Most dog treats have a characteristic crispy texture. The unmistakable sound of a pup gnashing on a mouthful of crunchy crumbs can penetrate walls. But age-related dental problems can turn these treats into tribulations. Fortunately, there are soft dog treats for older dogs available.
Chewy treats provide a tender alternative to the classic crunchy options. Not only do they make perfect senior dog treats, but they are also great for younger dogs with dental issues, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and picky eaters. Join us now as we discuss the benefits of soft treats, where to buy them, and what ingredients to look for.
What Are Soft Dog Treats for Dogs?
Soft dog treats have a self-explanatory name. These are bite-sized treats with a tender and chewy texture rather than a crunchy consistency. They offer an alternative snack for dogs with sensitive teeth and gums. Soft chews break down fast for easy chewing and digesting.
Why Should I Choose Soft Dog Treats for Older Dogs?
You should consider soft treats for any dog who experiences chewing problems, which are especially common in senior pets. Common concerns like toothaches, tartar buildup, and gingivitis can make the teeth and gums extra sensitive. If your dog’s food is dry and crunchy, it could be difficult and uncomfortable for them to chew.
Painful chewing can make it difficult for your dog to eat enough food. They might start avoiding meals altogether to spare themselves the discomfort. Extreme weight loss is a major health concern for any animal. Soft foods and treats help your dog navigate any discomfort to stay well-nourished.
When should you switch from crunchy to soft treats? If your dog starts to experience dental issues, you should try offering them soft chews. Watch for the following signs of dental disease in your dog:
- Brown or discolored yellow teeth
- Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Excessive drooling
- Bloody saliva (also watch for blood in their water bowl and on their chew toys)
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty keeping food in their mouth
If your dog shows any signs of dental disease, you should take them to a vet as soon as you can for a proper evaluation. They may offer treatments such as antibiotics or medicated toothpaste if they think your dog has a serious issue. In most cases, the dog is simply dealing with age-related weakening of their teeth, which is no cause of alarm. In any event, you can offer your dog wet food and soft treats to help them navigate their discomfort.
Why Are Soft Treats Better for Older Dogs?
Many dogs develop dental problems as they age. Over 80% of dogs above the age of 3 suffer from periodontal disease (conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and jawbone). This makes age-related dental disease the most common health concern for domestic dogs.
If you own a dog, the odds are high that they will experience dental problems at some point in their life, especially as they get older. Don’t panic — remember that these issues are common, and vets have lots of experience treating them. A tasty treat with a soft texture can offer relief and improve your dog’s mood during strenuous times.
Age-related dental problems are most common among small-breed dogs. Many toy breeds are brachycephalic, meaning they have short, compressed muzzles. This is the result of human-selective breeding, and while it is responsible for the expressive faces of Pugs, Bulldogs, and Pekingese, it can also cause problems. Many toy breeds have dental issues because their compressed jaws are not big enough to fit all of their teeth.
If you own a large-breed dog that is either dolichocephalic (having a long muzzle) or mesaticephalic (having a medium-length muzzle), their teeth should all grow in normally. This reduces the risk of dental issues, but not entirely, so you should still be alert and watch for the aforementioned signs of dental disease.
Most dogs experience some degree of tooth or gum decay as they age. They don’t floss daily like you tell your dentist you do (wink, wink). Gradually switching from crunchy treats to soft chews or a combination of the two can help you keep up with your dog’s natural aging process.
Are Soft Treats Healthy For My Dog?
The answer to this question depends on the ingredients in the treat. Healthy treats contain all-natural ingredients, meaning no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They should contain fruits, vegetables, or real meat, not meat by-products or meal.
You’ll be giving your dog these snacks on top of whatever meals they already eat, so look for low-calorie treats. Avoid treats that contain high-calorie, high-carbohydrate ingredients like corn and wheat gluten. Even a healthy treat can’t replace regular meals, so be sure to give them to your dog in addition to a nutritious diet, not as a substitute for one.
