Whether using dog treats for training or just for fun, it’s nice to offer your dog variety of treats. To help you find new “tried and true” treats for your dog, our blog authors offer their top recommended treats based on their dog’s preference.
Ellen with her dog, Kobe |
Ellen B. – My dog particularly likes the sweet potato dog treats. They have a chewy, not crunchy texture, and I think that makes them different from the average dog treat. I buy the fries shape because they easily cut into small pieces for trick training. |
| Melissa R. – At agility trials, Mocca gets “The Good Stuff”! Anything with liver seems to be her favorite. In particular I like our Chewy Bits Treats because they are small enough to fit in a pocket and I can pinch off little bits to keep Mocca interested while we wait in line for our run. Afterwards, I reward her with the old favorite Freeze Dried Liver Treats as they are especially potent and she LOVES them. In between courses, I like to treat Mocca with something that has a bit more CHEW to it so I give her a variety of our Sweet Potato Treats. The rest of the time, we always have a good stash of Bite-Sized Biscuits available for all dogs to enjoy! |
Mocca loves liver treats! |
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Chris T. – If my dogs could vote, their favorite treat would have to be our pig ears! These treats give them a tasty, satisfying chewing experience and are a good source of protein as well. There are different sizes and styles to fit any dog’s preference. Try them all and let us know which one your dog likes best! |
| Tina C. – Karma, my lab mix, doesn’t like regular rawhides. I wanted to give her something that would help with dental care in between brushings and still be a tasty treat for her. When I get home each day, she heads straight to the pet cabinet where her treats and food are stored. She knows that there is a Pup–RRR-Mint dog treat inside just waiting for her. |  |
Griffy, working hard |
Keri K. – We don’t have a dog, but I regularly supply my in-laws with treats for Griff, their 10-year-old black lab. Griff is not too picky, but one of his clear favorites is rawhide. It gives him something to keep occupied during the day or when he’s out in his doghouse. I like Premium Rawhide Bones because they come singly, so they’re like a special present when we visit, and I can switch up the flavors. They also take him a little longer to demolish than chips or sticks. Otherwise, for everyday “sit” and “shake” rewards, there’s a ready supply of one-chomp-sized Meaty Treats or Bits (he likes them all!). |
| Barb S. – When I get home from work, both Newfs, once they are done greeting me, do a nice “Sit” right in front of the refrigerator as they look back and forth from the top of the fridge to my face, They know that the fridge top is where I keep the treats, and they also know that I can’t help but melt and give them treats when they look at me like that! Generally, I give them small rawhide sticks, because I can supervise them easily while they eat them. Dulse, the old one, snaps his up, while Rudder takes his time, savoring each bite, and parading it around like he has a cigarette in his mouth.Because of Dulse’s dental problems, I have had to temporarily switch them to a softer treat, like Liver Snax or Pampered Pet Treats. A friend recently gave me some Pegetables to try and, although Dulse cannot have anything hard right now, Rudder seems to love them and I feel good giving them to him because they are made with real vegetables.
Even though the treats may be small, because I am constantly watching their weight, they relish them as if they were big treats, because they come from my hand, and that seems to be half the joy for them. |
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For a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Drs. Foster & Smith, leave a comment in this post sharing the special ways you treat your pet during the holidays. Do you give special treats, extra one-on-one playtime, or some other reward? To be eligible, post your comment by noon CST on 11/30/09. We will pick one lucky winner.*
* No purchase is necessary to participate in this giveaway. You should be a legal resident of the United States and 18 years or older. Void where prohibited. To see who won, go to http://www.dfs-pet-blog.com/2009/11/best-dog-treats/. Sponsor: Foster & Smith, Inc., P.O. Box 100, Rhinelander, WI 54501-0100.
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
Neely likes most any treat but I have to be careful with her treats because she is a diabetic. The sweet potato treats are among her favs. I mostly try to find natural ingredients and treats that are more chewy or crunchy. Soft treats tend to have more sugar, and the chewy ones give her something to do for a while. I got some Pegetables too for her stocking. She occasionally enjoys a mini Dingo rawhide bone, or Healthy Edibles chewsL Turkey & RIce.
