Opinions on dog treats

[lovinganimals]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

[JohnN]

the dog cares about quality, I care about price and quality, neither of us care about shape. good luck

[Bjeanj]

Shape doesn’t matter to me or my dog. Size of treat does, as she’s on a diet.

[Taltarzac725]

As long as it is good for him and he likes it, neither my dog nor I would care about the shape.

[Jima64]

My two dogs get baby carrots or green beans as a treat. Shape doesn't matter as they know what the words mean.

[Velvet]

What’s important are the ingredients. One of my dogs loves hotdogs so treat needs to smell/taste like that, the other one loves, ‘worships’ may be a better word, medium cheddar cheese. If the treats taste similar and they are healthy that’s all that matters to me. Neither dog cares about the shape, rectangular might be easiest to feed.

[vintageogauge]

We don't care what they look like as long as they are nutritious and don't have any grain whatsoever in them. Our dog likes sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, peas, bananas, and just about any meat. We don't give him anything with grain in it, his dry food is limited ingredient.

[Buckeyephan]

We don’t give our dog treats or table food. Our vets have always said they are unhealthy and unnecessary. She gets good quality kibble that our vet recommended that we buy at Pet Smart.

[nick demis]

I haven't had a dog in decades but when I did he like the Gains Treats the best, which were just a flat disk but were in bright colors. It depends who you want to sell to. Look at all the dog pictures on facebook and the outfits that PEOPLE put on them. Unfortunately for you, you are selling to the owners, not the dogs.

[Scott O]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?
Nope would not be concerned about shape, more concerned about ingredients.

[villageuser]

I make the decision on my dog’s treats primarily on the quality of the ingredients of the treat. I don’t want overly processed, I want the ingredients to be from real food, and no salt or sugar added. Then if it has all that, and it is “cutesy”, the cutesy will win over the regular shape.

[Scott O]

We don’t give our dog treats or table food. Our vets have always said they are unhealthy and unnecessary. She gets good quality kibble that our vet recommended that we buy at Pet Smart.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving a dog fresh food, kibble is not what’s best for dogs, or their teeth. It was manufactured for human convenience. It’s like feeding processed foods every single day, or you eating McDonald’s every day...your vets advice is not appropriate. Veterinarians are not really trained a lot about diet and nutrition. The large food companies (Hills, Purina) are involved with the actual information used in textbooks for Veterinary training, so they of course push that because of their profits. Actual feeding while at table of course can make the dog beg, but nothing wrong with cutting up some fresh/frozen cooked vegetables, green beans, broccoli, carrots, to eggs, lean meats etc to give a dog along with their food, on occasion or every day. They enjoy a variety too..Holistic Veterinarians are trained more specifically about importance of diet.

[MIskra]

Holistic Veterinarians are trained more specifically about importance of diet.
Scott....Do you know of a Holistic Veterinarian near The Villages? I am in the process of adopting a 6 year old dog and I would love to take her to a holistic vet. Thanks!

[BlkBlt6]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

I have a very small dog so for my dog I purchase very small treats that have all natural healthy ingredients and low in calories. I also give her Cheerios as treats. They’re low in calories and healthy. Shape doesn’t play into my purchase. The picture of the treats you make look incredible.

[Ralpha]

My dogs could care less what the treats looks like; they only care about how they taste. I care about that the ingredients are made in the U.S. and they are nutritious as much as a treat can be.

[BlkBlt6]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

I have a very small dog. So when I purchase dog treats I look for very small treats that have healthy ingredients and lower in calories. I also give original Cheerios as treats. Shape doesn’t play at all in my selection process. If the picture is of the dog treats you make...holy cow...they look so good the Girl Scouts should sell them. Lol

[Marvivo]

I am curious. How did you manage to train your dog(s) without treats?

[Jerseyborn]

I go only by ingredients. No fillers or anything artificial

[FosterMomma]

Interesting post. I look at ingredients and whether the treat will help clean their teeth.

[Bay Kid]

My Granddogs will and do eat any and everything. All foods are a treat to them!!!

[Brondrisek]

I only look at ingredients. I appreciate US made from US sourced products. Finding treats, toys, balls etc. not made/sourced in China? Hard to do.

[bocaabend]

Not at all. Where can I get some. Bocaabend@aol.com

[JanetMM]

Shape doesn’t matter to me or my critter. That said, I wouldn’t want a dead body shape or a pile of poo shape. 😉

[BlkBlt6]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

I have a very small dog so for my dog I purchase very small treats that have all natural healthy ingredients and low in calories. I also give her Cheerios as treats. They’re low in calories and healthy. Shape doesn’t play into my purchase. The picture of the treats you make look incredible.

[Bethwill]

Shape would not matter to me at all, but I also don't give many treats, as I think they add unnecessary weight to a dog. I would be more interested in a healthy reasonably priced treat.

