Dogs love treats!
However, choosing the best one for your dog can be overwhelming as there are hundreds of choices! Worry not, as we’ve simplified your decision. In this article, we’re going to briefly enumerate the different kinds of dog treats and enlist the important factors when it comes to choosing the right treats for your dog. To make your lives all the more simple, we’d also give the ultimate best dog treats per category. Choosing the right treat for your dog should be very easy after reading this article!
Treats are to dogs, as snacks are to humans. Treats give dogs an instant burst of joy and energy that makes training and behavior enforcement possible. It’s also essential in creating a loving relationship bond with dogs as it serves as a tangible way for us to show our affection to our dogs. But not all treats were made equal. Every owner must consider at least four important factors when choosing treats for their dog.
The four important factors to consider when choosing treats for dogs:
1. Purpose for the treat – before even proceeding to buy, every owner must first set an intention by asking themselves, “What is the treat for?” Is it for training? Is it for behavior enforcement? Is it for a celebration? Once this is answered, looking for one will be a walk in the park!
2. Size – owners must know the size of the treat that they prefer. It must be compatible to the size of their dogs and the kind of activity that they want to partake. Treats for training should be smaller so that it’d be hearty enough but not heavy. Owners must be aware that regular dog treats are not suited for puppies.
3. Texture – owners must pick the right texture for their dogs. Soft treats are ideal to puppies and senior dogs. Some dogs prefer chewy treats while some prefer the chunky kinds. It’s best for owners to be aware of their dog’s preferences.
4. Ingredients – make sure that your treats of choice incorporates your preferred nutrients and dietary intake for your dog. Make it a point to avoid the following: corn, wheat, soy, meat byproducts, artificial dyes, and preservatives. Owners should always prioritize all-natural and organic treats to secure the wellness of their dogs.
Treats can be primarily divided in the following categories: cookies and biscuits, chewers, soft treats, and freeze-dried. To cater to various needs and simplify your choosing process, we will recommend the best treats per purpose, such as training, dental care, pup care, joint support, and more.
1. Best Overall – Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats by Blue Buffalo
Price: $7.97
Blue Buffalo’s Bits is our number one overall champion when it comes to dog treats as it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with this brand. It comes in three variants and we recommend the one with chicken bits. It has a soft and moist texture that dogs of all kinds love. It packs a punch because apart from being a no. 1 favorite treat of dogs in and out of training, it contains no meat
by-product and is totally free of wheat, corn, and soy. The size is perfect even for puppies. As it is soft, it’s also ideal for senior dogs.
Blue Buffalo’s Bits is also packed with vitamins and DHA. DHA is perfect when it comes to enhancing a dog’s cognitive development. An additional quirk that makes this dog treat an absolute champion is the fact that it comes in heart-shaped bits. Truly, owners would feel like they’re sharing and giving love every time their dogs get this wholesome, all-natural, and delicious treat.
2. Best for Training – Training Rewards Dog Treats by Pet Botanics
Price: $6.98
Pet Botanics’ Training Reward Dog Treats is our number one choice when it comes to training because it comes in the perfect tiny size. Its tiny size and low caloric count prevents dogs from being overwhelmed during rigorous training, so owners need not worry if there will be instances where too much treats will be given while training is ongoing. It comes in four variants and we highly recommend the bacon variety.
Because of its tiny size, it’s also very easy to carry. Owners can fit so much even in their pockets making training on-the-go possible. It’s made with real pork liver and is boosted with vitamins and minerals. It has a soft texture so owners will not have to deal with excess crumbs in their bags or pockets. A really stellar attribute of this dog treat is its manufacturer certifies that it is entirely sourced and made in the USA.
3. Best Dental Treats – Teenie Dental Dog Treats by Greenies
Price: $27.19
Greenies’ Teenie Dental Dog Treats is the best one available in the market when it comes to treats that can effectively boost dogs’ dental health. It’s so good, it’s even recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. It comes in a delightful flavor that dogs love and heartily enjoy chewing on endlessly. We recommend it’s Teenie size variant because of its particularly low caloric content.
This dental treat is the best for dogs’ oral health as it has a specialized texture that can clean even gum lines. Its special formulation can prevent plaque and tartar. It can even freshen dogs’ breath! Made of natural ingredients, every serving is packed with vitamins and minerals. These dental treats were formulated to be easily digested by dogs and comes grain-free.
4. Best for Puppies – Soft Puppy Grain-Free Treats by Wellness
Price: $3.59
The best dog treats for puppies is Wellness’ Soft Puppy Grain-Free Treats that comes in an ultra soft and chewable serving. It comes in two variants and we recommend the soft lamb and salmon variety.
This dog treat is truly a good match for puppies because its soft texture and delicious formulation can be continuously given during training or plainly as indulgent treats. It has high-grade ingredients that includes no soy, corn, and wheat. It also added no artificial colors and flavorings.
Wellness is a family-owned company so dog owners can be sure that these treats are entirely made in the USA. The company also offers crunchy puppy treats that are equally delicious and packed with nutrients. Such crunchy treats are ideal for older puppies. We love how its formulation is infused with veggies, blueberries, and flaxseed that ensures optimum puppy growth and development!
5. Best for Joint Support – Healthy Joints Dog Treats by Milk-Bone
Price:$7.42
Milk-Bone’s Healthy Joints Dog Treats should be a mainstay supplement for senior dogs and dogs with sensitive knees. As it can be given everyday, it’s best to always start a dog’s day right with a treat that is jam-packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s really a smart way to keep dogs from having joint problems as supplementing their diet never got this easy. As each serving is delicious, dogs have no idea whatsoever that they’re taking in supplements.