During the holidays I like to give my pets some extra one-on-one playtime! I have 2 dogs and 1 cat who love the extra time I get to spend with them during holiday breaks from work. I like to take my dogs, Carson and Lisa, for extra long walks in the forest preserve. They love checking out the new smells in the air that the changing season brings. Harley, my black, long-haired cat, gets extra grooming attention! I don’t like to take him to the groomer for haircuts in the winter because it gets quite chilly outside, so he gets extended brushing sessions in front of the fireplace.
Ellen,
Balto is pretty spoiled all year but since I have a little time off at the Holidays…he will be getting a 2 hour long brush out and massage. He absolutely loves it! I start at his bum and spray a little water with Tea Tree Oil in it on his fur and start brushing in little sections. By the time I reach his neck, he is snoring {and my back hurts…LOL!} then he rolls over, I do his other side. While he is relaxed I just start massaging very gently , all his limbs and down his back and neck. When we are done, he is one relaxed and happy boy! Happy Turkeys everybody!
These sound amazing, and good for the foster dogs…. We’d love to try them!
A treat that I have been using for my dogs is, oddly enough, their own dog food! Over the years I have avoided the commercial treats that are available anywhere because I did not like the ingredients. Drs Foster & Smith sells many high quality treats that I do feel confident giving to my dogs. For everyday occassions (yes, EVERY day!), I treat them with a handful of their favorite high quality dog food. We call this treat their nightly “snicky snack” and they love it! I also highly recommend the dried chicken strips and these can be broken up into bite sized bits.
Our little Bichon Frise, Bailey, loves Nylabone Edibles and Greenies. She is a sweetheart. But, she is also independant and doesn’t always like to come when called. I will go outside and call her, and the neighbors dog will come over, even the cat will come over. But Bailey… only if she feels like it. However, if I have one of these treats, she will run to me! So, at the holidays she gets a few of these and a lot of TLC.
Our shih-tzu, Yoshi, gets his own special “doggy” presents while our family exchanges our holiday gifts. When we say the word “present” he immediately expects a squeeky stuffed animal! Truthfully, Yoshi is treated special all year round with treats, long walks, playtime, doggy massages, and attention. He’s such a loving little guy that we just can’t help but love him back by doing the things that he loves!
Cheerfully embarrassed to admit that my dogs have monogrammed holiday stockings. Don’t tell anyone
The holidays are a favorite time at my house because the dogs and I get to spend extra time together. I don’t have to rush off to work so we can sleep in a little and go for extra walks. They also get a more thorough brushing and grooming “check up”. I prepare extra special goodies for them such as dog cookies (cheese or peanut butter flavored). They usually also get a greenie, pig ear or bone to chew. With an epileptic dog, we are often hesitant to try new foods and treats but once we find some with previously sampled ingredients, we’re fine.
For thanksgiving, my cats get their own special plates of thanksgiving dinner. Some white meat turkey, all the giblets simmered in low salt broth, plain unsalted green beans, and 100% pumpkin puree. They love it!!!
Some great recommendations here. Misha likes the freeze dried liver treats. Actually, she likes pretty much any treats I give her
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She is just over a year old and this will be her second Christmas with us. Last year, we didn’t really have a family Christmas, but this year she gets to see the tree with all the decorations and lights and stuff. Should be a pretty fun one for her and us.
Omar Reyes
We have 4 lab-mix dogs (all rescues – 2 are having their first Christmases with us this year!) and they LOVE anything with sweet potatoes in it, making fall and winter/the holidays a perfect time for us – and them – to indulge in sweet potatoes! They love the dried sweet potatoes, especially the larger slices, but their absolute favorite is the sweet potato stick with chicken wrapped around it.
As soon as we get home and they greet us, they line up, sit down, and look expectantly at the treat jar… then we realize how lucky we are to have them in our lives, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when their joy is so contagious that we can’t help but be joyful ourselves
This will be our first Christmas with our adopted kitty and pup.
