Whether you are training your doggie, playing with it, or simply want to cuddle up with it, a doggie treat is always a great tool to make your pooch feel appreciated and loved while also learning to associate what it has done with something pleasant, positive, and very rewarding. After all, they don’t call it positive reinforcement for nothing. Giving our dogs treats not only has a significant impact on their behavior and their relationship with us. It can also help in the promotion of optimum dental health. And if you’re ready to find out what the 15 best dog treats in the market today are, hold onto your seats as we’re laying them all out for you.
Key Takeaways:
- If your dog has allergies avoid treats with grains, fillers, chicken and beef.
- Always take into consideration the size of your dog breed as some treats are not suitable for smaller dogs.
- Buy the best quality ingredients.
- Avoid artificial ingredients, additives and preservatives.
- Consider calories, especially if your dog tends to overeat.
A Glance at Our Favorites
The 24 Top-Rated Dog Treats According to the Dog Owners
1 Best Overall: Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Beef Dog Treats
- Brand: Ziwi
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver
- Calories: 5.2 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Air-Dried
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
Bursting with flavor (beef, lamb, or venison), ZIWI Peak Good Dog Rewards Training Treats are nutritious and delicious. They are made from meat reared on lush pasture in New Zealand and have been handcrafted by a small team of dedicated and skilled operatives.
The artisan baking process uses an air-drying technique to seal in all the flavor and goodness of the natural product. The ancient method of preserving meats is just as effective today as it has always been. The beef used in the treats is totally free-range and grass-fed and has been reared without antibiotics or growth promoters. Green tripe is added to further improve the taste and aid digestion. The secret ingredient is green mussel which is the latest trending superfood.
Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Beef Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Salt, Parsley, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Special air-dried cooking process for optimum taste
- Free-range meat
- Quite expensive for the size
2 Best Dental: Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats
- Brand: Greenies
- First 5 Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Water
- Calories: 91 kcal/treat
- Breed Size: Medium Dogs
- Type: Dental
- Life Stage: Adult
You know you can trust a product that is recommended by veterinarians and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and that is what you get with Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats. They are made right here in the US from only natural ingredients. These treats contain vitamins, minerals, and loads of other nutrients. Not only are they good for your dog, but they also taste delicious making them a useful training treat. The highly soluble ingredients are easy to digest and gentle on your dog’s gut. An added benefit is that they freshen breath and give your pup’s mouth a deep clean – right down to the gum line. This promotes tooth and gum health.
Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Water, Powdered Cellulose, Lecithin, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium, Potassium Iodide), Natural Poultry Flavor, Choline Chloride, Fruit Juice Color, Vitamins ( Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source Of Vitamin E], Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Vitamin B5], Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid), Turmeric Color.
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
- Contains gluten
3 Best Jerky: Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Beef Jerky Dog Sticks
- Brand: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.
- First 5 Ingredients: American-raised Beef, Rice Protein, Spices, Salt, Sugar
- Calories:20 kcal/stick
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Jerky Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
Considered a best-seller in the dog jerky treats category, the Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky dog chew treats come with 6-inch jerky sticks made of delicious, tender, slow-roasted, and naturally-smoked chicken, turkey, or beef. The ingredients are sourced only from credible and reputable farms and blended only with the same secret family recipe that the company is known for through the years.
Each of these healthy dog treats is also guaranteed to never contain artificial ingredients or even allergenic fillers like gluten, soy, and corn. At any rate, your mutt won’t have any issues about having stomach upsets or any other symptom of hypersensitivity. Moreover, the sticks can be easily broken into smaller pieces so a single stick can go a long way towards satisfying your pet’s palate. The unique manufacturing process won’t leave smelly and oily residues on the hands as you feed these treats to your pooch. Rocco & Roxie promises to deliver only the best jerky treat for today’s dogs and it stands by this promise with a full guarantee.
American-raised Beef, Rice Protein, Spices, Salt, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Potassium Sorbate, Natural Wood Smoke Flavoring.
- Family recipe made in the US
- Gluten-free
- Quite expensive
4 Best Human Grade: Full Moon Chicken Jerky Human-Grade Dog Treats
- Brand: Full Moon
- First 4 Ingredients: Chicken, Organic Cane Sugar, Vinegar, Rosemary Extract
- Calories: 49 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Jerky Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
For owners who like to feed their dog the same quality food that they eat themselves, Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats are the obvious choice. All stages of the production of these treats meet USDA standards for human foods.
They are made from wholesome chicken breast muscle to provide 55 percent protein and are delicately flavored with organic cane sugar, vinegar, and rosemary extract. Because they are slowly cooked in small batches, the flavor is irresistible to dogs. They contain no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial ingredients.
