Every dog loves dog treats! They’re like the human equivalent of chocolates and candies which is inarguably a real treat for them. As a dog owner, it’s pretty natural that you want to give your dog a treat from time to time. Of course, there are so many doggie snacks out there that it’s hard to determine which among them can be considered the best dog treats.
From one dog lover to another, I know which doggie snacks and puppy food my pack of friends love. If you’ve just gotten yourself a cute little puppy, let me help you determine which brands of snacks you should go for.
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Last update on 2023-09-26 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Dog Treats
When looking for dog treats, we don’t recommend just picking one that looks most appetizing for your dog. For the sake of your dog’s health, we suggest you be very meticulous when choosing dog snacks. Not only do you want your dog to enjoy the treat, but you also want to protect its health. We have prepared this small buying guide to help you know what to look for in a dog food. Typically, you need to consider these elements:
Ingredients
The right choice of ingredients is definitely at the top of the list. You have to be very careful with the snacks you buy because certain ingredients aren’t good for your dog. The best dog treats aren’t those that just taste good but also those that offer health benefits to your pet.
Personally, I only give my dog snacks that contain organic ingredients. The more organic the ingredients, the better. Don’t settle with processed ingredients as they most likely contain artificial additives which are used in creating the snack. Whenever you go shopping, always look for organic dog treats.
Also, you might want to avoid treats with artificial preservatives and colors. Some of them include sodium nitrate, potassium sorbate, BHT, ethoxyquin, and calcium propionate. You should also stay away from those which contain chemicals such as propylene glycol. The only glycerin that is safe for dogs is vegetable glycerin since it’s derived from food.
Sweeteners
There’ll always be sweeteners in your dog snacks to make them taste better. However, not all sweeteners are good for your dog. The best natural dog treats only use food-based sweeteners instead of artificial ones typically in the form of applesauce or molasses.
Taste
Of course, you want your dog to enjoy the treat you give it. Just like humans, we enjoy tastes that we are more familiar with. Hence, if your furry friend grew up eating sweet and tasty treats that aren’t healthy, it’ll most likely crave for it. On the other hand, if you have your dog grow up with healthy stuff, that’s what he’ll look for.
Texture
Some treats are crunchy (like dog biscuits) while others are chewy or tough (like jerky). The texture of the dog treat will all depend on what your dog likes. Try to switch the types of dog treats you give it time to time to see to gauge which texture suits your dog best.
Purpose
Believe it or not, different dog treats have different purposes. For instance, if you want your dog’s dental hygiene intact, you can buy the best dog teeth cleaning treats. Other dog treats can also have a calming effect on dogs, be used for pain relief, and even as supplements. You just need to determine which type of dog treat to buy based on the purpose you’re going to use it for.
Calories
Finally, you have to consider the snack’s calorie content. Dog treats aren’t supposed to make your dog fat. If you notice that your dog has put on a lot of weight in a short span of time, it could be because you bought the wrong snack. Whenever you buy a dog snack, always check the calorie count. Look for the lowest calorie count in snacks as possible. Ideally, you want a dog snack that contains 30 calories or less.
12 Best Dog Treats
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
The Perfect Dog Training Treat!
Easily one of the best dog training treats on this list, not only is it delicious but also has a lot of nutritional value. It is packed with protein and a lot of other whole foods like berries or herbs. It also doesn’t contain any corn, soy, or wheat that could be bad for your dog’s health.
For your dog, Zuke’s treat will definitely be the best-deserved prize that it’ll want to take.
What We Like:
- Uses real chicken as its main ingredient
- Contains cherries and turmeric for better health
- Does not contain corn, wheat, and soy
- Available in small bite size for easy consumption
- Contains less than 3 calories per small treat
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite soft and crumbly
- Other flavors other than chicken such as salmon could be an acquired taste
Wellness Natural WellBites Soft Dog Treats
Ideal for Dogs of All Ages
If you’re looking for something that’s somewhat homemade, then the Wellness Natural Wellbites is the one you’re looking for. This healthy snack is made of high-quality standard ingredients. Aside from that, it also contains unique ingredients that you probably won’t find in other dog treats as well. You’ll have a unique mix of lamb, apples, sweet potatoes, and other delicious stuff your dog will enjoy.
