tasty nature. These dog treats are also smaller in size, as they help to keep the training session moving while the dog stays focused on the task at hand. Dog treats for training are generally meat-based and break into smaller pieces

Any safe food item your dog recognizes as delicious is a potential dog treat! Take frozen peas or carrot pieces for example. These both make excellent low-calorie dog treats for indiscriminate eaters.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze-dried treats are made by removing all the moisture from the food. They are a healthy option for dogs and can be used for training or as a snack. Freeze-dried dog treats come in different flavours, including chicken, beef, and lamb.

Jerky Treats

Jerky dog treats are made by drying out strips of meat. They are high in protein and can be a healthy snack for your dog. However, it’s essential to ensure that the jerky treats you give your dog are free of potential harmful ingredients such as preservatives and artificial flavours.

How many treats should I give my dog each day?

How many treats a day for a dog will depend on various factors such as weight, age, and activity level. Treats should always be fed in moderation, but according to the American Kennel Club, you should not give your dog more than 10% of its daily caloric intake in treats. 

If you find yourself wondering “are treats bad for dogs”, the answer is no, but can do more harm than good if your dog is overweight or has health issues. When this is the case, it’s essential to consult with your holistic veterinarian to determine the appropriate number of dog treats to give them each day. Too many dog treats can also be a one way ticket to an upset stomach!

Which are the best dog treats for training?

Just like humans, your pets have their favourite dog treats. Although they’re usually pretty open to whatever you’re giving them, they still have their preferences and may quietly decline what you offer. That’s why when it comes to training your dog, it’s essential to choose the right type of treat that will motivate and reward them for their good behaviour.

Aside from dog treats, what’s the best food to feed a pup?

When it’s time for a full meal, a dog treat alone isn’t going to cut it. Dogs tend to thrive on and require animal-based proteins rather than carbohydrates or other filler ingredients, so we suggest feeding a Bold by Nature raw diet. Each diet is low-glycemic and single-protein, consisting of the most basic and essential ingredients that your dog requires in their day-to-day life. 

Our raw diets are made up of natural, unprocessed, highly digestible ingredients and nutrients, meaning more is absorbed and less comes out (if you know what we mean). Carbohydrates and other fillers that are normally found in dry food take longer to digest and as a result, are not fully absorbed by your dog. The crushed bone found in a raw diet also helps to firm up stool, making these diets great for dogs who experience digestive issues. 

It’s also important to note that raw food has a large moisture content. Water is necessary for overall health and some dogs don’t drink enough throughout the day. Water and moisture are huge contributors to your dog’s digestion process, causing increased nutrient absorption.

If your dog needs extra support in certain areas of their life, we also offer Bold by Nature+, a line of cat and dog supplements. Each supplement provides a boost in your pet’s bowl and provides an array of benefits, from shinier coats to joint and bone health. Some supplements even have extra delicious that your dog will love. Our Bold By Nature Bone and Joint, for instance, is flavoured with cheese powder to make the supplement tasty and easier to feed.

Where can I find Bold by Nature products?

Ready to buy some Bold by Nature dog treats for your pet? You’ve got a couple of choices where you can find them! You can either buy raw pet food online or at a local retailer that carries Bold by Nature products. If you’re unsure of which stores carry our products, you can use our location finder to explore a retailer near you.