Chicken, Organic Cane Sugar, Vinegar, Rosemary Extract.
- Made using cage-free chickens
- Human-grade dog treats
- Smaller dogs will need the treats breaking into bite-sized pieces
5 Best Dog Biscuits: Old Mother Hubbard P-Nuttier Dog Biscuits
- Brand: Old Mother Hubbard
- First 5 Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Fat, Crunchy Peanut Butter
- Calories: 34 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Peanut Butter, Molasses, Apples, and Carrots
- Type: Biscuits
- Life Stage: Adult
Old Mother Hubbard believes that today’s pooches deserve dog snacks that are prepared with love and passion. That is why they bake their Crunchy Classic using only the finest natural ingredients the company could ever find. What’s more, they have been doing the same thing for the past 9 decades, baking tasty and wholesome recipes for man’s best friend. The formulation is available in different sizes of biscuits and in various flavors, too, so you’ll have plenty of options to treat your mutt with.
For instance, its Classic P-Nuttier is filled with rich and creamy peanut butter and mixed with carrots, apples, and molasses before being shaped like a bone to make it a bit more interesting for any pooch. Don’t like peanut butter? How about Bacon and Cheese, then? Or perhaps a combination of eggs and oatmeal should do the trick? Whatever you choose, you can count on getting only the best tasty canine treats for your furry friends. Old Mother Hubbard prides itself on not using any artificial ingredients in its baked goodies. Treats that give you peace of mind for your pet’s health. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on dog-safe peanut butter treats.
Whole Wheat Flour, Oatmeal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Fat, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Apples, Carrots, Cane Molasses, Eggs, Maltodextrin, Salt, Natural Peanut Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- No artificial ingredients
- Multiple flavors available
- Too large for very small dogs
6 Best For Puppies: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Salmon, Chickpeas, Ground Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin
- Calories: 6 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Lamb & Salmon
- Type: Soft Treats
- Life Stage: Puppy
For those who prefer giving biscuits and similar stuff to their pooches, these natural dog treats from Wellness Natural Pet Food Puppy Bites should fit the bill. If you get its Soft Lamb & Salmon variant, not only are you ensuring a very safe, hypoallergenic protein source, you’re also giving your mutt the chance to improve its nervous system functioning as well as the health of its eyes. This is made possible by the salmon’s natural richness for docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. That said, it should also be rich in EPA for superb anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, leading to a boost in the immune system as well as optimum coat and skin health
It’s also rich in ALA, another omega-3 fatty acid courtesy of flaxseed. The Puppy Bites stakes its claim as the best treats for puppies by adding the superfoods sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, and carrots into its soft, chewy, puppy-friendly formulation. Like Rocco & Roxie, the Puppy Bites doesn’t come with allergenic grains, artificial preservatives, and unhealthy fillers. The treats come in puppy-sized bits so there’s no need for breaking them anymore. You get even portions with every treat-giving.
Lamb, Salmon, Chickpeas, Ground Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Guar Gum, Carrots, Cane Molasses, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Blueberries, Garlic Powder, Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Sorbic Acid (a preservative), Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Added superfood ingredients
- Small size for puppies and little dogs
- Only suitable for weaned dogs
7 Best Real Meat Treats: Rachael Ray Nutrish Turkey Bacon Dog Treats
- Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Dried Potatoes, Chickpeas, Gelatin, Sugar
- Calories: 34 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Turkey Bacon
- Type: Soft Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
Containing no grain or artificial flavors, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Meat Dog Treats are a wholesome way for you to treat your dog. There’s a huge variety of flavors so you will always find one that your dog will fall in love with. They contain high levels of protein and meat is always the main ingredient.
Larger dogs will love a whole one but you can break them into two for smaller dogs. There are no grains in the recipe making them suitable for dogs with grain allergies.
Take a look at our Rachael Ray Dog Food Review.
Turkey, Dried Potatoes, Chickpeas, Gelatin, Sugar, Tapioca, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Sunflower Lecithin, Sorbic Acid (a preservative), Paprika Extract, Citric Acid (a preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Rosemary Extract.
- High protein content
- No added grain
- Contains preservatives
8 Best Hypoallergenic: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Duck Biscuits
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids)
- Calories: 41 kcal/biscuit
- Flavor: Duck
- Type: Biscuits
- Life Stage: Adult
BLUE Wilderness is best known for creating canine treats and chows using highly novel proteins that are considered to be less allergenic than the usual beef, chicken, and lamb. If you don’t believe us, just look at the flavors they have for their Grain-Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats. They’ve got duck, alligator, salmon and venison, red meat, and turkey. The thinking is that, if you’re afraid of adding gluten and other allergenic grains in your doggie treat, then you should also be able to remove other common sources of allergens such as beef and chicken.
