Does your dog wag their tail just hearing the word “treat”? We all love spoiling our furry best friends, and a trip to Target often means a little something extra for them. But walking down that pet aisle can feel like a maze! You see bags promising everything from grain-free goodness to teeth-cleaning power. How do you know which treats are worth your hard-earned money and, more importantly, which ones your dog will actually enjoy?
Choosing the perfect treat at Target can be tough. Maybe you worry about ingredients, or perhaps you just want the best value. Finding that sweet spot between healthy, tasty, and budget-friendly can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We understand that feeling!
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the clutter. We are diving deep into the best dog treats Target offers right now. You will learn about top-rated brands, what ingredients to look for, and how to match the right snack to your dog’s specific needs. Get ready to become a Target treat expert!
Top Dog Treats At Target Recommendations
- CLICKER TRAINING: If you love clicker training than this is the product for you! The Coachi Target Stick is a key accessory for clicker training as it allows you to lure the dog into different positions.
- PUPPY TRAINING: Once the dog has learnt to follow the target you can easily direct him into position. Great for basic obedience like 'sit' and 'down' but also invaluable for more advanced tricks.
- TELESCOPIC DESIGN: The telescopic design makes it convenient to transport in a pocket or treat bag when not in use and gives flexible options when training: 15cm retracted, 70cm extended.
- LARGE TARGET: A 30mm brightly colored soft foam ball at the end of the Target Stick provides a clear visual guide for your dog to follow.
- EASY TO USE: Great for all dogs and puppy training, basic obedience and trick training. The Coachi Target Stick, also has a soft padded handle, which is comfortable to hold.
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- Soft dog treats made with real bacon as the #1 ingredient, delivering savory flavor and protein-packed nutrition. These treats for dogs use real meat—no bacon-flavored fillers or imposters.
- Soft & chewy dog treats ideal for training, daily rewards, and gentle chewing. Perfect dog treats for small dogs, senior dogs, and picky eaters, with a tender texture dogs love.
- Healthy dog treats for small and medium dogs made with upcycled sweet potato for gut-friendly fiber. Supports digestion while promoting sustainable, feel-good snacking.
- Soft chew dog treats that are grain free and made without corn or soy. High-quality protein supports clean eating for small, medium, and large dogs at every life stage.
- Healthy soft treats for dogs made with simple, honest ingredients. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives—just real nutrition in every bite.
- 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
- REAL BEEF FIRST: BLUE Bits dog training treats are made with delicious real beef as the first ingredient making them an ideal reward for your best friend’s best behavior
- SOFT TRAINING TREATS: For dogs that love a soft treat, BLUE Bits are tender, bite-sized morsels that are the perfect size for training; plus, with DHA to help support cognitive development, they’re an ideal puppy treat
- 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 Propylene Glycol and colors like Red Dye 40
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains: One (1) 19-oz bag of BLUE Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats, Beef Recipe
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Farm-raised American chicken is the #1 ingredient
- LESS FILLER: no added poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy; no added artificial flavors
- RESEALABLE BAG: Contains 12 ounces of chicken and waffle bites in a resealable bag for freshness
- FEEDING GUIDE: Feed as a treat, training aid, or reward for your dog; feed as a whole piece or break into smaller pieces
- TRY WAG DOG TREATS: If you like Blue Buffalo, Nutro, Merrick, or Natural Balance, we invite you to try Wag dog treats; packaging is transitioning and may vary from picture
- CONTAINS: One 36-oz. canister of Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s dog biscuits for dogs of all sizes
- 3 FLAVORS YOUR DOG WILL LOVE: Give ‘em dog biscuits with the tail-wagging tastes of beef, chicken and bacon flavors with other natural flavors
- WHOLESOME DOG TREATS WITH 15% PROTEIN: Five calories per treat and contains 12 vitamins and minerals, like iron, zinc and vitamin B12
- CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS: To help support healthy teeth and bones
- CRUNCHY TEXTURE: Helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Baby BLUE Training Treats are made with delicious real chicken as the first ingredient, plus DHA for cognitive development, making them the ideal reward for your puppy’s best behavior
- MEATY TRAINING TREATS: For puppies that love a meaty treat, Baby BLUE training dog treats are tender, bite-sized morsels that make them perfect for training
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats contain NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat and soy; Plus, they’re free of artificial preservatives and colors
- HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Blue Buffalo natural dog treats feature the healthy, wholesome ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats Natural Puppy Soft Dog Treats, Savory Chicken
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Dog Treats at Target
Target is a fantastic place to shop for your furry friends. They stock many different types of dog treats. Knowing what to look for helps you choose the best snacks for your pup. This guide will walk you through finding high-quality, safe, and tasty treats during your next Target run.