Both will be getting new interactive toys, puzzles for the both of them to keep them stimulated.
I rescued a chihuahua/terrier three years ago and he is a life saver. He alerts me of low and high blood sugars w/o prior training. Endo has the good life. He’s been to more places than some people. He has been to dog friendly book stores, museums, hotels, and libraries. I take him on the bus everyday in his dog carrier on wheels to socialize and accompany me on errands. Some men would love to get a hand on his little black book. He has more girlfriends than he can handle. When he’s not with me people yell, “Where’s Endo!” Endo eats organic meals and has a handmade pillow in every room. Last, every wool sweater that I have shrunken I converted into a doggie sweater.
Angel is my service dog, so he gets tons of time with me. What I do for him during the holidays is give him extra treats – or his favorites, extra chew sticks. What he loves are pizzle sticks. For treats, his favorites are anything peanut butter or breath mint (yeah, he really likes the mint ones!).
My pups will pretty much eat ANY treat that is put in front of them…but their all time favorite are the ‘Ultra Calm’ treats that you can buy on the Dr’s Foster & Smith website. They gobble those up like there is NO tomorrow…and they are beneficial for me too, I like calm puppies.
We take our pit bull to Calico Creek and allow him to choose his treat of choice. We let him smell all the raw hide and bones and let him pick that too. He usually goes for the biggest messiest bone he can find. His eyes perk up and tail starts wagging. He can’t wait to get home to start on his gnawing and solitude. We pick up extra Kong treats too, so he can occupy himself during the blustery wintry days in December.
We spoil our rescue dog and cat during the holidays with a stocking of treats and a massage. They get so excited to “open” their presents because they smell so darn good. We get a kick out of watching them salivate over Christmas treats in their stockings. Then we do puppy/kitty massage! We do massage that addresses their problem area, like Bruce’s hips and glutes. He loves the extra attention! As much as she protests when we get started for our cat Fluffer-Nutter, she protests worse when we stop the massage. Part & parcel for cats, I guess!
Our two cats, Elphie and Sera, share a stocking filled with new honeysuckle and catnip toys. During the month of December we sloly intoduce each new toy.
Elphie especially likes the honeysuckle mice and she’ll even play fetch with them.
Besides that, we get homemade chicken Parmesan treats from our vet, and salmon cakes from our local natural pet foods store.
Happy Holidays to you all, your families, friends, and furry loved ones!
The holidays are awesome with my family. I have one dog but my parents has three. Every year I bring my dog over to celebrate with them. They all love rawhide chewies and Puparoni treats. So I wrap up their treats and hide them under the tree and let them sniff them out. It’s great to watch because even my brother’s cat gets in one it! We give him treats too!
For the holidays, we redecorate our boys’ cage. I will spend weeks sewing cozy holiday-themed hammocks and cage liners. I also use my fabric scraps to make little treat pouch presents for them to open. They will get lots of extra shoulder riding time and extra time out in their playpen, where new toys have been know to show up. They also get a special holiday dinner!
Candid Carrie, if it makes you feel any better, all 14 of my rats have monogrammed stockings!
Our dog Bella is always a part of the family for each holiday but Christmas is a little more special besides all the yummy goodness from Thanksgiving. We include her in decorating, yes I said decorating – she has her own ortament with her picture and a stocking hung along side ours. During our first rounds of decorating this past weekend, she was right there in the thick of it sniffing all the oraments and jumping up to help nudge them on the tree. She received many extra treats like biscuts, bbq flavor chewies and of course playing with her ball. As always she will have her own wrapped gifts under the tree and goodies in her stocking, from Santa of course. Not just Christmas but she’s always referred to our daughter/sister, not the dog.
I just got my dog (CoCoNut) her Christmas presents. We make home made treats that I put in her stocking along with making sure I am stocked up on her favorite treats from Fosters and Smith. Last year, when I wasn’t looking
she climbed on top of the couch and stood on the back of it to try to get into her stocking. I tried to get a picture but she heard the camera and jumped down. (The stockings are hung on the wall behind the couch.)