This projects a better understanding of what constitutes safer food for pooches. The Crunchy Biscuits feature only the finest, all-natural ingredients without having to resort to the addition of artificial preservatives, coloring, and even flavoring. What your mutt gets are the healthiest dog treats that come in naturally delicious flavors. This BLUE Wilderness product is enriched with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. But if you get its salmon recipe then you’re not only giving ALA to your pet, you’re also giving them EPA and DHA.
Duck, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Ascorbate (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Salt, Calcium Carbonate.
- Unusual flavors
- Grain-free
- Large size pieces
9 Best Diabetic: Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe Dog Treats
- Brand: Milk-Bone
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Soy Grits, Sugar, Corn Starch, Salt
- Calories: 24 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Soft Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
They don’t call it Soft and Chewy for nothing. Milk-Bone are dog snacks that are not made of milk, let’s get this straight. What it does contain is a premium quality real chicken meal to give it an exceptional protein profile. In case you don’t like giving your doggie chicken, then you can opt for its beef and filet mignon preparation. At any rate, you’ll be giving your furry friend something that she will truly love.
The Soft & Chewy biscuits can also be considered as diabetic dog treats for the simple fact that it contains a maximum of 2.5% crude fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals that are known to be important in glucose metabolism and in improving the activity of insulin in the canine body. Of course, these 12 minerals and vitamins are not only crucial in promoting healthy metabolism they can play a huge part in ensuring optimum functioning of the other organs as well. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on diabetic dog food.
Chicken, Soy Grits, Sugar, Corn Starch, Salt, Rice Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, Guar Gum, Natural Smoke Flavor, Lactic Acid, Garlic Powder, Potassium Sorbate (Used As A Preservative), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), BHA (Used As A Preservative).
- Packed full of essential nutrients and vitamins
- Made with premium quality chicken
- Contains soy
10 Best Low-Fat: Best Bully Sticks Natural Cow Ear Dog Chews
- Brand: Best Bully Sticks
- Ingredients: Natural Cow Ear
- Breed Size: Large Dogs
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Dog Chews
- Life Stage: Adult
If you’re after low-fat dog treats that don’t only taste great but are also fully digestible, then Best Bully Sticks’ Prime Thick-Cut Cow Ear Dog Chews is the one to get. You’ve read that right. These doggie chews are made only of cow ears, sourced from cattle that have been fed exclusively with grass and grown in a free-range style of livestock farming. Adding to its safety profile is its FDA and USDA certification. Each cow ear is meticulously inspected and evaluated by hand before these are eventually minimally processed to become one of the best canine treats for dogs
Technically, it is not just any ordinary treat; it’s a dog chew that can help in promoting healthier dentition and gums in pooches while also giving them fresher breath. And since the Bully Sticks are made of only a single ingredient – that is cow’s ears – then you can feel a lot more secure about its safety. This makes it even easier to digest, too. You don’t even have to worry about its fat content as cow’s ears don’t have high-fat content. The downside? Well, it’s pricier than most. But hey, if you want a safer and healthier alternative to rawhide, then the price is all worth it.
Natural Cow Ear.
- Naturally low in fat
- Minimally processed cow ears
- More expensive than conventional treats
11 Nudges Natural Dog Treats
- Brand: Nudges
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef (Includes Steak), Chicken, Ground Rice, Vegetable Glycerin, Sugar
- Breed Size: All Breed Sizes
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Jerky Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
Who doesn’t love grilled food? There is no reason for your dog to miss out so you can get them the Nudges Natural Dog Treats Grillers Made with Real Steak. These delicious treats have been inspired by the irresistible taste of grilled meat
The main ingredient is beef from right here in the US and they are made up of 16 percent protein. You’ll also find chicken and ground rice on the list of ingredients. These treats do not contain any corn, wheat, or soy and have no added artificial flavors or preservatives. The good news for owners of dogs with delicate digestions and allergies is that they also do not contain any animal by-products.
Beef (Includes Steak), Chicken, Ground Rice, Vegetable Glycerin, Sugar, Natural Flavors, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Colored with Paprika and Caramel.
- Made with real USA beef steak
- Grain-free
- Shorter shelf life than other dried treats
12 Wellness Rewarding Life Chicken & Lamb Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Lamb, Chickpeas, Ground Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin
- Calories: 12 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Lamb & Chicken
- Type: Soft Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
The Wellness Rewarding Life makes for exceptional gourmet dog treats primarily for its integration of two meat protein sources in every preparation. It is available in a combination of beef and turkey, lamb and salmon, chicken and venison, turkey and duck, and chicken and lamb, giving you amazing versatility in what you’re giving as a delicacy to your pet canine. Each preparation follows the same signature formulation and processing that Wellness Natural Pet Food is known for, using only the finest, natural, and premium quality ingredients sans unhealthy fillers and other ingredients.
