Australian Shepherds can learn a new trick in minutes, but the wrong treat can quickly add unnecessary calories or upset a sensitive stomach. Because this energetic breed thrives on training, mental challenges, and frequent rewards, choosing the right treats matters more than simply picking the tastiest bag. The best options should be motivating enough to hold their attention while supporting healthy weight, digestion, joints, and overall energy. Size, texture, calorie content, and ingredient quality all play a role, especially for dogs that receive multiple rewards throughout the day. In this guide, we’ll break down the best dog treats for Australian Shepherds, explain what to look for, and help you choose options that fit your dog’s age, health needs, and training routine.
Why Breed-Specific Treats Matter for Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds have distinct nutritional needs, athletic builds, high energy levels, and a tendency toward joint, skin, and digestive concerns. Their treats should be appropriately sized, easy to portion, and balanced in calories to support frequent training without encouraging unnecessary weight gain. Breed-appropriate treats can also help accommodate common sensitivities while providing suitable rewards for enrichment, dental support, and mentally demanding activities. Choosing treats suited to an Australian Shepherd reduces the risk of overfeeding, digestive upset, and excess joint strain while supporting better health, focus, and training results.
Australian Shepherd Treat Requirements
Breed Characteristic
Why It Matters
Treat Qualities to Look For
What to Avoid
Athletic Build
Australian Shepherds need nutrition that supports activity.
Protein-rich, portion-controlled treats.
Sugary, fatty, or oversized treats.
Active Joints
Running and jumping can place stress on joints.
Low-calorie treats with joint-supporting nutrients.
Frequent high-fat or calorie-dense treats.
High Trainability
Frequent rewards can increase calorie intake.
Small, low-calorie training treats.
Large treats during training.
High Energy
Active dogs benefit from nutritious rewards.
Protein-based treats for training and play.
Low-quality fillers and excess sugar.
Weight Management
Reduced activity can lead to unwanted weight gain.
Clearly labeled calories and small servings.
Table scraps and unrestricted treats.
Digestive Sensitivity
Rich treats may cause gas or loose stools.
Simple recipes with gentle ingredients.
Greasy treats and sudden changes.
Joint Support
Their active lifestyle requires mobility support.
Omega-3s, glucosamine, or chondroitin.
High-calorie treats that promote weight gain.
Mental Stimulation
Chewing and enrichment help prevent boredom.
Size-appropriate chews used under supervision.
Splintering, very hard, or undersized chews.
Use our dog calorie calculator to determine your dog’s exact caloric needs based on their life stage. Ensure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would account for 90% of total calories, and treats for the remaining 10%.
Remember to ALWAYS consult with your vet before introducing new treats into your dog’s diet. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support(24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or use Chewy’s online vet services(6 a.m. – midnight ET). Additionally, at-home dog gut health tests can analyze your dog’s microbiome, offering insights into which nutrients their diet should include. Similarly, at-home dog allergy testing kits can identify ingredients that may not be suitable for your dog, enabling you to choose the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion, nutrition, and health.
Best Dog Treats for Australian Shepherds
Here are the highest-rated dog treats for Australian Shepherds of this year.
Best Overall Dog Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.8
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Australian Shepherd owners who prioritize feeding their dog human-grade, natural, and organic ingredients.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Harvest Bars are made with 80% real meat (ranch-raised beef or cage-free chicken) as the first ingredient; they provide a protein-packed snack that supports muscle health and energy. The slow-roasted, small-batch preparation retains nutrients while creating a tender texture that’s easy to chew, making them ideal for training or rewarding picky eaters. The inclusion of bone broth and probiotics also reflects their focus on digestive health. The Honest Kitchen’s B Corp certification and commitment to recyclable packaging align with sustainable lifestyles.
What sets it apart from competitors: Human-grade certification and production in human food facilities ensure that ingredients meet the same safety standards as your own food, so your dog enjoys a product free of chemicals and GMOs. Owners praise its irresistible taste, with dogs “going crazy” due to ingredients like apples and blueberries.
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Best Dog Training Treats for Australian Shepherds
4.6
★★★★★
Blue Buffalo
Who It’s For: Designed for Australian Shepherd owners seeking a healthy and effective reward during training sessions.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats feature real meat as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality protein source that supports muscle development and energy. Additionally, they are enhanced with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to support cognitive development, which is particularly beneficial for training growing puppies. The absence of fillers such as corn, soy, and artificial flavors aligns with the growing demand for natural pet products.
