Does your dog’s tail start wagging the second you walk into the pet aisle at Target? We’ve all been there, staring at shelves packed with colorful bags of dog treats. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming! Target offers so many brands, from trendy new options to the trusted classics. How do you know which ones are healthy, tasty, and worth your hard-earned money?
Finding the perfect treat shouldn’t feel like solving a complex puzzle. You want something your furry friend will love, but you also worry about ingredients, allergies, and finding good value. Settling for the wrong treat means wasted money or a disappointed pup. That’s why we dove deep into Target’s treat selection to bring you the inside scoop.
In this guide, we break down the best dog treats you can grab on your next Target run. We will highlight top-rated chews, healthy training bites, and budget-friendly favorites. Get ready to discover treats that earn enthusiastic tail wags every time. Let’s explore the best bites Target has to offer your best friend!
Top Dog Treats From Target Recommendations
- 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.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS 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 minnows.
- 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.
- Puppy love at first bite! These Soft & Chewy treats bring all the feels - sweet, playful, and made to make your pup fall head over paws in love!
- These soft-baked 'B's are every doggy's favorite - from puppies, to picky eaters, to seniors with sensitive mouths, too! We baked a softer cookie with limited, natural ingredients perfect for pups looking for a chewier bite.
- Perfect for Everyday Treating: With just 10 ingredients (like oat flour, peanut butter, vanilla and rolled oats!) and only 14 calories per treat, you can feel good treating your favorite pup to this yummy recipe.
- Proudly Baked in the USA: We start each recipe with the highest quality (tastiest!) ingredients, sourced in the USA local to our bakeries.
- Our Promise: Wheat, corn, and soy-free recipes - and never, ever any artificial ingredients or preservatives. We keep our ingredient lists short, our batches small, and our ovens toasty.
- HUMAN-GRADE: If you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it? From the ingredients they’re made with to the kitchens they’re made in, our treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption
- ALL NATURAL: Our kitchen-crafted Essential Beef Savory Bites are made from quality, 100% all natural ingredients and free range beef raised on family farms; Tear open a bag for lots of doggy kisses!
- HIGH QUALITY INGREDIENTS: Truth is our first ingredient; We carefully cook our natural Essential Beef Savory Bites in small batches using honest ingredients like free range beef, cassava root, ground celery, and rosemary extract—never any by-products or waste
- NO GLYCERIN, GRAINS, CORN, WHEAT OR SOY: Our all natural treats are made from wholesome, healthy recipes; Every bite is free from fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors and chock full of real meat flavor
- U.S-GROWN BEEF: Full Moon treats are proudly made in the United States using regionally sourced ingredients, including USDA approved free range beef
- Contains one (1) 47-ounce bag of Canine Carry Outs Beef Flavor dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats
- Treats with the look and taste of real beef
- Fun shapes for an exciting treating experience
- Produced in Topeka, Kansas
- 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
- DELICIOUS BEEF HIDE CHEW: Good ‘n’ Fun Triple Flavor Kabobs are made from premium beef hide, savory chicken breast, delicious pork hide, wholesome duck and hearty chicken liver.
- GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Wrapped with premium cuts of real chicken.
- KABOB SHAPE: Treat your pup to a fun ‘n’ flavorful chew time with this kabob-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.
- CONTAINS: One 25-oz. canister of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy dog treats
- MADE WITH REAL BEEF & FILET MIGNON: Tender, tempting dog snacks they won’t be able to resist
- WHOLESOME AND TASTY: With 12 vitamins & minerals, like iron, zinc and B12, plus 18% protein
- EASY TO CHEW: Soft dog treats for dogs of all ages and sizes
- LOVED SINCE 1908: Produced in Buffalo, NY and Topeka, KS
Your Guide to Snagging the Best Dog Treats from Target
Target is a fantastic place to shop for your furry friends. They offer a huge variety of dog treats. Finding the perfect snack for your pup can be easy if you know what to look for. This guide will help you choose the best options available at your local Target store or online.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a bag of treats, check these things first. These features tell you a lot about the treat’s value.
- **Size and Shape:** Does the treat fit your dog’s mouth well? Small dogs need tiny, soft treats. Big dogs need chewier, larger options.