The superfoods sweet potatoes and blueberries are added. At the same time, flaxseed is blended into the mix to give the Wellness Rewarding Lifean exceptional omega-3 fatty acid profile, although this is more related to its ALA content. If you want a more extensive omega-3 formulation, you might want to stick with its salmon variant, as this contains DHA and EPA, too, for more health-giving benefits. Regardless, if you’re unhappy with your purchase, you can always rely on the Wellness Guarantee to give you a full refund.
Chicken, Lamb, Chickpeas, Ground Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Guar Gum, Carrots, Cane Molasses, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Blueberries, Garlic Powder, Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Sorbic Acid (a Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Gourmet dog treats made in a variety of flavors
- Made without fillers
- May need cutting smaller for training
13 Good’N’Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs For Dogs
- Brand: Good ‘n’ Fun
- First 5 Ingredients: Beefhide, Chicken, Pork Hide, Duck, Wheat Flour
- Calories: 55 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Beef, Chicken & Pork
- Type: Dog Chews
- Life Stage: Adult
For a natural treat that dogs simply can’t resist, you cannot do better than Good’N’Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs for Dogs. These unique treats are totally delicious and will fulfill your dog’s natural desire to chew – just as they would in the wild. They are made with three different types of meat – chicken, duck, and liver
The tasty bites are held together with delicious pork hide and premium rawhide. Not only are they a great source of protein, but the chewing action is also beneficial for your dog’s teeth.
Beefhide, Chicken, Pork Hide, Duck, Wheat Flour, Glycerin, Chicken Liver, Garlic Powder, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6, FD&C Blue #1.
- Made using chicken, beef, pork and duck
- Good source of protein
- Contains gluten
14 Farmland Traditions Dogs Love Chicken Jerky Treats
- Brand: Farmland
- Ingredients: Chicken & Vegetable Glycerin
- Calories: 25 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Jerky Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
Made from chicken raised in the US, Farmland Traditions Dogs Love Chicken Premium Jerky Treats for Dogs even have an antibiotic-free option. They are made from the lean chicken breast that has been oven-dried to retain all the flavor and goodness. They are suitable for all breeds but small dogs will require fewer treats.
This training treat is low in fat and calories and has no soy, wheat, corn, or fillers. They contain 60 percent protein for muscle development and growth.
Chicken, Vegetable Glycerin.
- Perfect for dogs with allergies
- Made from 100% USA chicken
- May need to be made smaller for little dogs
15 Hill’s Natural with Real Chicken Soft & Chewy Training Dog Treats
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Oats, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Glycerin
- Calories: 3.47 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Soft Chews
- Life Stage: Adult
They say that if it’s from Hill’s Science Diet, then you can only expect a product of the highest possible quality and safety. Specially designed for training purposes as part of your positive reinforcement methodology, the Soft & Chewy Training Treats come with precision-balanced nutrients using only the highest quality all-natural ingredients. These healthy dog treats are rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins and none of the artificial ingredients that scare a lot of folks.
It also includes wholesome healthy grains as well as fruits and veggies in its preparation to really make sure your pooch gets the healthiest snack it could possibly get while training. The Soft & Chewy Training Snacks come in a triangular shape, unlike the more common squarish or even rectangular form. Hill’s Science has the full backing of the scientific community and guarantees the quality and safety of its products, or you get your money back without questions.
For more information on the brand, check out our Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food Review.
Chicken, Whole Grain Oats, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Glycerin, Dextrose, Flaxseed, Water, Cane Molasses, Chicken Fat, Pork Gelatin, Citric Acid for freshness, Chicken Liver Flavor, Salt, Chicken Flavor, Natural Flavors, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Rosemary Extract.
- High-quality dog treat made with balanced ingredients
- Rich in protein
- Contains gluten
16 Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free Soft & Chewy with Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Brand: Buddy Biscuits
- First 5 Ingredients: Pea Flour, Peanut Butter, Potato Flour, Tapioca Starch, Chickpea Flour
- Calories: 8 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Peanut Butter
- Type: Soft Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
Made of peanut butter, chickpeas, and potatoes as well as a handful of other natural ingredients, the Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits wants you to believe that it is the healthiest dog treats for the simple reason that it doesn’t contain animal sources which can be quite allergenic especially beef and chicken. Adding to its hypoallergenic claim is the exclusion of gluten, soy, corn, and wheat from its preparation, ensuring that your mutt’s tummy won’t be upset every time it nibbles on one of these snack bites
The Buddy Biscuits are marketed as low-calorie and low-fat snacks for doggies, laying claim that they can be exceptional diabetic dog treats. While it is definitely low-fat, its protein content is quite low, too. Good thing it is only meant as a snack, otherwise, your pooch will be suffering immensely from the Buddy Biscuits’ low protein and low-fat content.
