There is a lot of disagreement over gourmet dog treats. Some people believe that gourmet treats are all about appearances only and are a way for business people to get you to spend more money. On the other hand, some dog owners swear by gourmet dog treats, insisting they are of a higher quality and taste that their dog deserves. Consider the benefits and negative aspects of gourmet dog treats and decide if it is worth your money to buy them for your pet.

Artistic Creations in Dog Treats

There is no argument about the appearance of gourmet dog treats. Many are designed with care and detail. Shops that sell this type of treat often make them by hand, right down to the decorations. There are fun novelty shapes such as burgers and fries, or seasonal varieties that celebrate various holidays. Some are just plain pretty, with pinks, blues and other colors. Of course, the appearance of the treat is by far intended for the human rather than the canine. They can do wonders to dress up any doggy birthday party.

Fresh Dog Treats for your Pet

Since many gourmet shops make their own dog treats, you know you are buying a product that is only one step away from homemade. Some people prefer to offer this over a commercial treat that has been sitting in a bag for weeks or months before being shipped to the local super market. Technology has made packaging more air tight, so in reality, most treats stay fresh for most of their shelf life. Always check expiration dates before buying. Of course, with gourmet treats made by hand, you will not get an expiration date and have to take the clerk's word for it.

The Price Factor

Cost can be a huge limiting factor when shopping for dog treats. The difference is obvious between gourmet and commercial treats. You will pay far more per treat when you choose gourmet. For the same price as a large bag of commercial treats, you might be able to buy only two or three single gourmet treats. Depending on how often your dog is given a canine cookie, this could get very expensive.

Treat Shopping and Time
Most gourmet pet supply stores have limited hours and locations. That means you have to spend more time looking for them and may be somewhat restricted about when you can buy your dog's treats. Although for some people, this is easy to fit into their schedule, others may prefer the flexibility of buying from another, more accessible source.

Unique Gourmet Flavors

Gourmet dog treats are often designed with a vast selection of unique flavors you won't find at a supermarket or even pet supply store. These are usually 'designer' flavors with elegant names. In most cases, the names are intended to draw human attention. Most dogs appreciate a treat no matter what flavor it is, with a few exceptions.

Some pet owners prefer to go the middle route. They buy gourmet dog treats as a special reward, while keeping some less expensive commercially packaged treats on hand as well. Your pet will appreciate the variety. If you have the money to spend, then gourmet treats may be alright for your pet. However, make sure you know when the treats were made and what ingredients were used. Either way, your pet will appreciate the special reward he or she gets regardless of how much you spent or how fancy they look.