Imagine handing your dog a chocolate bar every time they sat on command. Sounds ridiculous, right? But many commercial dog treats are the canine equivalent—packed with artificial additives, mystery meats, and more fillers than nutrition. While a treat should be a reward, the wrong one could do more harm than good. Here’s the real question: Are the treats you feed your dog boosting their health—or quietly sabotaging it? Some so-called “healthy” options hide high-calorie counts, while others claim to be ‘natural’ but ultra-processed. This guide breaks down the best dog treats for training, health, and pure enjoyment—backed by real nutrition, not marketing hype. Whether your pup needs a low-calorie snack, a joint-supporting chew, or a training motivator that won’t pack on pounds, we’ve got the ultimate list to keep tails wagging.
How to Pick the Best Dog Treats
Choosing the best dog treats involves considering your dog’s dietary needs, preferences, and health concerns. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the right treats for your dog.
1. Consider your dog’s dietary needs
Age: Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements. Choose treats formulated for your dog’s life stage.
Size: Small breeds may need smaller, softer treats, while larger breeds can handle bigger, harder options.
Health conditions: If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or medical issues (e.g., diabetes, obesity), opt for hypoallergenic, low-calorie, or vet-recommended treats.
2. Check the ingredients
Steer clear of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your dog has allergies.
Look for high-quality, human-grade, natural ingredients such as real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors (e.g., BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin).
3. Match treats to your dog’s size and age: Small dogs benefit from bite-sized or soft treats that are easy to chew, while larger dogs may need bigger, more durable options to satisfy their chewing instincts. Puppies have developing teeth, so softer treats are best to prevent discomfort. In contrast, senior dogs may require easily digestible treats that won’t be harsh on their aging teeth and digestive system.
4. Choose treats based on purpose
Training treats: Small, soft, and easy to chew
Dental treats: Help clean teeth and freshen breath
Long-lasting chews: Great for keeping dogs occupied
Functional treats: Added benefits like joint support, skin health, or digestion aids.
6. Test and observe: It’s important to gradually observe how your dog reacts when introducing a new treat. Always consult your vet before introducing new treats into your dog’s diet. You can video connect with an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster or our online vet chat anytime, anywhere, to ensure the treats you choose align with your dog’s nutritional needs. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s reactions to certain treats stem from food sensitivities or an underlying condition, identifying the cause is crucial. An at-home dog gut health test can analyze your dog’s microbiome, detecting imbalances that may contribute to digestive discomfort. Similarly, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can identify specific food allergens that may trigger sensitivities. With these insights, you can confidently select the best treats that support your dog’s health while avoiding potential irritants.
Best Dog Treats
These are the highest-rated dog treats recommended by vets and our tests.
Best Overall Dog Treats
4.9
★★★★★
Open Farm Better Biscuits
Who It’s For: Ideal for 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.
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 like corn, soy, and artificial flavors also 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 Natural & Healthiest Dog Treat
4.6
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen Harvest Bars
Who It’s For: Dog owners who prioritize feeding their pets human-grade, natural, and organic ingredients.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Harvest Bars is 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: The human-grade certification and production in human food facilities ensure that ingredients meet the same safety standards as your own food, ensuring your dog enjoys a product free of chemicals and GMO ingredients. Owners praise its irresistible taste, with dogs “going crazy” due to ingredients like apples and blueberries.
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Best Overall Freeze-Dried Dog Treats
4.5
★★★★★
Stella & Chewy’s
Who It’s For: Designed for dog owners who seek to provide their pets with the benefits of a raw diet in the convenience of traditional treats.
Why we recommended it:Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch stands out for its 98% meat, organ, and bone content, mirroring a dog’s natural ancestral diet. The inclusion of nutrient-rich organs like the liver and kidney boosts iron and vitamin intake, supporting energy and immune health. Owners praise the irresistible meaty aroma, with many noting their dogs “obsessively beg for these treats. The satisfaction guarantee also reduces risk for first-time buyers.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses whole-prey ingredients—like ground bone for calcium and pumpkin seeds for fiber—without compromising simplicity. The 44% crude protein content (nearly double that of standard treats) fuels active dogs, while the freeze-dried raw process locks in flavor and nutrients better than baked alternatives.
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. 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 extract and spearmint extract ensure freshness without synthetic additives, and spearmint also aids in 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 Subscription Box
4.8
★★★★★
Big Lu
Who It’s For: Perfect choice for dog owners looking for a recurring treat subscription that delivers natural, delicious, and highly nutritious treats to their pup every month. It can also be a great gift option.
Why we recommended it:Big Lu specializes in handcrafted, protein-packed, artisanal, and all-natural dog treats. Every batch is made by specially trained bakers and inspected to ensure exemplary quality, taste, scent, and flavor. You can pick from various chewing textures and toughness, with sizes ranging from a few inches to one foot long. Big Lu dog treats do not contain wheat, soy, gluten, grains, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, or artificial ingredients and flavors. You can also build your box. They offer free shipping; you can buy treats individually if you don’t want to subscribe.