I put on Christmas Music and dance with Woodstock – she loves it!
I bake my tow labs Missy & Schooner peanut butter and honey dog bone cookies : ) They love them!
I love giving my kitties catnip and greenies treats. They come running when they hear the cupboard door open!!!
I have a stocking for each of my three dogs, Bailey, Daisey and Sugar. I buy them each a candy cane shaped rawhide and each a small bag of treats. They get sooo excited when they see them come out. I will be dog sitting two dogs this Christmas so I am going to buy the bucket of the candy canes so I have more to share.
We’ve got 3 rescues….our newest is a GSD that needed to be rehomed after her family lost their house. Plus we have 1 AKC registered GSD and the other 2 recues are a blk Lab and a Border Collie (mix?) Without a doubt our 1st three dogs go BONKERS when they see the little cups get pulled out of the freezer. Whats in there…..frozen Non-Fat Plain Yogurt!!! They LOVE it!!!! I started doing this over the summer to give them a nice cool summer treat that was healthy too (sometimes even stick a baby carrot in there). The 4th dog is starting to understand what it means when these cups( reused single serve applesauce cups) get pulled out of the freezer.
So many great ideas for treating your pets extra special – thank you all for sharing ideas with us! The lucky winner of the $25 Drs. Foster and Smith gift certificate will be announced later this afternoon.
Congratulations to the lucky winner – Tiffany B! Thanks again to everyone for sharing your comments with us. (Tiffany, please email me your full name and shipping info to admin @ dfs-pet-blog.com – thanks!)
Rogue, our German/Australian shepherd mix, loves all sorts of treats. I think her number one treat is a Kong with peanut butter and kibble mixed together. She will actually spin in circles she gets so excited! Her next favorite has got to be sweet potato chips. Her eyes get really big when we ask her to sit before giving her the treat. The other day I finally ripped it into pieces and put it in her Kong. It kept her busy for a good 20 minutes. Rogue also loves Greenies. We love them, too, because she can get some stinky dog breath. She also loves her Canidae dog treats and Three Dog Bakery “Chocolate” Chip Cookies. They look like the real deal, but they are made with carob.
My boys, both Basset Hounds, get lots of treats and new toys, stockings and holiday clothing to wear. Christmas leashes and collars too!
::.Our Manchester Terrier Mix, Junior, loves plain rawhides! He loves to gnaw on it, fetch it and play tag with it. He looks forward to having one before bedtime.::
The special thing we do for the holidays is to bring the dog beds into the living room and allow them to laydown with us while we open gifts. This is special because they are not allowed in there any other time Forbiden space
Our Chow/Newf and our Aging Golden love healthy snacks….they also love rawhide!!
We always let our pups open up gifts…they love ripping the wrapping paper! I also fill their stockings with lots of fun treats and would like to try to give them sweet potatoes! They have stolen one off my husband’s plate before, so I think they’ll like them!
I like to give my chocolate lab,Casey, natural snacks – apples, sweet potatoes, carrots . . . When I wasn’t looking, she picked up one of our Halloween pumpkins and decided to make a snack for herself. What can I say, at least she made a healthy choice!
Jaces favorite treat is the freeze dried liver training treats. He loves them more than his rawhide bones. When He will not eat we have to ground them up in his food
Alice’s and Ripley’s favorite dog treat is by far the 12″ Bully Stick. Alice is 3 years older than Ripley. When Ripley was a puppy Alice would get Ripley to drop her Bully Stick to compare sizes and then take the larger one (usually Ripley’s). Now that Ripley is older and bigger (and can finish hers in no time), Alice takes her Bully Stick and chews on it it her crate.
I also have two basset hounds! Grumpy and Gracie LOVE sweet potato treats. When it’s time for them to go in their kennel, we say, “Go to jail!” and they will wait to see what you have in your hand before they decide if they will go on the first ask. Sweet potato treats will get them in the kennel without argument on the first try, every time! I like the Healthy Snax brand from DFS because they are soft enough to cut into training treats with scissors. Gracie is a bit of a brat though… she’ll watch Grumpy wolf his down and then she’ll savor hers in front of him, and he’ll pout for another one until she’s done.