1. Key Features to Look For in Target Dog Treats
When you browse the aisles at Target, check the packaging for these important features. These details tell you a lot about the treat.
- Size and Shape: Treats should match your dog’s size. Small dogs need smaller, softer bites. Large dogs need chewier, tougher treats.
- Purpose: Does the treat train, supplement, or just reward? Training treats are usually small and soft for quick eating. Dental chews are often larger and textured.
- Freshness Seal: Look for bags that seal tightly. This keeps the treats fresh and prevents them from getting stale quickly.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list is the most important part of the label. Good ingredients mean better health for your dog. Bad ingredients can cause problems.
High-Quality Ingredients
- Real Meat or Protein Source: The first ingredient should be a named meat, like “Chicken,” “Beef,” or “Salmon.” This shows real nutrition.
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, or brown rice add healthy fiber.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for things like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) to keep the treats good.
Ingredients to Limit or Avoid
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Dogs do not need bright red or green colors. These add nothing good.
- By-Products: These are lower-quality parts of the animal. Choose named meats instead.
- Artificial Preservatives: Avoid BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin. These chemicals are sometimes used to make treats last longer but are not ideal for your dog’s health.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a treat is made greatly affects its quality. Some manufacturing methods keep more nutrients in the food.
Quality Boosters
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): Treats with only a few ingredients are great for dogs with allergies. Target often stocks LID options.
- Baked vs. Extruded: Treats that are slowly baked often hold their nutritional value better than those made through high-heat extrusion (a process that pushes ingredients through a mold).
- Added Health Benefits: Some treats include things like probiotics for gut health or Omega fatty acids for skin and coat.
Quality Reducers
- High Sugar Content: Treats loaded with molasses or corn syrup are basically candy for dogs. They offer little nutritional benefit.
- High Filler Content: If the first few ingredients are corn, wheat, or soy, the treat quality is usually lower.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat changes what you should buy. Think about when and why you are giving the snack.
Training Scenarios
When training, you need high-value, soft treats. These treats must be easy for the dog to eat fast so training sessions keep moving. Target has many small, jerky-style or soft-baked options perfect for this.
Long-Term Chewing
For keeping your dog busy, you need durable chews. Dental chews or harder biscuits work best here. These help clean teeth and satisfy the urge to chew. Always supervise your dog when they have a long-lasting chew.
Dietary Needs
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, choose grain-free or single-protein options found in Target’s specialty pet food sections. Always introduce new treats slowly to avoid tummy upset.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Treats at Target
Q: Are Target’s store-brand dog treats (like Good & Gather or Boots & Barkley) any good?
A: Yes, the newer store brands often focus on better ingredients, like real meat first. You must check the label, but they usually offer good value compared to premium brands.
Q: Where in Target can I find the healthiest treats?
A: Look in the main pet food aisle, but also check the end caps or seasonal displays. Sometimes, the organic or specialized allergy-friendly brands are grouped together there.
Q: Can I use training treats for everyday rewards?
A: You can, but training treats are usually higher in calories. Use them sparingly for daily rewards, or break them into very tiny pieces.
Q: What is the best size treat for a puppy?
A: Puppies need very small, very soft treats. They have sensitive stomachs and are learning to chew. Avoid hard biscuits initially.
Q: Do I need to worry about expiration dates on Target dog treats?
A: Always check the date. Stale treats lose flavor, and old treats can sometimes mold. If you buy large bags, store them in an airtight container.
Q: What if my dog has a chicken allergy? Where should I look?
A: Look specifically for “single-protein” treats, like pure salmon jerky or limited-ingredient sweet potato chews. These brands are usually stocked by Target.
Q: Are rawhide alternatives sold at Target safe?
A: Many rawhide alternatives (like dental chews made from starches or vegetable fibers) are available. These are often safer than traditional rawhide, but always monitor your dog while they chew.
Q: How often should I give my dog treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. They are snacks, not meals.
Q: Do Target dog treats contain artificial colors?
A: Many mass-market brands do, especially the brightly colored chewy ones. To avoid them, stick to brown, tan, or naturally colored treats.
Q: Can I return unopened bags of treats if my dog doesn’t like them?
A: Target generally accepts returns on unopened pet products with a receipt. Check their current return policy, as this can sometimes change.