Primal Raw's practical feeding guides

The many uses of dog pâté: from training treats to enrichment

Few treats earn their place in the cupboard quite like a good dog pâté. You can slice it into tiny training rewards, tuck it into a puzzle toy or spread a little over a lick mat, so one pack can do several jobs without needing a drawer full of different treats.

We especially like how adaptable it is. A firmer pâté is easy to cut into neat pieces for a walk, while a softer variety is handy for spreading or stuffing. Here are the ways to get the most from it, plus a few pointers on choosing and keeping it.

Why owners keep it handy

One treat, plenty of possibilities

The appeal isn't a miracle ingredient or a long list of promises. It's that dog pâté is genuinely useful in everyday life, and you can adapt it to what your own dog enjoys.

Cut itTurn a firm pâté into lots of small, tidy training rewards.

Spread itUse softer pâté on lick mats and suitable enrichment toys.

Hide itMake puzzle feeders and scent games more interesting.

Mix itAdd a modest amount to a meal for a change of flavour or texture.

Choose a dog-specific pâté and follow its label: different products have different ingredients, textures and feeding instructions.

Cut small training rewards that go a long way

For recall practice, lead walking or teaching something new, a treat that your dog is genuinely excited about can make all the difference. Many dogs find the meaty smell and soft texture of pâté especially appealing, although the real test is what gets your dog interested.

If you have a firm, sliceable pâté, chill it if the instructions allow, cut off a slice and dice it into pieces suited to your dog's size. You want a quick reward, not a chunk that takes half the training session to chew. For outdoor sessions, bring only what you need and keep the rest stored as the pack directs.

Our practical tip: Keep your most tempting treats for the moments that really matter, such as a good recall around distractions or successfully learning a difficult new exercise. That way, your dog has an extra incentive when the task is more challenging.

Make lick mats, stuffable toys and puzzles more interesting

Enrichment doesn't need to be complicated. If your pâté is soft enough to spread, press a thin layer into a dog-safe lick mat or suitable stuffable rubber toy. The dog then has something enjoyable to work at rather than simply swallowing the food in one mouthful.

For a firmer pâté, hide a few small pieces inside a puzzle feeder, a snuffle mat or an easy scent game around the room. Start with simple hiding places so your dog understands the game, then make it a little more challenging once they're enjoying it. Supervise enrichment activities and choose toys that suit your dog's size and chewing habits.

Dogs Trust recommends food puzzles, lick mats and other food-based activities as ways of giving dogs opportunities to explore and engage with their food. It's a useful reminder that a small portion of an ordinary treat can be turned into a much more interesting experience.

Add a little interest to mealtimes

A small amount of dog pâté can be crumbled or spread over a meal for extra aroma and a change of texture. It can also be useful when you want to make an unfamiliar bowl a little more inviting, without changing everything your dog is being fed.

If you're feeding raw, this is a treat or topper rather than a replacement for the meat, bone and offal variety and overall feeding plan you're already following. Some pâtés are labelled as complementary feeds, so check the individual pack rather than assuming every pâté is a nutritionally complete meal.

Keep it in proportion: Small amounts can be helpful, but treats and toppers still count towards the day's food. If you use plenty of them in training, allow for that when planning meals.

Make giving tablets a little easier

Some dogs can spot a tablet from across the room. A small piece of mouldable pâté may help disguise a prescribed pill, and a soft variety can sometimes be wrapped around it so the medication goes down with a favourite treat. Offer a plain piece first, then the one containing the tablet, and check that your dog actually swallows it.

Not every medication should be given with food, and some tablets must not be crushed or split. Follow your vet's instructions first; if you're unsure, ask before hiding a medicine in pâté. This simple trick can make medication time more pleasant when it is appropriate.

How to choose a pâté that suits your dog

There's quite a bit of variation between dog pâtés. One may be firm enough to cube, another will be more of a spread, and the meat or fish ingredients may differ. A short ingredient list can make it easier to work out what's inside, particularly if you're choosing around an ingredient your dog doesn't tolerate.

For dogs on a restricted diet, check every ingredient rather than relying on words such as “hypoallergenic” or “grain-free”. A single-protein pâté can be a useful option for some dogs, but it isn't automatically suitable for every allergy or veterinary elimination diet. If your dog is on a prescribed diet, check with your vet before introducing treats.

Complete food or complementary treat?

The label matters here. A pâté described as complementary is intended to be fed alongside other food, which is perfectly normal for a training treat. A product labelled complete has a different nutritional meaning and should only be used according to its feeding directions. Neither description tells you whether the pâté will slice neatly or spread well, so look at its texture too.

Prepare a little at a time and avoid waste

One of the best things about a firm pâté is being able to cut just a few slices for a walk or training session, leaving the rest for another day. A sharp knife and a suitable food container are often all you need. Softer pâtés can be portioned into a small container or used directly on a lick mat if the texture allows.

Storage instructions do vary. Some unopened packs can be kept in a cupboard, but once opened they may need refrigerating and using within a short period. Check the pack for its actual shelf life, refrigeration advice and whether freezing is suitable; don't assume all pâtés keep for the same length of time. Keep training portions cool and discard any that have been left out beyond the manufacturer's guidance.

A few common questions about dog pâté

Can dogs eat ordinary pâté made for people?

Choose pâté made for dogs instead. Human pâtés can contain ingredients such as onion, garlic or excessive salt, and onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.

Can I use pâté for puppy training?

If the product is suitable for your puppy's age and diet, tiny pieces can be handy rewards. Check the label, use appropriately small portions and make sure treats don't crowd out the main diet.

Can dog pâté be frozen?

Some varieties may freeze well, particularly for portioning or enrichment, but it depends on the product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for freezing, thawing and storage.

Is dog pâté meant to replace a meal?

Usually we're talking about using it as a reward, a topper or enrichment food. Check whether your particular pâté is labelled complete or complementary before treating it as anything more than an addition to the diet.