What We Like:
- The main ingredients are either lamb or salmon
- Very soft to make it easier for your dog to eat
- Absolutely has no artificial colors, preservatives, or chemical additives
- Made of only the best-imported ingredients
- Contains no grains, wheat, or soy
What We Don’t Like:
- It has a very strong smell
- A bit too chewy and may sometimes get stuck in your dog’s teeth
BLUE Wilderness Grain Free Dog Treats
A Protein-Rich Snack for your Buddy
Just like in the BLUE Wildnerness ads, this dog treat is made of pure meat which is great for dogs who are used to eating meat. Due to the snack’s high meat content, you can expect that there will be a lot of protein included minus the other harmful stuff such as gluten or soy. In fact, the only main ingredient that this treat has is real duck meat which happens to be one of the best meats out there.
What We Like:
- Only makes use of real duck as its main ingredient
- Completely grain and soy-free
- The brand has so many variations like dental bones and treats for dog training
- Available in both crunchy and soft variants
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite hard compared to other dog treats in the market
- The biscuits are a bit too big
Waveland Paws Organic Dog Treats
Organic Dog Treat Fit for All Dogs
The best thing about the Waveland Paws dog treat is that it’s made of the best organic beef. Therefore, if you feel like giving your dog a treat that’s much like steak, you might want to try this. Also, it can be given to dogs of all ages from puppies to older dogs (not all treats are suitable for younger dogs). It’s totally healthy for your dog as it doesn’t have any artificial coloring or preservatives.
What We Like:
- Made of grass-fed beef from a natural farm
- Contains no fillers, artificial ingredients, and other ingredients which are dangerous to dogs
- Slow roasted to perfection
- Considered one of the best dog treats for training
What We Don’t Like:
- Produces a very overwhelming smell
- Comes as an acquired taste for most dogs
Milk-Bone Soft and Chewy Dog Treats
Milky and Chewy Snacks for Your Dogs to Gnaw On
This is one of the most delicious doggie treats you can find on this list. It’s a sweet treat that a lot of people love giving their dogs. Aside from being a sweet treat, it’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, it has a total of 12 vitamins that your dog can benefit from. As it is a milk bone, it’s also a great source of calcium which can help your dog develop some really strong bones.
What We Like:
- Made of either beef and filet mignon or pure chicken
- Considered as a great source of calcium
- Contains a total of 12 vitamins and minerals
- Has very minimal preservatives
- Features a sweet, savory taste
What We Don’t Like:
- Might easily get crushed
- Contains a small amount of propylene glycol
GREENIES TEENIE Dental Chews
Ideal Snack for Your Dog’s Dental and Overall Health
A well-known brand for dental chews, the Greenies treat isn’t just a good snack for your dog, it’s also a great part of your dog’s dental plan. Not only is it really good for your buddy’s teeth but is also one of the best dog treats for bad breath.
Of course, it’s also a really tasty treat for your dogs. It’s highly recommended by vets because it’s also really easy to digest as it’s made of highly soluble ingredients.
What We Like:
- Comes with a very nice texture that all dogs seem to like
- Able to fight plaque as well as tartar
- Features dental properties that can help fight bad breath
- Extremely easy to digest
What We Don’t Like:
- Can produce really smelly gas over long term consumption
- Quite sticky which makes it hard to chew and swallow at times
Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones Dog Treats
Long-lasting Natural Dog Treat
Rachel Ray’s bone treats are savory and long-lasting which makes them perfect for every dog. In addition, they offer the same tastiness as that of a healthy soup bone but with a much tender and meatier center inside.
This dog treat comes in three (3) different flavors: beef & barley, turkey & rice, and chicken & veggies. When it comes to ingredients, all Rachel Ray’s products are made and cooked with 100% natural US-cultured and grown ingredients.
Also, it does not contain soy, corn, artificial flavors, or meat by-products which makes it perfectly safe for your dogs. All in all, the Rachel Ray dog treat is perfect for younger and older dogs alike. Just note that it is recommended to break the bone in half first before giving it to smaller dogs for easy consumption.
