The Best Chewy Dog Treats
Dogs are a man's best friend, and what better way to appreciate your trusty pal than with a delicious, chewy treat? These treats can serve as a reward for good behavior, a training aid, or a perfect snack between meals. Not to mention, some treats are formulated with vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health. With that in mind, we've rounded up some top-tier chewy dog treats to help you find the right one for you and your pooch. In order to find the best chewy dog treats on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: Are these treats formulated with safe, nutritious ingredients? Will they be easy for my dog to digest? Will my dog enjoy their flavor? The show-stealer for us was Wag, whose American-made jerky treats are formulated with only two ingredients: chicken and vegetable glycerine. But we also liked the convenience of Ultra Chewy's individually wrapped treats, which are great for travel and are available in a wide variety of flavors. Read on to discover the rest of our favorites and why we liked each of them so much.
Wag Chewy Jerky Dog Treats
We love a short ingredient list, and these jerky treats by Wag only contain two: chicken breast and vegetable glycerin. There are no added grains like corn, soy, or wheat. As a result, they deliver a high amount of protein and hydration. This jerky is masterfully baked in the oven until it reaches a perfect chewy texture. Each ten-gram treat has 28 calories, making it quite a healthy option, too. With this pick, you can rest assured that your dog is eating a healthy and nutritious treat.
Pros:
- Many treats on the market today feature fillers, artificial flavors, added colors, and other junk. We love that these treats are about as pure as they come.
- If you’re keen on shopping American-made, you’ll be glad to know that 100% of the ingredients in these treats are sourced in the USA.
Cons:
- Since whole muscle jerky is on the chewier side, you may need to break it into smaller pieces until your dog gets accustomed to its texture.
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies Dog Treats
Hurrah for raw
Your pup will go wild for these freeze-dried treats by Stella & Chewy. They come in several types of meat, including beef, duck, game bird, and lamb. Stella & Chewy’s intention is to provide dogs with a diet similar to what their ancestors ate in the wild. These treats are minimally processed, simple, and delivered in their purest state. The beef recipe, for example, is made of 97% beef and organs. All the Wild Weenies treats are free of grains and glutens, making them safe for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. In fact, raw food is easy for dogs to digest, and it may help improve their overall digestive health.
Pros:
- These treats are packed with omega fatty acids. These can help improve cognitive function and vision, as well as making your dog’s mane shinier and healthier.
- Knowing what we know about how some beef is produced, we appreciate that these treats are made of raw, grass-fed beef with no added hormones or antibiotics.
Cons:
- This pick is definitely on the pricier side for a small bag, but considering the quality of the ingredients, we think it’s a worthy splurge.
Milk-Bone Soft and Chewy Dog Treats
Milk-Bone dog treats were invented in 1908 in a New York bakery, and they have remained the gold standard for dog treats for decades. These soft and chewy bones are appropriate for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. The soft bones are great for older dogs who may have lost some of their teeth. For smaller dogs, Milk-Bone recommends breaking the bones into smaller pieces for easy chewing. You can choose from chicken or beef and filet mignon, and each formula contains 12 essential vitamins and nutrients. These include vitamin E, vitamin A, niacin, calcium, biotin, and vitamin B12, all of which will help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Pros:
- Tired of constantly having to restock on treats? This 25-ounce container is a great deal, and it should last you for months.
- These are made by a hugely popular brand, so you know you’re getting a good quality product.
Cons:
- This treat does have a longer ingredient list, so make sure that your pup doesn’t have sensitivities to any of them before you make your purchase.
Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Training Treats
Petite treat
These treats by Cloud Star are made in the USA with real chicken liver. They’re soft morsels that will retain their moisture over time. Fortunately for you, they’re also mess-free and won’t leave you with greasy or sticky fingers. Because of the small size, you can give your dog multiple treats throughout a training session. They can also be added to puzzles or games to help engage your dog’s brain.
Pros:
- These treats are great for motivating your pooch and rewarding good behavior; in fact, they’re supposedly used by professional trainers at the AKC Canine Good Citizens Program.
- Though the treats are very small, they’re not too small to cut into smaller portions. If you have a tiny dog, you might appreciate this.
Cons:
- Since this treat is tiny, it won’t keep your dog entertained for long.
Ultra Chewy Naturals Dog Treats
Yum on the go
These dog treats from Ultra Chewy come in a unique Greek yogurt flavor, so they’re great for switching things up for your beloved pet. Each treat is made of high-quality beef that’s healthy for dogs of all sizes. For puppies whose teeth are changing, these treats can help relieve their discomfort. They also help remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. We appreciate how each treat is individually packaged for on-the-go snacking. Whether your pup’s in a car, on a plane, or sitting by your feet at brunch, these treats will engage and relax them.
Pros:
- Many of us have learned in recent years that rawhide can be a choking hazard for our beloved pooches. We like that these treats provide the dental benefits of rawhide while being rawhide-free.
- If your dog is a picky eater, you’ll both appreciate the variety of flavors being offered here. Aside from Greek yogurt, you can also opt for liver, “Denta-mint,” or bacon and cheese.
Cons:
- This is a little more expensive than a box of loose treats, but for many of us, the convenience of having individually wrapped treats makes it worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can dog treats be used?
Dog treats are great to use as rewards during training sessions, and some treats can help combat boredom by posing a challenge. They’re also often used for cleaning your dog’s teeth, hiding pills for easy consumption, and supplementing vitamins.
How often should I give my dog a treat?
Just like we should limit our snack consumption, it’s important to be mindful of your dog’s treat allowance. Generally speaking, treats should make up 10% or less of your dog’s total daily calories. You can calculate your dog’s recommended calorie intake online and consult with a veterinarian. Nutritional information for dog treats can be found on the back of the package.
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