What sets it apart from competitors: Big Lu offers a variety of boxes, including the Party Box, which features their most popular treats, the Ear Lover’s Box, filled with pig and cow ears, the Butcher’s Box, packed with natural meaty treats like venison sausages, beef burgers, beef sausages, chicken, and more, all free of bones and processing, and the Jerky Box, which contains stuffed gullets, gullet sticks, gullet flats, and more. You can also build your own box. They offer free shipping; you can buy treats individually if you don’t want to subscribe.
Who It’s For: Tailored for senior dogsexperiencing joint stiffness, arthritis, or reduced mobility, particularly those needing gentle support for daily exercise or play.
Why we recommended it: ARK NATURALS Muzzle Old Dogs is formulated specifically for senior dogs using a natural, vet-recommended, science-backed blend of ingredients to help combat side effects of aging, such as joint deterioration and other common health problems in older dogs. Each soft chew includes glucosamine and chondroitin (common in joint dog supplements) paired with turmeric (a natural anti-inflammatory) and New Zealand green-lipped mussel, a rare ingredient rich in omega-3s and glycosaminoglycans that reduce joint inflammation and improve cartilage health.
What sets it apart from competitors: The soft, chewy texture is easy on senior teeth, making it a practical choice for dogs with dental issues. ARK NATURALS Gray Muzzle also offers a more potent formula for advanced discomfort associated with aging.
Best Dog Treats for Teeth Cleaning
4.6
★★★★★
Greenies Original
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners seeking a convenient, vet-recommended solution to maintain their pet’s oral health.
Why we recommended it: Greenies’ proven effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar is supported by clinical studies and the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. The chewy texture cleans down to the gum line, promoting healthier gums and fresher breath, while the inclusion of chlorophyll neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, Greenies are made with natural, easy-to-digest ingredients and are nutritionally complete, ensuring your dog receives essential nutrients while enjoying their treat.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many dental treats that rely solely on mechanical cleaning, Greenies incorporate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support overall health, making them more than just a dental chew. They also have a puppy version called Greenies Puppy Teenies, which we recommend for puppy owners. If you are genuinely concerned or care deeply about your dog’s dental health, we suggest you opt for Bark Bright’s dental cleaning kit instead of greenies. They are designed to help you and your dog wave tooth decay goodbye with effective dental cleaning approved by vets.
Best Vegan Dog Treats
4.6
★★★★★
Wild Earth Superfood Dog Treats
Who It’s For: Good for dog owners seeking plant-based, nutrient-rich snacks for their pets.
Why we recommended it: Wild Earth Superfood Dog Treats is our top pick for the best vegan dog treat. It’s formulated with high-quality, sustainable ingredients like koji, an ancient superfood that provides complete protein. Other plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, oats, and sweet potatoes provide essential nutrients without animal products. The inclusion of omega fatty acids and prebiotics supports healthy skin, coat, and digestion, contributing to overall well-being.
What sets it apart from competitors: The absence of meats and meat-derived ingredients, artificial additives, GMOs, and common allergens ensures a clean, hypoallergenic snack for any dog, especially sensitive dogs. Wild Earth’s eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral production processes are rarely matched by competitors, which appeals to owners who prioritize sustainability.
Why we recommended it: Dogs love Fresh Is Best’s Duck Heart Bites for their simplicity and nutritional integrity. They are made from 100% duck hearts and packed double or triple the amount of crude protein than most traditional treats, supporting muscle maintenance and energy levels in active pets. Each 3 oz. package contains approximately one pound of raw duck hearts before moisture removal, making them a nutrient-dense choice for your pets. They also offer duck giblets, livers, and necks.
What sets it apart from competitors: These treats are single-ingredient, ensuring pets get pure, unadulterated nutrition, especially for picky eaters or dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Using high-quality, USDA-inspected meats ensures a premium product that supports overall health and well-being.
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
4.6
★★★★★
Purina Pro Digestive Health Bites
Who It’s For: Formulated for 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 aimed at promoting 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 serves as a high-quality, easily digestible protein source, providing 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 Treats for Allergies
4.6
★★★★★
Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin
Who It’s For: Great for dogs with food allergies or food sensitivities, particularly those allergic to grains, gluten, or artificial additives.
