Dogs and treats: a match made in doggy heaven! But exactly why do dogs like treats so much, sometimes much more than their dinner biscuits?
Well it’s no secret to pet parents and pooch lovers alike that a treat a day keeps tails wagging. But what is it about the meaty morsels that are just so appealing to pups?
Take a look below as we explore just that, along with the benefits of dog treats for our furry friends (and their humans!).
Ever wondered why your furry friend seems to lose their mind over a tiny morsel of food? One minute they’re lounging around the next they’re performing circus tricks at lightning speed because you reached for the treat jar. I’ve always been fascinated by this behavior in my own dogs so I decided to dig deeper into why our canine companions love treats so darn much.
The Powerful Science of Smell
Dogs experience the world primarily through their nose, and their sense of smell is truly extraordinary Their sniffing ability is approximately 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than ours! This incredible sensory advantage means they can detect treats from impressive distances – sometimes even before you’ve opened the package.
When it comes to treats vs regular kibble, here’s what’s happening
- Treats are designed to be extra smelly – Manufacturers deliberately make treats more pungent to appeal to dogs’ powerful noses
- Regular dog food can seem bland – After several mouthfuls of the same kibble, dogs can experience sensory fatigue
- The smell creates excitement – That strong aroma triggers anticipation and happiness in your dog’s brain
My dog can literally smell treats through closed cupboards and packaging! It’s like having a treat-detection system installed in their nose.
It’s All About Variety and Excitement
Think about your own eating habits. Would you rather eat the same cereal every single day or enjoy different foods? Dogs feel the same way! Their daily kibble might meet nutritional needs, but lacks excitement.
Treats offer:
- Different textures (crunchy, chewy, soft)
- New and interesting flavors
- A break from routine
- Mental stimulation
One thing I’ve noticed with my pups is that they get much more excited about treats that they don’t get often. The scarcity makes them even more desirable!
The Joy of Rewards
Treats aren’t just about taste – they represent something special in a dog’s mind. When you give your dog a treat, especially during training, you’re creating a positive association. This triggers their brain to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical that reinforces behavior.
Through this process, dogs learn to associate treats with:
- Being a “good boy/girl”
- Successfully completing a task
- Receiving praise and attention
- Bonding with their human
This creates a powerful emotional connection to treats that goes beyond just satisfying hunger. It’s about the entire experience of earning something special.
Types of Treats Dogs Go Nuts For
Not all treats are created equal in your dog’s mind. Here are some types that typically drive dogs wild:
Meat-Based Treats
Dogs are natural omnivores with carnivorous tendencies, so meat-based treats like jerky, freeze-dried liver, or chicken strips often rank highest on their preference list. The strong smell and taste appeal directly to their instincts.
Soft Chewy Treats
Many dogs prefer soft, chewy treats that deliver an intense flavor burst. These are particularly good for training since they can be consumed quickly between commands.
Crunchy Biscuits
The satisfying crunch of a biscuit can be very appealing, plus the texture helps clean teeth. My older dog absolutely loves anything with a good crunch!
Natural Treats
Some dogs enjoy natural options like carrot sticks, apple slices, and bananas. These can be healthier alternatives with fewer calories.
Texture Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to why dogs love treats, the feeling in their mouth plays a huge role. Different dogs prefer different textures based on age, dental health, and personal preference:
- Puppies often prefer softer textures as their teeth are still developing
- Adult dogs might enjoy a satisfying crunch
- Senior dogs may return to preferring softer treats as dental issues arise
I’ve noticed my younger dog goes crazy for chewy treats while my older one prefers something he can really sink his teeth into. They definitely have their preferences!
Treats as Training Tools
If you’ve ever tried to train a dog, you know treats are training gold. That’s because they create instant positive reinforcement. When your dog performs a desired behavior and immediately receives a treat, their brain makes a clear connection: “That action = good thing!”
The effectiveness of treats in training is why professionals recommend:
- Using small treats for training (so you can give many without overfeeding)
- Saving high-value treats (like tiny bits of cheese or hot dog) for learning difficult commands
- Being consistent with timing (give the treat immediately after the desired behavior)
My dog learned to roll over in just one afternoon using his favorite salmon treats as motivation. The power of treats in training is simply remarkable!
How Treats Strengthen Your Bond
Sharing treats with your dog isn’t just about food – it’s about connection. When you give your dog a treat, you’re essentially saying “I care about you” in a language they understand perfectly.
This treat-sharing ritual:
- Builds trust between you and your dog
- Creates positive associations with your presence
- Reinforces your role as provider and caregiver
- Makes training a fun bonding activity rather than a chore
Some of my favorite moments with my dogs involve treat time. The excited tail wags, the focused attention, and the gentle way they take treats from my hand all reinforce our relationship.
How Many Treats Are Too Many?