Pea Flour, Peanut Butter, Potato Flour, Tapioca Starch, Chickpea Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Ground Flaxseed, Phosphoric Acid, Maple Syrup, Xanthan Gum, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
- Perfect for dogs who love peanut butter
- Cute design
- Low in protein
17 Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Meatballs Dog Treats
- Brand: Milo’s Kitchen
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Soy Grits, Beef, Sugar, Glycerine
- Calories: 27 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Meatballs
- Life Stage: Adult
Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats are the perfect answer if your dog is a huge fan of homemade treats, but you don’t have the time to make them. They are made with 100 percent chicken as the primary ingredient giving a 20 percent minimum in protein. You will find no artificial colors or flavors in this recipe and no meat by-products which can trigger allergies. Break them up into pieces to feed them to your dog to supplement a balanced diet
Chicken, Soy Grits, Beef, Sugar, Glycerine, Textured Soy Protein Product, Salt, Monoglyceride, Garlic Powder, Propylene Glycol, Sorbic Acid (Used As A Preservative), Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Natural Smoke Flavor, BHA (Used As A Preservative), Onion Extract.
- No artificial colorings or flavorings
- Main ingredient is 100% chicken
- May need to be broken up for smaller dogs
18 Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Tender Beef Recipe Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Cane Sugar, Potatoes
- Calories: 4 kcals/bit
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Soft-Moist Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
For dogs that prefer a moist training treat, you can’t go wrong with the Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats. They come in a range of flavors to suit all canine tastes but the beef option contains pure beef as the primary ingredient.
These delicious bite-sized chunks also contain DHA to support healthy brain development and help your dog’s cognitive abilities. They contain no meat by-products and no red dye so they will not irritate delicate digestion. The recipe also contains flaxseed to provide omega oils to keep your dog’s coat in the best condition. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Tender Beef Recipe Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats is one of 10 dog food recipes included in our Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review.
Beef, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Cane Sugar, Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Pea Protein, Flaxseed (Source Of Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Water, Natural Flavor, Salt, Fish Oil (Source Of Dha-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Natural Smoke Flavor, Dried Cultured Milk, Preserved With Lactic Acid And Mixed Tocopherols, Oil Of Rosemary.
- Soft treats perfect for smaller dogs
- Contains DHA for a healthy nervous system
- Contains filler
19 Active Chews Advanced Hip & Joint Support Dog Supplement
- Brand: Active Chews
- Active Ingredients: Glucosamine HCL, MSM, Chondroitin Sulfate, Turmeric, Vitamin E, Yucca Schidigera, Vitamin C, Black Pepper
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Hip & Joint Supplement
- Life Stage: Senior
If you’ve got an aging mutt or perhaps an adult pooch that is diagnosed with impaired mobility secondary to articular problems, then you might want to start it on the Active Chews’ Premium Hip and Joint canine treats. It contains three of the most useful substances when it comes to articular or joint health: methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Technically, this is best classified as a joint health supplement, but its unique formulation that also includes yucca, turmeric, flaxseed, oats, and rice bran means that it can double as dog chew treats, too. We’re just concerned about its chicken as it only comes in the form of natural flavoring and not really chicken meat itself. This somehow strengthens the notion that, while it is labeled as dog treats, it is best classified as a supplement for optimum joint health
You simply cannot use this as a doggie snack for training purposes or as positive reinforcement. For example, you can only give a maximum of 1 chew every day for a pooch that weighs no more than 30 pounds. Nevertheless, dog joint supplements like these should be a welcome addition to your array of doggie chow so you’re better equipped to manage their particular issues.
Active Ingredients (Per 2-4 gram chews)
| GLUCOSAMINE HCL | 1000 mg |
| MSM | 500 mg |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 200 mg |
| TURMERIC | 150 mg |
| VITAMIN E | 80 IU |
| YUCCA SCHIDIGERA | 60 mg |
| VITAMIN C | 40 mg |
| BLACK PEPPER | 30 mg |
Glucosamine HCL, MSM, Chondroitin Sulfate, Turmeric, Vitamin E, Yucca Schidigera, Vitamin C, Black Pepper.
Other Ingredients: Flaxseed Meal, Natural Chicken Flavoring, Oat Flour, Palm Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Rice Bran, Rice Flour, Sorbic Acid, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Oil.