What sets it apart from competitors: These treats contain complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and brown rice, which offer sustained energy and promote digestive health through their fiber content. They also pack probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) from cultured milk, which support gut microbiome balance.
Best Human-Grade Dog Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.8
★★★★★
Full Moon
Who It’s For: Australian Shepherd owners who want the most well-rounded treat for nutrition, taste, and health benefits.
Why we recommended it:Full Moon Chicken Fillet is made from USDA-inspected, cage-free chicken and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The treats are slow-cooked in small batches to preserve their natural taste and nutritional value. Their limited ingredient list ensures they are free from fillers and common allergens, making them a healthy and safe choice for most dogs. Each treat contains straightforward ingredients such as chicken, organic cane sugar, vinegar, and rosemary extract, without any by-products or waste.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made with human-grade quality, meaning they meet the same standards as food for people. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers and using small-batch cooking methods ensures superior quality and safety.
Best Treats for Australian Shepherds with Sensitive Stomachs
4.5
★★★★★
Purina Pro Digestive Health Bites
Who It’s For: Formulated for Australian Shepherd dogs with sensitive stomachs or those requiring additional digestive support.
Why we recommended it: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Digestive Health Bites offer a science-backed formulation designed to promote digestive health. The inclusion of natural prebiotic fiber (from ingredients like wheat bran and dried pumpkin) supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, while vitamins C and E bolster the immune system. Chicken is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids without overloading the digestive system. Wheat bran and dried pumpkin add dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and soothing the digestive tract.
What sets it apart from competitors: It contains Ground rice, a gentle carbohydrate that provides energy without irritating the stomach, making it ideal for sensitive dogs. It is boosted with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the digestive tract from inflammation.
Best Dog Biscuit Treats for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm Better Biscuits
Who It’s For: Ideal for Australian Shepherd dog parents who want to provide human-grade quality dog treats made from ethically sourced superfood ingredients.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Better Biscuits are crafted with high-quality human-grade proteins, functional ingredients like locally sourced non-GMO pumpkin and carrots, and superfoods like coconut oil. Additionally, these treats are packed with dried Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic that supports gut health and immune function, and blueberries add antioxidants for overall health. Unlike many brands, these biscuits are infused with bone broth for added digestive benefits and other ingredients such as oatmeal, barley, and sweet potatoes for digestive health and sustained energy. At the same time, flaxseed and coconut oil contribute omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats for skin, coat, and joint health. Natural preservatives like rosemary extract ensure freshness without synthetic chemicals.
What sets it apart from competitors: Open Farm is one of the few brands that uses grass-fed and humanely raised proteins as the #1 ingredient. It prioritizes sustainability and ethics rarely matched by competitors—every ingredient is traceable to its origin and responsibly sourced, offering unmatched transparency for cautious and health-conscious dog parents. Rosemary extract ensures freshness without synthetic chemicals.
Who It’s For: Crafted for senior Australian Shepherd dogs, addressing their unique nutritional and health needs as they age, including joint support, cognitive health maintenance, and overall vitality enhancement.
Why we recommended it:Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks Golden Years Dog Treats combine nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and broccoli with advanced nutrients such as marine microalgae oil and yeast culture postbiotics. These ingredients provide omega-3 fatty acids to support joints, eye health, and brain function, antioxidants for immune health, and prebiotics for gut well-being. The treats are free from synthetic additives or fillers, ensuring safe and clean nutrition for older dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Uses functional human-grade, plant-based ingredients tailored to senior dogs’ needs. It’s free from common allergens such as soy, wheat, dairy, and meat-based proteins. This makes them particularly suitable for food-sensitive pets.
Best Dental Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
BarkBox Bright
Who It’s For: If you are worried about your Australian Shepherd’s dental health or want a tasty treat that’s also good for your dog’s teeth and gums, this box is for you.
Why we recommended it: Dogs think it’s just a delicious chew (and it is super tasty), but Bright from BarkBox is a vet-recommended tooth-cleaning experience that delivers a powerful combination of ingredients to fight plaque and tartar buildup. Bright’s dental chew is chicken-flavored, and dogs love it for the chicken, not the oral hygiene. It has a 5-ridge star shape that scrubs teeth, and a mess-free groove ensures the toothpaste ends up in your dog’s mouth. It’s guaranteed to clean teeth and freshen breath in 30 days, or your money back.
