These 12 Dog Treat Options Pass a Vet's Rigorous Standards—& Pups Can't Get Enough
Dog treats are more than just a reward for not barking at the postal worker or learning how to roll over. Treats are a key component of your dog’s health and happiness. With hundreds of options on the market, selecting dog treats that are both nutritious and delicious can be daunting—especially if you’ve shelled out […]
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Dog treats are more than just a reward for not barking at the postal worker or learning how to roll over. Treats are a key component of your dog’s health and happiness. With hundreds of options on the market, selecting dog treats that are both nutritious and delicious can be daunting—especially if you’ve shelled out good money only to see your picky pup discard a treat.
The best dog treats are made from all-natural ingredients, free from common allergens and artificial flavors and fillers. Keep in mind as you shop your dog’s size, age, and other health considerations, like dietary restrictions and chewing capabilities. No need to get overwhelmed, though. Simply scroll on for the 12 best dog treats that will satisfy your furry friend’s taste buds.
Best Dog Treats at a Glance
- Best Overall Dog Treat (& Subscription Service): BarkBox, $25+ per month
- Best Calming Dog Treat: Finn Calming Aid Soft Chews, $32
- Best Probiotic Dog Treats: Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics, $30
- Best Treats for Elderly Dogs: Rocco & Roxie Glucosamine Hip and Joint Supplement, $33
- Best Dog Treats for Teeth Cleaning: Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Care Dog Treats, $18
- Best Treats for Puppies: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, $5+
- Best Vegetarian Dog Treats: Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, $6+
- Best Peanut Butter Dog Treats: American Journey Peanut Butter Crunchy Biscuits, $4
- Best Jerky Dog Treats: Jinx Beef Tenders Jerky Dog Treats, $28
- Best Pill Pocket Dog Treats: Greenies Pill Pockets, $12
- Best Soft Dog Treats: Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe, $19
- Best Dog Treats for a Limited Diet: Buddy Biscuits Original Soft & Chewy with Peanut Butter, $7
What to Look for in Dog Treats, According to Vets
According to Dr. Aziza Glass, DVM, CVA, owner of CAWLMVeterinary Hospital in Houston, Texas and expert vet for Freshpet, dog treats should check three boxes: low calorie, nutrient packed, and tasty. Fewer calories means your dog can occasionally enjoy an extra treat, while treats packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber can keep your dog in good health.
What to Avoid in Dog Treats, According to Vets
Beware of treats that are too calorie dense with no added nutritional value. “The higher the calorie content, the less number of treats your dog should consume, especially if they’re trying to lose weight,” says Dr. Aziza.
Keep an eye on the ingredient list for artificial additives, excessive salt, fillers, and sweeteners too. If your dog is prone to tummy troubles, consult with your vet and opt for treats with simple ingredients.
Experts in This Article
Dr. Aziza Glass, DVM, CVA: Owner of CAWLMVeterinary Hospital in Houston, Texas and expert vet for Freshpet
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BarkBox
Keep your pup interested and engaged with BarkBox. Here’s how it works: you’ll provide details about your dog, such as size and any dietary restrictions, then BarkBox will curate a selection of two toys, two full-sized bags of treats, and a chew in an adorably themed box. Each month the box of surprises arrives on your doorstep, to both your and your dog’s delight. You can provide feedback on the items you received, so if Buster didn’t like a certain type of treat, BarkBox will use this information to better tailor next month’s box.
Quantity: Two full-size bags
Main Ingredients: Varies month-to-month
Flavors: Varies month-to-month
Pros:
• All-natural ingredients
• Variety of different types of treats
• Boxes also include toys and chews
Cons:
• Picky eaters may not like every delivery
Finn Calming Aid Soft Chews
Trips to the vet, car rides, fireworks—these are just a few times when anxious dogs can feel overwhelmed. To soothe their nerves, stock up on Finn Calming Aid treats, beef-flavored bites that are packed with natural calming herbs like chamomile, ginger, and melatonin. They’ll help take the edge off stressful moments or separation anxiety, or can be used nightly as a sleep aid.
Quantity: 90
Main Ingredients: Passion flower, valerian root, melatonin
Flavors: Beef liver
Pros:
• An easy antidote to a dog’s anxiety
• Made with naturally calming ingredients and no added fillers
• Certified by the National Animal Supplement Council
Cons:
• Only one flavor
Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics
Probiotics are an important aspect of your diet, and they should be a part of your dog’s too. Pet Honesty’s Digestive Probiotics soft chews help maintain microflora in the gut, which aids with digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, boosting immune health. They’re vet-approved for all dogs over the age of six months, though they’re especially helpful for pups with tummy troubles.
Quantity: 90
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, chicory root, digestive enzymes
Flavors: Duck, pumpkin
Pros:
• Aids in regular digestion
• Boosts immune health
• Approved by the National Animal Supplement Council
Cons:
• Consistent use of 30-plus days is best to see results
Rocco & Roxie Glucosamine Hip and Joint Supplement
As our furry friends get older, a common sign of aging is hip and joint issues. Pet parents would do anything to help relieve their pup’s pain, and an easy way to do that is with daily doses of Rocco & Roxie’s Glucosamine Hip and Joint Supplement. High-quality ingredients, like glucosamine and fish oil, manage inflammation while supporting joints and connective tissue so your older dog can live their best fetch-playing, ball-catching life.
