Dog treats are more than just tasty snacks—they are an essential part of your dog’s daily life and overall well-being. Whether used as rewards during training, to encourage good behavior, or simply as a way to show love, the right treats can have a significant impact on your dog’s health and happiness. Today’s dog treats come in a wide variety, including crunchy biscuits, soft chews, dental sticks, and even nutrient-rich options designed to support specific health needs like joint care or skin and coat health.
Choosing the right treat isn’t just about flavor; it’s about matching your dog’s size, age, and dietary requirements to ensure every bite is safe and beneficial. High-quality treats often include natural ingredients, avoid harmful additives, and are formulated to be easy to digest. Beyond nutrition, treats also play a key role in strengthening the bond between you and your dog, making training more effective and everyday moments more rewarding. With the right selection, dog treats can transform simple rewards into meaningful interactions that promote trust, obedience, and overall joy.
Top pick
Zuke's Mini Naturals
This dog treat uses protein as the main ingredient, making it healthy and nutritious. Its small size and soft texture make it easy for all dogs to chew and digest. Each treat contains only 3 calories and has no fillers, by-products, or artificial ingredients. With seven flavor options, it suits every dog’s taste. However, because the treats are soft, they can harden quickly if exposed to air, so the bag should be kept tightly sealed.
Zuke's Mini Naturals is one of the best dog treats because the first ingredient is always a recognizable protein source, and they are high in protein while remaining low in fat—making them suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages. They come in a wide range of flavors, including chicken, beef, and salmon, as well as combinations like peanut butter and oats. In every flavor, real meat is the primary ingredient, supported by wholesome additions such as ground rice, barley, fruits, and vegetables.
These treats contain no corn, wheat, soy, fillers, byproducts, or artificial ingredients, which makes them a cleaner and healthier option for dogs.
Zuke's Mini Naturals are also excellent training treats thanks to their small size and low calorie content—each piece has fewer than 3 calories and can easily be torn in half. Their soft texture makes them ideal for senior dogs with dental issues as well. The strong, appealing smell helps quickly capture a dog’s attention during training sessions.
They are made in the United States and come in a convenient resealable pouch to maintain freshness.
When I discovered that my Cavapoo puppy, Gemma, had a sensitive stomach, I turned to Bocce’s Bakery based on recommendations from other dog owners who had faced similar issues. These crunchy cookies are baked in small batches in the United States and are made with limited, locally sourced, and often organic ingredients.
They come in dozens of flavors, including year-round favorites like Bac 'N Nutty and Birthday Cake, as well as seasonal and holiday options such as pumpkin spice, allowing my dog to enjoy fun seasonal trends too.
With about 12 calories per biscuit, these treats work well as an occasional high-value reward. For training or portion control, the brand’s Soft & Chewy recipes are a better option since they can easily be broken into smaller pieces.
Another softer option, Bocce’s Bakery Brushy Bites, helps keep my dog’s breath minty fresh—perfect before she visits friends and family.
Best for Training
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats
These heart-shaped treats have only 3 calories each and are easy to break into smaller pieces. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, they contain no artificial preservatives or flavors and come in several varieties with added nutrients for skin and coat. However, they are slightly firmer than some chewy treats.
Best for Training: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits are excellent training treats and a great option for puppies thanks to their small size and irresistible taste. They are made with high-quality ingredients and work perfectly for frequent rewards. Real meat protein is always the first ingredient, usually combined with brown rice or oatmeal depending on the flavor, along with omega fatty acids like DHA to support your dog’s skin and coat health.
Made in the United States with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, these adorable heart-shaped soft treats are as practical as they are cute. Each piece can easily be broken into two or even three smaller portions. The brand also offers special holiday versions shaped like Christmas trees and Santas.
Many dog owners mention that Blue Bits are slightly larger than most training treats, making them a great low-calorie choice for medium and large dogs as well.
Best Jerky: REAL MESA Beef Kabobs Dog Jerky Treats are a great option for larger dogs, and they can easily be broken into smaller pieces for smaller pups. They offer a unique texture and flavor that many dogs find irresistible. These jerky treats are high in protein and contain no artificial colors or preservatives. My dog notices the smell right away (without it being overwhelming for humans), and her tail starts wagging every time I take one out of the bag.
Since Gemma weighs 11 pounds, we use these treats—about 30 calories each—as a high-value reward. The soft jerky breaks apart easily, so I can carry one strip in a treat pouch while traveling by train or running errands and divide it into smaller pieces throughout our outings.
