FAQ: Treats for dogs

The simplest way is to dry thinly sliced lean meat or offal in an oven at a low temperature or in a dehydrator. Use only dog-safe ingredients, without salt, spices, onions or garlic.

Homemade treats contain no preservatives, so soft ones are best kept in the fridge for a few days and frozen for longer. Well-dried crunchy treats last longer in an airtight container, but any mould means they must be thrown away.

Homemade treats let you know the exact ingredients, but they are not necessarily healthier – the ingredients and amount matter. Shop-bought ones are more convenient, keep longer and state their energy value, so both can be suitable.

Many dogs tolerate wheat flour well, so it is often used in homemade biscuits. If the dog is sensitive to grains, oat or other flours can be used, and never add sugar, chocolate or raisins.

Reseal the opened pack tightly or move the treats to an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Many soft treats have a use-by period after opening that is stated on the pack.

It depends on the type: dry biscuits and dried chews keep longer, while soft, moist treats dry out or go mouldy sooner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the pack and do not give treats that have changed in smell or appearance.

Spoiled treats show mould, an unusual or rancid smell, stickiness, a changed colour or insects in the pack. Throw such treats away, even if the best-before date has not yet passed.

Many soft and meaty treats can be frozen to keep longer – it is handy to portion them in advance. Dried crunchy treats do not need freezing; an airtight container is enough.

Soft treats contain more moisture, which slowly evaporates once the pack is open. To keep them soft, store them tightly sealed and use them within the time the manufacturer states.

Freeze-dried treats are dried in cold conditions, so they keep much of the original taste and smell and are light and crunchy. They usually consist of a single ingredient such as meat, fish or offal.

Freeze-dried treats contain almost no water, so they are very light – a kilogram of fresh meat leaves only a small amount. As a result the price per kilogram looks high, even though a single piece weighs very little.

Dried treats are harder, keep longer and take more chewing, while soft bites are moister and quickly eaten, which makes them handier for training. Soft ones more often contain added binders or moisture-retaining ingredients.

Biscuits are baked, crunchy treats usually made from flour and meat or vegetables, suitable as everyday rewards or snacks. They are usually less aromatic than meaty treats, so they work less well for training outdoors.

These are soft, spreadable treats that can be squeezed straight out for the dog to lick or spread on a lick mat or inside a toy. They are handy for training, grooming sessions or hiding tablets.

Spread paste, wet food or mashed dog-safe food over the mat's surface and let the dog lick it. Licking is calming, so the mat helps during bathing, nail trimming or when the dog is anxious.

A toy can be filled with part of the daily food, soaked kibble, treat paste or dog-safe yoghurt and then frozen. A frozen filling takes the dog longer, and it is best to count the treats against the daily ration.

Yes, frozen treats such as ice cubes made from unsalted broth or a frozen toy filling help a dog cool down and stay busy on hot days. Give them in moderation and always leave the dog fresh water.

Yes, scattered or hidden treats, snuffle mats and puzzle toys exercise the nose and mind and can tire a dog out as much as a walk. Part of the daily food can be used for this too.

Soft treats with a pocket for the tablet, a paste or a small piece of soft meat are commonly used. Check first with the vet whether the medicine can be given with food, and do not split tablets without their approval.

Yes, dried fish or fish skin chews appeal to many dogs and are a good alternative protein source, especially for dogs that do not tolerate certain meats. They smell strongly, so they are best stored airtight.