Giving your pooch the best dog treats can make life easier and more pleasurable for both you and your pet. As well as allowing you to indulge and show love to your canine companion, having treats to hand will become useful when you're crate training or encouraging a dog to walk on their lead.
Indeed, dog treats, like the longest lasting dog chews, are an excellent way of offering positive reinforcement for desired behavior. They can focus a dog's attention and ensure pets know what they're being rewarded for. So long as you are not over-indulging your dog (treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of a daily calorie intake), you can safely use them alongside the best dog food and not worry too much that they don't offer much in the way of nutritional value.
But what treats should you choose? Any treat would work well for lead training while longer-lasting treats are better for crate training because they allow a dog time to get used to their surroundings. If you're worried about your pooch's dental health, then consider the best dental chews for dogs. The abrasive outer shell of these treats acts like a toothbrush, sweeping away plaque and tartar and freshening the breath.
You can even find the best diabetic dog treats or dog treats for sensitive stomachs, the latter being great if your pooch has a delicate digestive system or skin issues and you don't want them to miss out..One thing's for sure, dogs know when you're about to give them a treat and they respond well, according to a study published by the Royal Society, so let's take a look at our round-up of the best dog treats on the shelves today.
Dr. Barnette is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she received both her B.S. in Zoology and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She has 15 years of clinical experience as a small animal veterinarian, treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients. She now works as a freelance veterinary writer, creating educational content for veterinarians, veterinary team members, and dedicated pet owners. Dr. Barnette lives in southwest Florida with her husband and daughter (plus two cats, a dog, and a rescued dove!) and enjoys kayaking, biking, and hiking. Learn more about Dr. Barnette at www.linkedin.com/in/catherinebarnette.
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog treats
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“Users praise the size of these treats, saying they are just right, and that has contributed to them getting a user rating of 4.6 out of five on Amazon. Some say the strong smell of them is a great attraction and one user suggests they work wonders for unruly dogs and general training. Just be aware that some say the treats will become hard if they are left out or the bag is not sealed tight.”
If you're looking for a deliciously soft and chewy treat for your canine companion that's also incredibly affordable, these power bites from Merrick are well worth considering.
Made with real beef and packed full of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, these meaty morsels come with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and are high in protein to keep your pup feeling satisfied.
Free from grains, gluten, corn, wheat and soy, they're ideal for dogs that suffer from allergies or have sensitive digestive systems. While pet parents report that these power bites are larger than pictured on the packet, their soft texture makes them ideal for training purposes and for pups with dental issues who find chewing a challenge.
“This product has a user rating of 4.6 out of five on Amazon, but it's hard to tell why they are being so praised because there are very few reviews. A five star rating says: “My dog loves these. Can't get enough of them”. With no user giving one or two stars, they appear to be a solid choice for users.”
These dog treats have been created to human food standards and while we wouldn't particularly munch on them ourselves, your dog is sure to love their taste. Containing no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, each treat has been created with organic and human-grade ingredients.
The main one is organic ground oats and you'll also find real bananas and coconut in these. What's more, they're only 16 calories per square so you don't have to worry too much about obesity so long as you're moderating a pooch's intake.
We like how the treats also contain Omega-3 fatty acids which is great for a dog's joints and immune system. There's Omega-6 fatty acids, too, supporting your dog's skin and coat, as well as plenty of fiber.
All of the ingredients are sourced in North America and the treats are gluten free and non-GMO which will ensure they'll go down well with dogs who have allergies. The company has even thought about the environment with packaging that's biodegradable for clean waste disposal.
“With a user rating of 4.5 out of five on Amazon, these treats appear to be a winner among dog owners. Although some say they're expensive, others don't seem to mind, saying they won't crumble in your pocket and are small enough to carry around. Users also say they serve their purpose in helping to maintain a dog's weight.”
According to recent research, most dog treats on the market exceed the recommended daily allowance for dogs.
Whether your dog is on a diet, or needs a low-fat diet for health reasons, there’s no reason they have to miss out on treats every now and again. There’s a great selection of low-fat and low-calorie options out there for slimming pooches – including Hill’s Healthy Weight Dog Treats.
These little bone-shaped treats are made with cereals, vegetables and meat derivatives, and are specifically designed for overweight and obese dogs, and those prone to putting on weight.
Each oven-baked treat contains 22% protein and 3.8% crude fiber, and is only nine calories – the perfect snack for dogs watching their waistline, and for dogs that like a good crunch, too. They’re also enriched with vitamins and minerals so that even dieting dogs don’t have to miss out on their nutrients.
Hills uses scientific research to inform the creation of its dog foods and dog treats, and the brand describes itself as a global leader in nutritional healthcare for animals.
The low-calorie dog treat market is rather limited. While Hill’s aren’t the lowest calorie dog snack on the market (some weigh in at just three calories per treat), Hill’s dog treats fare much better than most for the quality of its ingredients, especially as they contain no additives.
These little bite-size, bone-shaped treats come in bags of 220g, and are suitable for dogs aged eight weeks and over.
