Mini sticks & horse sticks: small chew sticks for dogs
Mini sticks for dogs are thin, dried meat sticks that work well as a small snack in between meals and as a reward during training. Horse sticks are a little longer and sturdier and consist almost entirely of horse meat – which makes them a popular choice for dogs with sensitive digestion. Here you will find out how the two differ, which sticks suit small dogs and how many per day make sense.
Content: Mini sticks & horse sticks: small chew sticks for dogs
- What are mini sticks for dogs?
- What are horse sticks?
- Mini sticks and horse sticks compared
- Which sticks are suitable for small dogs?
- How many sticks can a dog have per day?
- Frequently asked questions about mini sticks for dogs
- Conclusion: mini sticks and horse sticks – small snacks with a big impact
Sticks and snacks made from horse meat:
What are mini sticks for dogs?
Mini sticks are slim, dried meat sticks about 10 to 14 cm long and 0.5 to 1 cm wide that dogs can chew and eat quickly. They are not a long-lasting chew but a small snack with a short chewing experience.
Composition
Our mini sticks come in several varieties, including horse, beef, lamb, rabbit and venison. According to the product information, they consist of 60% meat and 39% offal and carcass of the respective animal, plus 1% glycerine that keeps them supple. So each variety contains just one animal protein source.
Typical uses
- Snack in between, for example after a walk
- Reward during training – broken into small pieces
- Small chew snack for small dogs that find large chews too much
- Snack on the go, because they hardly crumble
You can find all varieties in the mini sticks category.
Using mini sticks cleverly in everyday life
Because mini sticks are so slim, you can easily break them into small pieces with your fingers. That way, one stick quickly turns into a handful of rewards for your walk. Many owners also use the sticks as a ritual, for example as a little bedtime snack or as a reward when the dog waits calmly on its blanket. Thanks to their intense meaty smell, mini sticks are very appealing to most dogs – ideal when you have to compete with distractions outdoors. If you alternate between varieties, the reward stays exciting without you constantly having to introduce new snacks.
What are horse sticks?
Horse sticks are dried chew sticks which, according to the product information, consist of 96% horse and 4% tapioca and are about 12 to 18 cm long and around 1 cm wide.
Properties of the horse sticks
The horse sticks are medium-hard, have little odour and offer a short chewing experience. With around 67% crude protein and about 10% crude fat according to the product description, they are rich in protein and comparatively lean. Tapioca acts as a binder and is a grain-free starch from the cassava root.
Why horse is interesting for many dogs
Horse meat is rather rare in conventional dog food. That is why many owners turn to it when their dog reacts sensitively to common varieties such as beef or chicken. You can read everything important about this type of meat in our guide Horse meat for dogs. You will find more chews in the horse category.
Mini sticks and horse sticks compared
Mini sticks and horse sticks differ mainly in composition and fat content: horse sticks consist almost entirely of muscle meat and are leaner, while mini sticks contain offal and are somewhat richer.
| Feature | Horse sticks | Horse meat mini sticks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | approx. 12–18 cm | approx. 10–14 cm |
| Width | approx. 1 cm | approx. 0.5–1 cm |
| Composition | 96% horse, 4% tapioca | 60% meat, 39% offal and carcass, 1% glycerine |
| Crude fat | approx. 10% | approx. 22% |
| Chewing time | short | short |
For dogs that need to watch their weight, the horse sticks are the better choice. The horse meat mini sticks, on the other hand, score with their hearty taste and their small, handy size. You can find an overview of all chew sticks under sticks and chew sticks.
Mini sticks in different varieties:
Which sticks are suitable for small dogs?
Thin mini sticks are particularly suitable for small dogs because they are slim, easy to chew and easy to divide – you can simply break longer sticks into pieces.
Tips for small dogs
- Portion: Break a stick into two or three pieces instead of giving it whole.
- Watch the calories: A whole stick counts for more with a dog weighing just a few kilos than with a large dog.
- Watch while eating: If your dog gulps its food, give smaller pieces instead.
- Mix it up: For pure training sessions, tiny snacks like the horse training snack are often more practical.
You can find more ideas for small four-legged friends in our article Training treats for small dogs and in the training snacks category.
Are horse sticks good for allergic dogs?
Horse sticks can be a good option for dogs with food allergies because they contain only one animal protein source and horse is a “new” protein for many dogs. What matters is that your dog does not already react to horse. During an elimination diet, all snacks should match the chosen protein source – it is best to agree on this with your vet. Our article Single protein snacks is also helpful. You will find more sticks from rare protein sources such as kangaroo or ostrich under hypoallergenic chews.
How many sticks can a dog have per day?
How many sticks a dog can have per day depends on its size and its other snacks – as a rule of thumb, all treats together provide at most about 10 percent of the daily energy.
Everyday guidance
- Know the snack budget: Roughly calculate how much energy your dog needs per day and set aside about a tenth of it for snacks.
- Include the sticks: For small dogs, one stick spread over the day is often enough. Larger dogs can have correspondingly more.
- Reduce other snacks: On days with sticks, other treats should be smaller.
- Check the weight: Weigh your dog regularly and adjust the amount.
What to look for when buying sticks
- Clear composition: The animal species and the proportion of meat, offal and other ingredients should be stated precisely.
- Nutritional values: Crude protein and crude fat help you choose sticks according to your dog’s needs.
- Few additives: Binders such as tapioca or a little glycerine are common, but long ingredient lists are not necessary.
- Suitable size: Length and width should suit your dog.
Our article How many treats per day? explains this in detail. Ideally, give sticks under supervision and always provide fresh water.
Sticks from rare protein sources:
Frequently asked questions about mini sticks for dogs
Which sticks are suitable for small dogs?
Thin mini sticks that are only about 0.5 to 1 cm wide are particularly suitable for small dogs. You can break them – and longer horse sticks too – into smaller pieces. This makes it easy to adjust the amount to your dog’s weight.
Are horse sticks good for allergic dogs?
Often yes, because with horse they contain just one animal protein source that is not found in many foods. The prerequisite is that your dog tolerates horse. During an elimination diet, it is best to discuss your choice of snacks with your vet.
How many sticks can a dog have per day?
That depends on size, activity and other snacks. All treats together should provide at most about 10 percent of the daily energy. For small dogs, one stick a day, divided into pieces, is often enough.
Are mini sticks a dental chew?
Mini sticks are more of a snack than a chew because they are eaten quickly. Harder chews are better suited for dental care and long-lasting occupation. Neither replaces regular tooth brushing.
How do I store sticks correctly?
Store the sticks in a dry, cool place and well sealed so that they do not become damp. Note the best-before date and check the sticks for smell and appearance before feeding.
Conclusion: mini sticks and horse sticks – small snacks with a big impact
Mini sticks for dogs are handy meat snacks with just one animal protein source that are perfect in between meals and for small dogs. Horse sticks are a little longer, consist almost entirely of horse meat and are leaner – a good choice for sensitive dogs and anyone keeping an eye on their dog’s figure. If you include the sticks in the daily snack allowance, divide them when needed and watch your dog while it eats, you have an uncomplicated snack for every day. In case of allergies or illnesses, your vet will help you choose.
Further reading on this topic:
- Kabanossi for Dogs: The Perfect Snack on the Go
- Training snacks for dog training
- Horse meat for dogs
This post was created with the help of AI
