The Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs
There's a lot to like about large dogs: they're easy to train, kid-friendly, loyal, and make excellent cuddle buddies. At the same time, owning a large dog comes with a few size-specific challenges. When it comes to doggie treats, you may find that what you'd feed a medium or small-sized dog just doesn't cut it with your hound. With all that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best dog treats for large dogs on the market.
What to Look For
We asked ourselves the following three questions as we searched for the best treats for large dogs: Are they made from high-quality ingredients? Are the size and texture appropriate for large dogs? Are they reasonably priced? Our top pick was the dog treats from Milkbone, which are packed with vitamins and help keep dogs’ breath fresh. We were also impressed by the dog treats from Blue Buffalo, which are full of flavor and made with natural ingredients. Read on to learn more about our top picks and discover the best treats for your pup.
Milk-Bone Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Eat up
Milk-Bones have made a name for themselves within the world of dog treats for good reason: they’re crunchy, tasty, and packed with vitamins to help keep your furry friend healthy. What’s more, they’re flavorful, making them an excellent option for finicky eaters. Plus, these large-size snacks are just the right size for big dogs. They’ll also help with your pup’s dental hygiene and keep their breath fresh.
Pros:
- We love that these dog treats are suitable for many dogs with food sensitivities, allowing them to enjoy them without upsetting their stomachs.
- These dog biscuits are long-lasting and stay fresh for long periods.
Cons:
- These treats may be too hard for some dogs to chew.
Health Bars Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Wholesome and tasty
Your dog will love these healthy treats packed with vitamins and minerals.Runner Up
Wholesome and tasty
Once your dog tries these tasty and healthy treats from Blue Buffalo, they’ll keep coming back for more. These treats are made with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal and barley, plus real bacon, to ensure your pup gets the protein they need. They’re oven baked and have a crunch that dogs love. Moreover, they contain omega-3 fatty acids to help keep your dog’s skin and coat looking good.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how fresh these treats were and how long they could be stored without going bad.
- Dogs seem to love the scent and taste of these treats, making them an excellent tool for training pups.
Cons:
- They crumble easily.
Pedigree Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Pearly whites
Dental hygiene is essential to a dog’s health, and these treats from Pedigree will help keep your furry friend’s teeth clean. Since you probably don’t brush your pup’s teeth regularly, allowing them to chew on these treats goes a long way toward reducing plaque and tartar buildup. That’s not all; their unique x-shaped design and texture go easy on your pup’s gums while aiding in removing bacteria and keeping their mouth healthy.
Pros:
- We especially liked that these treats come in multiple flavors and have a strong scent that dogs seem to love.
- These dog treats come enclosed in a Ziploc bag that keeps them fresh for several weeks.
Cons:
- Dogs can eat these really fast, so they don’t spend much time chewing them.
Wag Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Don’t be surprised when you see your pup’s tail wagging for days after giving them these treats from Wag. These waffle-shaped treats provide your furry friend with high-quality protein, with farm-raised chicken being the first ingredient. Not only that, they’re chock full of nutrients and have a satisfying flavor that’s sure to get your pooch’s attention.
Pros:
- We were thrilled that even picky eaters loved these treats, and they rarely get bored eating them.
- These treats make excellent rewards when training pups, enticing them to continue displaying the correct behavior.
Cons:
- There aren’t many treats in the package.
Pet Botanics Dog Treats for Large Dogs
Tasty goodness
These treats from Pet Botanics prove that having a large dog doesn’t always require large treats. These low calories snacks pack a nutritional punch and are available in several flavors, including bacon, chicken, beef, and salmon, so you’re sure to find one your pup likes. As the name suggests, they’re an excellent training aid, allowing you to reward your furry friend when they successfully complete tasks throughout the day.
Pros:
- We found that these treats work very well for training dogs, as it helps them listen to instructions and respond in the desired manner.
- Since these treats are small, you can give them to your dog several times a day without going overboard on calories.
Cons:
- It’s not easy to seal the package after opening it.
How many treats should you give your dog a day?
We recommend considering your dog’s weight and lifestyle when deciding how many treats to give them a day. While there’s no optimal number of treats for a dog, you can provide an active dog with more treats than an older, sedentary dog. If you’re unsure how many treats to give your dog, check with your veterinarian to determine a healthy number.
Is it okay to give treats to an overweight dog?
If your dog is overweight, you’ll want to monitor their calorie intake. Obesity poses health risks to dogs, and you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian to figure out a plan to help your dog lose the extra pounds. Low-calorie dog treats combined with exercise are most likely safe for overweight dogs as long as they’re given in moderation.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.