This treat’s main ingredient is chicken. As it comes in a friendly serving, it can be safely digested by dogs of all sizes. Each serving effectively maintains dogs’ healthy joints because it has vitamin C, DHA, chondroitin, and glucosamine.
We like how Milk-Bone specially formulated this treat in such a way that dog’s truly get excited at just the sight and smell of it. With it, owners will say goodbye to hours on end of trying to make dogs take in supplements! It’s truly a wonderful hack! It can be given in the morning or at any desired time of the day for it’s also an effective treat when it comes to encouraging a positive behavior!
6. Best Chewers – Rawhide-Free Dog Chews by SmartSticks
Price: $4.58
SmartSticks’ Rawhide-Free Dog Chews is our no. 1 recommended chewer treat for dogs. It comes in three variants and we highly recommend the peanut butter variety.
SmartStick’s chewer is no.1 on our list because it is free of rawhide and comes grain-free. As it is made in Vietnam, owners can be certain that it is of good quality. It’s main ingredients are vegetables, chicken, and peanut butter. We like it because apart from being a good chewer that can last up to five minutes or more, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s also easily digested by dogs.
We especially love how SmartSticks chewers are absolutely free of rawhide. Rawhides pose numerous health risks for dogs and it’s about time that owners know of efficient and intelligent alternatives. SmartSticks chewers are exactly such so owners can be sure that their dogs will be free from ingesting toxic chemicals and experiencing intestinal blockage.
7. Best Natural Treats – Soft Savories by Hill’s Science Diet
Price: $4.49
For dog’s with particular needs and diets that requires natural ingredients, Hill’s Science Diet is our best pick. It has an all-natural formulation that is free from any preservatives that can upset or block a dog’s stomach. Hill’s Science Diet Soft Savories has three variants and we highly recommend the peanut butter variety.
The peanut butter variety is made with real peanut butter and no unnecessary fat is added. It includes potatoes, bananas, peas, and chicken in its formulation. To retain freshness without using preservatives, it uses mixed tocopherols instead of harmful chemicals.
This treat is of the crunchy kind so its best served in half. Bigger dogs can eat it in its original size but cutting it in half will make it last longer and more enjoyable for most dogs.
Dogs of different breeds enjoy the peanut butter and banana taste in this treat so it’s perfect for picky dogs!
8. Best Limited Ingredients – Dog Treats by American Journey
Price: $5.99
American Journey’s Dog Treats is best for dogs that needs treats with limited ingredients. It’s perfectly safe for dogs with particular ailments as it is chicken-free and uses zero wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, by-products, and preservatives. We highly recommend the sweet potato variant.
Its main ingredient is real turkey that serves as its sole protein source. It’s fit for dogs that enjoy exciting textures as it is crunchy without any ingredients that can be sensitive to dog’s stomachs. It is oven-baked and grain-free.
We especially love its special formulation that has nutrient-packed fruits and veggies as foundation. Owners can also be secured that it’s free of any toxic chemicals as it is manufactured in the USA. It uses globally sourced ingredients but none is sourced from China. Owners can break up one serving to make it more enjoyable for smaller dogs.
9. Best Jerky – Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats by Rocco & Roxie
Price: $19.97
Our best pick for jerkies is Rocco and Roxie’s Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats because it is specially produced with premium ingredients. It comes in three variants and we recommend the beef variety.
Dogs that love jerkies will enjoy how Rocco & Roxie treats are completely gluten-free and devoid of any fillers and flavorings. It has the stellar mark of a good treat as it does not have any soy, corn, and grain as part of its ingredients.
Rocco & Roxie is a locally-owned company that uses a secret family recipe that has top quality American beef as its essential flavor. Its uniquely soft and chewy texture is achieved through a 10-hour smoking process. Rocco & Roxie treats are entirely made in the USA so owners can always be secured that their dogs will be digesting no toxic chemicals or materials. As it has a delicious taste that dogs love, it’s also perfect for picky eaters.
A special attribute that we like is the fact that these jerkies don’t smell. Given that they are not artificially enhanced, they don’t leave a greasy feel and stinky smell when held. It actually feels and smells like what a yummy beef jerky would!
10. Best for Allergies – Limited Ingredient Treats by Natural Balance
Price: $7.09
The best treat that we found most ideal for dogs with allergies is Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient Treats. We recommend it because despite the limited ingredients that it allowed it still turned out enticing and enjoyable for dogs. It comes in six variants and we recommend the sweet potato and bison variety.
We love how Natural Balance includes a detailed quality analysis of each batch of treats through a nine-step process with results that get published in their website. They employ chemists and microbiologists to ensure that all released treats are extremely safe and healthy for dogs with allergies and sensitive needs.
Despite the limited ingredients, the company made it a point to not incorporate grains, fillers, and preservatives. Dogs that enjoy this treat also experience improvement in the health of their skin and coat.
11. Best for Seniors – Hip Action Dog Treats by Zuke’s
Price: $6.55
Last but not the least, we also included our best pick for senior dogs. Sadly, dogs do age and get old. But aging never stops them from enjoying treats! So the treat-giving never ends! But given that we want the best for our senior dogs, it’s important that we customize their treats supply to their maturing body. Their treats must be senior-friendly. And our answer to that is Zuke’s Hip Action Dog Treats! It comes in four variants and we highly recommend the chicken variety.
Zuke’s Hip Action Dog Treats is #1 on our list because not only does it come in flavors that dogs enjoy, it’s also packed with plenty of nutrients that fit the needs of senior dogs. It’s boosted with glucosamine, chondroitin, and egg shell membrane that effectively helps in the maintenance of dogs’ joints.
Its main ingredient is chicken and we love how it also has cherries, sesame seeds, and turmeric. It’s 100% made in the USA and includes no soy, wheat, and corn in its formulation. Even non-senior dogs will enjoy this healthy treat very much!