What’s the secret to a wagging tail and happy dog eyes? Often, it’s a delicious, well-chosen treat! We all love to spoil our furry friends, but walking down the pet store aisle can feel overwhelming. So many colorful bags promise the best quality, but how do you know which ones are truly healthy and safe for your pup?
Choosing the perfect dog treat is more than just picking the tastiest option. Many commercial treats hide unnecessary fillers, artificial ingredients, or common allergens. Finding that sweet spot—a treat your dog loves, that supports their health, and fits your budget—can be a real challenge for busy pet owners.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for on ingredient labels, what makes a treat truly beneficial, and how to match treats to your dog’s specific needs, whether they need joint support or just a simple reward. Get ready to become a treat expert!
Top Dog Treat Recommendations
- Chicken First: Pur Luv dog chicken jerky treats are made with only whole proteins, featuring 100% Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Satisfying Treat: The chicken dog treats help to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to chew
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv chicken treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken Jerky for dogs is a high protein and low fat snack with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Pur Luv Chicken dog jerky treats satisfy your dog’s craving for real chicken and their natural desire to chew; dogs love chicken jerky treats and the flavor that comes from the real whole protein chicken breast, which makes Pur Luv treats so special
- Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
- The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
- Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe With Chuck Roast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chuck roast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Perfect Dog Treats For Daily Dental Care: Greenies natural dog teeth cleaning treats are crafted to support the 4 areas veterinarians check most: plaque, tartar, gums, & breath and are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Veterinarian-Recommended Dog Dental Treats: Greenies Dental Dog Treats are veterinarian-recommended dental treats for dogs that clean teeth and freshen breath
- Dental Chews For Dogs Fights Tartar: Including Greenies teeth cleaning dog treats into your daily dog dental care routine supports 47% less tartar accumulation and 40% less plaque accumulation in 28 days (Data on file)
- Clinically Proven Dog Teeth Cleaning Treat: This dog dental chew offers clinically proven dog dental care to help maintain your four-legged friend’s oral hygiene
- Unique Texture For Dog Teeth Cleaning: Made for a dog between 25-50 lbs., these Greenies dog treats have a unique design that cleans down to the gumline and positively balances the oral microbiome to help support whole-body health
- FRESH BAKED AROMA: Combining the savory scents of bacon, egg & cheese, this recipe is the next best thing to a bite of your breakfast sandwich
- MADE with BACON: BLUE Health Bars dog treats prove that a healthy treat can be tasty, too; with ingredients like oatmeal, bacon, and egg, these bars feature the ingredients you’ll be proud to feed your furry family members
- CRUNCHY DOG TREATS: For dogs who prefer a crunch, these dog biscuits are oven baked for a texture they’ll love
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats don’t contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free from corn, wheat, and soy; plus, they’re free from artificial preservatives like BHA & artificial colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Made with only the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals, Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- TRIPLE FLAVOR BEEF HIDE CHEW: Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Wings are made with premium chicken, delicious pork hide and long-lasting beef hide.
- GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Wrapped with premium cuts of real chicken.
- FUN SHAPE: Treat your pup to a fun ‘n’ flavorful chew time with this wing-shaped chew.
- SATISFIES YOUR DOG’S NATURAL URGE TO CHEW: The natural chewing action helps reduce tartar buildup and remove plaque.
- SNACK FOR ALL DOGS: Your dog is sure to love this truly delightful, long-lasting treat.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW BEEF LIVER DOG TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw dog treats are made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher cut beef liver.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried dog treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our dog treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Dog treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw dog food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and dogs with allergies!
- RAW DOG TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- NEW TO BLUE: Nudges are now part of the Blue Buffalo family; same great taste and healthy ingredients, now backed by the True BLUE Promise
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Nudges Jerky Cuts are made with real chicken as the first ingredient for a mouthwatering taste
- TAIL-WAGGING TEXTURE: Oven-dried and easy to tear into smaller pieces, these tender dog treats are perfect for every buddy
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods and treats are formulated with the finest natural ingredients, with no chicken by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives
- PACKAGING MAY VARY: Contains One (1) 36oz bag of BLUE Nudges Jerky Chews Natural Dog Treats, Chicken
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Treats
Choosing the right treat for your furry friend can be fun, but it also needs some thought. Treats are great for training, rewarding good behavior, or just showing some love. This guide will help you pick the best snacks for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for dog treats, look closely at these main features:
1. Treat Type and Texture
- Soft/Chewy Treats: These are easy for older dogs or puppies to eat. They work well for quick rewards during training.
