Time for treats

When choosing treats for your dog, it really depends on what you're trying to achieve! For a simple bedtime snack, a biscuit-based treat is perfectly fine. We love using our Oven Baked Biscuits for a tasty night time routine. If you're working on something more challenging, like teaching recall, you'll need a ”high-value reward” This means something delicious and irresistible! Think small pieces of cooked chicken or some of our Tails.com Seriously Meaty treats. If you're in a training class, opt for low-calorie treats that are small, soft and quick to eat. This helps maintain the flow and momentum of your session – you don't want your dog spending minutes crunching away when they should be moving on to the next command! Our Good Dog Treats are ideal for this. And for those times you just want to keep your pup occupied, raw vegetable pieces like carrots or longer-lasting entertainment like our Natural Chews can be a great option.

The answer really depends on a few things: your dog's size, their weight goals, and the type of treat you're offering. For example, you can generally be a bit more generous with lower-calorie treats compared to those high-reward, higher-fat options. It's always a good idea to read the treat packaging for guidance. A general rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. We know this can be a bit tricky to calculate, but with Tails.com, treats can be part of your personalised meal plan. That way, you can keep them in great shape without worrying about portions. And if you have any specific questions, our nutrition specialists are here to help.

Dogs cannot be allergic to treats or a type of treat in general; it's almost always due to a specific ingredient within those treats. If you ever suspect your furry friend is reacting to something they've eaten, the best thing to do is to stop feeding those treats right away and have a chat with your vet. They can help you get to the bottom of what's causing the issue. Because we know it can be tough to find treats if your dog has an ingredient sensitivity, we’ve got a range of treats to suit all kinds of dietary needs, with grain-free, hypoallergenic and single-protein options to choose from.

Some dog treats are high in fat and may cause your dog to gain weight if they eat too much. The good news is, there are some low-fat treat options out there. Many treats have the calorie count clearly labelled on the pack, which makes it much easier for you to make smart choices. And speaking of smart choices, Tails.com Good Dog Treats are a lean 3 calories per treat!

With so many options, picking a chew for your dog can feel a bit overwhelming.  So here are some top tips. The most important thing to consider is always size. Choose a chew that's the right size for your dog’s mouth to prevent any choking hazards. Now, about rawhide – we really recommend avoiding it. It can be quite risky because it's known to cause blockages and digestive problems. Plus, rawhide often goes through processes like bleaching, which isn't ideal for your pup. Instead, opt for natural, safer options like dried fish skins, beef tendons, or cow and pig ears. Our Natural Chews are a fantastic, long-lasting option to keep your pup busy and happy. 

Giving your puppy a chew is a great idea to give those growing teeth a safe outlet. Just make sure to always supervise your puppy when they have a chew, and make sure it's the right size for them. Typically, puppies can enjoy softer chews (often labelled as "puppy-safe") from about 12 to 16 weeks old. As they grow and their adult teeth come in around 6 months, you can gradually introduce them to harder chews. This progression helps keep their teeth and gums healthy while satisfying their natural urge to chew.

Tasty and easily digestible, yak chews are a great long-lasting chew option for most dogs.  But it’s worth noting that yak chews can be very hard. So keep a close eye on littlest pups and enthusiastic chewers to prevent any tooth damage. Always double-check the label for the recommended age. Since they’re made from milk, some dogs with sensitive stomachs might find yak chews don’t agree with them. If your dog has delicate digestion, it might be best to avoid them. Always remember to take the chew away when it gets small. Once it's nearing the end, it can become a choking hazard.