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Introduction to Dog Treats
Choosing the right treats for your dog involves more than just taste. Dog treats provide substantial health benefits without the harmful additives found in many commercial products. In this comprehensive guide, we detail the best natural dog treats and their benefits to your furry friend's diet and well-being.Understanding Dog Treats
Dog treats are made from whole-food ingredients without artificial additives. These treats come in various forms, including freeze-dried meat, baked biscuits, and raw snacks, catering to all dietary preferences and health needs.What Makes a Treat Natural?
Natural dog treats are defined by their composition—sourced directly from nature and processed minimally. This includes:- Whole meats: Free from antibiotics and hormones
- Fresh vegetables and fruits: Provide vitamins and fiber
- Natural preservatives: Such as tocopherols or vinegar
Benefits of Natural Dog Treats
Natural treats support a healthy diet by offering:- Nutrient-rich snacking: High in proteins and essential fats
- Digestive health: Free from fillers and artificial ingredients that could cause upset
- Allergy management: Fewer ingredients mean reduced risk of allergic reactions
How We Chose The Best Dog Treats
Treats should only be considered part of your dog's daily diet. This means that you should give your puppy treats in moderation to avoid exceeding the recommended calorie intake. Please note:- Nutritional Balance: Look for snacks that clearly list the number of calories in each snack. and specify feeding instructions on the package. You can also keep an eye on the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) adequate nutrition label on the bag, but not all snacks require a label on the package. (Read more about nutritional balance below.)
- Ingredients: There are some ingredients to avoid that might irritate your dog's stomach: Artificial sweeteners like xylitol, artificial colors, excessive salt. (which makes you thirsty) and sugar syrup and molasses (which are high in sugar), says Caylee Freels, a licensed veterinary technician at VCA White Lake Animal Hospital. Experts say that snacks containing fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, such as carrots, green beans, apples, and caloric bananas. It has very little caloric content and has good nutritional value.
- Size: Choose treats that are proportional to the size of your dog. Giving treats that are too large or too small for your dog can become a choking hazard. According to our experts You can also split large biscuits to reduce the amount of calories per snack, says Dr. Kristen L. Nelson, board-certified veterinary author of “Coated With Fur. : A Vet's Life” said
15 Best Dog Treats 2024
According to the advice of experts Each of the following dog treats has a nutrition label on the package that states the calorie and fat content per serving as well as the ingredients. Most come in many sizes. (or can be divided into smaller pieces) to accommodate different sized dogs and breeds.1. | Best Overall:
Hill’s Natural Baked Light Small Biscuits
Hill’s Natural Baked Light Small Biscuits
What we like:
- Healthy and low-calorie
- Small size
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): 34 kcal | Key ingredients: Chicken, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Wheat, Wheat Flour | Recommended breed size: All sizes | Age Range: Adult and mature
These dog biscuits do not contain corn or artificial colors and flavors, according to the brand. Our experts say choosing a low-calorie food like this will help your pet meet the AAFCO's recommended daily nutrition. Two pouch sizes are available: small and medium.
Sample Buyer Review...
My dog loves these. They are the perfect size for my 4 and a half pound Yorkie.
2. | Best Low-Calorie:
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats
What we like:
- Multiple flavor options
- Great for training
- Good for sensitive stomachs
- May be too small for big dogs
Calories (per treat): 2 kcal | Key ingredients: Chicken, rice, oats, glycerin, potatoes | Recommended breed size: Small breeds | Recommended life stage: All life stages
Zuke's Mini Naturals treats are a great training option, Nelson says. They come in small pieces. So you don't have to take it apart while you're practicing new skills with your dog. And Mini Naturals are wheat and corn free for dogs who might suffer from morning sickness or allergies. And there is no animal fat, artificial colors or artificial flavors according to the brand.
Sample Buyer Review...