Depending on the flavor you choose, beef or chicken is the first ingredient. REÁL MESA was founded in September 2023 with a mission to use only human-grade, high-quality ingredients in all recipes. This makes it an excellent choice for picky eaters who get bored with regular treats and enjoy trying something new.
Best Freeze-Dried
Vital Essentials Raw Dog Treats
These treats come in 10 different varieties with a simple single-ingredient recipe and no added hormones or antibiotics. However, the smaller flavors are harder to break into smaller pieces.
Best Freeze-Dried: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are a top choice for adventurous dogs, offering 10 different protein options ranging from chicken and beef to duck and salmon. Each variety contains a single freeze-dried protein with no added hormones or antibiotics and is completely grain- and gluten-free. The freeze-drying process helps preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients, making these treats both healthy and flavorful. They’re also a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The chicken heart variety is especially popular because the larger pieces can be easily cut into smaller portions, while the salmon and chicken breast options come in convenient bite-sized pieces. At first, I was hesitant to give my dog freeze-dried treats because of their strong smell and unusual texture—but once I saw how quickly she devoured them, I was completely convinced. Now, we use these treats as a reward for her least favorite activities, like hair brushing.
Best Organic: If your dog comes running the moment they smell chicken cooking, PetPlate’s Chicken Apple Sausage Bites may become their new favorite treat. These limited-ingredient snacks are made with just six USDA-certified organic ingredients in an organic kitchen, with real chicken as the first ingredient. The recipe also includes pumpkin and apples, making it a wholesome choice you can feel confident giving to your pup.
Beyond supporting canine health, PetPlate partners with animal welfare organizations to help improve the lives of farm animals, including the chickens used in their recipes. Known for its flash-frozen fresh meals made from human-grade ingredients, PetPlate also offers treats and soft chew supplements that can be purchased individually or added to a subscription.
Each treat contains about 20 calories and has a soft, medium-sized texture that makes it easy to break into smaller pieces for training or portion control. Dogs of all sizes and life stages can enjoy these treats.
Best for Digestive Health
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews
These treats are available in four sizes and made with plant-based ingredients. They include prebiotics to support digestion and help freshen your dog’s breath. However, they contain more calories than many other treat options.
Best for Digestive Health: Virbac Tartar Control Dog Chews are a top choice for digestive health because they are formulated with prebiotics that support healthy digestion. Their unique, sticky Z-shape is designed to help scrape away tartar and plaque as your dog chews. Along with promoting long-term dental health, these chews also help freshen your dog’s breath instantly.
Completely plant-based and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, VeggieDent Fr3sh Dog Chews are available in four different sizes, from extra small for dogs under 11 pounds to large for dogs over 66 pounds. The “C.E.T.” in the name stands for “Clean Every Tooth,” and Virbac is widely recognized as a trusted animal pharmaceutical brand with a full range of professional dental care products for dogs.
Best for Dental Care: Good oral hygiene starts with consistency—but if your dog doesn’t enjoy the taste of their dental chew, keeping up the routine can be difficult. Greenies solve this problem by offering a variety of flavors to suit different canine preferences, including poultry (original), sweet potato, and blueberry. They also come in specialized formulas such as breath-freshening mint, grain-free, puppy-friendly, and lower-calorie weight-management options.
These chews are made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients and are enriched with added vitamins and minerals. Greenies are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for helping reduce plaque and tartar, and they are available in four sizes suitable for dogs weighing between 5 and 100 pounds.
They are also more affordable than many other premium dental chews and come in a wide range of package sizes. The only drawback is that some dogs may experience diarrhea or mild digestive issues after eating them.
Choosing the best dog treats is not just about making your dog happy—it’s about ensuring their long-term health and overall well-being. High-quality dog treats help maintain dental hygiene, improve digestion, encourage positive behavior during training, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
Although there are countless dog treats available on the market, not all of them are equally safe or nutritious. That’s why it’s important to choose treats made with natural ingredients, free from preservatives, and approved by veterinarians. This way, your dog stays healthier, and you gain peace of mind knowing you’re making the right choice.
Selecting treats based on your dog’s age, size, and specific needs allows you to provide maximum benefit. Dental treats support oral health, protein-rich treats boost energy, and soft chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs.
In the end, the best dog treats are small gifts that can make a big difference in your dog’s life. Choose wisely, stick to natural options, and give your beloved companion a healthy, happy, and love-filled life.