- Health supplement for senior dogs
- Made with natural ingredients
- Only suitable for senior dogs
20 Cloud Star Chewy Tricky Trainers Liver Flavor Dog Treats
- Brand: Cloud Star
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Liver, Chickpea Flour, Potato Flour, Natural Flavored Maple Syrup, Tapioca Starch
- Calories: 3 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken Liver
- Type: Soft Chews
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
Looking for some super-tasty but natural and healthy treats for your pup? Give Cloud Star Tricky Trainers a try. Made of natural ingredients, with real chicken liver for that amazing taste, these treats are packed with protein (10%) but are not high in calories (3 calories per treat) – delicious and perfect for both training and the occasional indulgence. Because they have a soft and chewy texture, they’re suitable not only for puppies and adult dogs but seniors too, as munching on these doesn’t require sharp teeth.
They’re also quite small in size, which is a plus for small breed dogs. And if you (because we doubt your dog will!) get tired of the liver flavor? No worries, these come in three more delicious tastes: cheddar, salmon, and peanut butter. There’s also the grain-free liver flavor for dogs sensitive to grains.
Chicken Liver, Chickpea Flour, Potato Flour, Natural Flavored Maple Syrup, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Glycerine, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Ground Peas, Gelatin, Natural Smoke Flavor, Phosphoric Acid, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
- Low calorie treat, perfect for diets
- Suitable for all dog breeds
- Contains filler
21 Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Cheddar Cheese Flavor Cookies Dog Treats
- Brand: Castor & Pollux
- First 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley
- Calories: 8 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Cheddar Cheese
- Type: Cookies
- Life Stage: Adult
Made of organic, healthy ingredients, the Organix Castor & Pollux Dog Cookies with cheddar cheese flavor are the perfect treats for any young, old, or adult pup. Some of the ingredients found here include organic chicken, peas, brown rice, oats, barley, and flaxseed, which help make each treat high in protein and healthy fats. That said, each treat also contains 8 calories, which can add up if your pup is already overweight. This can easily be avoided if you’re mindful about treat-feeding though.
It helps that the treats are crunchy and easy to break, so you can feed half (or even a quarter) a treat instead of a whole one if overfeeding is an issue. Because they’re packed with delicious ingredients, the Organix Castor & Pollux cookies are ideal for training and rewarding good behavior – most dogs go crazy for the cheddar cheese flavor, but if your pup is more of a chicken type, that’s available too.
Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Chicken Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E) Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Organic Dried Cheddar Cheese, Organic Flaxseed, Rosemary Extract.
- 100% organic treat
- Low in fat
- Might not be suitable for allergies
22 Purina Waggin Train Chicken Jerky Tenders Dog Treats
- Brand: Purina
- Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Vegetable Glycerin
- Calories: 45 kcal/piece
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Jerky Treats
- Life Stage: Adult
With just two natural ingredients, chicken and vegetable glycerin, you know exactly what you are giving your dog when you feed them Purina Waggin Train Chicken Jerky Tenders. There are no added artificial colors or flavorings and no corn, wheat, or soy making them suitable for dogs who are allergic to these ingredients.
Dogs love the natural flavor and chewy texture that satisfies their natural desire to chew. These treats can be fed as a supplement to a balanced diet according to the size of your dog.
Chicken Breast, Vegetable Glycerin.
- Hypoallergenic dog snack
- Chewy texture that dogs naturally love
- Contains vegetable glycerin
23 Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Training Treats
- Brand: Pupford
- Ingredients: Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Mixed Tocopherols
- Calories: less than 1 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Beef
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Life Stage: Adult
These Freeze-Dried Training Treats for Dogs are a delicious way to reward your dog for good behavior. They contain just three ingredients – the main ingredient can be chicken, liver, rabbit, salmon, or sweet potato. Because each treat is just one calorie, you can use them repeatedly for training sessions. These are classed as high-value treats and are sure to get your pup’s attention but are not as messy as carrying fresh meat around with you!
The ingredients provide plenty of protein and have been freeze-dried to retain all their goodness. The moisture content is very low so you are only paying for the treat – not extra water! For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of Freeze-Dried Dog Food.
Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Mixed Tocopherols (natural Antioxidant).
- Low calorie snack, perfect for training
- Freeze-dried to preserve flavor & goodness
- Hard to break
24 Pedigree DENTASTIX Triple Action
- Brand: Pedigree
- Breed Size: Large Breed
- Calories: Original – 76 kcal/treat; Fresh – 65 kcal/treat; Beef -76 kcal/treat
- Flavor: Chicken, Beef & Mint
- Type: Dental Treat
- Life Stage: Adult
For fresh breath and clean teeth, give your dog this Pedigree DENTASTIX Treats – specially designed for larger dogs. They are clinically proven to prevent the build-up of plaque and keep gums healthy. They contain rice flour and wheat starch as well as a full range of vitamins and minerals.
