The Different Types of Dog Treats
Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios
Kotzakoliou, SSA

Dog treats come in just about every shape, size, flavor, and type imaginable. With so many variations, it's tough to know which particular types of dog treats are best for your dog. Selecting treats at random is not unlike throwing darts at a dartboard. Breaking down the different types of dog treats on the market can help you make a better decision for using different treats for different situations.

The first category of dog treats is soft treats. Snacks in this category include LiverSnax, Beef Eaters, and even most appropriate human food, such as raw hot dogs, bologna, cheese, and cooked unseasoned chicken or turkey. Soft treats make great rewards and are excellent for obedience training, housebreaking training, or just for a snack. Soft treats are good for training because they are small, portable, and generally won't spoil your dog's dinner or upset her stomach. Liver might just be the perfect soft treat for dogs because it is packed with nutrients, and dogs love it.

Biscuits are another treat category. Biscuits are also good for training purposes. However, some dog biscuits can be the size of an average candy bar, which is large even for a big dog. Use biscuits that are smaller, or break the bigger ones down.

Ears and snouts are a favorite. For smaller dogs and puppies, snacks like pig's ears and cow's ears can last a very long time. Most ears and snouts come with a smoked flavor, which is very satisfying for your pet.

Hard treats such as bones and rawhide are controversial. While dogs seem to enjoy them thoroughly, many experts advise against rawhide because it can damage your pet's internal linings, much like a chicken bone. However, some say that this is only a problem when the dog bites and breaks the hard treats like a potato chip without first softening it up. Consult your veterinarian for specific advice about your pet. In any case, rawhide and other hard treats give dogs a long-lasting snack experience. It's something they can chew on for a long time, satisfying their chewing urges. It can also help clean and remove tartar from their teeth.