What sets it apart from competitors: Your box also comes with Bright’s enzymatic toothpaste, which has three enzymes that break down the debris that causes bad breath. This duo (chew + toothpaste) turbocharges your dog’s natural self-cleaning process to keep breath fresh and gums and teeth healthy. No toothbrush is required.
Best Homemade Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
Bonne et Filou
Who It’s For: An indulgent choice for Australian Shepherd owners looking to pamper their dogs with gourmet, artisanal treats. Ideal for special occasions or as a luxurious reward.
Why we recommended it:Bonne et Filou Handmade Strawberry Human-Grade Macaron Dog Treats are crafted with human-grade, all-natural ingredients like oat flour, honey, and fractionated coconut oil, sunflower lecithin, ensuring both safety and nutritional benefits. The addition of strawberry yogurt filling provides antioxidants that enhance skin health and digestion, and give a natural flavor without artificial coloring or preservatives. These treats promote digestive health, support the immune system, and enhance coat shine while offering a unique gourmet experience for dogs. The use of fractionated coconut oil and sunflower lecithin in the yogurt filling enhances skin health and digestion, while their minimal ingredient list ensures transparency and quality.
What sets it apart from competitors: Handmade preparation and commitment to luxury. These treats are inspired by French haute cuisine and packaged elegantly, making them suitable for gifting or special occasions.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
Get Joy
Who It’s For: Great for active Australian Shepherd dogs, such as working breeds and athletic dogs, who need healthy, nutrient-dense snacks to support their energy levels and overall health.
Why we recommended it:Get Joy Superfood Beef Organ Treats are tailored for active dogs of all breeds and ages, especially those requiring high-protein snacks to sustain their energy and muscle recovery. They are made from USDA-inspected, pasture-raised beef organs with no added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. The freeze-drying process preserves 97% of the nutrients, ensuring your dog receives maximum benefits from vitamins, minerals, and proteins. These treats also promote gut health, cardiovascular strength, and shiny coats while being versatile—usable as rewards, meal toppers, or standalone snacks. Their freeze-dried format makes them suitable for on-the-go lifestyles.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made of 100% beef heart, which contains a prime Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), crucial for maintaining heart health and promoting a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues in dogs. CoQ10 can also increase your dog’s energy levels, promoting vitality and an active lifestyle. It also contains essential vitamins (A, B, D, E, and K), minerals (iron, selenium), and fatty acids.
Best Dog Treat for Australian ShepherdPuppies
4.6
★★★★★
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Who It’s For: Crafted for Australian Shepherd puppy owners seeking nutritious, palatable treats to support their pet’s growth and training.
Why we recommended it:Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are specially formulated to support the unique nutritional needs of growing puppies, combining high-quality proteins, essential nutrients, and natural ingredients. It’s also one of our top picks for puppy treats. Proteins like lamb, salmon, or chicken provide high-quality animal protein for muscle growth and repair, while salmon also delivers omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) for brain development and a healthy coat. Ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and carrots offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to support digestion, immune health, and vision. Flaxseed adds omega-3s for skin and coat health, while blueberries and green tea extract provide antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and boost overall immunity.
What sets it apart from competitors: Natural preservatives like rosemary and spearmint extracts ensure freshness without synthetic additives, and spearmint also helps with fresh breath. The inclusion of vegetable glycerin and guar gum ensures a soft, chewable texture, making these treats easy for puppies to enjoy.
Best Dog Treat for Anxious Australian Shepherds
4.8
★★★★★
Medterra Pet CBD
Who It’s For: Australian Shepherds experiencing anxiety or stress to help them remain calm in challenging situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or travel.
Why we recommended it:Medterra Pet CBD Calming Chews feature 10mg of CBD, along with calming ingredients like L-Tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root, and passion flower. This formula supports the endocannabinoid system in regulating stress while promoting serotonin production to stabilize mood during stressful situations or events. The inclusion of ginger root aids digestion, ensuring these chews are gentle on sensitive stomachs, and their soft texture makes them easy to chew, even for older dogs or those with dental issues. This treat is also great if you want to provide CBD oil benefits to your pet.
What sets it apart from competitors: THC-free CBD isolate formulation, ensuring no psychoactive effects while delivering targeted anxiety relief. The addition of multiple calming herbs and amino acids creates a synergistic effect that enhances relaxation without causing drowsiness. Furthermore, Medterra emphasizes transparency with third-party lab testing and uses high-quality hemp extract sourced from trusted farms.