The protein content is 8 percent and your dog needs just one of these a day to help with dental health. Luckily, dogs love the texture and taste. Here’s a detailed look at Pedigree Dog Food.
Original Ingredients:
Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Corn Flour, Glycerin, Natural Flavor, Gum Arabic, Chicken, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Soy Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Powdered Cellulose, Gelatin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Smoke Flavor, Zinc Sulfate
Beef Flavor Ingredients:
Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Corn Flour, Glycerin, Natural Flavor, Gum Arabic, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Soy Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Powdered Cellulose, Gelatin, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Zinc Sulfate, Natural T-Bone Steak Flavor (Source of Beef Flavor)
Fresh Ingredients:
Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Corn Flour, Glycerin, Natural Flavor, Gum Arabic, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Soy Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Powdered Cellulose, Gelatin, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate (A Preservative), Natural Peppermint Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Green Tea Extract, Eucalyptus Oil, Blue 2, Yellow 5
- Keeps teeth & gums super healthy
- Added vitamins
- Not suitable for smaller breeds
Best Treats for Dogs: Buying Guide
Buying a doggie treat should not be difficult. While we already shared 15 of the best dog treats today, you can still look for a more appropriate one for your mutt. Here are some tips for picking the best treats for your pooch.
Always go for products that are manufactured in reputable countries. It is also important to look at the reputation of the company producing it. So, given a US-made and a Chinese-manufactured product, you’ll be better off with a US-made doggie treat.
Check the nutrient content and ensure no added artificial ingredients are in it. Also, determine if the preparation carries the right proportions of protein, carbs, fats, and even moisture. Most of these preparations will be in dry form, so if you’ve got a pooch that rarely drinks, you might want a product with significantly higher moisture.
As for the presence or absence of gluten and other grains, science has shown that these are no more allergenic than chicken and beef. So, if you’re worried about allergenic grains, ensure you stay away from chicken and beef.
Consider the calories of the product. This is very important since you will ensure that the number of treats you give will not comprise more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. Otherwise, you risk your dog developing obesity and diabetes.
Choose the type of treat that your mutt will enjoy. Some come in the form of dry kibbles, while others are styled like cookies or biscuits. Some also come as meaty treats or jerkies.
You’ll also need Dog Treat Pouches & Bags – Check out our top picks!
What to Consider When Buying Treats for Dogs
When it comes to purchasing doggie delicacies, it is imperative that you have a very clear understanding of what you are looking for. Pet owners often buy products for their pups only to feel sorry afterward simply because the product they bought is not right. To help you avoid making the same mistake, here are some things you have to consider whenever you’re out choosing and buying treats for your pooch.
Objective or Purpose for Giving the Treat
The reason for giving a delicacy or a snack to your pooch is also a very important consideration. Understand that there are several types of treats, which can vary depending on their purpose alone.
If you need a canine delicacy specifically for positive reinforcement, such as during obedience training or behavioral training, you may have to get smaller-sized bits that are truly flavorful. You want your mutt to learn to associate the desired behavior or performance of the desired action with something pleasurable. Suppose the snack is not palatable or delicious. How can you expect mutts to perform the desired action over and over when what they learn is to associate the doing of the action with something not delicious? As such, you must ensure it is a “treat”.
Suppose your purpose is to provide supplementation to treat or manage a particular health condition, for example, hip dysplasia or arthritis. In that case, you must choose something with more specific ingredients specially formulated for relieving symptoms associated with these conditions. You can look at these more like nutrient or food supplements that need to be taken in measured doses as specified by the manufacturer.
If you want to promote optimum oral and dental health for your mutt, freshen up its breath, prevent the buildup of tartar or plaque, and lower the risk of gum disease, choose a canine treat that should be designed specifically for such a purpose. You can look at these as dog chews, but they are still considered treats.
These are just three of the more common reasons why you may want to give a treat to your pooch. One of these may be your goal for providing them with such products, or it may be different altogether. The point is to always consider the purpose of you giving your canine friend such a product.
Size of the Treat
This should already be a given. The size of the treat should be commensurate to the size of your mutt’s oral cavity. The good thing is that manufacturers often provide different sizes for a particular preparation to cover every life stage. If you have a puppy or a small breed, for example, you’re supposed to get something that is small, too. The same is true if you have a large breed. You will need something sufficiently larger to allow them to enjoy the delicacy.