Why we recommended it: Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Treats is a clean, limited-ingredient formula made with fresh, organic pumpkin mixed with Bob’s Red Mill’s garbanzo bean flour and all-natural peanut butter, creating a delicious and nutritious snack and a safe choice for dogs with dietary restrictions or suffering from allergies. The inclusion of organic pumpkin provides natural fiber to support digestive health, while 100% natural peanut butter adds a rich, appealing flavor that dogs love. Additionally, the human-grade ingredients ensure high quality and safety, giving pet parents peace of mind.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients from the Pacific Northwest, reducing food waste while providing a nutrient-rich snack. For more serious allergies, you can opt for a prescription dog hypoallergenic treat like Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Dog Treats, Veterinary Diet.
Best Dog Chews For Aggressive Chewers
4.6
★★★★★
Nature Gnaws Large Bully Sticks
Who It’s For: Perfect for aggressive chewers, including medium and large dogs with strong jaws and needing long-lasting chewing satisfaction.
Why we recommended it:Nature Gnaws Large Bully Sticks are extra-hard and long-lasting, making them ideal for aggressive chewers. The firm texture not only satisfies your dog’s natural urge to chew but also promotes dental hygiene by helping to remove plaque and tartar buildup during chewing sessions. Additionally, these chews are grain-free, gluten-free, and rawhide-free, catering to dogs with dietary sensitivities.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made from grass-fed, free-range cattle and undergo rigorous human-grade food testing to ensure they’re free from contaminants. They are gluten-free, grain-free, and rawhide-free.
Dog Treats Homemade
Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure your furry friend gets high-quality, nutritious snacks without artificial preservatives, fillers, or unhealthy additives. By using wholesome ingredients, you have full control over what goes into your dog’s diet, making it easier to cater to allergies, sensitivities, or specific health needs. Homemade treats also allow you to customize flavors and textures that your dog loves while ensuring they receive beneficial nutrients like lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Plus, making treats at home can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your pet! Want to get started with vet-approved homemade dog treat recipes? Check out our guide to 20 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes here.
Other Dog Treats
Best low-calorie dog treats: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats for Dogs are the top choice for low-calorie dog treats, with only 1 kcal per treat, making them perfect for weight management or frequent training sessions. Made with 100% natural ingredients like chicken and beef liver, these treats are protein-rich and free from fillers, grains, and artificial additives. Their small size and soft texture make them ideal for dogs of all sizes, and pet owners love how easily digestible they are. The freeze-drying process locks in nutrients and flavor, ensuring your dog stays healthy and motivated.
Best dog treats for large dogs:Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats for Large Dogs are a favorite among owners of big breeds due to their crunchy texture, which helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup while satisfying a large dog’s chewing instincts. These treats are made with 12 essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and vitality. The larger size is perfect for big dogs, and the classic flavor keeps them coming back for more. Affordable and widely available, Milk-Bone treats are a trusted choice for pet parents.
Best dog treats for small dogs:Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Rewards Crunchy Biscuits are specifically designed for small-breed dogs, offering a bite-sized treat that’s easy for tiny mouths to handle. These treats are made with limited ingredients and are perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The crunchy texture helps clean teeth, while the delicious flavors like peanut butter and chicken keep small dogs excited. Pet owners appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the peace of mind of feeding their pups a balanced treat.
Best long-lastingdog treat: Purina Busy Bone is a top pick for long-lasting dog treats, offering hours of chewing satisfaction for dogs who love to gnaw. These treats are designed with real meat and a chewy center, surrounded by a crunchy outer layer, making them both tasty and durable. They’re also fortified with calcium and minerals to support strong teeth and bones. Perfect for keeping dogs entertained and reducing destructive chewing, Busy Bones are a hit with both pets and owners.
Best dog treat for pet camera:Crazy Dog Train-Me! Training Reward Mini Dog Treats are ideal for pet cameras because they’re small, soft, and easy to dispense remotely. These treats are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and come in irresistible flavors like chicken and beef. Their small size makes them perfect for quick rewards during training or when using treat-dispensing cameras to interact with your dog. Pet owners love how these treats keep their dogs engaged and motivated, even when they’re not at home.
Best treat sticks:Full Moon All-Natural Human-Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks are a winner in the treat sticks category, made with 100% human-grade ingredients and free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. These savory sticks are packed with real beef and provide dogs with a high-protein snack. Their convenient stick shape makes it easy for them to break into smaller pieces for training or to give as a full treat. Pet owners appreciate the transparency in sourcing and the quality of ingredients.
The Bottom Line
In the end, selecting the perfect dog treat is less about indulgence and more about understanding the nuanced needs of your canine companion. The best treats are not merely snacks; they are tools for training, vehicles for nutrition, and expressions of care. From single-ingredient bites to hypoallergenic formulas, the market offers a staggering array of options—each promising to delight your dog. Yet, the true measure of a great treat lies in its ability to balance taste with health, convenience with quality, and joy with responsibility. As pet owners, our choices reflect our commitment to the well-being of our four-legged family members. So, choose wisely, consult thoughtfully, and remember: the right treat can turn a simple moment into a tail-wagging triumph.
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Sources
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