My dog loves these littles treats, they are soft, look tasty, he's in Heaven when he has those. Good training treat as they are small (dime diameter )
3. | Best Dental Treats:
Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats
Greenies Regular Dog Dental Treats
What we like:
- Support dental health
- Freshens breath
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): 91 kcal | Key ingredients: Wheat flour, glycerin, wheat gluten, gelatin, water | Recommended breed size: Medium breeds | Age Range: Adult and mature
These dental treats are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. This means that a group of veterinary dentists and dental scientists have reviewed the manufacturer's trial data. and confirmed that such snacks help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Treats can help maintain healthy gums and teeth as well as help freshen your puppy's breath.
Our experts say They are also made with easy-to-digest ingredients, vitamins, and minerals according to the brand. I feed this brand's Teeny Greenies to Bella, my 6-year-old French Fries Havanese and Bichon, who weighs 15 pounds, and they It has helped to avoid any problems. About her teeth and gums which her species tends to like She also liked the taste of it.
Sample Buyer Review...
My buddy has a Greenie every night after his human siblings go to bed. He loves them and they do a good job of keeping his teeth clean. They get expensive but are worth it to keep his mouth nice and clean.
4. | Best Soft Treats:
KONG Easy Treat
KONG Easy Treat
What we like:
- Packed with flavor
- Freezable
- May upset sensitive stomachs
Calories: 3,000 kcal total | Key ingredients: Milk, water, soybean oil, whey, sodium phosphate | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All Life Stages
These semi-soft peanut butter flavored treats from Kong are our experts' favorite dog toys. It comes in a dispenser that works like spray cheese. So you can put it in a chew toy to keep your dog entertained. You can also place treat-filled toys in the freezer before giving them to your puppy to make the toys last longer, according to the brand.
Sample Buyer Review...
My 50 pound puppy loves to chew on everything. This keeps her distracted and she loves the taste. I was given the idea to put some peanut butter inside and then freeze it. That works really well on keeping her busy longer.
5. | Best Treat Sticks:
SmartSticks Beef Chews Dog Treats
SmartSticks Beef Chews Dog Treats
What we like:
- Rawhide-free
- Supports dental health
- Low fat
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): 55 kcal | Key ingredients: Corn, chicken, glycerin, sorbitol | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Rawhide-free treats from the brand SmartBones are stuffed with pork-flavored chews to make them more delicious for your canine friend. They're also made with real chicken and vegetables and are packed with vitamins and minerals that make them easy to digest. And there's also a peanut butter option with a pork flavor center. as well as beef and chicken flavor options. If you have a small dog You may want to consider the brand's smaller snacks instead, as these chewable bars can be difficult to break into pieces.
Sample Buyer Review...
My dog loved the taste SmartBones SmartSticks (She can be picky). They are on the softer side, so she did eat them pretty quickly and not the best for teething.
6. | Best For Puppies:
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Dog Treats
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Dog Treats
What we like:
- Small size
- Supports skin/coat health
- Good for training
- Has strong smell
Calories (per treat): 4 kcal | Key ingredients: Chicken, oatmeal, brown rice, cane sugar, potatoes | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Blue Buffalo's authentic flavored training treats - they're created with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain the health of your dog's skin and coat. and contains no soy, wheat or artificial flavors and preservatives, according to Blue Buffalo. The snacks also come in a portable bag to take with you.
Sample Buyer Review...
Is the perfect size for small to medium dogs. Has enough for several training sessions or just doggie rewards. My Three pugs (The grumble) Know the sound of me just opening the resealable bag that one of their favorite treats are being opened.
7. | Best For Large Dogs:
Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits
Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits
What we like:
- Great for large breeds
- Crunchy texture
- Supports dental health
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): 125 kcal | Key ingredients: Wheat flour, ground whole wheat flour, meat and bone meal | Recommended breed size: Large and giant | Age Range: All life stages
These are the biggest classic bone-shaped dog biscuits on this list. And it's a good alternative if smaller treats aren't suitable for your large breed puppy. My family's dogs include medium to large breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Golden Retrievers, and these biscuits have always been a staple in my house. Crunchy, meat-flavored snacks that help reduce the buildup of tartar on teeth according to the brand. It also comes in a large 10 pound box, so you don't have to worry about running out of stock anytime soon.
