Does your dog turn their nose up at those hard, crunchy biscuits? You’re not alone! Many dog owners face the daily challenge of finding treats that their furry friends truly love and can easily enjoy. Hard treats can sometimes be tough on older dogs’ teeth or just not as exciting for picky eaters.
Choosing the perfect soft dog treat involves more than just picking the tastiest-smelling bag. You worry about ingredients, texture, and whether the treat will actually make your dog happy. It can feel like a guessing game trying to find that ideal balance of deliciousness and quality.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a soft treat the best choice for your companion. You will learn exactly what to look for on ingredient labels and discover top-rated options that dogs go wild for. Get ready to upgrade your treat game and see your dog’s tail wag like never before!
Top Soft Dog Treats Recommendations
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe With Chuck Roast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chuck roast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe With Chicken Breast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken breast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Duck is the #1 ingredient
- No added corn, wheat, soy or gluten
- Feed to your dog as a snack or reward
- Whole muscle jerky is chewier like typical jerkies; provide plenty of fresh water and follow treating instructions
- You may break the jerky into smaller pieces for treating; if it’s your dog’s first time start with half of the suggested treating amount and gradually increase to the full amount
- Contains one (1) 18-oz. container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Mini’s dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken
- Mini dog treats that are the perfect size for treating more often
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals — 12 to be exact
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with real chicken for a taste dogs just can't resist
- A TASTY REWARD: Reward your dog for a job well done with delicious BLUE Nudges natural dog treats
- BREAK INTO SMALLER PIECES: Delicious, oven-dried and easy to tear, these natural dog treats are perfect for all breed sizes
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These healthy dog snacks contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 16-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats; Chicken Recipe
- Contains one (1) 11.8-oz. bag of soft and chewy dog treats made with real peanut butter
- A convenient way to treat with peanut butter (because jars and spoons weren't exactly designed for dogs)
- Made with Jif peanut butter for irresistible aroma and big, hearty, delicious flavors in every bite
- No artificial colors, no artificial flavors and no fillers — only high-quality ingredients
- Produced in Springville, UT, USA
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 4-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Chicken Recipe
- Soft Baked Biscuits: Shameless Pets Bananas for Bacon Soft Baked Biscuits are a healthy indulgence perfect for training any dog, from puppy to senior. Sweet bananas, real bacon, and a hint of peanut butter. A treat fit for a furry king (or queen). These will have your pup saying - "Thank you. Thank you very much". Given how the king liked his style, these treats also help support your pup's coat! Includes one 6oz pack of treats.
- Whole Ingredients: These craveable treats are free from grain, corn, and soy while still loaded with wholesome ingredients like real bacon, banana, and peanut butter. Dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds can enjoy!
- Health Benefit for Every Flavor: Each Shameless Pets treat is crafted with a specific health benefit in mind, so your pets can get the nutrition they need, even from treat time. These soft baked biscuits are packed with omega 3 & 6 for skin & coat support.
- Upcycled With Care: We work with farmers to rescue their misfit or surplus superfoods that have all the same healthy nutrients. This means every bag of our treats decreases food waste while saving valuable resources.
- Proudly Made in the USA: All of our creative, delicious pet treats are made here in the USA by nutritionists using the finest ingredients and sustainable practices, such as wind and solar powered manufacturing and bags with 25% PCR material. Plus, there’s a health benefit for every flavor – because after all, a healthy pet is a happy pet!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Soft Dog Treats
Soft dog treats offer a wonderful way to reward your furry friend. They are easy to chew, making them perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. This guide helps you pick the best soft treats for your pup.
Key Features to Look For
1. Texture and Freshness
The most important feature is the texture. Good soft treats should be pliable, meaning they bend easily without crumbling. They should feel slightly moist. Check the packaging for a “Best By” date. Stale treats lose flavor and can be harder for some dogs to eat.
2. Size and Shape
Treat size matters, especially for smaller dogs or training sessions. Look for treats that are small enough for quick rewards. Some treats come pre-cut, which saves you time. Larger dogs might enjoy slightly bigger, chunkier bites.
