Treats & Chews

Treats are one of the most effective ways to bond with your dog and teach new behaviours, but not every treat does the same job. Treats used frequently in training should be small, soft and low in calories, so your dog can swallow them in a second and focus on the next cue. For keeping a dog busy or helping to clean teeth, harder chews and dental sticks are the better choice.

What to check when choosing treats

• **Size:** a chew should be too big for your dog to swallow whole.
• **Ingredients:** short, clear lists and single-protein treats are safer for sensitive dogs.
• **Calories:** treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
• **Hardness:** very hard bones and antlers can fracture teeth, especially in older dogs.

Dental sticks help reduce plaque and tartar build-up through daily chewing, though they are no substitute for brushing. Single-ingredient treats such as dried chicken, lamb or fish are highly motivating in training and make it easy to control what a dog with allergies is eating.

Always supervise your dog with a chew and take away small leftover pieces before they can be swallowed. When introducing a new treat, start with a small amount and watch how it agrees with them. Table scraps, particularly onion, grapes, chocolate and cooked bones, are dangerous for dogs, so always choose treats made specifically for them.