- Hard/Crunchy Biscuits: These often help clean teeth as the dog chews. They last longer than soft treats.
- Jerky/Dental Chews: These require more chewing time. Dental chews are specially shaped to help reduce plaque.
2. Size and Shape
The treat size must match your dog’s size. A tiny treat is perfect for a Chihuahua. A Great Dane needs a bigger, more substantial chew. Always break large treats into smaller pieces for training sessions to avoid overfeeding.
3. Nutritional Value
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Look for treats that offer some nutritional benefit, like added vitamins or joint support ingredients.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells you exactly what your dog is eating. Good ingredients make a high-quality treat.
Protein Sources
The best treats list a real meat source as the first ingredient. Think real chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Avoid treats where the first ingredient is corn or wheat.
Natural Fillers and Binders
Many healthy treats use natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, or peas as fillers. These provide fiber and energy. Always check for natural preservatives like Vitamin E.
Things to Avoid
You should try to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT. Many dogs have allergies, so watch out for common allergens like corn, soy, or specific grains if your dog is sensitive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies widely between brands. These factors help you spot the best options.
High-Quality Indicators
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients often mean fewer chances of causing tummy upset or allergies.
- Source Transparency: Reputable companies tell you where they source their meat and other materials.
- Made in Reputable Countries: Treats made in countries with strict food safety laws usually have better quality control.
Low-Quality Red Flags
If a treat is extremely cheap, the quality is likely low. Low-quality treats often use meat by-products instead of whole meat. Excessive use of artificial coloring (like bright red or green dyes) signals lower quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat greatly affects which type you should buy.
Training Rewards
For fast, frequent training, you need small, soft, high-value treats. These should smell appealing so your dog focuses immediately. You can cut larger soft jerky strips into tiny pieces.
Long-Lasting Entertainment
If you need to keep your dog busy while you work or leave the house, choose durable chews like bully sticks or hard dental chews. These satisfy the dog’s natural urge to chew.
Health Management
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs to watch their weight, choose single-ingredient treats (like dried liver or dehydrated sweet potato slices). Always consult your vet before introducing new treats, especially for dogs with health issues.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Treats
Q: How often should I give my dog treats?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s total daily food intake. For training, give small treats frequently, but stop when training is done for the day.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free treats are important only if your dog is allergic to grains like wheat or corn. Many dogs thrive on healthy grains like oats. Always check with your vet.
Q: What is the difference between a training treat and a snack treat?
A: Training treats are usually small, soft, and easy to swallow quickly so training moves fast. Snack treats are larger and meant to be enjoyed slowly, like a reward after a long walk.
Q: Should I worry about expiration dates on treats?
A: Yes, always check the date. Hard biscuits last longer, but soft, moist treats can spoil faster, especially if left open in warm weather.
Q: Can treats help clean my dog’s teeth?
A: Some specialized dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup through chewing action. However, they do not replace regular brushing.
Q: What if my dog gets an upset stomach after a new treat?
A: This usually means the dog ate too much or the ingredients were too rich. Stop giving the treat immediately. If the upset continues, switch to very plain food and call your veterinarian.
Q: What are “high-value” treats?
A: High-value treats are the most desirable snacks, like small pieces of cheese or cooked meat. Trainers use these for very difficult commands or distracting environments.
Q: Is it okay to give my dog human food as a treat?
A: Some human foods like plain carrots or apple slices are fine in moderation. However, never give dogs chocolate, grapes, onions, or anything high in salt or fat.
Q: How do I choose treats for a puppy?
A: Puppies need very small, soft treats that are easy to digest. Avoid very hard chews, as they can hurt developing puppy teeth.
Q: Should I buy organic treats?
A: Organic treats use ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides. If you prioritize minimizing chemical exposure, organic is a good, though often more expensive, choice.