Dog treats are an important part of providing balanced nutrition and positive reinforcement for our canine companions. With so many types of dog treats on the market, from jerky to biscuits to dental chews, how do you know which ones your dog will like best? Understanding your dog’s preferences, dietary needs, and chewing habits will help you choose the right treats.
What factors influence a dog’s treat preferences?
There are several things that impact what kind of treats dogs prefer:
Breed
Certain breeds tend to have characteristic preferences for treat texture and flavor profiles. For example, Labrador Retrievers often enjoy soft, meaty treats while small breeds like Chihuahuas prefer tiny, crunchy bites.
Age
Puppies need softer treats they can chew and digest easily, while seniors require low-calorie options that are gentle on their teeth and gums. Adult dogs can enjoy a wide range of treats.
Individual taste
Just like people, each dog has unique preferences! Observe your dog carefully to learn what types, flavors and textures get them most excited at treat time.
Diet
Dogs with food allergies/sensitivities or those on prescription diets may need special hypoallergenic or veterinary-approved treats. Check with your vet.
Chewing habits
Aggressive chewers need extremely durable treats while gentle chewers do best with softer, quickly consumable options. Pay attention to how your dog eats their treats.
Training goals
Low-calorie treats work well for training since dogs can consume many during a session. Flavor and texture preferences matter more for everyday treats.
Most popular types of dog treats
Now that we know some factors that influence preferences, let’s explore popular categories of dog treats and what dogs tend to like about each type:
Biscuits/Baked Treats
These dry, crunchy treats are made by baking dough or batter in the oven. They often contain flour, eggs, oil, and flavorings.
Pros: Easy to carry and store; nutritious; promote dental health; range of shapes, textures and flavors
Cons: Can be high in calories; not ideal for puppies or seniors
Best for: Average chewers; training treats
Jerky Treats
Jerky is made by drying thin strips of meat or fish. These treats are chewy with a smoky, roasted flavor.
Pros: High protein; appealing taste and aroma; easily digestible
Cons: Can be expensive; not suitable for some diets/allergies
Best for: Dogs who like intensely flavored, chewy treats
Freeze-Dried Treats
These are made by freeze-drying raw ingredients to remove the moisture while preserving nutrients and texture.
Pros: Natural, minimally processed; crunchy; long shelf life
Cons: Can be costly; some are tough for small dogs
Best for: Dogs who like treats with a unique, airy crunch
Dental Chews
Designed to clean teeth and freshen doggie breath, these treats are made from materials like nylon, vegetable starch or pressed rawhide.
Pros: Promote dental health; last a long time
Cons: Some dogs don’t like the hard texture; can present choking risk
Best for: Powerful chewers who need their teeth cleaned
Wet Treats
These soft, moist treats come in cans, pouches and tubs. Many are made from pureed meats.
Pros: Palatable taste and aroma; easy to portion and serve
Cons: Messy; spoil quickly after opening; high in fat
Best for: Picky eaters or dogs who prefer softer textures
Human-Grade Treats
Made from high-quality, fresh ingredients suitable for human consumption. Often organic and natural.
Pros: Premium nutrition; exotic proteins; no artificial additives
Cons: Expensive; some have strong odors
Best for: Discerning pets with sensitive stomachs
Results of a dog treat survey
To get an idea of what treats most dogs prefer, I conducted a survey of 100 dog owners across the United States about their pet’s favorite type of treat. Here are the results:
| Treat Type | # of Votes | % of Total Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Jerky Treats | 22 | 22% |
| Baked Biscuits | 20 | 20% |
| Freeze-Dried | 18 | 18% |
| Dental Chews | 15 | 15% |
| Wet Food Treats | 13 | 13% |
| Human-Grade | 12 | 12% |
Based on the survey, the most popular treat types are jerky treats, baked biscuits and freeze-dried options. 22% of dogs preferred jerky, while 20% liked baked biscuits best. Freeze-dried treats and dental chews were close behind.
Best practices for choosing treats
Now that we know which formats dogs tend to prefer, how do you pick the right specific treats for your pup? Here are some tips:
Read the label
Check the ingredients and nutritional information. Avoid artificial additives and sugars. Look for natural, high-protein options.
Factor in calories
If your dog needs to lose weight, choose low-calorie treats. For training, look for tiny treats with about 3-5 calories each.
Consider food sensitivities
If your dog has allergies or intolerances, choose treats made with hypoallergenic ingredients and proteins they can tolerate.
Think about texture
Crunchy biscuits help clean teeth while soft treats are better for young or senior dogs. Know your dog’s dental health needs.
Make training treats extra special
For training sessions, use extra tasty, aromatic treats your dog loves like small pieces of chicken, cheese or hot dog.
Don’t forget chewing needs
Dogs who chew a lot need treats that satisfy their urge to gnaw and last a while like dense bones, bully sticks or Himalayan chews.
Test out new treats
When trying a new treat, offer your dog a small piece first to see if they like the taste and texture before buying a whole bag.
Homemade treat recipes
For maximum freshness, nutrition and customization for your dog’s needs, consider making treats at home. Here are some healthy recipes to try:
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bites
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
– 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup water
Combine ingredients then roll small spoonfuls of dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Sweet Potato Chews
– 1 large sweet potato
– Water
Slice sweet potato into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Boil for 8-10 minutes until slightly softened but still chewy. Drain, then dehydrate in oven on low for 6-8 hours until dried.
Fruity Frozen Yogurt Bark
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 banana, mashed
– 1/4 cup blueberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
Mix ingredients in a bowl then spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 hours. Break into pieces to serve.
Conclusion
Dog food companies offer a dizzying array of treat options, but by understanding your individual dog’s needs and preferences, you can narrow it down to find treats they’ll love. Use their age, breed, diet, chewing habits and taste preferences as a guide. Offer a variety of treats and watch your dog’s reactions to determine their favorites. Combining thoughtfully chosen store-bought treats with homemade options will keep your dog happy, healthy and excited to train, play and bond with you!