The best dog treats: healthy, tasty, and nutritious options for your pup

 

Treats are an essential component of a dog's life.

Good treats contribute to maintaining overall health. However, not all treats offer the same benefits. Some contain artificial preservatives, excess calories, or nutritional emptiness in the form of fillers.

The best dog treats balance quality ingredients, good nutritional values, and purpose. Regardless of intention, whether for training or as a reward, treats need to complement a dog's dietary needs and general health. Size, texture, and caloric content are essential for small dogs, older animals, and those with food allergies.

 

In this article, we'll cover the best treats for dogs based on ingredients and benefits. You'll also learn what to look for in a treat, which ingredients to avoid, and some of the best brands available today.

Categories of the best treats

Training treats

Training treats should be small, easy to chew, low in calories per piece, and obviously tasty. These treats help reinforce good behavior without overloading your dog's diet. Soft treats work well because they are easy to swallow, keeping your dog focused on training instead of chewing.

 

Popular training treats

• Bocce's Bakery Training Treats: Made with simple, natural ingredients and available in a variety of flavors.

• Freeze-Dried Training Treats: High in protein and nutrient-dense, these treats are great for rewarding good behavior.

• Wellness Soft Puppy Bites: Their soft texture makes these treats perfect for teething puppies and small breeds.

• Zuke’s Mini Naturals: A classic training treat with a chewy texture and low-calorie formula.

Pet owners may look for training treats that contain real meat as the main ingredient and, more importantly, no bad artificial preservatives. Dogs often prefer freeze-dried dog treats because they have a natural flavor and are not hard to digest. If your dog is food-allergic, find grain-free or limited-ingredient choices.

 

Let's move on to health-oriented treats and their uses for digestion, joint care, and dental health.

Health-focused treats

Healthy dog treats support overall well-being and nutrition. Certain pet owners prefer treats with specific nutritional benefits, such as low-fat or grain-free options, to help maintain a healthy weight and support digestion.

• Dental health chews: Certain chews not only provide a dog with fresh breath but also help keep your pet's teeth clean. Chews such as Greenies Dental Chews, not our favorite but very popular, and Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews are formulated to cut back on plaque and tartar. These chews are certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

• Functional "treats" / supplements: Some treats, or more precisely supplements in the format of soft chews, support joint health, digestion, or skin and coat health. Omega-3s and UC-II collagen supplements help large-breed and senior dogs maintain mobility. Specific strains of probiotics treats aid digestion and intestinal health. Jope Hip & Joint chews provide UC-II® collagen, support joint health, support a healthy inflammatory response, and promote cartilage health in dogs.

• Low-calorie and hypoallergenic treats: Puppies or adult dogs with allergies or food sensitivities are assisted by treats with limited ingredients like freeze-dried single-protein treats or those free of wheat gluten and bad artificial preservatives. These also minimize digestive issues and the chances of allergic reactions. Looking at the calories per kg of treats is always a good idea.

You can check our article on healthy low-calorie treats for dogs for weight loss.

 

Reward treats

Reward treats are designed for an occasional indulgence. Treats come with a soft consistency, indulgent flavors, and premium ingredients dogs adore.

• Chewy and crunchy treats: Some dogs like to chew, and others like crunchy bites. Sweet potato chews, peanut butter-flavored biscuits, and chicken or beef dog jerky treats provide diversity and contentment.

• High-value treats: These are particularly enticing to dogs and may be used to reinforce good behavior. Freeze-dried dog treats, for instance, which are made from chicken breast or beef liver, provide a powerful flavor incentive.

• Occasional indulgence: While most dog treats should fit within a dog’s diet, pet owners sometimes give their dogs something extra special. Bully sticks, natural bones, or gourmet biscuits make excellent choices. These treats should be given in moderation, as they often contain more calories per serving.

Choosing the right treat depends on your dog's preferences and dietary needs. Not all treats are suitable for every dog, so consider your dog's health, age, and activity level before selecting a special snack.

What to look for in a good dog treat

When selecting treats for your dog, go for wholesome ingredients and say no to the extras.

• Ingredients to favor: Choose whole, natural ingredients free from fillers. Real meat, sweet potatoes, and limited whole-food ingredients support a healthy diet.

