What do professional dog trainers use for treats?
Professional dog trainers use a variety of treats for training. Most trainers give a mix of high-value treats and lower- or medium-value treats to encourage different behaviors. Special high-value rewards like freeze-dried meat dog treats, moist dog treats and treats with a strong, palatable odor are usually used for difficult training tasks and when introducing a new behavior. For reinforcing learned behaviors, lower-value treats like dried dog biscuits and lower-calorie rewards are more commonly used. Chewy has a great selection of dog treats you can use for training, so you can find everything you need for a perfectly trained pup!
What are the best ingredients to look for in dog treats?
The best ingredients to look for in dog treats are real meat and protein-rich canine favorites like peanut butter and cheese. Look for recipes with mainly healthy, natural ingredients and a minimum of fillers and artificial ingredients. Freeze-dried real meat and organ treats are usually a good choice, as are crunchy natural dog biscuits made with wholesome meats, fruits and veggies. Chewy offers a wide selection of premium dog treats of all types, so try a few and see which ones your dog likes best!
How can you keep rewards effective without overfeeding treats?
Use small, easy to handle bites your dog can eat quickly so you can reward often without too many extra calories. Choose options with modest calorie counts and keep portions smaller, since a good treat should add to your dog's diet rather than compete with it. If you need more motivation, focus on picking something tastier instead of giving larger pieces.
How do dental treats compare to regular treats?
Dental treats are built to support mouth care, with shapes and textures meant to help clean teeth and freshen breath. Regular crunchy or soft treats are geared more toward flavor or training convenience and are not designed to scrub as much. In either case, compare calories and ingredients so the treat fits your dog's daily routine.
Does treat texture matter for different dogs and situations?
Yes, texture affects both enjoyment and how easily a dog can chew and digest a treat. Crunchy biscuits can be satisfying to munch, while soft and chewy pieces are quicker to eat and easier to handle during training. Pick a texture your dog can comfortably chew, and match the size and hardness to your dog's chewing style.