What We Like:
- Made only with 100% U.S. cultured natural ingredients
- Does not contain any traces of soy, corn, and artificial flavors
- A savory and well-loved bone treat by dogs
- Available in three different flavors
What We Don’t Like:
- A little soft compared to other dog treats, especially if consumed by larger dogs
- Contains a minimal amount of wheat-type carb
- Produces a faint smell
Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats
A Soft Dog Treat That’s Easy on the Teeth
Known for its very strong and amazing taste, the Rocco & Roxie treat is a really a good product that is easy on your dog’s teeth. In fact, it’s one of the best soft dog treats that you can buy. It has a very roasty taste and a smoky texture and is made of All-American beef or turkey.
The best thing about it is that it’s homemade which makes it definitely better than all the other treats that you can find in the market.
What We Like:
- Made of only the finest and healthiest ingredients that you can find
- Made from a secret family recipe that is very unique in taste
- Very soft and easy on your pet’s teeth
- Features a great taste which is great for training
- Not greasy and doesn’t have a strong smell
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t have clear ingredients in the box
- Contains a bit of garlic which isn’t that good for dogs
Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Dog Treats
Old but Still Definitely Gold!
Old Mother Hubbard is a brand that has been around since 1962, thus making it one of the most reputable brands that you can ever find. The company has been making dog treats for around 90 years already and has been using home ingredients to craft only the best dog treats for your dog.
This crunchy dog treat, in particular, is made of only the healthiest ingredients and is even oven-baked to perfection. There’s also a variety of textures to choose from which range from soft and chewy to even crunchy.
Overall, the treat is a cost-effective and tasty option which your dog will surely love. Additionally, it’s quite versatile and appealing enough for use in various situations, whether as a training reward or simply as an occasional treat for your buddy.
What We Like:
- Delicious and made of a variety of ingredients like peanut butter and molasses
- Only uses natural and food-based sweeteners
- Doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients
- Carefully and meticulously baked
What We Don’t Like:
- That treats are a bit too big for a small dog’s mouth
- It may be a bit too strong for puppies
The Honest Kitchen Beams Grain-Free Dog Chew Treats
Human-Grade Quality Dog Treat
This dog treat is manufactured by one of the few manufacturers that have met the rigorous FDA safety standards. Honest Kitchen ensures the highest quality of dog treats in the market as they are labeled as human-grade dog treat manufacturer.
This treat has the same quality of ingredients found in healthy human food. In addition to that, this treat is a certified US-manufactured product with only one key ingredient: dehydrated wild-caught fish loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids.
Honest Kitchen’s dog treat is proven to be a healthy dog chew made with no grain, preservatives, by-products, or fillers. It is also a verified non-GMO dog treat product.
Aside from that, it also offers a dental dog treat which means that gnawing on this savory treat can help clean your dog’s teeth and support healthy gums.
What We Like:
- Manufactured in a human-grade facility
- Comes in a re-sealable pouch
- Serves as a reliable source of Omega 3 acids and lean protein
- Help maintain your dog’s dental health
- Made of natural wild-caught fish
What We Don’t Like:
- Has a very stinky fish smell, but it can go away very fast
- Not quite long-lasting compared to other dog treats
Fruitables Pumpkin Dog Treats
A Fruity Treat for Your Furry Pal
If your dog likes a sweet treat and somehow loves fruit, then Fruitables is the healthiest thing you can give. From my experience, all dogs seem to love this treat, so you can be sure that your dog will love it too. It’s made of various ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, blueberry, cranberry, apples, and other fruits and nuts such as bananas and pecan. All the ingredients blend into an amazing treat that tastes amazing for your pets.
What We Like:
- Made of various fruity ingredients as well as pumpkin
- Doesn’t contain any by-products of sorts as well as soy
- Made to be purely vegan
- Only has less than 9 calories per treat and contains a lot of fiber
What We Don’t Like:
- The fruity smell is a bit too strong
- Can’t easily be chewed by your dog
CANIDAE Grain Free PURE Heaven Biscuits
Biscuits that Contribute to Your Dog’s Dental Health
The CANIDAE biscuits happen to be one of the best grain free dog treats in the market. They are made of high-quality duck and chickpeas, all of which contain a lot of good stuff for your dog. Aside from the chickpeas and duck meat, they also contain a lot of turmeric, sesame seeds, and avocado oil which make the treats rich of extra minerals and vitamins. Due to all the healthy ingredients inside it, the biscuits also make for a great dental snack for your dogs.
