The Best Dog Treats
Your pup deserves the best, and the treats they eat are no exception. However, merely looking at the dog-treat aisle in the grocery store or pet store can be overwhelming considering how many different kinds of treats are out there. If you're on the hunt for the best dog treats, you've come to the right place. Below we've rounded up our favorites, including options for teething puppies, training treats, dental health treats, and more.
What to Look For
The best dog treats must have a combination of three things: great flavor, an appropriate size, and quality ingredients. The dental treats from Greenies quickly emerged as our favorite, since they taste great and will keep your pup’s teeth clean at the same time. However, if your furry friend requires something a little meatier, check out the bully sticks from Jack&Pup, which are made using real meat and high-quality meat protein. Read on to check out our favorite dog treats available today.
Greenies Original Dental Treats
The best of the best
Vet-recommended and approved, these treats from Greenies effectively help control plaque and tartar buildup, thereby improving your pup’s overall dental health. In fact, you may even notice that Fido has better, fresher breath. These highly digestible treats are made from beneficial vitamins and minerals that your dog can easily absorb. In other words, they’re not doggie junk food like many other treats are. These treats also have a delightfully chewy texture that most dogs seem to love. Better teeth and gums as the result of a chewy, easy-to-digest treat? Talk about a win-win for your pooch.
Pros:
- Helps fight plaque and tartar
- Can help freshen your pup’s breath
- Made with all-natural, easy-to-digest ingredients
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
Cons:
- A tad pricey
Premium Care Stress and Anxiety Calming Chews
This too shall pass
Have an anxious pup on your hands? These chewy treats from Premium Care may be just the thing your dog needs. These naturally calming treats can help relax hyperactive and nervous dogs thanks to a quality blend of ingredients like organic passionflower, hemp seed oil, valerian root, chamomile, and L-tryptophan, all of which promote a sense of relaxation. They’re also duck-flavored, which almost all dogs appreciate.
Pros:
- May help your pup cope with external stressors
- Can have a calming, relaxing effect on your dog
- Uses all-natural ingredients
Cons:
- The packaging could stand to be improved
Jack&Pup Bully Sticks
Keep your dog busy
Chew-happy pups will delight in these classic bully sticks from Jack&Pup. These sticks are incredibly popular among dog owners for their quality ingredients and ideal consistency. They’re designed to be easily digestible for dogs of all ages without causing side effects, and they also help promote good oral health. Low in fat, protein-rich, and formulated without additives or artificial ingredients, these treats are definitely on the healthy side.
Pros:
- Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cattle
- The treats help support healthy teeth and gums
- Very fresh
Cons:
- Not odor-free
Wellness Natural Training Treats
One of the key parts of learning how to train your dog is rewarding them properly for a job well done. And these training treats from Wellness Natural make for a mighty tasty reward. Naturally flavorful, these miniature chew treats are made with whole fruits and veggies including superfoods like sweet potatoes and blueberries, so your pooch will get a nice boost of antioxidants. They can also be broken in half easily, which comes in handy. Anytime you want to reward your dog for good behavior, simply reach for these treats.
Pros:
- Bite-sized treats that are made for training
- Can be easily broken in half
- Made with natural, high-quality ingredients
- No artificial colors, preservatives, chemicals, or meat byproducts
- Great value buy
Cons:
- They’re not suited for use in treat-dispensing toys
Portland Pet Food Company Bacon Biscuits
Wholesome and delicious
Thoughtfully made and sourced from local, quality ingredients, these bacon biscuits from the Portland Pet Food Company are all-natural and all-delicious. They are free of GMOs, artificial coloring, preservatives, and any other pesky fillers, so you can rest assured that your pup is getting only the best. Conveniently, these biscuits are also easily breakable, making them equally suitable for large and small dogs.
Pros:
- No GMOs, BHA, BHT, preservatives, or artificial coloring in the formula
- Crunchy and easily breakable, so they’re suitable for small and large dogs of all ages
- No animal byproducts; vegan and vegetarian-friendly
- BPA-free packaging
- Comes in various flavors
Cons:
- On the pricey end
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I should look for on a dog treat’s label to make sure I’m selecting the best treat possible?
Yes. You should avoid anything with salt, artificial colors, preservatives, and sugar. Keep in mind that whole-food ingredients are better than food byproducts. And, look for treats that are made locally in order to ensure optimal freshness.
What are some human foods or ingredients that dogs can’t eat?
You shouldn’t make a habit of giving your dog human food at all, as it can be hard or even impossible for your pup to digest. Some foods that dogs absolutely cannot eat include avocado, chocolate, citrus, grapes and raisins, milk and dairy, and salty snack foods, among others. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so be sure to do your own research before feeding your dog any food that isn’t dog food.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.