Quantity: 90
Main Ingredients: Glucosamine, MSM, fish oil
Flavors: Duck
Pros:
• Targets hip and joint pain
• Helps maintain muscle
• Relieves stiffness
Cons:
• Takes consistent use to see results
Greenies Original Natural Dental Care Dog Treats
Puppy breath may be cute, but that sweet scent can turn into a stench as your dog grows older. To freshen your dog’s breath, give him or her Greenies, a dental treat with a chewy texture that helps fight plaque and tartar. They bend for a deeper clean that extends to the gumline, so you’ll save yourself two painful experiences: bad dog breath and the cost of a teeth cleaning at your vet.
Quantity: 12
Main Ingredients: Dried spearmint, wheat flour, glycerin
Flavors: Chicken, blueberry, mint, sweet potato, fresh, gingerbread, original
Pros:
• Available in a variety of flavors
• Chewy texture
• Vet-recommended for at-home dental care
Cons:
• Aggressive chewers may gnaw through them quickly
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
When you welcome a new puppy into your home, it’s imperative to reinforce good behavior. Tell the pup what a good boy or girl they are with Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, wholesome and healthy treats specially formulated for puppies who haven’t celebrated their first birthday yet. The soft bites are easy on puppy teeth and can be broken apart so you can reward him or her often without overfeeding.
Quantity: Available in three- or eight-ounce bags
Main Ingredients: Lamb, salmon, chickpeas
Flavors: Lamb and salmon
Pros:
• Can be used as a reward for training
• Supports brain development
• Soft for puppy teeth
Cons:
• Smell is a bit fishy
Fruitables Bakes Dog Treats
Not all dog treats are meat-forward. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats stick to simple (and, with the exception of one flavor, vegetarian) ingredients. They mash real fruits, vegetables, and proteins together for treats that balance healthy with delicious. Plus, they’re only eight calories each, so you can feel good about sneaking your pup an extra treat.
Quantity: Available in seven- or 12-ounce bags
Main Ingredients: Fruit, oats, pearled barley, potatoes
Flavors: Pumpkin and apple, pumpkin and banana, pumpkin and blueberry, pumpkin and cranberry, sweet potato and pecan, crispy bacon and apple
Pros:
• Available in a variety of flavors
• Free of wheat, corn, and soy
• No artificial flavor or preservatives
Cons:
• Crunchy texture may be too hard for dogs with dental issues
American Journey Peanut Butter Crunchy Biscuits
For all the peanut butter-loving pups out there, American Journey Peanut Butter Crunchy Biscuits give them a taste of dry roasted peanuts without the mess of letting them lick a spoonful from your jar of Skippy. These small, bite-sized treats (perfect to stick in your pocket while on walks) have a crunchy texture and wholesome ingredients that will keep your dog energized for the day ahead.
Quantity: Approximately 50-60 in the eight-ounce bag, or approximately 100-120 in the 16-ounce bag
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, peas, peanut butter
Flavors: Peanut butter; duck; lamb; salmon; chicken; turkey; apples and cinnamon; sausage, egg, and cheese
Pros:
• Grain- and filler-free
• Affordable
• Available in many flavors
Cons:
• May be too hard for dogs with dental issues
• Available exclusively at Chewy
Jinx Beef Tenders Jerky Dog Treats
Jerky-loving dogs will happily gnaw away on Jinx Beef Tenders Jerky Dog Treats. They’re made of high-quality, slow-smoked real beef ingredients—and not much else. The streamlined list of ingredients offers a nutritious, protein-packed tasty treat for all pups, including those with sensitive stomachs.
Quantity: Six
Main Ingredients: Beef, beef liver, sorghum
Flavors: Beef
Pros:
• High in protein
• Limited ingredients
• Vet-approved for all life stages
Cons:
• Pretty pricey for a small quantity
Greenies Pill Pockets
If your dog is notorious for picking medication out of any hunk of cheese or ball of peanut butter, then you need to try tricking them with Greenies Pill Pockets. The pill pockets, made with all-natural ingredients (including peanut butter and chicken), pinch to close, masking the smell and taste of medication. Reviewers agree: the pill pockets ensure a positive medicine-giving experience for both of you, no frustration necessary.
Quantity: 60
Main Ingredients: Chicken, wheat flour, peanut butter
Flavors: Peanut butter, cheese, hickory, chicken, salmon
Pros:
• Masks the smell and taste of medication
• Easily pinches to close
• Made with all-natural ingredients
Cons:
• Can dry out if not stored properly
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe Dog Treats
The name says it all: Milk-Bone’s Soft & Chewy Dog Treats are designed to be, well, soft and chewy. This is helpful for elderly dogs, or dogs of any age or size with dental issues, to enjoy. You can feel good giving your furry buddy the wholesome ingredients—think real chicken, sweet potato, and apples. The 12 added vitamins and minerals contribute to your dog’s overall nutritional intake too.
Quantity: Varies by size
Main Ingredients: Chicken, sugar, dried potato
Flavors: Chicken, bacon, filet mignon,
Pros:
• Soft texture is ideal for dogs with dental issues
• Includes added vitamins and minerals
• Vet-approved for all dog ages and sizes
Cons:
• Contains more sugar than other treats
Buddy Biscuits Original Soft & Chewy with Peanut Butter
Buddy Biscuits are the closest option to a home-made treat, except you don’t have to spend an afternoon baking. These oven-baked treats pack a punch of flavor, even though they’re made with just five simple and healthy ingredients, and no added artificial flavors or additives. This makes the Buddy Biscuits a good bet for picky dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Quantity: Varies by box size
Main Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, peanut butter, vegetable glycerin
Flavors: Peanut butter, roasted chicken, bacon and cheese
Pros:
• Made with just five ingredients
• Dog-friendly flavors that appeal to picky eaters
• Affordable
Cons:
• Texture is prone to dry out