Healthy treats are a dog-send for training, giving medications, and boosting your pet’s diet. But what if your dog doesn’t seem to like treats? Sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding the right flavor. For pups with a picky palate, here are our most irresistible recommendations.
 

Why Doesn’t My Dog Like Treats?

While most dogs will gobble up any treat you give them, it’s not uncommon for others to hesitate to taste a new treat.

This isn’t always because your dog doesn’t like treats. Refusing food can be a sign of a few different behavioral quirks.

Distracted dogs don’t eat snacks. When your dog is focused on chasing squirrels, on high alert for passers-by, or busy guarding your yard, they might simply not be in a treat-eating state of mind. You can try offering treats when your dog is relaxed, or offering highly palatable snacks at just the right time.

Stress can reduce your dog’s appetite. If your dog turns down treats at the vet, in the car, or in another potentially stressful situation, they’re likely too anxious to eat. Anxiety causes a surge of cortisol, a chemical that can slow down the gastric system, making eating impossible for your stressed dog.

Some dogs are particular about where they eat treats. If your dog is a rescue, they may have been taught to “leave it,” when it comes to any food that’s not in their bowl. If your dog won’t eat a treat from your hand, try placing it in their bowl or on the floor. For newly adopted dogs, it can take a few weeks to months to get to know their treat-taking quirks and help them feel comfortable taking treats anytime, anywhere.

Top 5 Treats for Dogs That “Don’t Like Treats”

Dogs have fewer taste receptors than humans, but as many as 100 times more scent receptors than we do. That means they rely on their sense of smell to tell them what’s good to eat. Smelly treats are usually a hit with dogs, especially if they’re high in animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.

Freeze-dried beef liver. One of the smelliest, most popular dog treats you can find are freeze-dried beef liver bites. Soft, crumbly, and delightfully pungent, most dogs are hooked on these beefy confections.

Puree treats. First popularized for cats, meaty purees are a hit with dogs too and now come in made-for-dogs formulations, though cat purees are dog-friendly too. Purees like Licks for Dogs are high in protein and moisture and low in fat, making them a healthy treat that’s perfect for mixing into kibble, using as a training reward, masking medications, or feeding between meals.

Dried fish. Fish isn’t just for cats. Dogs love the flavors and aromas of fish, particularly salmon dog treats and freeze dried minnows, which are the perfect size for bite-sized training treats. Fish treats are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat, heart, and joint health.

Anything sweet potato. Dogs love sweetness, and they don’t need loads of sugar to activate their sweet tooth. Dehydrated sweet potato dog treats are a high-fiber, nutrient-packed snack that most dogs love, with a chewy texture that can help clean teeth.

Tripe treats. Made from the lining of a cow’s stomach, tripe dog treats have a distinct, pungent odor that evokes cravings in even the pickiest of pups.

Ready to meet your dog’s match made in treat heaven? Shop all these healthy dog treats and more at PetMeds.com.