What’s the secret ingredient to a happy dog? A wagging tail and maybe, just maybe, that perfect, crunchy treat! We all love to spoil our furry best friends, but walking down the pet store aisle can feel like entering a maze. So many bags, so many ingredients—how do you know which treats are truly beneficial and which ones are just empty calories?
Choosing the right dog treats is more than just picking the tastiest-looking snack. Many owners worry about hidden fillers, artificial colors, or finding treats that suit sensitive stomachs or training needs. You want something healthy, something they will actually eat, and something that supports their overall well-being. It’s a common struggle for every devoted dog parent.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great dog treat, explore healthy ingredients you should look for, and help you match the perfect snack to your dog’s lifestyle. Prepare to become a treat expert and unlock the secret to guilt-free rewarding. Let’s dive into the delicious world of the best dog treats available today!
Top Dog Treats For Dogs Recommendations
- REAL BEEF FIRST: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are made with real beef for a taste dogs just can't resist
- A TASTY REWARD: Reward your dog for a job well done with delicious BLUE Nudges natural dog treats
- BREAK INTO SMALLER PIECES: Delicious, oven-dried and easy to tear, these natural dog treats are perfect for all breed sizes
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These healthy dog snacks contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 16-oz bag of Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats; Steak Recipe
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Contains one (1) seven pound box of small dog biscuits in 5 tasty flavors: beef, turkey, chicken, bacon and sausage
- Wholesome and tasty dog treats prepared with care and colored by natural ingredients
- Crunchy texture helps freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up, perfect for sloppy doggie kisses
- Vitamins and minerals (twelve to be exact)
- Bone-shaped deliciousness that makes dog life more fun
- 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
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Treats
Choosing the right treats for your furry friend can be tricky. Treats are great for training, rewarding good behavior, or just showing some love. This guide helps you pick the best snacks for your dog.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for dog treats, look closely at the package. Certain features matter a lot for your dog’s health and happiness.
1. Ingredient Quality
Always check the ingredient list first. High-quality treats list real meat, vegetables, or fruits as the first few items. Avoid treats where fillers like corn or soy are at the top. Real, recognizable ingredients mean better nutrition.
2. Treat Type and Texture
Dogs like different textures. Decide if your dog needs crunchy biscuits, soft chews, or jerky. Hard, crunchy treats often help clean teeth. Soft treats work well for older dogs or puppies with sensitive gums.
3. Size and Shape
The treat size must match your dog. Small dogs need tiny, bite-sized treats for quick rewards. Large dogs need bigger, longer-lasting chews. Make sure the size is safe; small treats should not be a choking hazard for big dogs.
4. Nutritional Needs
Consider your dog’s age and health. Puppies need treats with extra protein for growth. Senior dogs benefit from joint support ingredients like glucosamine. Dogs with allergies need limited-ingredient formulas.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The materials used in treats heavily affect your dog’s well-being. Focus on natural, wholesome components.
- Real Protein Sources: Chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb should be primary ingredients. These build strong muscles.
- Whole Grains and Vegetables: Ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, or peas offer good fiber and energy.
- Natural Preservatives: Look for Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or rosemary extract to keep treats fresh naturally.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all treats are created equal. Some ingredients boost nutrition, while others lower the overall quality.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Single Ingredient Focus: Treats made from just one item (like dried liver) offer clear benefits and are great for allergy testing.
- Added Superfoods: Ingredients like blueberries or flaxseed provide extra vitamins and healthy fats.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These offer no nutritional value. They are added just to look or smell appealing to humans.
- By-products: These are vague terms that often mean lower-quality meat parts.
- High Sugar or Salt Content: Too much sugar or salt can lead to weight gain or other health issues.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the treats. This affects the ideal packaging and durability.
Training Rewards
For quick, frequent rewards during training sessions, you need small, soft, and highly palatable (tasty) treats. Dogs should eat them quickly so you can move on to the next command.
Long-Lasting Enjoyment
If you need to keep your dog busy while you work or relax, choose durable chews, like dental sticks or rawhide alternatives. These treats should take a while to finish.
Portability and Storage
If you travel often, look for resealable bags that keep the treats fresh. If you buy in bulk, ensure you have an airtight container for home storage to prevent staleness.
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 daily calories. Use them mostly for training or special rewards, not as a meal replacement.
Q: Can treats cause weight gain?
A: Yes, they absolutely can. If you give too many treats, your dog will eat too many calories. Always account for treats when measuring their main food.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only necessary if your dog is allergic to grains. Many dogs thrive on healthy grains like oatmeal. Grain-free doesn’t always mean low-carb.
Q: What is the best treat for a puppy?
A: Puppies need small, soft treats that are easy to digest. Look for high-protein formulas designed specifically for growing dogs.
Q: How do I know if a treat is safe for my dog?
A: Check the ingredients list for harmful items like xylitol (a sweetener toxic to dogs). If you see any ingredients you do not recognize, ask your vet.
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include high-quality main ingredients, appropriate texture for your dog’s age, and the correct size for safe rewarding.
Q: Should I worry about artificial preservatives?
A: Yes. Artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT are linked to health concerns. Natural preservatives like Vitamin E are always the better choice.
Q: When should I switch treat types?
A: You might switch if your dog stops responding to a certain treat during training, or if their dietary needs change due to age or health conditions.
Q: What are the best materials for dental health?
A: Hard, abrasive, or textured chews that encourage chewing action are best for scraping off plaque. Always look for vet-approved dental treats.
Q: Are expensive treats always higher quality?
A: Usually, yes. Higher prices often reflect the use of premium meats and natural ingredients over cheap fillers. However, always read the label, as high price does not guarantee quality alone.