What We Like:
- Grain-free treats that are made of mainly ducks and chickpeas
- Contain other ingredients like salmon, sweet potato, and squash
- Easy to break down
- Contain a lot of vitamins and minerals
What We Don’t Like:
- May lead to indigestion for some dogs
- Quite expensive
FAQs
Now that you know which brands of dog treats are the best in the market and also learned how to choose the one most suited for your pet, what else should you know regarding doggie snacks? To answer that, we have prepared answers to some of the most frequently asked questions just in case.
Q: Are dog treats good for dogs?
A: The answer will really depend on what kind of dog treat you buy. Generally, dog treats are really good for your dog because they can be used as training rewards while also giving them proper nourishment due to their rich mineral and vitamin content. The only thing you have to take note of is the ingredients that are found in the treats. If you want your dog to remain healthy, always check the label to know what ingredients are used for creating a particular treat.
Q: What ingredients to avoid when buying dog treats?
A: In the buying guide above, we mentioned that dogs have to stay away from artificial ingredients and chemicals such as BHT, potassium sorbate, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, sodium nitrate and more. Other than those, there are also certain human foods that dogs can’t take as well. Here are a few more ingredients that you should avoid when buying dog treats:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Grains
- Garlic
The reason why you might want to avoid these foods is because they’re not suitable for your dog’s body. While they may be fine for humans to eat, not everything good for us is good for our furry friends. As such, when you buy a dog treat, always make sure that these ingredients aren’t present.
You might also want to avoid a dog treat that states “meat by-product” as an ingredient. Meat by-products aren’t exactly meat per se. They’re more like the remains of meat from a meat shop. Thus, dog treats that include meat by-products in their ingredients actually contain organs and remains from meat which are totally unhealthy for your dog.
Q: Can treats substitute dog food?
A: As compared to most commercial dog food brands, I would have to say that dog treats (especially the ones that we’ve discussed above) are actually healthier. Many dog food brands don’t give your dog anything aside from a lot of calories, and maybe a full tummy. But overall, treats can’t substitute dog food.
Dog treats made of 80% meat (which is quite hard to find) can substitute the food partially but still, the best way to go about is to feed your dog actual meat (or high-quality dog food) and give some treats as well.
Q: How often should you give treats to your dog?
A: This would mainly depend on your dog’s size. Personally, I believe that giving your dog too many treats is a bad thing and may even cause your dog to become overweight. Therefore, I would suggest limiting giving treats to small dogs and puppies up to two times per day.
If your dog is medium-sized, like probably a Japanese Spitz, giving treats up to three times is okay. For bigger dogs, however, you can be a bit more generous since their bigger bodies can take it. You can give them a max of 5 treats per day, but make sure not to go more than that.
Q: What treats can help the dog to lose weight?
A: While there aren’t really treats that can help your dog lose weight, there are treats that make dogs gain less. As an owner, it’s your job to know how many calories your dog can take in a day. The general way to measure is to follow this formula:
(Dog’s weight in kilograms x 30) +70
This formula will give you an idea of roughly how many calories your dog can take in a day. Use that as a basis when looking at the number of calories a dog snack has. However, if you really want your dog to lose weight, then bring it out to exercise aside from adjusting the diet. Bring your dog out for a run or buy him dog toys that you both can play with.
Q: What treats are good for training?
A: To put it simply, all treats that your dog will like are good for training. The only reason why you’re using treats for training is that you want to give them as rewards. If your dog doesn’t like the treat, then you need to switch your product.
You can try experimenting which treats your dog likes. From my experience, most dogs enjoy at least one of the treats that we’ve mentioned in our list above. Also, it’s ideal to pair your dog’s snacks with real food like chicken, green beans, baby carrots, or string cheese during training.
Conclusion
If you have a dog or are planning to buy one, it’s about time to stock up on some dog treats for your pal. However, you can’t just buy any dog treat. You’ll need to buy the best dog treats available in the market.
Best doesn’t just mean best-tasting, you also have to make sure it’s a really healthy product. It is for this reason why we decided to make this list with both a dog’s health and taste in mind.
You want to make sure that your treats are all safe for your dogs so that they’ll remain healthy and strong. You’ll also want the treats to taste good so you can use them for training and rewards. The brands we’ve mentioned offer both and many more. Take your pick and let your dog try one.
Do you have any other insights or questions? Don’t hesitate to comment below. Thanks for reading! And don’t forget to share this with your friends.