7 Common Dog Treat Mistakes Pet Parents Make

Choosing a dog treat seems pretty simple, right? Find a bag your pup will love, bring it home, and prepare for the immediate tail wags.

But with so many options lining store shelves (and filling up online shopping carts), there’s a little more to choosing the right dog treats than grabbing the bag with the cutest picture on the front.

From overlooking the ingredient list to sticking with the same flavor, here are seven common treat mistakes pet parents make, and a few easy ways to avoid them.

1. Choosing Treats Based on the Packaging

   We get it. A happy-looking dog on the front of the bag can be very convincing. Especially if it happens to look exactly like your dog. But cute packaging doesn’t tell you much about what’s inside.

   Before adding a bag to your cart, flip it over and look at the ingredient list and nutritional information. Pet food ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so the first few ingredients can tell you a lot about what you’re giving your pup. A good rule of thumb: always shop the back of the bag as much as the front.

2. Not Looking Beyond the Flavor

   Chicken, beef, salmon…your dog probably has an opinion on which one tastes best. But flavor can be about more than keeping treat time interesting. Different recipes can also offer different functional benefits. For example, Champ’s Grain-Free Salmon Cakes contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, while other Champ’s recipes include ingredients selected to support important things like digestion or heart health.

   Rotating flavors within a known brand gives your pup some variety in their diet while letting you mix up the benefits they’re getting, too. It’s basically the dog version of not eating the same lunch every single day.

3. Taking a Brand’s Word Their Product is Good for Your Dog

   Words like “natural,” “wholesome,” and “premium” sound great on a package, but they shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a treat. Instead, look at the full picture: ingredients, protein, fat, calories, and any functional ingredients included in the recipe. Protein is an important part of a dog's diet, and most dogs enjoy protein-based aromas and flavors, such as meat, poultry, and fish.

4. Forgetting About Treat Size

   Given their size, a Great Dane and a Chihuahua probably shouldn’t be getting the exact same treat portion. Breaking soft treats into smaller pieces can make them easier to enjoy for smaller pups and especially useful during training when you may be rewarding your dog multiple times.

5. Sharing From Your Plate Without Checking First

   Before giving in to puppy dog eyes staring up at you as you are eating at the dinner table, remember that some human foods can be dangerous for dogs. Avoid foods including chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, and products containing xylitol, which can be found in sugar-free foods and snacks. Keeping healthy dog treats nearby gives you an easy, pup-friendly alternative.

6. Saving Treats Only for the Big Wins

   “Sit” and “stay” deserve treats, but so do the little victories. Did your dog calmly let someone walk past him on a the sidewalk? Did she come when called? Sit patiently while you put on their leash? Those everyday moments are great opportunities to reinforce good behavior. Treats can be one of your best training tools, and your dog is probably more than happy to participate.

7. Forgetting That Treats Can Do More

   A treat doesn’t have to be just a treat. The right recipe can be delicious while also including ingredients that support your dog’s everyday wellness. That means a treat made from high-quality protein and real ingredients selected to support needs like digestion, joint health, heart health, and healthy skin and coat.

   So the next time you reach for the treat bag, take an extra second to think about what’s inside. Your dog will still be focused on one thing: “Can I have it now?” but you can feel good knowing there’s more behind every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I look for when choosing dog treats?

A: Start with the ingredient list and nutritional information rather than relying on claims on the front of the package. Look for real protein, recognizable ingredients, and nutritional or functional benefits that fit your dog’s needs.

Q: Should I switch up my dog’s treat flavors?

A: You can! Rotating between different recipes keeps treat time interesting and can give you the opportunity to offer different functional ingredients and benefits. Find the right treat for your dog here!

Q: What makes Champ’s treats different?

A: Champ’s treats aren’t supplements, but each recipe is made with functional ingredients that support different areas of your dog’s wellness. From gut-health support in our beef recipe to joint support in our chicken recipe, each flavor offers something a little different. That means pet parents can choose treats based on what their pup needs to look and feel their best.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if your dog experiences significant or prolonged changes in appetite.