“Thousands of people have taken the time to review these treats on Amazon, giving the product a rating of 4.6 out of five. Although one user suggests they didn't “really freshen up” their dog's breath, others say they combat odour and help to keep teeth clean. They also seem to last a while which is always good news for calorie (and wallet) watchers.”
Is your dog the very definition of bad breath every time they give you a slobbery kiss in the morning? They are not alone. Most dogs suffer from a build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth over time and without regular removal it can cause tooth decay and that unwelcome meaty stench when they breathe all over you. Don't worry, WHIMZEES dental chews are here to help.
Made using vegetable products like potato starch, glycerin and cellulose powder, they give your four-legged friend's teeth a good workout, removing tartar, plaque, bacteria and stains as they chew. Regular users have been impressed at how clean these treats get their dog's teeth, even when compared with a professional teeth clean at the vet or pet groomers.
Designed to last three times longer than competing dental chews, these 3 1/2" long toothbrush shaped treats are made with all natural, gluten free, hypoallergenic, non-GMO and vegetarian ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They are also produced in a much more sustainable way than meat-based dental treats. They are good for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, but do note they do contain yeast, so if your dog is yeast-sensitive it may be worth only giving them sparingly when you first introduce them.
So, if you want to save the planet, your dog's dental bills and your long-suffering nose, these long-lasting dental treats may well be for you!
“These tasty treats have attracted a user rating of 4.6 out of five on Amazon, with 89% of users giving them four or more stars. Praised for their quality, they are soft enough to break into pieces, users say, and they don't seem to upset stomachs. They appear to go down well with dogs suffering with problematic jaws.”
If you’re after an all-natural snack packed with nutrition and flavor, Hill’s Dog treats offer the perfect balance. Made from grain free chicken and carrots, not only will this tickle your dog’s tastebuds, but also provide a low-calorie snack. This will help keep the pounds off so your canine companion will always stay fit and healthy.
These snacks are recommended for adult dogs, so may not be suitable for younger pups. However, their mini-sized bites are ideal for rewarding seniors and are easy on the teeth. These snacks are also ideal for dogs who suffer from allergies, as its grain-free formula doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy or any added artificial flavors or preservatives.
One thing to note is the texture states soft-baked, while a few users have mentioned that they are actually not as soft as expected. But these were still soft enough for older dogs to happily chew on and enjoy the flavors.
Overall, this is a highly nutritious and tasty treat option that will keep your pooch healthy and happy!
“With a user rating of 4.7 out of five, users love these treats as much as their dogs, it would seem. Said to contain quality ingredients and of the right size for puppies, they're praised for being soft and dogs appear to respond well to them when used as part of their training. “According to my puppy – yummy,” said one.”
These puppy bites may be small but they pack a powerful punch. Specifically formulated for dogs under one year of age, these mini, crunchy puppy treats are bursting with all the nutritional value, goodness, and tasty flavors your pup will need to thrive.
Made from fresh, premium chicken and all-natural ingredients, including sources of DHA and Omega 3, they’re free from artificial colors, wheat, dairy, and meat by-products. From fresh carrots and apples to flaxseed and blueberries, this formula contains the necessary nutrients to support your pup’s development.
Your pup will enjoy the miniature shapes and delicious crunchy texture. In fact, these bite-sized treats are perfect for training sessions or simply for spoiling your pooch. Another bonus is that the snacks are suitable for all breeds and sizes.
Some customers have mentioned they’re a little on the pricey side, considering the bag is only 6 ounces. However, if you’re after top-notch, organic quality for your puppy, then this is certainly worth the splurge.
How to choose the best dog treat for your dog
What's the best dog treat?
When choosing the best dog treat for your dog, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Special dietary requirements. If your dog has gum disease or is overweight, consider opting for a treat specific to them. A low-calorie treat for a dog who needs to watch their waistline means they don’t need to miss out on rewards, while a treat specifically aimed at fighting plaque will help dogs with gum and teeth problems get the best of both worlds.
Health needs: Similarly, for dogs with digestive issues, or just sensitive stomachs, try testing them out on one of the many dog treats on the shelves that specifically promise to be kind on digestion.
Ingredients: The same rules generally apply to dogs as they do for humans. The fewer and fresher the ingredients, the better.
Tastiness: Ultimately dogs will usually get the final say. But if you can manage to find a dog treat that your pet doesn’t turn their nose up at, and that has some great ingredients to supplement their diet, you’ll be in their good books forever. For extra brownie points, you could try and make your own homemade dog treats.
Are dog treats necessary?
Not according to veterinarian Catherine Barnette who has also pondered the overall question: “are dog treats healthy?”. “Your dog should primarily be eating a complete and balanced diet appropriate for his or her age and breed. While it’s okay to give treats occasionally, too many treats can lead to excess weight gain.”
That, however, is not to say you should avoid them. Treats are helpful in many situations so just be sensible. “To help reduce the calories your dog receives from treats, consider breaking treats in half, using pieces of kibble as treats, or switching to healthier low-calorie alternatives. Doing so will reduce the risk of excess weight gain and ensure your dog remains healthy,' Barnette says.