Sample Buyer Review...
The tase, the crunch, the texture makes it so appealing to our pit bull terrier. I use these for when she’s really good at doing something, & it’s a night night treat as well
8. | Best For Training:
Pet Botanics Training Reward
Pet Botanics Training Reward
What we like:
- Great for training
- Low-calorie
- Small size
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): 3 kcal | Key ingredients: Pork liver, pea flour, potatoes, dried whole eggs, glycerin, flaxseed, brown rice | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Pet Botanics dog treats, which contain three calories, are made with real pork liver, according to the brand. I give these delicious treats to Bella when teaching her new commands and rewarding good behavior. She likes the taste of bacon. And because it comes in small, low-calorie pellets, So I was able to give her several snacks at once. while still tracking the amount of nutrients it receives each day
Sample Buyer Review...
Like the small bits. Excellent for all types of rewards but I use for higher level training because the dogs view has a higher reward than the usual kibble. Has a strong bacon smell, very enticing for training. Not too soft that it crumbles in pouch.
9. | Best Long-Lasting:
Pupford Thick Bully Sticks Dog Treat
Pupford Thick Bully Sticks Dog Treat
What we like:
- Keeps dogs busy
- Supports dental health
- asts a long time
- Lacks flavor variety
Calories (per treat): 75 kcal | Key ingredients: Beef | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
These rawhide free bully sticks are ideal if you need to provide long-term care for your dog. When they're home alone or in stressful situations, like if they're in a car or around a lot of people, I give Bella a skinny version of the Pupford bully stick. (which is made for small dogs) when we travel because it lasts for hours and keeps her entertained, especially on airplanes The sticks help clean teeth and remove plaque as you chew. The brand also offers other long-lasting treats, including dog chews in flavors like antler and beef tendon. and sun-dried beef snacks
Sample Buyer Review...
There products are healthy for your pup. One ingredient is the best way to keep them healthy and happy. My dog will not eat anything but pupford treats, chews, teeth cleaning chews etc
10. | Best Beef-Flavored:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites
Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites
What we like:
- Fun to eat
- Soft texture
- Grain-free
- May upset sensitive stomachs
Key ingredients: Burger Bites - Beef with Bison Burger | Diet Type: Veterinary Diet | Age Range: All life stages
These meat flavors are a favorite of Daruvuri's Bandit, who also likes the brand's grilled chicken snacks. This treat is soft enough to break easily for small dogs. And it's made without artificial flavors or meat by-products for sensitive stomachs, according to the brand.
Sample Buyer Review...
I buy these for my little Maltese. He loves them. They are easy to break up and good quality and a decent price.
11. | Best Flavor-Packed:
Pup-Peroni Rounds Beef Brisket Dog Treats
Pup-Peroni Rounds Beef Brisket Dog Treats
What we like:
- Easy to tear
- Smells great
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): n/a | Key ingredients: Beef, meat by-products, soy grits, liver | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
With these beef briskets And she said he liked the taste and texture. It's made from real beef and has a fun round shape reminiscent of real human-grade pepperoni. The snacks do not contain any artificial flavors, additives, or grains, according to the brand.
Sample Buyer Review...
Our dog Buddy says that these taste great. I like the price. Will buy again.
12. | Best For Joint Health:
Zuke's Hip Action Hip & Joint Natural Dog Treats
Zuke's Hip Action Hip & Joint Natural Dog Treats
What we like:
- Supports hip and joint health
- Great for older dogs
- Soft texture
- Not easy to break apart
Calories (per treat): 19 kcal | Key ingredients: Chicken, rice, oats, malted barley extract, maple flavored syrup | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Another option from Zuke's, these snacks come in both beef and chicken flavors. and suitable for dogs with joint problems They contain eggshell membranes, which can help improve hip and joint health, according to Zuke. These soft snacks also contain antioxidant-rich berries. The same goes for essential vitamins and minerals for dogs.