3. Packaging Seal
A strong, resealable package is crucial. Air and moisture ruin soft treats quickly. A good zip-lock or airtight seal keeps the treats fresh longer. Always check that the seal is intact when you buy them.
Important Ingredients and Materials
1. Protein Sources
High-quality soft treats list a real meat or fish source as the first ingredient. Think chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. These ingredients provide necessary energy and taste great to dogs. Avoid treats where “by-products” are listed first.
2. Binders and Fillers
Softness often comes from binders. Look for natural options like sweet potato, oats, or brown rice flour. These ingredients hold the treat together. Low-quality treats often use excessive corn or wheat as cheap fillers. Too many fillers offer little nutritional value.
3. Natural Preservatives
Since soft treats contain more moisture, they need preservatives to stay safe. The best choices use natural preservatives like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract. Artificial preservatives, like BHA or BHT, should generally be avoided if possible.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- High Meat Content: Treats where meat makes up over 50% of the ingredients are usually top-notch.
- Added Vitamins and Minerals: Some treats include beneficial extras like omega fatty acids for coat health.
- Limited Ingredients: If your dog has allergies, look for simple recipes with fewer ingredients.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These offer no benefit to your dog and can sometimes cause sensitivities.
- Excessive Sugar or Glycerin: Too much glycerin can make a treat overly sticky or chewy, and excess sugar is unhealthy.
- Vague Ingredient Descriptions: If the label just says “animal digest,” the quality of the source material is likely low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Training Aid
Soft treats are fantastic for training. Dogs can chew them quickly and get back to focusing on the next command. Because they are small and soft, you can give many rewards during a long training session without overfeeding your dog.
Sensitive Stomachs and Seniors
Dogs with dental problems, like missing teeth or sore gums, need soft treats. Older dogs often prefer them too. The easy digestibility of high-quality soft treats also benefits dogs with slightly sensitive stomachs.
Portability
Keep a few treats in your pocket or a small pouch when you go for walks. Soft treats are less likely to crumble into dust in your bag compared to hard biscuits. This makes them convenient for on-the-go rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soft Dog Treats
Q: Are soft treats less healthy than hard biscuits?
A: Not necessarily. Health depends on the ingredients, not just the texture. A soft treat made with real chicken is healthier than a hard biscuit made mostly of corn fillers.
Q: How should I store opened soft dog treats?
A: Store them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. Always keep the package tightly sealed after opening to prevent them from drying out or molding.
Q: Can soft treats cause my dog to gain weight?
A: Yes, any treat can cause weight gain if given too often. Remember that treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use them in moderation.
Q: Are soft treats safe for puppies?
A: Many soft treats are safe for puppies, but check the bag. Puppies need treats formulated for their age. Avoid very rich or fatty treats when they are very young.
Q: Why do some soft treats feel sticky?
A: Stickiness often comes from high levels of natural sugars or glycerin used to keep them soft. While not always harmful, excessive stickiness can sometimes leave residue on your hands.
Q: How long do soft treats last unopened?
A: Unopened, most soft treats last for 12 to 18 months if stored properly, based on the manufacturer’s “Best By” date.
Q: What is the main difference between soft and semi-moist treats?
A: Semi-moist treats have a slightly higher moisture content than traditional hard biscuits but are firmer than truly soft treats. Soft treats are typically the easiest to chew.
Q: Should I worry about artificial colors?
A: Yes, you should try to avoid them. Artificial colors do not benefit your dog’s health. Look for natural coloring from ingredients like beets or carrots if the treat has any color.
Q: Are soft treats better for senior dogs than hard ones?
A: Generally, yes. Senior dogs often have weaker or missing teeth, so the gentle texture of soft treats makes chewing much more comfortable for them.
Q: How can I tell if a soft treat has gone bad?
A: If the treat smells sour, develops mold (fuzzy spots), or feels unusually hard or dry, throw it away immediately. Trust your nose and eyes.