FAQ: Treats for dogs

The easiest option is a dedicated treat pouch that clips to your belt and opens with one hand. Soft treats are best kept in a sealable bag so they do not dry out or stain your pockets.

No, once the dog has learned a command, treats are gradually given less often and replaced by praise, play or other rewards. It is still worth rewarding now and then so the behaviour stays reliable.

The dog is often full, tired or too distracted. Train before meals, keep sessions shorter and in a quieter place, or try a more aromatic treat the dog finds more valuable.

Yes, but choose treats with a short ingredient list and a single protein source the dog already tolerates. Introduce new treats gradually and stop if diarrhoea or vomiting appears.

Some dogs happily eat dog-safe vegetables such as carrots or cucumber, so they can be a low-calorie alternative. Still, for many dogs they are less appealing than meaty treats.

These are chews with a special shape and texture that mechanically remove plaque from the tooth surface as the dog chews. They can complement dental care but do not replace regular brushing and vet check-ups.

Many manufacturers recommend dental chews daily or a few times a week – the frequency is stated on the pack. It is important that the chew matches the dog's weight and is counted in the daily calories.

No, dental chews only complement care. The most effective way to control plaque is regular brushing with dog toothpaste, and tartar is removed by a vet.

Dental chews are usually sized by the dog's weight, so pick the size that matches your dog's weight range. A chew that is too small may be swallowed unchewed, while one that is too big can be awkward.

Some chews reduce plaque and temporarily freshen breath, so they can help. However, strong or sudden bad breath often signals tooth or gum problems that a vet should assess.

Fast eaters often bite a chew only a few times, so it works less well and can get stuck. Try a larger or firmer size and supervise the dog while it chews.

Many dental chews are meant for dogs from a certain age, often from a few months – this is stated on the pack. There are separate, softer chews for puppies that suit changing teeth.

Natural chews are made from dried animal parts: bull pizzles, ears, tracheas, skin, hooves, feet or lungs. They differ in hardness, fat content and how long they take the dog to chew.

Dried bull pizzles are a popular, long-lasting and easily digestible chew. Give a piece of suitable thickness and take away the last small end so the dog does not swallow it whole.

Dogs love pig ears, but they are fairly fatty and high in calories, so they suit occasional rather than daily use. For dogs prone to weight gain or with sensitive digestion, leaner chews are a better choice.

Beef ears are usually leaner and harder than pig ears, so the dog chews them longer. Pig ears are softer and fattier, so they are better given less often.

Dried tracheas naturally contain cartilage, so they are often chosen as a natural chew. They are crunchy, fairly lean and suit many dogs, but like other chews they should be given in moderation.

Hooves are very hard, so they keep a dog busy for a long time, but they can chip the teeth of strong chewers. They are best given under supervision, and dogs with weak or damaged teeth should get softer chews.

Dried poultry feet are a crunchy natural treat whose bones usually crumble rather than split into sharp shards after drying. Still, give them under supervision and only to dogs of a suitable size.

Dried beef skin is a natural chew made from the animal's hide, often with some fur left on, which cleans the teeth as the dog chews. It differs from processed rawhide because it is usually just dried without further treatment.