In the past, dog treats were used exclusively to train dogs or to reward them for doing something good. Little thought was given as to how dog treats might help the dog beyond that or how they could be used to make pet owners' lives easier. Things are quite different today, as customized dog treats have become the norm.
Customized dog treats usually have some helpful property. One model which has become relatively popular is the bad breath dog treat. While this doesn't particularly help dogs, as their own breath no matter how hideous doesn't seem to have any impact on their self-image, it can be quite useful for owners who love their pet dogs, but cringe at the scent of their hot, pungent, fishy breath. These so called bad breath biscuits generally include components such as mint and parsley. While they can be purchased in grocery stores, many pet owners have begun baking these dog treats at home. If you decide to do this, remember not to put them close to the cookie jar (unless your children or significant other also has bad breath, too).
For those who wish to repair the bad breath situation, rather than putting a daily band-aid on it, you can always purchase dog treats that actually improve the dental hygiene of your dog. These will sometimes include active bacteria cultures or components you mind find a toxin free toothpaste. They will not only clean your dog's teeth, but they will get rid of plaque and any bacteria lingering in the gums. In addition to this, of course, you will want to schedule regular vet visits and tooth brushing.
Another favorite dog treat is anything that incorporates salmon oil. Many pet owners do not know this, but the same fish oils that are healthy for you the ones that contain omega fats are even more healthy for your dog. In addition to improving your dog's cholesterol, any fish oil treat will make rover's coat healthy and shiny. The big perk for the dog, of course, is that the treat tastes like salmon.
Another favorite among dogs are the liver and chicken dog treats. While these don't actually contain liver or chicken, they usually use enough broth and flavoring to taste like they do. Even if these wont necessarily improve the health of your dog by themselves, they can be used in sneaky ways that will. For instance, let's say that your dog isn't exactly married to the taste of that monthly heart worm pill. No problem: just slip in into one of those delicious liver dog treats and your dog will be none the wiser.
And there you have it: customized dog treats are on the rise. No matter what problem you or your dog has (with your dog), there's probably a box of treats somewhere that will at least attempt to fix it.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Putting a Stop to your Dog's Barking
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010If your dog is keeping you awake at night barking or disturbing the neighbors during the day with his barking, you know how important it is to overcome this problem. You may have already tried yelling at him and realized that this is completely ineffective. Understanding the causes of barking in a dog can be tremendously helpful.
Resolving Aggression in your Dog
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Aggression can be a difficult problem with which to contend. Not only can it make it difficult to live with your dog, but there can also be safety concerns as well. Getting to the bottom of what is causing aggression in your dog is essential to resolving this problem. When you understand what is causing your dog to be aggressive you will be in a much better position to cure it.
Taking Control of your Dog's Growling
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Growling is a fairly common problem that many dog owners experience. There can be many reasons why your dog grows, but whatever the reason it can be disconcerting. This is especially true when your dog growls around young children and even adults that do not know him well.
Tips for Housetraining Success
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Housetraining is usually a topic that is associated with puppies, but in some instances it can be a problem with adult dogs as well. No matter the age of your dog, if he is having accidents around the house, it can be extremely frustrating. Housetraining is an issue that should be immediately addressed.
Understanding Digging Behavior
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Is your pup in the doghouse for digging? Digging can be a destructive and frustrating behavior. Of course, all dogs dig to an extent and it is important to understand that, but when your dog had begun to dig up your flower garden or is trying to dig his way out of an enclosure, it can become a very big problem.
A Guide to Stopping Whining
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Whining can be an extremely annoying problem. Dogs whine for a variety of different reasons. It is not unusual for dogs to whine when they are in pain, but they may also whine for many other reasons as well. For example, sometimes dogs when they are lonely. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety whining may be a problem.
Dealing with your Dog Biting
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Biting can be a particularly hard problem to deal with in your dog for many reasons. Not only can it be frightening, but it can also be dangerous as well. If your dog is experiencing problems with biting, it is imperative that you understand the causes behind it and learn how to effectively put a stop to it.
Dealing with your Dog's Jumping
By: Valerie Mellema | 04/01/2010Tired of your dog jumping up on your guests when they walk in the door? Are you becoming aggravated by the way your dog greets you when you come home? Jumping is a fairly common behavior in many dogs and can even be more common in some dog breeds than others.
Drug Abuse And Addiction Facts
By: Bill Urell | 21/01/2008 | HealthAn individual who abuses drugs can develop an addiction that is psychological, physical, or emotional.
Getting into Alcohol Recovery
By: Bill Urell | 01/09/2007 | Non-FictionThere are many individuals that develop an issue with alcohol addiction.Once an individual starts to experience the many negative consequences, both mentally and physically, with consuming alcohol, they may make the choice to get into alcohol recovery. Here's how:
Crossing The Line From Cocaine Use Into Cocaine Addiction
By: Bill Urell | 31/08/2007 | HealthCocaine use can be an extremely difficult thing to handle and if you have become involved in its use, it can be a hard thing to know if the line between casual use and addiction to cocaine is being crossed. Is cocaine addiction a possibility in a loved one's or your own life?
The Hidden Dangers Of Prescription Pill Addiction
By: Bill Urell | 29/08/2007 | HealthMost people do not think about the possibility of an addiction to a prescription drug; however, prescription pill addiction is becoming more and more common in the United States. Prescription pill addiction is on the rise among out teenagers today.
7 Great Tips To Help You In Early Drug Addiction Recovery
By: Bill Urell | 29/08/2007 | HealthIf you are in early recovery, chances are you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. With so much to be done how do we prioritixe our needs? Here are seven tips to help:
Types of Addiction Treatment
By: Bill Urell | 28/08/2007 | HealthWhen it comes to addiction treatment, there are numerous options available. One of the main approaches to treating drug addiction includes using different methods of behavior therapy.
Alcohol Abuse Or Alcoholism, Are You Crossing The Line?
By: Bill Urell | 24/07/2007 | HealthAlcohol abuse can be a tricky term to use, considering that 'abuse' can have different meanings to different people. However, it is often understood as referring to the excessive use of alcohol, and causing problems or negative consequences.
How Do Addictive Behaviors Begin And What Is The Cause?
By: Bill Urell | 18/07/2007 | HealthHow addictive behaviors begin has sparked many different opinions among experts. It is agreed that there is not one singular component that can be attributed to the beginning of addiction.