Happy Dog Soft Snack Africa, 100 g are soft heart-shaped treats from the German brand Happy Dog. They combine a rare protein — African ostrich — with potato and contain no grain or gluten. According to the manufacturer, the recipe suits sensitive and fussy medium and large dogs and is recommended by vets for dogs with food intolerances. The treats contain no added sugar or preservatives, and the resealable pack keeps them fresh for longer.
Why ostrich
Food allergies in dogs most often develop to proteins they eat all the time: chicken, beef and wheat. Ostrich is a "novel" protein most dogs haven't tried, so a reaction is less likely. That makes ostrich treats handy for dogs on a hypoallergenic food — they don't undo the whole diet. Happy Dog also makes a dry food with the same protein: Happy Dog Sensible Africa.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | soft treats, hearts |
| Protein | ostrich 14%, potato protein |
| Protein / fat | 16.5% / 4.5% |
| Moisture | 14% |
| Taurine | 400 mg/kg |
| Free from | grain, gluten, sugar, preservatives |
| For | sensitive medium and large dogs |
| Weight | 100 g |
Ingredients
Vegetable by-products, ostrich protein (14%, dried), potato protein, hydrolysed liver, sunflower oil, canola seed oil, sea salt and yeast extract. Vitamins A and D3, taurine, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium and DL-methionine are added. For reading labels, see how to read pet food ingredients.
Pros
- A rare protein. Ostrich suits dogs tired of chicken and beef.
- Grain- and gluten-free. Potato instead of cereals.
- No sugar or preservatives. According to the manufacturer.
- A soft texture. Easy to break into pieces for training.
- A resealable pack. The treats don't dry out.
- Pairs with Sensible Africa. The same protein in food and treats.
Cons
- Vegetable by-products come first. Ostrich is 14%.
- Unspecified liver. The animal isn't named — important for a strict elimination diet.
- Contains sea salt. Don't overdo them.
- No calories on the product page. Count treats in the daily diet.
How to use them
Use the hearts as a reward in training, on walks or simply as a treat. The soft snacks break easily into small pieces, so one pack lasts a long time. Treats shouldn't exceed 10% of daily calories, or your dog will start gaining weight. Always keep fresh water nearby. More on rewarding your dog in training treats for dogs.
For allergic dogs
If your dog is on an elimination diet to identify an allergen, discuss any treats with your vet — even "hypoallergenic" ones. Since the liver's source isn't specified, on a strict diet it's better to use kibble from the main food as rewards. Once the diagnosis is clear and chicken or beef is ruled out, the ostrich hearts are a good way to treat your dog. More in hypoallergenic dog food.
Storage
Close the pack tightly after opening so the soft treats don't dry out. Store at room temperature away from sun and moisture. If the treats harden, they can still be given, but they're harder for your dog to chew.
Choosing treats
Training needs small soft pieces your dog can eat quickly; for keeping busy, choose long-lasting chews. Pick treats with clear ingredients and no unnecessary sugar. More in dog chews: how to choose and home-made dog treats.
Who it suits
Owners of medium and large dogs with sensitive digestion or intolerance to chicken, beef or grains, as well as fussy dogs. More treats are in the dog treats section.
Verdict
Happy Dog Soft Snack Africa are soft grain-free hearts with ostrich and potato, free from sugar and preservatives and handy for training sensitive dogs. They pair well with Sensible Africa food. The downsides are vegetable by-products as the first ingredient, only 14% ostrich and an unspecified type of liver.
FAQ
Which protein do they contain?
Ostrich (14%) and potato protein.
Do they contain grain?
No, the recipe is grain- and gluten-free.
Is there sugar?
The manufacturer says no sugar is added.
Which dogs are they for?
Sensitive medium and large dogs.
Can a small dog have them?
Yes, if you break the hearts into small pieces.
Are they OK on an elimination diet?
Check with your vet: the type of liver isn't specified.
How much does the pack weigh?
100 g.
