The best dog snacks for rewards & training - which treat is suitable when?
What types of dog treats are there and which are suitable for training and education?
1. training snacks - for quick learning & positive reinforcement
One thing is particularly important in dog training: the animal must quickly understand what behaviour is expected of it. Small, soft treats are particularly suitable for training, as they are easy to chew and support the dog's learning process thanks to positive reinforcement.
When are training snacks suitable?
- For clicker training, trick training or dog sports
- When walking, when the dog is rewarded for good behaviour
- In puppy training to promote a quick sense of achievement
What makes a good training treat?
- Small, soft pieces that are easy and quick to chew
- Particularly tasty to increase motivation
- Easily digestible so that the dog enjoys the many small rewards
Sometimes a dog needs a long-lasting reward, whether to relax after training or simply to keep him occupied when he is left alone. Chews are perfect for this and also have a positive effect on dental health.
When are chews useful?
- After training for calming & relaxation
- For occupation and distraction
- For puppies changing teeth
Advantages of chews:
- Support natural dental care
- Promote the chewing instinct & chewing muscles
- Keep the dog occupied for a longer period of time
Typical chews:
- Beef scalp, dried tendons, chewing bones
- Antler pieces or pressed chewing bones for intensive chewing needs
3. Interactive snacks - for clever dogs who love mental activity
Some dogs not only need a tasty reward, but also a challenge. Interactive snacks that are integrated into toys provide mental activity and make the reward even more interesting.
When are interactive treats suitable?
- For dogs who like to work for their food
- To promote concentration & problem-solving skills
- To make staying alone more pleasant
Advantages of interactive snacks:
- Extend the duration of activity
- Promote mental activity & curiosity
- Make the reward experience more playful
Our tip: Starmark Everlasting Treats with chicken flavour are ideal for interactive dog toys from Starmark. Due to their particularly hard consistency, they are also the ideal chew.
4. Freeze-dried meat snacks - healthy & natural rewards
Freeze-dried meat is the perfect solution for those who want 100% natural rewards. These snacks are made from pure meat and contain no artificial additives. They are particularly easy to digest and rich in high-quality proteins.
When are freeze-dried snacks ideal?
- For dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies
- As a special reward, e.g. after a successful training session
- When high-quality ingredients are desired
- They are 100% natural & rich in nutrients
- They retain their intense flavour thanks to the special processing
- They have a long shelf life without refrigeration
What should you look out for in dog treats?
No matter what type of dog snack you choose - the ingredients should always be of high quality and healthy. Pay attention to:
✔ Natural ingredients - no artificial additives or preservatives.
✔ No sugar & unnecessary fillers - no grains or corn.
✔ High-quality proteins - for healthy muscles.
✔ The right size & consistency - depending on age & breed.
Small dogs or food-sensitive four-legged friends in particular benefit from gently processed, easily digestible snacks.
Additional tips and advice on dog snacks
1. Pay attention to the calorie intake
Dog snacks are high in calories and should therefore be fed in moderation. Otherwise they can lead to unwanted weight gain, which can increase the risk of health problems such as joint problems, diabetes or heart disease in dogs.
To avoid this, you should keep an eye on your dog's daily calorie intake. Make sure you include snacks as part of the total amount of food so that you generally ensure a balanced diet for your dog.
A useful tip is to check the number of calories in the snacks and make sure they don't make up more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. This will keep your dog healthy and fit!
2. make sure the snacks are the right size and quantity
It is particularly important to pay attention to the size of the snacks for small dogs or puppies. Treats that are too large can be difficult for small dogs to digest and even pose a choking hazard. Therefore, choose snacks that are specifically suited to the size and age of your dog. If your dog is very small, for example, small, soft training snacks are ideal.
3. Talk to your vet if you have any health concerns
If your dog suffers from health problems such as obesity, allergies or intolerances, it is important to discuss the choice of dog snacks with your vet. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies in particular often need special snacks.
Food allergies and intolerances are relatively common in dogs. Common symptoms such as skin rashes, digestive problems or unusual behaviour can indicate intolerance to certain ingredients. In such cases, it is advisable to use special hypoallergenic snacks.
4. Choose natural and high-quality ingredients
When choosing dog snacks, pay attention to the list of ingredients. It is important that the snacks are made from natural, healthy ingredients, without artificial additives or preservatives. Snacks that contain too much sugar, salt or low-quality fillers such as grain or corn can cause long-term health problems.
Freeze-dried meat snacks, which are 100% natural, are an excellent choice for a healthy treat as they contain no artificial additives and are rich in protein.
Conclusion: The right reward makes all the difference
Dog treats are more than just a quick snack - they are an important tool for training and keeping your four-legged friend occupied. Whether for training, relaxation or as a nutritious snack - with the right choice, you can promote learning and strengthen the bond with your dog.
Our recommendations:
🐾 For quick training: Starmark Interactive Treats - perfect for filling interactive toys.
🐾 For interactive toys & as a chew: Starmark Everlasting Treats - compatible with Starmark toys. Hard as bone for long-lasting chewing pleasure.
Make training even more successful with the best dog snacks! Discover our dog snacks for training & activity now and reward your dog with high-quality treats.
