If you’re a dog owner, you know treats are essential. They’re more than just tasty snacks; treats help with training, reinforce good behavior, and support health.
With so many chew treat options available—especially between hard and soft varieties—you might wonder: which type is truly best for my dog?
In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of both hard and soft treats, helping you pick the best option based on your dog’s age, breed, health, and lifestyle.
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Why Dog Treats Matter
Dog treats play an important role in your pup’s life:
- Training and Behavior: Treats are perfect for positive reinforcement during training.
- Bonding: Giving treats can build trust and affection between you and your dog.
- Dental Health: Some treats are designed to improve dental hygiene by reducing plaque buildup.
- Nutrition Boost: Many treats provide extra nutrients to complement your dog’s regular diet.
The right treat can make a big difference for your dog, so let’s look at what each type offers.
Hard Treats for Dogs: Pros and Cons
What Are Hard Treats?
Hard treats are typically crunchy, firm, and dry. Examples include biscuits, dental chews, and bones.
These treats require some effort to chew, making them great for dogs who love a challenge.
Best Hard Treats for Dogs
When it comes to picking the best hard treats for your pup, look for options that not only satisfy their need to chew but also support their dental health and overall well-being. Here are some top picks:
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Dental Chews – These help reduce plaque and support gum health. Look for options approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for added quality.
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Natural Bones – These are durable and provide a natural chewing experience. Natural bones such as chicken wings, neck bones and elk antlers are long-lasting and great for dogs who love to chew.
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Rawhide Alternatives – Made from natural ingredients, these offer a similar chew satisfaction without the digestive concerns of traditional rawhide.
- Himalayan Yak Chews – Hard, durable treats made from yak milk that are low-fat and protein-rich, perfect for heavy chewers.
Benefits of Hard Treats
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Dental Health: Hard treats can help scrape plaque off your dog’s teeth, supporting gum health and reducing tartar. If your dog enjoys crunching, they’ll naturally get some teeth-cleaning benefits.
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Long-Lasting Chewing Satisfaction: Hard treats take time to eat, keeping your dog occupied longer. This can be especially helpful if you have a high-energy dog that loves to chew.
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Mental Stimulation: Dogs find chewing mentally engaging, which can reduce stress and boredom, especially if they’re left alone.
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Lower Calorie Intake per Treat: Because hard treats take longer to eat, dogs generally consume them slower, which can help with portion control.
- Easy to Handle: Hard treats tend to be less messy than soft ones, which is great if you’re using treats at home or while traveling.
Downsides of Hard Treats
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Not Ideal for All Dogs: Hard treats can be difficult for teething puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with dental issues to chew comfortably.
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Choking Risks: Larger pieces of hard treats could be a choking hazard, especially if your dog tries to swallow without chewing fully. Supervision is a good idea with hard treats.
- Possible Allergens: Some hard treats may contain grains or fillers, so double-check the ingredients list if your dog has allergies and make sure you choose a grain-free one.
Soft Treats for Dogs: Pros and Cons
What Are Soft Treats?
Soft treats are moist, chewy, and easy to break apart, making them ideal for quick snacks or training rewards. These include jerky treats, training bites, and puff chews.
Best Soft Treats for Dogs
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Training Bites – Small, low-calorie treats ideal for training sessions, usually made with real meat for extra appeal.
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Jerky Treats – Soft, flavorful treats often made from single proteins (like chicken or salmon) with minimal additives, great for picky eaters.
- Yak Cheese Chew Puffs – Softened versions of hard yak cheese chews, these are puffy, crunchy, and easier on the teeth. They offer a satisfying texture without the density of harder chews.
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Fruit and Veggie Treats – Low-calorie, fiber-rich options with ingredients like sweet potato or pumpkin, good for digestion.
- Hypoallergenic Soft Treats – Ideal for sensitive stomachs, made with limited, allergy-friendly ingredients like duck or lamb.
Benefits of Soft Treats
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Gentle on Teeth: Soft treats are great for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with sensitive teeth. They’re easier to chew and less likely to cause discomfort.
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Perfect for Training: Soft treats are ideal for training sessions because they’re quick to chew and swallow, allowing your dog to stay focused.
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Highly Appealing: Many dogs find soft treats irresistible due to their strong aroma and flavor, which makes them ideal for picky eaters.
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Lower Choking Risk: Soft treats are easy to chew and swallow, which reduces the chances of choking, even for smaller dogs.
- Easier Portion Control: Soft treats often come in small, bite-sized pieces, so it’s easier to give smaller portions—helpful for calorie-conscious dog owners.
Downsides of Soft Treats
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Not Great for Dental Health: Most soft treats don’t offer the same dental benefits as hard treats. They don’t scrape off plaque and may even stick to teeth, potentially leading to buildup.
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Higher in Calories: Soft treats can sometimes be calorie-dense, and since they’re easy to eat, it’s possible to overfeed.
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Can Be Messy: Some soft treats leave a residue on hands or can be crumbly, which may not be ideal if you’re on the go.
- May Contain Preservatives: To keep soft treats fresh, some manufacturers use preservatives. Look for treats with natural ingredients if your dog has sensitivities.
Choosing the Right Treats for Your Dog
To decide between hard and soft treats for dogs, consider your dog’s specific needs, including their age, breed, and health:
1. Age and Dental Health
- Puppies: Soft treats are generally easier on a puppy’s developing teeth.
- Adult Dogs: Hard treats are great for dogs with strong teeth and help support dental health.
- Senior Dogs: Soft treats tend to be gentler on the teeth and gums of older dogs, who might struggle with very hard treats.
2. Breed and Size
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Small Breeds: Small dog breeds like Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Affenpinscher etc often do better with soft treats or bite-sized hard treats, as very hard treats might be too challenging for them.
- Large Breeds: Larger dog breeds like Mastiff, Boerboel, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Leonberger etc with strong jaws may enjoy the chewing satisfaction that hard treats offer.
3. Activity Level and Mental Stimulation
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High-Energy Dogs: Hard treats that take longer to eat can provide much-needed mental stimulation for active dogs.
- Calmer Dogs: Soft treats work well for less active dogs who don’t need the same level of chewing engagement.
4. Training and Behavior
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For Training: Soft treats are ideal for quick rewards and help keep your dog engaged during training sessions.
- For Longer Chewing Time: Hard treats are better when you want to keep your dog occupied for a while, such as during crate time or when they’re home alone.
Finding the Right Balance: Using Hard and Soft Treats Together
You may find that a combination of both hard and soft treats works best for your dog. Here are some ways to balance both:
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Training Rewards: Use soft treats during training sessions for quick rewards that won’t interrupt their focus.
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Dental Care: Give your dog hard treats that are specifically designed to help with dental health a couple of times a week.
- Special Bonding Time: Save your dog’s favorite treats, whether hard or soft, for bonding moments or special rewards.
Observe how your dog responds, and feel free to adjust based on their preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts: Treat Time, Tail Wags, and Happy Pups
Choosing the right treats is about balancing what makes your dog happy with supporting their health.
Hard treats offer dental benefits and satisfy a need for chewing, while soft treats are ideal for training and sensitive stomachs.Â
Experiment with both types, focusing on quality ingredients, and enjoy every treat-filled moment with your pup.
Treats aren’t just snacks—they’re a way to show love, reward good behavior, and keep tails wagging.
Happy treating!