premio
/ˈpɾemjo/
The Spanish phrase for "treat food" is premio.
In the context of training animals, premio is the standard term used to refer to a small piece of food given to a pet as a reward. While the word literally translates to "prize", it is the standard way to refer to a pet treat in a training context.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɾemjo/
Did you know?
- The word premio is a doublet of the English word 'premium'. Both descend from the Latin word praemium, which meant a profit or reward.
- While premio is used for rewards, many Spanish speakers use the word chuche for pet treats. This is a shortened version of chuchería, which usually refers to candy or sweets for humans.
- Using premio to describe a pet treat in a formal or overly stiff setting can make it sound as if the animal is receiving a trophy at an awards ceremony.
Examples in context
- El pastel de chocolate que prepara mi abuela es un verdadero manjar.My grandmother's chocolate cake is a true treat.
- Tengo un antojo de helado de vainilla desde hace días.I've been craving vanilla ice cream for days.
- Durante las festividades, es habitual regalar chucherías a los niños.During the festivities, it is common to give children treat food as gifts.
- Dale un premio a tu perro.Give your dog a treat.
- Le daré un premio a mi perro.I will give my dog a treat.
- ¿Quieres comprar un premio para el gato?Do you want to buy a treat for the cat?
- El perro saltó para recibir su premio.The dog jumped to receive his treat.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are at a pet store.
- JavierSofía, ¿podemos llevar un premio para el perro?Sofía, can we take a treat for the dog?
- SofíaSí, busca uno que sea saludable.Yes, look for one that is healthy.
- JavierEste premio de pollo parece bueno.This chicken treat looks good.
- SofíaPerfecto, a él le encantará.Perfect, he will love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry premio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries premio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