- **Purpose:** Are you training your dog? Look for small, high-value training treats. Does your dog need to chew? Then look for dental chews.
- **Treat Count:** Check how many treats are in the bag. This helps you compare prices fairly.
- **Freshness Seal:** Good packaging keeps the treats fresh longer. A strong seal is important.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the treat matters most. Always read the ingredient list on the back of the package.
What to Look For (Good Stuff):
- **Real Meat or Protein First:** The first ingredient should be something good, like chicken, beef, or salmon. This means the treat has real food in it.
- **Whole Grains or Vegetables:** Ingredients like sweet potato, oats, or brown rice offer good fiber.
- **Natural Preservatives:** Look for natural sources like Vitamin E to keep the treats safe.
What to Avoid (Stuff That Lowers Quality):
- **Artificial Colors and Flavors:** These add no nutritional value. Your dog cannot tell the difference between red dye 40 and a natural color. Skip them if you can.
- **By-Products:** These are lower-quality parts of meat. Choose named meats instead.
- **Too Much Filler:** Ingredients like corn or soy are often used just to bulk up the treat. They don’t offer much benefit.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Treat quality goes beyond just the ingredients. How the treat is made affects how good it is for your dog.
Quality Boosters:
Baked treats often hold their shape better. Treats made in the USA or Canada usually follow strict manufacturing rules. Treats with added benefits, like probiotics for digestion or glucosamine for joints, boost the quality significantly.
Quality Reducers:
Soft, moist treats might seem great, but they often need more preservatives to stop mold growth. If the treat crumbles easily into dust, it might be overly processed or stale. Very cheap treats often use lower-grade materials.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the treat. This changes what you should buy.
- **Training Sessions:** You need small, soft, easy-to-chew treats. Dogs often eat these quickly during high-energy training. Target carries many small-bite options perfect for this.
- **Long-Lasting Chews:** If you need to keep your dog busy while you work, choose rawhide alternatives, dental sticks, or bully sticks. These take longer to finish.
- **Special Diets:** Does your dog have allergies? Target stocks many limited-ingredient diet (LID) treats. These use fewer ingredients to reduce allergic reactions. Always check the label for common allergens like wheat or chicken.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Target Dog Treats
Q: Which brands at Target are generally considered high quality?
A: Brands like **Good & Gather** (Target’s own brand), **Wellness**, and **Blue Buffalo** often receive good reviews for ingredient quality. Always check the specific product label, though.
Q: Are Target’s store-brand treats (Good & Gather) good for my dog?
A: Many Good & Gather treats focus on simple, recognizable ingredients. They are often a great budget-friendly choice if you look for the options that list real meat first.
Q: How do I know if a treat is too hard for my senior dog?
A: If you can barely press the treat between your fingers, it is too hard. Look for “soft-baked” or “tender” labeled treats for older dogs with sensitive teeth.
Q: Can I find grain-free treats at Target?
A: Yes, Target stocks several grain-free options. However, remember that grain-free is not always better for every dog. Check with your vet if you have concerns.
Q: What is the best type of treat for bad dog breath?
A: Look specifically in the dental care aisle. Dental chews or sticks that have the **VOHC seal** (Veterinary Oral Health Council) are proven to help reduce plaque and tartar.
Q: Are large bags of treats always cheaper per ounce?
A: Usually, yes. Buying the larger package saves money over time. However, make sure your dog will eat them before they expire or go stale.
Q: What does “limited ingredient” mean on a treat package?
A: It means the treat uses only a small number of ingredients, often just one protein source and one carbohydrate. This is helpful for dogs with many food sensitivities.
Q: Should I buy soft or crunchy treats?
A: Crunchy treats help clean teeth slightly and stay fresh longer. Soft treats are better for training because dogs eat them faster. Choose based on your dog’s needs.
Q: Are Target treats safe for puppies?
A: Puppies need treats made specifically for them. Look for bags labeled “Puppy Formula.” Adult treats can sometimes be too rich or hard for growing stomachs and teeth.
Q: How should I store my new dog treats?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keep them sealed tightly in their original bag or a separate airtight container to maintain freshness.