Different Kinds of Soft Dog Treats
Every dog treat brand is slightly different, so let’s look at some of the factors you should consider when shopping for soft dog treats.
- Size: It’s best to get your dog bite-sized treats since these are much easier to chew and swallow. Larger treats need to be broken into smaller pieces, making a mess and causing trouble for your pup.
- Diet: If your dog has special dietary requirements, you should read nutrition labels carefully and ensure the ingredients are okay for your pet. You can find soft treats for dogs on many diets, including vegan treats, keto treats, and gluten-free treats.
- Therapeutic Ingredients: Many soft chews incorporate dietary supplements to support your dog’s wellbeing and target specific needs. You can find treats fortified with multivitamins, fluoride, and even CBD. What is CBD? We’ll tell you right now.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a natural chemical compound found in hemp plants. Don’t worry; CBD is not intoxicating, so it will not get your dog “high.” CBD has numerous therapeutic benefits for all animals, including our pet dogs.
CBD interacts with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that regulates numerous physical and mental functions, including:
- Immune response
- Mood
- Nervousness
- Memory
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Digestion
- And more!
A well-functioning ECS is essential to maintaining homeostasis, a natural balance of the body and mind. CBD supports the ECS, giving it many beneficial effects. These include:
- Relief from aches and discomfort
- Joint mobility support
- Better sleep
- Improved appetite and digestive function
- Increased skin and fur quality
Many senior dogs face issues with joint health and coat condition in addition to dental problems. Soft chews with CBD address all these issues at once. They are a popular choice for all pet owners, especially those looking to support senior dogs.
HolistaPet Soft Treat Flavors
HolistaPet carries two varieties of soft treats, specially-formulated to target unique concerns. Check out our CBD Mobility Chews and CBD Calming Chews to determine which is best for your dog.
Mobility Chews
CBD is an especially popular remedy for joint issues. Research indicates that cannabidiol helps to strengthen joints and reduce discomfort associated with age-related joint deterioration. Our CBD Mobility Chews add the supportive power of boswellia, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar, which are all-natural remedies for mobility issues. These treats have a smokey pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon flavor.
Calming Chews
The endocannabinoid system includes receptors in the brain that significantly impact mental wellbeing, especially distress response. If your dog struggles with nervousness, agitation, or hyperactivity, CBD can help calm them down. Our CBD Calming Chews are enriched with CBD, L-tryptophan, choline chloride, phosphatidylcholine, and chamomile to aid in naturally calming your pup. The delicious peanut butter and sweet potato flavor only sweetens the deal!
Why Choose HolistaPet Soft Dog Chews?
HolistaPet offers the highest-quality CBD treats to dogs of all ages, breeds, and needs. With wellness at the forefront of our minds, we deliver an exclusively organic product made from wholesome ingredients. By choosing HolistaPet, you ensure no synthetic elements or toxic additives invade your dog’s body.
When you purchase our products, you also support local hemp farms in Oregon and Colorado, working to provide premium organic products. It’s a decision you can feel great about.
As a thank you to our customers, we offer free shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase necessary. Don’t miss the chance to save big by signing up for subscriber specials! Every one of our CBD pet products comes backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Final Thoughts – Soft Dog Treats For Older Dogs
Dental problems are the number one health concern for senior dogs, so you shouldn’t be surprised if your dog faces them as they age. These conditions are typically mild, but they can be annoying, keeping your pet from enjoying crunchy food. We designed our Soft Chews to provide a way around this issue because every dog deserves a wholesome treat, no matter their age!
Soft treats aren’t limited to senior dogs, mind you. Dental issues are most common in older pets, but they can affect any dog. Soft chews are also great for young pups. They are smaller and faster to eat than crunchy alternatives, and this instant gratification makes them great training treats. Head to the HolistaPet store today to discover what CBD soft chews can do for your dog!