[gail swanson]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

Make them hard enough that they need to break them up to eat. My Cavalier is a food gulper. The treats at Woolf gangs are the perfect texture. Shape does not matter to her or myself,

[J1ceasar]

suggest you make the cookie with cutouts to shape like bones / paws etc and do the insert regularly. saves time .

[lovinganimals]

Lol yes those are treats! No sugar or salt in them but when my father is visiting he sneaks a few for himself lol!

[PugMom]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving a dog fresh food, kibble is not what’s best for dogs, or their teeth. It was manufactured for human convenience. It’s like feeding processed foods every single day, or you eating McDonald’s every day...your vets advice is not appropriate. Veterinarians are not really trained a lot about diet and nutrition. The large food companies (Hills, Purina) are involved with the actual information used in textbooks for Veterinary training, so they of course push that because of their profits. Actual feeding while at table of course can make the dog beg, but nothing wrong with cutting up some fresh/frozen cooked vegetables, green beans, broccoli, carrots, to eggs, lean meats etc to give a dog along with their food, on occasion or every day. They enjoy a variety too..Holistic Veterinarians are trained more specifically about importance of diet.

do you remember the great dog-food scare? everything was being recalled for killing pets due to melamine being used in the grains. during this time we made our own dog foods from a recipe our vet used. human grade meat, veggies, eggs & sweet potatoes went into every batch, & hubby had the most fun making it. the dogs rejoiced & we supplemented the diet with Vet-Tabs.

[kendi]

Shape does not matter to me or the dog. The only benefit I see is that bone shapes help to distinguish it from people treats. Seems manufacturer’s go out of their way to keep non edible foods from being accidentally ingested. ESP when it comes to children. Probably to avoid law suits.

[NoMoSno]

My dog will only eat a treat shaped like a cat...:)

[Two Bills]

Back in the bad old days, before animal convenience foods were invented, our house dogs survived on what we left, (which wasn't much) boiled veg peelings, stale bread, plus horse meat, whale meat, or offals if available.
Funny thing was, they were lean, mean, and unlike many dogs today, exceedingly healthy.
Most of todays dog troubles are from overfeeding, and processed foods.
JMTC

[DAVES]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

I do not own a dog but have in the past.

I've told dog owners that if I am reincarnated I want to come back as a Villagers dog.
Just in case, I do not want any bows or costumes. A stroller-come now. Oh and as to the rain. You have a weather report on the radio. You do not smell good when you get wet.

[Ajiveson]

I can guarantee you that while people will tell you logically shape doesn’t matter, it does sub consciously. It can also be the tie breaker when all else is equal. Look at your own sales for answers, what proportion are dog type shapes? Just look at the dog biscuits at the grocery store...they spend millions to tell them that answer.

[RuthB]

My dog is small (12 pounds). I look for healthy, lower calorie ingredients without additives. Your treat seems to have a chocolate chip in the center. You will find that many people do not feed their dogs any chocolate. They sure look tasty.

[Willow&Darla]

Shape doesn’t matter to me or my dog. Size of treat does, as she’s on a diet.

I agreed with Bjean on the shape but I do care about the size. Dachshunds are prone to gain weight. I avoid buying hard treats because they are hard to cut in half. I prefer soft treats so I can split in half for my two doxies.

[airstreamingypsy]

Neither my dog or I care about what treats look like, I care what's in them, he doesn't even care about that. He's a big dog, I got give two little dog treats at bedtime. No dyes. All natural. I make him treats sometimes, they aren't pretty.

[Tsalla Apopka]

Good ingredients and hold together well in your pocket and not be messy. The dog goes by smell.

[Joe Folker]

Nope, the shape doesn't matter as long as the treat is healthy and good for him.

[BAT777]

I buy either beef or calf liver and dehydrate in my oven for treats. They get crunchy and my 2 dogs and all the neighborhood doggies love them also!
Store treats are so processed ☹️

[DAVES]

I would like to know if shape plays into your decision to buy dog treats. I have a dog treat business and making bones or paw shapes takes 3 times as long as making simple flower shapes with a decorating tip. If you ordered treats, would it make a difference to you, as long as they were tasty and the dogs loved them?

I do wonder why you are asking. You should know what sells and what does not.
You are selling to people not to dogs. I expect milk bones are far less expensive than what you are selling. You are not the only one making these things. You really should visit competitors, see what they are doing, see what they charge. I know nothing about what you are doing. Perhaps, there are faster ways to do what you are doing.

[DAVES]

I buy either beef or calf liver and dehydrate in my oven for treats. They get crunchy and my 2 dogs and all the neighborhood doggies love them also!
Store treats are so processed ☹️

An idea for you. I'm sure you can find one. I had a plastic rack for drying fruit. At the time, I had a small garden and tons of raspberries and strawberries. A microwave is far faster,
less expensive to run and does not heat up your kitchen in the summer. You find used microwaves everywhere so you could buy one for this use only.