Best Natural Dog Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.8
★★★★★
Petaluma
Who It’s For: Australian Shepherds of all sizes that benefit from cleaner, plant-based snacking and safe, minimally processed chews.
Why we recommended it:Petaluma Sweet Potato Jerky features a gentle, digestible fiber profile, simple preparation, absence of additives, and positive impact on the environment; unlike conventional jerky, it’s air-dried rather than baked or fried, ensuring limited oil residue and no unpleasant mess or odor. The brand is a Certified B Corp and donates a portion of sales to environmental and food security causes, earning strong user endorsements for product integrity and quality. It contains one ingredient (organic sweet potato), with no added salt, sugar, preservatives, or animal byproducts. Because of that clean formulation, you reduce the risk of triggering sensitivities in dogs with food allergies or intolerances.
What sets it apart from competitors: Purely organic, plant-based formulation and home-compostable bag, as well as its clear commitment to reduced resource use—production avoids 90% of greenhouse gas, water, and land consumption compared to meat-based alternatives.
Best Dog Treat Box with Toys for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
BarkBox
Who It’s For: For Australian Shepherd dogs that want the best of both worlds—treats and toys.
Why we recommended it:BarkBox consistently delivers a solid mix of quality, creativity, and value. The boxes are well-curated with engaging themes—think “Jurassic Bark” or “Chewrassic Park”—that change monthly, helping keep things fresh for both dog and owner. It’s also one of the most widely loved boxes among dog parents; many appreciate how much excitement it brings to their pet’s routine, with owners often noting their dogs recognize the box and get visibly excited when it arrives. Plus, the customer service is known for being responsive and generous with replacements if a toy doesn’t hold up.
What sets it apart from competitors: BarkBox designs most of their toys in-house with a focus on originality and dog-safe construction. Each toy is tested for durability and appeal, and many include multi-layer features like squeakers, crinkles, or tearable layers for dogs who love to rip things apart.
Best Immune Support Treat for Australian Shepherds
4.6
★★★★★
Open Farm Chew Supplements
Who It’s For: Designed for Australian Shepherd dog owners seeking a health-supportive treat that combines immune-boosting ingredients with digestive benefits.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Immune Chew Supplements are crafted with vet-recommended, 100% traceable functional ingredients, including reishi and chaga mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, bromelain, quercetin, and probiotics. These components promote immune health, skin vitality, and stable gut microflora. The inclusion of a six-strain prebiotic blend and antioxidants ensures comprehensive health benefits, supports digestion, and reduces inflammation. Additionally, Open Farm’s commitment to transparency and sustainability adds to the product’s trustworthiness.
What sets it apart from competitors: Each ingredient is sourced responsibly, with detailed information on origin provided, allowing pet owners to make informed choices and setting a higher quality standard than many competitors.
Best Raw Treats for Australian Shepherds
4.7
★★★★★
Maev
Who It’s For: Australian Shepherd owners who want to give their dogs a naturally nutrient-rich snack made with real meat and organs that support energy, health, and optimal nutrition.
Why we recommended it:Maev Freeze-Dried Treats contain just one ingredient: 100% USDA-certified beef liver. Because they’re freeze-dried rather than baked or heavily processed, they retain much of the raw nutritional value of the liver—including iron and A and B vitamins supporting energy, coat health, and digestion. The treat is also very low in calories—about two calories per treat—making it easy to use frequently without over-feeding. We like that it’s marketed as human-grade (indicating that the ingredient sourcing meets higher scrutiny) and that the product is shelf-stable—ideal for keeping in a pocket for training or on the go. We like that they’re light, shelf-stable, and easy to break apart for training or enrichment toys, combining convenience with nutritional integrity.
What sets it apart from competitors: We like that they’re light, shelf-stable, and easy to break apart for training or enrichment toys, combining convenience with nutritional integrity. Their treats are produced in small batches and freeze-dried, not cooked, preserving 98% of nutrients and flavor naturally.
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Other Dog Treats for Australian Shepherds
Healthiest Plant-Based Dog Treatfor Australian Shepherds: Wild Earth Dog Treats are a top choice for pet owners looking for a sustainable, plant-based option. These treats are made with cruelty-free ingredients and are packed with high-quality plant-based proteins, making them ideal for dogs with animal protein sensitivities. Fortified with omega fatty acids and DHA, they also support healthy skin, coat, and cognitive function. Plus, they’re vet-developed and backed by science, offering a clean, nutrient-rich snack free of fillers and artificial additives.