My dog, Coyote, is so well mannered she take her medicine right from the palm of my hand. Her younger brother, Dakota (RIP), had to always have peanut butter to take his medicine. Doesn’t Coyote deserve a special treat for this? Especially, the 2 lb. jar of sweet potato dog treats!
I have two dogs, named Daisy and Lilly. Lilly is a Beagle. Daisy is a Golden Retriever. they love rawhides and treat. They would just love to win some sweet potatoes!!
Fontaine must have a little bit of goat mixed in with her Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard because she’ll pretty much eat anything. I think if she could have only one treat for the rest of her life and SHE had to choose which one it would be, she’d go for either the freeze dried liver (beef) or – believe it or not – sardines. Unlike me, she prefers savory to sweet:)
Frisco would love to win some sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes would be a great reward for him after his pet therapy visit this weekend. He has a way of making everyone smile.
The sweet potato treats and bully sticks. I try not to think about what the bully sticks actually are when my guys are wolfing them down.
Hmmm… what is my dogs’ favorite treat?? Well, I have 2 yellow labs. Yes, labs. Which can mean only one thing: Their favorite treat is whatever treat I happen to have in my hand at the time!! The other day, however, I must admit, my youngest lab got a bit confused. As part of an animal shelter fundraiser, I was assembling doggie treat kits on the coffee table – bags of dry ingredients plus recipe cards. I walked away for a moment and when I returned, he had a few of the recipe cards in his mouth! Just because it said “Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits” on them doesn’t mean that’s what they were! Silly boy!
I have two rescue dogs that are brother and sister. Yankee is the male and Canuck is the female. I feed them a variety of high end treats and they don’t really seem to have any favorites as they like most anything I give to them. They spent their first 3 years in a shelter so they became very dependant on each other. Canuck is the boss and I call her my Princess. When I feed them treats during training, agility or just for fun, I notice that Canuck never ever eats hers until she makes sure that Yankee eats his. I realized that Yankee the goofball is truly her court jester and food taster guinea pig as the Princess uses him to make sure I haven’t poisoned their food. It is hysterical watching her eye him to make sure he eats whatever I gave to them and then once he finishes, she will grab her share and gobble it down before he can take it.
Sweet potato treats are truly my 8 1/2 year old Golden Dakota’s favorite treat.
She will actually beg me for a sweet potato treat and then lie to her dad as if she never got one so he gives her another one. Lol! I have always watched the fat content in the treats I would buy for her so I especially love the sweet potato treats because they are so low in fat.
Duke and I live in Illinois and every Saturday morning we watch Discover Wisconsin (it’s our favorite show!). It showcases Wisconsin and gives tips on fun places to go when visiting. He usually gets a big treat on Saturdays (a bully stick, Texas Taffy, etc.) but he can’t have it until the Capitol Supper Club brewery commercial comes on because he has to sing and dance with me first. He JUMPS up when it comes on and we sing and dance to the theme song (he barks and dances and I sing). When it’s over we go straight to the pantry for his reward for dancing and singing with his old mom!
Oh I did not read “Fun treat story”……Our Newf/chow (looks exactly like Newf) his name is “Big Mike” after the movie Blind Side. We got him from a bad situation where he was locked in a SMALL dining room with his litter mates and mother. They threw vegetable scraps to them and it was fend for yourself. When I heard about him we went and looked. I ended up taking 3 puppies…well not so small puppies. They had never had a toy or been socialized. I bought a HUGE Kong for Mike, Stuffed it with peanut butter, made a huge deal about how cool it was to him, he was afraid of it. Later we heard the most awful noise…..my husband and I went looking thinking one of the puppies was throwing up. Then to my great joy we found Mike with the Kong between his feet and this his big tongue slurping up the peanut butter!! He was able to completely clean out the Kong. So whenever he was scared our we needed to leave the puppies got Kongs with Peanut butter!!!