[DAVES]

I agreed with Bjean on the shape but I do care about the size. Dachshunds are prone to gain weight. I avoid buying hard treats because they are hard to cut in half. I prefer soft treats so I can split in half for my two doxies.


Simple solution to cutting hard stuff. I used it on pills. You buy a pair of pruning sheers
of the anvil type. I have one I bought new years ago. For your dog? Up to you, you can just clean a used one.

[skippy05]

I only give my dogs freeze-dried meat treats that are small in size. I would think most owners would steer clear of grains because of the calories and sugar/starch easily fattening the dog. You consider buying a Harvest Right (brand) freeze drier and going this route instead.

[Scott O]

do you remember the great dog-food scare? everything was being recalled for killing pets due to melamine being used in the grains. during this time we made our own dog foods from a recipe our vet used. human grade meat, veggies, eggs & sweet potatoes went into every batch, & hubby had the most fun making it. the dogs rejoiced & we supplemented the diet with Vet-Tabs.
Oh yes I remember...I had a sick dog from Blue Buffalo canned food...it was a real eye opener. We feed raw or dehydrated human grade food and also lots of fresh good appropriate foods to our dogs as well...we cooked our own for quite a while as well...good for you and your dog.

[Scott O]

Back in the bad old days, before animal convenience foods were invented, our house dogs survived on what we left, (which wasn't much) boiled veg peelings, stale bread, plus horse meat, whale meat, or offals if available.
Funny thing was, they were lean, mean, and unlike many dogs today, exceedingly healthy.
Most of todays dog troubles are from overfeeding, and processed foods.
JMTC
Your so correct! Dog kibble was made for human convenience...

[Scott O]

Scott....Do you know of a Holistic Veterinarian near The Villages? I am in the process of adopting a 6 year old dog and I would love to take her to a holistic vet. Thanks!
We had used one down in Brooksville several months back during the first part of Covid, she has her practice on a horse farm. It was nice because she allowed us to be with our dog during the visit, instead of this coming to your car and taking your scared pet inside without you. Can’t remember the name off hand but if you search it. There is a few others that are listed as Holistic in the area...if you search there is a state listing of Veterinarians who are practicing this. Good luck..

[lovinganimals]

My dog is small (12 pounds). I look for healthy, lower calorie ingredients without additives. Your treat seems to have a chocolate chip in the center. You will find that many people do not feed their dogs any chocolate. They sure look tasty.

This is not a chocolate chip as chocolate can be deadly to a dog. This is an unsweetened carob chip. I also use yogurt to decorate my treats, not " frosting with sugar".

[lovinganimals]

I do wonder why you are asking. You should know what sells and what does not.
You are selling to people not to dogs. I expect milk bones are far less expensive than what you are selling. You are not the only one making these things. You really should visit competitors, see what they are doing, see what they charge. I know nothing about what you are doing. Perhaps, there are faster ways to do what you are doing.

I am asking because I am not a big production. I make these out of my house, not in a warehouse or commercial kitchen. My treats have limited ingredients, no chemical preservatives but sometimes people want cute shapes, which take a long time to make. I enjoy making them but if I want to even just break even I need to make them quickly and I need people to buy them. Everyone here says quality is most important but you mention milkbones. Compare my ingredients ( peanut butter, whoke wheat or garbanzo flour, molasses, cinnamon, sweet potato etc) to the ingredients in the store brands. I started doing this when I went to buy my dog treats and sugar was in the ingredients! Even some chicken jerky has sugar..totally unnecessary. And chemicals as preservatives. But if I cant get people to buy them because they are not cute shapes or they prefer to buy ones from the store that has chemicals and sugar then I am wasting my time. So my reason for this post is to see what will and won't motivate people to buy. I do not have a store front so I am not in the same league as what you think is my competitors. I am an underdog just trying to have fun making great quality healthy treats and make back the money I spend on ingredients and renting tables at farmers markets. It can get quite expensive

[Eg_cruz]

I do wonder why you are asking. You should know what sells and what does not.
You are selling to people not to dogs. I expect milk bones are far less expensive than what you are selling. You are not the only one making these things. You really should visit competitors, see what they are doing, see what they charge. I know nothing about what you are doing. Perhaps, there are faster ways to do what you are doing.
Alway one in the crowd

[BAT777]

Thanks so much for the tip!

[BAT777]

Just keep doing what you are doing-home made is so much better.. I would think just the plain old dog bone shaped cookie cutters would work..They have the different sizes depending on the dog size..The important scenario are the ingredients. I'm pretty sure pet lovers here in the Villagers will agree..Fancy designs leave that up to the Stores that mass produce-may be cute but not necessarily the healthiest. :)

[lovinganimals]

Well, you all can see that quality is before anything else with me. These are carrot parmesan parsley and you can see pieces of carrot and parsley. And here are different sizes and shapes. My original photo has a carob chip in it, not chocolate as some people thought. Chocolate is toxic to dogs but carob is not