Sample Buyer Review...
Not only do these make my 11 yr old dog act like a puppy, my mom forgot them for a few weeks when she was watching him, 2 yrs ago, & he was so stiff & tired she took him to the vet. Three days back on & he was prancing around again. We recommend them to all our dog buddies now
13. | Best Variety Pack:
Old Mother Hubbard Original Mix Natural Dog Treats
Old Mother Hubbard Original Mix Natural Dog Treats
What we like:
- Variety of flavors
- Crunchy texture/li>
- Multiple sizes
- Nothing to note at this time
Calories (per treat): n/a | Key ingredients: Whole wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat bran, chicken fat, chicken | Recommended breed size: Small breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Old Mother Hubbard comes in a variety of delicious flavors. Including peanut butter and apple Bacon and Cheddar Cheese I gave this small variety pack to Bella who loves the variety of flavors. This mix comes with the brand's original flavors, along with chicken, cheddar, and char tare (a mix of oats, apples, and carrots).
Sample Buyer Review...
Apparently the taste is fabulous, my dog would probably eat the whole bag! Smell good and the size is great (large). Quality product with quality ingredients and reasonable price.
14. | Best Turkey-Flavored:
Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe With Cranberries
Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe With Cranberries
What we like:
- Can break them up
- High in fiber
- Unique flavors
- Larger in size
Calories (per treat): 34 kcal | Key ingredients: Turkey, rolled oats, honey, glycerin, rice bran, cranberries, potato starch | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
These Spot Farms snacks contain ground turkey (the first ingredient), high-fiber rolled oats, honey, and cranberries. Free from additives, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors, you can give these treats to your dog whole or separate them into smaller training-sized treats to provide throughout the day, according to the brand. They're also highly rated, with an average of 4.6 stars from more than 1,100 reviews on Amazon.
Sample Buyer Review...
My toy poodle is OBSESSED with these! I mean, makes me wonder what’s actually in them! lol they’re worth it to spoil them. She doesn’t have many teeth and struggles with hard treats but these are soft enough for her when I break them into smaller bites.
15. | Best Stuffed Treats:
SmartBones Pork Stuffed Twistz
SmartBones Pork Stuffed Twistz
What we like:
- Stuffed with extra flavor
- Rawhide-free
- Multiple flavor options
- Not for small dogs
Calories (per treat): 90 kcal | Key ingredients: Corn, chicken, rice, glycerin, sorbitol, peanut butter | Recommended breed size: All breeds | Age Range: All life stages
Rawhide-free treats from the Select employee-favorite brand SmartBones are stuffed with pork-flavored chews to make them more delicious for your canine friend. They're also made with real chicken and vegetables and are rich in vitamins and minerals that make them easier to digest, according to the brand. SmartBones also has a peanut butter option with a pork flavor center. as well as beef and chicken flavor options. If you have a small dog You may want to consider the brand's smaller snacks instead, as these chewable bars can be difficult to break into pieces.
Sample Buyer Review...
Dog treats have become very expensive so I'm always looking for the best value. These chewies offer a healthy, tasty, and reasonable cost product that my dogs absolutely love! I have them on auto delivery so we can be sure to have them often!
How To Shop For Dog Treats
Treats should only be given in moderation. This may mean that your dog shouldn't receive it on a daily basis. “Too many treats can disrupt the balance of your pet's main diet. It is recommended that treats account for no more than 10% of a pet's daily caloric intake,” says Dr. Laurie Teller, board-certified veterinarian and former president of American Veterinary AssociationTo determine which treats are best for your dog Our pet experts recommend looking at the ingredients, size and calorie count of each treat. They also discuss other types of snacks, such as dental treats and grain-free options. And see if these treats are beneficial to your dog's health.
Conclusion
Incorporating natural dog treats into your pet’s diet is a step towards ensuring their health and happiness. By choosing treats with high-quality, natural ingredients, you can provide your dog with snacks that are not only delicious but also beneficial to their overall well-being. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor the best diet plan for your dog’s unique needs.Advertisement