FAQ: Treats for dogs

Apple is fine for dogs, but it is best to remove the seeds and core, as the seeds contain harmful substances and the core can get stuck. Cut the fruit into small pieces and give it in moderation.

For most dogs a few chewing sessions of around a quarter of an hour a day are enough. Long, uninterrupted gnawing on hard chews can wear down the teeth, so take the chew away after a while and give it again later.

Give chews on an easy-to-clean mat, a bed cover or tiled floor. Fattier natural chews are better chewed outside or in one regular spot.

Not all dogs like chewing, so try a chew of a different hardness, smell or shape, for example a more aromatic natural one. If the dog used to love chewing but suddenly stopped, its teeth may hurt – a vet visit is worthwhile.

Choose a bigger or thicker chew and hold its end in your hand for the first few minutes so the dog has to chew rather than gulp. Chew toys that keep the dog busy longer are another option.

Small-breed dogs often develop tartar and gum disease earlier because their teeth are crowded in a small mouth. Dental chews can be a useful supplement for them, but regular brushing and vet check-ups matter most.

Dental chews often contain grains, starch or animal proteins, so they may not suit an allergic dog. Look for chews with a limited ingredient list and check with a vet before giving them.

Give the puppy several different age-appropriate chews and chew toys, and when it grabs something it should not have, calmly swap it for an allowed item. Keep valuable or dangerous items out of the puppy's reach.

Puppies are best given chews in shorter sessions so they do not overeat or upset their digestion. Most natural chews are fairly filling, so count them in the daily food allowance.

With age, the sense of smell may weaken, teeth or joints may hurt, and illness can also affect appetite. Try softer, more aromatic treats, and discuss a lasting loss of appetite with a vet.

Yes, giving part of the daily food by hand during training or play strengthens the bond with the owner and means fewer treats are needed. It is especially useful for puppies and dogs that need more confidence.

These are toys or devices that release a treat when the dog pushes them around or when triggered remotely. They help keep a dog busy, but the treats they dispense should be counted in the daily diet.

Yes, but if you are giving them to someone else's dog, ask about allergies, size and diet. The safest choice is often treats with a simple recipe that the dog already eats, or a small trial pack.

Cured or smoked snacks made for people are often very salty, spicy and contain garlic or onion. It is safer to give a dog dried meat treats made for dogs, without seasoning.

Vomiting can be caused by a large piece swallowed too quickly, a chew that is too fatty or an unsuitable ingredient. A single episode often passes, but if it keeps happening, the dog is lethargic or stops eating, see a vet.

Fish bones are thin and sharp, so they can get stuck in the throat or intestines, and raw fish can contain parasites. It is safer to give dogs boned, cooked fish or fish treats made for dogs.

A small amount of boiled chicken without skin, bones or seasoning, with rice, suits many dogs and is easy to digest. It works as an occasional extra but not as a long-term complete diet.

After surgery or illness, a dog may be prescribed a special diet or have chewing restricted, for example after dental procedures. Ask the treating vet when and which treats can be given again.

Chewing is calming, so a short chewing session in the evening helps many dogs settle down. Still, the last chew should not be too filling, and the dog should be able to go out before bed.

Many dogs enjoy a raw carrot as a crunchy, low-calorie chew, and for puppies a chilled carrot can ease teething. For small dogs cut it up so a large piece does not get stuck.