• Ingredients to avoid: Skip artificial flavorings, added sugar, and salt. Most treats include unnecessary ingredients that will trigger weight or gastrointestinal problems.

Choose treats that have only a few well-known, wholesome ingredients your dog can easily digest.

 

Best treat brands on the market

Here are some of the best dog treats available, based on their ingredients, benefits, and reviews from pet owners:

 

1. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats

• Only two ingredients, make them ideal for dogs with food allergies.

• Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor.

• High-value treats that dogs love make training sessions more effective.

• Pet owners note that a little goes a long way due to the nutrient density of these treats.

 

2. Riley's Peanut Butter & Molasses Recipe Biscuit Dog Treat, 5-oz bag, Small

• Made with USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and vegan ingredients.

• Packed with peanut butter, providing quality fats, protein, and antioxidants.

• The crunchy texture and natural sweetness of molasses make them irresistible.

• Free from wheat, corn, and soy—perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.

 

3. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dental Chews (Best for dental health)

• Recognized by veterinarians for reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

• High in protein and low in fat.

• Helps maintain a dog’s breath freshness.

• Owners report noticeable improvements in dental health with regular use.

 

4. Better Treat Freeze-Dried Sweet Potato Bites (Best veggie option)

• Single-ingredient treat made from organic sweet potatoes.

• Grain-free and easy to digest, great for dogs with food sensitivities.

• Provides fiber and supports digestive health.

• Dog owners praise them for their natural taste and quality.

 

5. Blue Buffalo Health Bars (Best budget option)

• Affordable and made with high-quality ingredients.

• Real chicken is the first ingredient.

• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

• Many pet parents say their dogs love the crunchy texture.

Read our article on - Best organic treats for dogs in 2025

Popular choices that we don't recommend

1. Milk-Bone Original Biscuits

I avoid these because they’re made up of around 64% carbohydrates with only 11% dietary fiber, so more than half the treat is basically carbs. They use “meat and bone meal” as the main animal protein, which I find less appealing than a more straightforward, high-quality meat source. The protein ratio of 15% is decent, but I’d rather see that come from better ingredients, and the first two listed are wheat and wheat flour, which explains the carb-heavy profile. 

On top of that, the overall ingredient list is quite long, with many items that don’t seem very natural to me.

2. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

Even though they have a decent protein source, I tend to pass on these because the minimum fat is already at 16%, which feels quite high, especially for a moist treat. The fiber content is only at 2% crude fiber, and since they haven’t updated their guaranteed analysis, we can’t see the specific dietary fiber (though it’s likely low). Puppies do need energy, but I prefer more balanced treats that don’t rely so heavily on fat.

3. SmartBones Rawhide-Free Chews

I was originally intrigued by the rawhide-free claim, but there are way too many ingredients I’m uncomfortable with—things like fructose, gelatin, artificial chicken flavor, artificial milk flavor, and added colorants. The fiber content is also low, and they don’t seem very nutrient-rich. Overall, this makes me hesitant to give them to my pups.

Disclaimer: This represents my own personal opinion based on ingredient considerations, general nutritional guidelines, and my experience with pets. Formulations can change over time and by region, so I recommend always checking the latest ingredient list and consulting a veterinarian to determine what’s best for your individual dog’s health.

Tips for choosing treats based on your dog

Breed size and age considerations

Your dog's size also plays a role when it comes to which treat to choose. Small breeds need soft or bite-sized crunchy treats to prevent choking. Large-breed dogs can handle bigger dog biscuits, dog chews, and harder treats that encourage chewing.

Teething puppies need softer treats to avoid damaging their developing teeth. Freeze-dried dog treats or chewy treats are good options. Senior dogs may struggle with crunchy textures and do better with soft treats that are easy to chew.

Training treats should be small and low-calorie, especially for frequent rewards. Most dog treats for training have limited ingredients and a soft texture, making them easy to eat quickly.

Read our guide on weight loss for senior dogs.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right treat ensures your dog stays healthy, active, and happy. Whether you opt for a training reward, a dental chew, or a nutritious snack, always prioritize natural ingredients and high-quality options. Your furry friend deserves the best, so choose wisely, treat responsibly, and keep those tails wagging!

For joint health, Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews provide superior support. These dog chews use UC-II® collagen, which is more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega-3 and curcumin promote a healthy coat and relieve occasional stiffness.