Chewy Treats For Dogs

Chewy treats for dogs give you a tasty way to reward good behavior, practice everyday commands and share a little time with your four-legged sidekick. Whether you’re working on “sit” by the back door or rewarding a calm greeting after chores, soft and chewy dog treats can help keep your pup focused on the task at hand. For training sessions, look for bite-size dog treats or options that can be broken into small pieces so you can offer frequent rewards without overdoing it. Match the treat’s size and texture to your dog’s age, mouth size and chewing habits, and check the package for feeding directions and life-stage recommendations. Soft dog treats may be easier for some dogs to manage than crunchy snacks, but a chewy texture alone doesn’t make a treat right for every puppy, adult dog or senior dog. If your companion has sore gums, missing teeth or trouble chewing, ask your veterinarian which treats make sense before adding something new to the routine. Choosing chewy dog treats also means taking a good look at the ingredient list and calorie count, especially if your dog has food sensitivities or needs help managing weight. Treats should generally provide no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories, with complete and balanced dog food supplying the rest; your veterinarian can help set the right amount for your pup. Introduce new soft and chewy treats in small amounts and watch for digestive upset before making them a regular reward. Keep fresh drinking water handy, supervise snack time and offer treats in a size your dog can comfortably manage rather than swallow whole. Chewy training treats aren’t necessarily long-lasting dog chews, and a soft snack shouldn’t take the place of brushing or veterinarian-recommended dental care. Follow the package’s storage directions and keep treats out of reach between rewards. With sensible portions and a little attention to your dog’s needs, chewy treats can fit right into training, trail breaks and quiet evenings back at the house.