The Texture of the Doggie Delicacy
It is also important to look at the texture of the canine delicacy you’re buying. If you’re buying a puppy, know that their jaws and teeth are not yet fully developed and, as such, won’t benefit from hard and crunchy bits. What they will need are those that are quite soft and chewy. The chewiness will serve as a toy for them. Senior pooches can also benefit from softer treats, especially if they no longer have some of their teeth. On the other hand, larger breeds of dogs and adult pooches can do well with crunchy ones.
Nutritional Content
The nutrients in these products should be commensurate with the nutritional requirements of the breed, size, and age of the pooch. While treats should not constitute more than 10 percent of your mutt’s average daily calorie intake, it is still important to look at the nutrient content of these products.
Again, puppies and senior dogs will require more protein in their delicacies unless the senior dog already has a kidney problem in which a high protein diet is a no-no. Puppies will also require plenty of DHA for brain development, while adults and seniors will benefit more from EPA for its anti-inflammatory properties. Carbs should always be minimized, and so are fats. The presence of vitamins and minerals is of critical importance that can help promote optimum health.
Should I Give My Dog Treats?
Most newcomers to the world of dog owners often ask about the need to give their pooches a treat. There are a variety of reasons why you should give your Fido a treat. We have already covered some of these in the preceding section.
These edible tools are an important part of behavioral training in dogs. They form the reward component in positive reinforcement activities. For example, you train your mutt to come to you once you call out its name. At first, the treat is used as bait or a motivator for your mutt to come to you. You can show your open hand with a treat on it so it will be enticed to come to you as you elicit a verbal or sound cue. Step by step, you will be training your pooch to come to you until it learns to associate the sound of a call with the presence of a treat. Eventually, it will already be almost instinctual for it to come to you once you call its name. More than this, however, treats can stimulate physical activity while adding variety to their nutrient intake. This can play an important role in their overall development.
As we have already mentioned above, treats can also be used as a more appealing method of addressing their health concerns or even promoting optimal health and preventing diseases. All of these can be accomplished using these edible materials.
How Often Can I Treat?
A rule in the canine world states that snacks and treats should never constitute more than 10 percent of a mutt’s average caloric intake. For example, if the caloric requirement of a pooch is about 500 calories, then 10% of this is only 50 calories. Knowing that a gram of carbs and proteins is equivalent to 4 calories each and that a gram of fat is worth 9 calories, you can then adjust how often you should give your pooch a treat.
Here’s a tip. Always provide the treat in between your dog’s meals. So if your mutt is feeding three times a day at about 165 to 170 calories per feeding, you can perhaps provide 25 calories worth of treats between the first and second feeding and between the 2nd and third feeding.
Which Treats Work Best for Training?
Technically, your choice of treats for training purposes is not limited to commercially available products like the ones we have presented here. It can be human foods considered safe for dogs, such as lean chicken breast, turkey, de-seeded apples, or even fresh pineapples. Some would recommend cheese sticks as well as hotdogs cut into smaller pieces. If you’re not confident about giving them your food, you might want to use their ordinary dry kibble. Wet dog food works best as these are often more palatable and delicious than dry kibbles.
Do Treats Promote Dental Health?
Some treats can promote dental health, especially those with nubs or ridges. These help remove tartar or plaque that may already have begun building between the gums and teeth. Fruits used as treats can be tricky, especially those containing a lot of Vitamin C, as these can be too acidic for your pooch’s teeth. As such, if you do decide to give your mutt fruits, then give only in moderation.
My Dog is on a Weight Loss Plan. What Treats Shall I Give it?
If your canine friend happens to be obese and is currently on a weight loss program, it is important to use low-calorie treats. This is where fruits and veggies can be beneficial as these are packed with nutrients yet are low in calories. There are also commercially prepared treats that contain low carbs and low fat. Why low fat? This macronutrient packs 9 calories for every gram of it. It is like giving more than 2 grams of either carbs or proteins.
Doggie treats are considered an important component in canine behavioral training, where desirable behaviors are rewarded and positively reinforced so that pooches will keep on repeating the desirable action. These can be useful, too, in assisting them to achieve their optimum wellness through increased physical activity and the chance to improve their emotional and social well-being.
However, it is important to recognize that doggie treats should not be viewed as a replacement for a dog’s regular meals. Knowing how often and how much you should give to your canine friend as a delicacy is very important. Equally significant is knowing which types of treats will work best with your dog. Only through adequate knowledge of these things will you be able to fully utilize the many amazing benefits of doggie treats.
Sources:
- Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, Dog Treats, VCA
- What Should I Know Before Feeding Dog Treats?, RSPCA Australia
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