Healthiest Air-Dried Dog Treatfor Australian Shepherds: The Pets Table Beef Limited Ingredient Diet Air-Dried Dog Treats provide a high-protein, minimally processed snack that’s perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. These treats contain only a few wholesome ingredients, including real beef, making them easier to digest and less likely to trigger allergies. The air-drying process removes nutrients and flavor without high heat or preservatives. Their chewy texture also appeals to picky eaters while supporting healthy teeth and gums.
Healthiest Most Affordable Dog Treatfor Australian Shepherds: Amazon Brand – Wag Expedition Human Grade Organic Biscuits Dog Treats deliver incredible value without sacrificing quality. Made with organic ingredients and no added grains, these biscuits are baked in the USA and meet high food safety standards. They’re human-grade and made with recognizable ingredients like peanut butter and banana, giving pet parents peace of mind. Despite the budget-friendly price, they offer the same level of care and quality as premium brands.
Healthiest Dehydrated Dog Treatfor Australian Shepherds: JustFoodForDogs Healthy Dog Treats offer a simple, nutritious option for pet parents who want minimally processed snacks. Made from 100% whole-food ingredients like chicken and apples, these dehydrated treats are gently dried to preserve natural nutrients and flavor. There are no preservatives, fillers, or additives—just clean, human-grade ingredients. Dogs love the taste, and owners appreciate the transparency and quality of the recipe.
Healthiest Grain-Free Dog Treat for Australian Shepherds:Wet Noses Grain-Free Organic Crunchy Dog Treats are made with organic, human-grade ingredients, making them suitable for health-conscious pet owners who prioritize clean, natural diets. The crunchy texture also supports dental health by helping to reduce plaque buildup. The treats are baked in small batches in the company’s own Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level III-certified facility, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
Best Dog Treat for Australian Shepherds with Allergies: The Smart Cookie Duck & Squash Dog Treat features duck as a novel protein source, which is less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. Paired with butternut squash, these treats provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall health. It’s handcrafted in Colorado in small batches with human-grade ingredients and no artificial additives, ensuring freshness and safety while supporting digestive health and immune function.
How to Introduce New Treats to Your Australian Shepherd
Veterinarians recommend gradually introducing new treats into your dog’s routine, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Week 1: 75% current treats and 25% new treats
Week 2: 50% current treats and 50% new treats
Week 3: 25% current treats and 75% new treats
Week 4: 100% new treats
Increase the proportion of new treats gradually as long as your dog adjusts well. Monitor their digestion, stool quality, and overall behavior during the transition. Discontinue the new treats immediately if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or other adverse reactions.
Never introduce new treats abruptly, especially in large quantities. Sudden changes can lead to digestive upset or food sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, once they are weaned and eating solid food. Choose tiny, soft puppy treats or small pieces of their regular kibble.
Look for clearly named ingredients, quality protein, and moderate calories, fat, sugar, and salt. Treats should provide no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Yes, when they are appropriately sized, easy to chew, and suitable for the dog’s age. Always supervise chewing to reduce choking risks.
Small, soft, low-calorie treats work best because they are quick to eat and easy to portion during frequent training sessions.
The best dog treats for Australian Shepherds should support their active lifestyle, sharp minds, and frequent training needs. Small, low-calorie options are ideal for repeated rewards without adding excessive calories. Look for clearly identified proteins, simple ingredients, and textures suited to your dog’s age and chewing habits. Treats with joint-supporting or digestive ingredients may also benefit Aussies with specific health needs. Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor for itching, stomach upset, or changes in stool. By choosing treats carefully and keeping portions controlled, you can reward your Australian Shepherd while supporting long-term health and performance.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works well for one may not work well for another. If you’re looking for more options, explore our guide on the healthiest dog treats, including functional treats or supplements that support joint, skin, or dental health. You can also consider homemade dog treat recipes, which allow for better ingredient control and can be a cost-effective alternative.
Additionally, if your Australian Shepherd has food sensitivities or you prefer environmentally conscious options, hypoallergenic or plant-based dog treats may be worth considering. If your Australian Shepherd struggles with anxiety, hyperactivity, or stress during thunderstorms, travel, or separation, CBD dog treats may also be worth considering. No matter which treats you choose, moderation is key—and pairing smart treat choices with regular exercise will help keep your dog happy, lean, and thriving for years to come.
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