We all know the please-give-me-a-treat face. Wide eyes, quivering mouth, wagging tail. But how do you choose the right treat for your dog?

We all deserve a little treat every now and then, and your pup is no exception. Treats reward good behavior and help keep your dog nourished and happy. Plus, we want to responsibly reward our dogs for being the good girls and boys they are! 

With so many options available and with so much information to consider (ingredients, format, overall diet, how much, how often) it can be difficult to know where to start. Primary Goods has done the research for you. Companies like Ollie, a leading dog food brand that prioritizes natural ingredients, high-quality food, and a personalized diet, make delicious treats with scientifically-backed formulations, and that means giving your dog top-notch treats is easier than ever. Did you know that they even make doggy-friendly ice cream, in a collab with Van Leeuwen? Here’s everything you need to know about dog treats.  

Dog Treats: The Basics

Dog treats come in many different flavors, shapes, and varieties, but at their heart they simply mean anything in your dog’s diet that’s additional to their regular meals. This can encompass anything from Ollie’s tasty, high-value jerky, to teeth-cleaning dental chews, to traditional bones from the butcher, to even your dog’s normal kibble handed out to them piece by piece.

Why To Give Your Dogs Treats

Treats can be used as a training incentive, as a reward for good behaviour, as mental stimulation, or just because. Treats are great for strengthening the bond between you and your little rascal, and can help you to shower them with love and affection. 

It’s highly beneficial if treats contain whole-food ingredients with helpful vitamins and minerals to keep pups strong and healthy. All of Ollie’s treats (and all of their dog food, in fact) are human-grade, so you never need to worry about your dog’s nutrition again. This means that the ingredients are whole, high-quality, and natural, as well as being delicious and essential to your dog’s wellbeing. Treats aren’t essential to your dog’s survival, but they contribute to their overall happiness and wellbeing, which is crucial for living a fulfilling life. 

Dog treats can provide a nutritional boost for pups that are highly active or underweight dogs, or for puppies. If your dog is routinely burning off more calories than they consume, topping up their food intake via treats can help to maintain muscle mass and activity levels. There are also beneficial ingredients in some dog treats that can help with dental concerns, skin and fur issues, or with joints and mobility. 

When To Give Your Dogs Treats

Dogs are highly food-motivated, so treats act as a positive incentive for them to behave how you’d like. During potty training, for instance, giving treats as a reward for going to the bathroom outside shows your pet the behavior you’d like them to replicate. Or if you’re teaching your dog to sit or stay on command, giving them a treat reinforces when they’re doing an action correctly. 

Treats can also help to prevent destructive behavior. Puzzle toys can be stuffed with dog treats to provide mental stimulation when dogs are home alone, making canines use their natural instincts and problem-solving abilities to snuffle out their reward. 

What Kinds Of Dog Treats Are Best?

The best treat for your dog is the kind they enjoy best! Try them with a few different kinds to discover their favorites. That said, some treats have advantages over others. Here are the dog treats that are the most beneficial for your dog.

Jerky and soft, high-value treats

Treats that are soft and chewable, like Ollie’s jerky strips, are the pick of the bunch when it comes to dog treats. Available in beef & sweet potato, salmon & coconut, and chicken & apple flavors, their whole, human-grade ingredients and high protein content make them very desirable. Your dog will be more motivated to shake paws if they know they’re getting a delicious reward, not a dry, flavorless one! Plus, they’re easily customisable and break into chunks, making them ideal for training and carrying around with you. 

Soft, jerky-style treats are ideal for a wide range of purposes and are highly nutritious, as well as being portable and easy to store. They’re suitable for puppies with underdeveloped teeth and for senior dogs who may struggle to chew. 

Dental chews

Dog dental treats are healthy for dogs and help to reduce plaque buildup on their teeth. Ollie’s Dental Chews encourage your dog to chew and gnaw, cleaning their teeth and gums gently. The brand includes parsley and cinnamon to naturally freshen breath. Goodbye, dog breath!

Dental chews are a great way to help your dog maintain good oral hygiene, which lowers the risk of your pup developing periodontal disease, which in turn helps to prevent heart disease. 

Ice Cream

Yes, we know it sounds wild to say that it’s safe to feed dogs ice cream—but when Ollie teamed up with ice cream experts Van Leeuwen, a dog-friendly peanut butter and banana ice cream was born. Dogs deserve ice cream on a hot day just like humans do, and companies like Ollie and Van Leeuwen go the extra mile to make high-quality treats so it can happen. The doggy  ice cream is being brought back for a second time this year due to popular demand, so grab yours while supplies last!

Dogs Treats And A Balanced Diet

The rule to go by is to ensure that treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake. Too many treats are just as bad for dogs as they are for humans, and can lead to stomach upsets and weight gain in the longer term. 

Treats are important, but they need to be a part of a healthy diet. They’re no substitute for nutritious, balanced meals—like Ollie’s dog meal plans, which are tailored to your dog’s personal nutrition needs and according to breed, age, and energy requirements. 

Treats are included in your dog’s daily food allowance, so any additional calories should be subtracted from their meals. That means that if you give your dog 200 calories of treats during the day, their dinner should be reduced by 200 calories to compensate and avoid unintended weight gain. It’s a good idea to be extra-aware of overfeeding treats if you’re watching your dog’s weight.