While treats are wonderful for bonding and training, moderation is key. Most veterinarians and pet nutritionists recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake.
Too many treats can lead to:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Nutritional imbalances
- Picky eating habits
- Digestive issues
For active, working dogs who burn lots of calories, you can be more generous with treats. For less active or older dogs, be more conservative and choose lower-calorie options.
Are All Treats Safe?
Most commercial dog treats are perfectly safe, but there are some important cautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid rawhide chews – These can be choking hazards and sometimes contain harmful chemicals
- Check ingredients carefully – Some treats (especially imported ones) may contain harmful additives
- Choose treats made in countries with strong regulations – US-made treats are generally subject to stricter safety standards
- Watch for allergic reactions – Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies
I once bought some discount treats that gave my dog terrible digestive issues. Since then, I’ve been much more careful about what I feed him.
Unique Treats Around the World
Different cultures have created unique dog treats that reflect local tastes and traditions:
- Japan: “Niku Katsu” – Crunchy meat-based treats often made with fish or chicken
- Germany: “Zwieback” – Hard, twice-baked bread that satisfies chewing instincts
- Brazil: “Biscoito de Polvilho” – Light, airy tapioca-based treats
- Thailand: Homemade rice balls with meat and vegetables
I love exploring different treats for my dogs – it’s like giving them a little culinary world tour!
Making Your Own Dog Treats
If you’re concerned about what goes into commercial treats, making your own is surprisingly easy. Simple recipes often include ingredients like:
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Pumpkin puree
- Oats
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Lean meats
Homemade treats let you control the ingredients while still giving your pup something special. Plus, the smell of fresh-baked dog treats always gets my dogs camping out by the oven!
The Bottom Line on Dogs and Treats
Dogs love treats because they appeal to multiple senses and instincts. The combination of enticing smells, varied textures, novel flavors, and positive associations creates an irresistible package that few dogs can resist.
Understanding why your dog goes crazy for treats can help you use them more effectively for training and bonding, while keeping their overall diet balanced and healthy.
Next time your pup does that adorable dance of excitement when you reach for the treat jar, you’ll understand there’s much more going on than simple hunger – it’s a complex mixture of instinct, learning, and love.
What’s your dog’s favorite treat? I’d love to hear what gets your furry friend’s tail wagging in the comments below!
Dog treats and positive reinforcement
As a pet parent, the likelihood is you’ve made use of a dog treat (or ten!) during your dog’s training period. Whether it was the early days when they were getting to grips with the basics of sit and stay, or more recently with Crufts-worthy dog tricks, dog treats play a central role throughout your pup’s training.
So, what does this mean for our furry friends? Why does giving pets treats during training (which is hard work for dogs) make them hold treats in such high regard?
Well even though dog training will certainly have your pup’s brain ticking (and in need of a nap on the way home), it’s seriously rewarding for dogs. They love to please, and the treat given at that peak moment of achievement will only become more associated with all of those positive, mushy feelings.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
As the old saying goes, absence sure does make the (canine) heart grow fonder, especially when it comes to dog treats. Yup, the amount of treats and how often your pup is allowed to have them will likely affect how excited they get over even the smallest nibble.
And that begs the question – why do dogs like treats more than food? Well they don’t necessarily – it’s likely down to the fact that dinner food is always there, whereas treats are mysterious and exciting – only revealed when something good is happening.
As a fellow dog lover, you’ll know that our furry companions descend from ancestors whose food source was scarce. And while food is plenty for your pup these days, it’s hard-wired in them to scavenge for any morsels of food they can, even if they’re well fed and totally full.
Ever noticed that dog treats are stronger in smell than your pup’s kibble? Well they’re supposed to – and imagine how that smells to dogs (whose sense of smell is between 10,000 and 100,000 stronger than ours) – simply irresistible.
It’s no wonder some dogs prefer dog treats over dinner – they’re packed with the good stuff dogs love – beef, lamb, fish – you name it. So, while the scent is sure to get your dog’s snout twitching for more, pet parents can rest assured they’re also bursting with nutritional benefits and great for their pet’s health.
Why Do Dogs Love Us? Science Explains
FAQ
Why are dogs addicted to treats?
Many commercial pet treats are formulated with flavours, fats, and salts that appeal intensely to a pet’s natural taste preferences.” These ingredients can stimulate the brain’s reward pathways, he adds, leading to a learned behaviour where the pet craves the treats.
How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?
Is it okay to give treats to dogs every day?
Featured. There’s no rule about how often you can dole them out, as long as you limit treats to 10% of their daily calories.Aug 11, 2024
Do dogs like you if you give them treats?
In general, handing a treat to a dog can reinforce a bond and show that you are offering something special, while throwing a treat might not convey the same level of connection. If you’re training or interacting with a dog, it’s usually best to offer treats in a way that feels positive and reassuring to them.