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Best Dog Treats – Tasty Favorites for Your Canine Companions

Dog with RawhideOffering your pet a sweet or savory treat seems like it would be a simple gesture of affection, but with so many treats and chews to choose from sometimes it can be rough to find the right one to buy.  If you’re fortunate enough to be able to take your pet inside your local pet store to pick out his or her own favorites you’re a step ahead, but if you’re on your own while shopping it may be a little tougher to navigate to the the right products. Here is a brief description of some of the best dog treats and chews and why they may or may not suit your pet. Please remember that no matter what tasty tidbit you offer your pet, observe them closely to make sure they’re enjoying their snack safely.

Chances are you know your pet better than anyone, so you probably have a good idea what they might like and what will be appropriate to offer. Your dog may already show an affinity for certain flavors or textures, or he may have some habits or behaviors that need to be considered while you shop. For example, if your dog is a strong chewer, you’ll want something that doesn’t break or splinter. If your dog is a little “chunky” low calorie snacks may be just the ticket. Small breed and senior pets may only want bite-sized, soft or chewy products that are easy to break apart. It may even be possible your pet has some medical issue, sensitive stomach, allergies, dry skin, ect. that steer you towards supplemented or specially formulated creations.

femur bonesThe treats and chews pets desire most will offer great taste, enticing aroma, and ideally, ingredients you can feel good about offering them. What could be better than natural products like real animal bones or meaty treats to appeal to your dog’s carnivorous instincts. Natural meaty treats are generally processed just enough to seal in that mouth-watering flavor your pet will crave! There are hundreds of natural meaty treats on the market today, and many are suitable for dogs of all breeds, life stages and sizes. Just as with any other type of treat, you’ll want to consider the size of your dog and his chewing habits or capabilities before you make a selection. You probably won’t want to offer your chihuahua a smoked beef femur, but maybe a duck foot, jerky slice or lamb knuckle might make his day. Some of the more popular choices in this category include bully sticks, pig or cow ears, rib bones and hooves.

Rawhide chews are classic chews for pets. They come in a variety of shapes, size, types and flavors. Rawhide helps to exercise jaws, and helps clean teeth naturally, and it holds natural appeal to dogs who appreciate the scent, taste and texture it presents. You’ll find braided hide, rolls, knotted bones, compressed bones, chips, and ground compressed rawhide chews that may also feature flavored basting or infusion to make your pet’s mouth water. Offer large breed dogs large knotted bones, rolls or braids as they will be less likely to present a choking hazard, making your pet work and chew smaller bits off slowly. Smaller dogs may be offered chips or smaller versions of knots and rolls.

Filled bones are two treats in one! There are a variety of these chews in production, but the idea is to start with a rawhide roll or form, or a hollow bone portion, hoof or similar shell which is then filled with a flavorful paste or gel for a blast of flavor your dog won’t be able to put down. You can even refill them with peanut butter from your cupboard or Kong Stuffing. Pop them in the freezer for a refreshing treat on a hot day or to keep them occupied longer.

femur bonesClassic dog biscuits, bars and cookies never fail! With hundreds of choices available you can cater to your pets every dietary need and desire. Many of these tasty treats are all-natural and created with wholesome ingredients including whole grains, real meat, fruits and veggies! Basic biscuits aren’t so basic anymore, with the incorporation of delicious, nutritious components as well as supplements to improve your dog inside and out. Specialty biscuits and cookies cater to “special needs” like weight control, food allergies, oral health and digestive upset. You can find a scrumptious snack to suit any pet, even bones big enough to satisfy mega appetites!

Edible chews such and Nylabones, Z-bones, Greenies and Everlasting Treats are starch based and highly digestible. Infused with intense flaver, these compressed chews offer benefits including the promotion of oral health, and grain-free formulation to avoid food allergies and digestive issues common in many pets.

You can even choose to skip the pet store all together if you have the time and skill to create your own magnificent homemade treats! Using ingredients as simple as whole wheat flour, peanut butter, chicken broth, livers and honey, you can make wholesome, healthy and delicious snacks right in your own kitchen.  Create special summertime treats to keep your pet refreshed, too! Make them more fun with bone shaped cookie cutters or treat molds to let your pet know they were made special just for canines.

Dog eating rawhide image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Shane Adams

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