Just like you might reach for an apple instead of chips or low-fat yogurt over ice cream, you can make healthy snack choices for your dog too. Healthy dog treats might have organic ingredients, low calories, or no additives, preservatives, or fillers.
“It's important to note that while treats can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your dog, they should be given in moderation and should not make up a significant portion of your dog's daily diet,” says Denver-based Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets, an in-home pet service. “It's also important to choose treats that are appropriate for your dog's size, age, and health status, and to always supervise your dog when giving them treats.”
Our favorite healthy dog treats are Pet Botanics Training Rewards. They are soft and just the right size for training. They come in several flavors with real meat protein as the first ingredient and there are a whopping 500 treats per bag.
Here’s a look at a dozen great healthy dog treats for your best friend.
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Pet Botanics Training Rewards Flavor Dog Treats
What We Like
500 treats in each bag
Several flavors
Recognizable ingredients, with real meat protein
What We Don't Like
Strong smell
These soft bite-sized soft treats only have 3 calories each. They’re the perfect size for small dogs or for training dogs of any size. With about 500 treats per bag, they’re also a great value. They come in several flavors including beef, chicken and salmon, but the primary protein in each comes directly from pork liver.
The treats are made in the United States without corn, artificial flavoring, soy, or preservatives. They have a roster of easy-to-identify ingredients like potatoes and dried whole eggs as well as a range of botanicals, including rosemary, green tea, chamomile, antioxidant fruits and other herbs that are rich in vitamins.
Pet Botanics also makes an even smaller “mini” version where the treats just have 1.5 calories a piece. Those are also available in several flavors including chicken, bacon, beef, and grain-free salmon.
Treat Type: Soft | Flavors: Bacon, beef, chicken, salmon, duck and bacon | Calories per Treat: 3 | Treats per Package: 500 | Primary Ingredients: Pork liver, pea flour, potatoes, dried whole eggs
What We Like
USDA-certified organic and non-GMO verified
13 flavor combinations
Limited ingredients
Smell great
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive
There are so many interesting flavors for Wet Noses dog treats. The organic crunchy bites come in more than a dozen flavor combinations like peanut butter and banana, carrot and sweet potato, or pumpkin and quinoa. The treats are all USDA-certified organic and are made without corn, soy, or wheat. They contain no preservatives or fillers and stress human-grade organic ingredients instead such as peanut butter, pea flour, and sunflower kernels.
The treats are relatively large—a smidge bigger than a quarter—so they’re a good size for large dogs, but can also break into smaller, crunchier pieces for training treats or for smaller pets. The interesting fruity and veggie flavor combinations make them smell good to both canine and human noses.
Treat Type: Crunchy | Flavors: Peanut butter and molasses, pumpkin, apple pie, sweet potato pie, apple and ginger, berry blast, carrot and sweet potato, hemp seed and banana, peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and banana, pumpkin and quinoa, peanut butter, sweet potato | Calories per Treat: 18 | Treats per Package/Size: 14 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Fruits and vegetables
What We Like
Easy to tear into small pieces
No artificial colors or flavors or meat byproducts
Salmon and lamb are the first ingredients
What We Don't Like
Can be smelly
Puppies just love these salmon and lamb soft treats from Wellness. They are appropriately smelly to get a puppy’s wavering attention and you can easily tear them into tiny pieces so you don’t overload your little one with treats. Each treat only has 6 calories, so when you rip the nickel-sized squares into even tinier pieces, they become really healthy choices.
The treats feature lamb and salmon as the main ingredients and have no artificial colors or flavors and no meat byproducts. Salmon is rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help brain health. Other wholesome ingredients include carrots, blueberries, apples, and sweet potatoes. Ingredients are sourced globally and the treats are made in the U.S.
Treat Type: Soft | Flavors: Lamb and salmon | Calories per Treat: 6 | Size: 8 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Lamb, salmon, chickpeas, potatoes
What We Like
Several sizes
Plant-based ingredients
Includes prebiotic for digestion
VOHC approved
Helps reduce plaque and tartar and freshens breath
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive
Significantly more calories than other treats
Some pups don’t like the taste
Made without any animal-based ingredients, these veggie dental chews have a distinctive Z-shape that makes it easier for dogs to hold on to the chew while they snack. The zigzag shape helps clean all the corners of your pup’s teeth. Virbac is a well-respected pharmaceutical company for animals and has many recommended products including toothpastes, toothbrushes, and oral rinses.
These dental chews come in four sizes, ranging from extra-small to large and are for dogs from under 11 pounds to more than 66 pounds. They work to freshen your dog’s breath while reducing plaque and tartar. They contain a prebiotic to help with digestion, are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), and have a short list of ingredients.
Treat Type: Plant-based chewy | Flavor: Pomegranate | Calories per Treat: 75 calories/medium chew | Treats per Package: 30 | Primary Ingredients: Corn starch, glycerin, soy protein isolate, rice flour
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Best Jerky
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Gourmet Jerky Sticks
What We Like
Three flavors: beef, chicken, and turkey
Can easily be broken into smaller pieces
No artificial flavors or fillers
Made in the United States in small batches by family-run business
What We Don't Like
Soft treats can spoil more quickly
These meaty soft jerky sticks from Rocco & Roxie are so intriguing for dogs, but they aren’t all that stinky for the humans who feed them. They start with American-raised chicken, beef, and turkey, then smoke it with hickory wood for 10 hours until it’s tender. Made in the U.S. by a small, family-run business, the treats contain no fillers or artificial flavors.
The sticks are each about six-inches long and they’re so easy to break into small pieces for training. Because they’re soft and tasty, they don’t make for a very long-lasting chew. The treats are made in small batches and come with a satisfaction guarantee. There’s a small six-ounce bag if you want to try them out, but the main package weighs a pretty impressive 1 pound.
Treat Type: Soft jerky | Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey | Calories per Treat: 20 | Sizes: 6 ounces, 1 pound | Primary Ingredients: Chicken, beef, or turkey and rice protein, spices
What We Like
No other ingredients
Long-lasting and more digestible than rawhide
Available in two types of fish and two sizes
What We Don't Like
Not for dogs that gulp treats
Strong smell
Fish skins are long-lasting dog chews that are made from the outside of the fish. The high-protein treat is made from just one ingredient and is believed to be a healthier and more easily digestible alternative to chews like rawhide. The Honest Kitchen offers two versions: a hearty wolffish and thinner cod fish. Both come in two sizes: small 5.5-inch chews and large 8.5-inch chews. These are not a great idea for dogs that just gulp down any chew because pieces could get caught in their throat.
The dehydrated skins contain no other ingredients: no preservatives, byproducts, or fillers. All ingredients are human-grade and the chews are made in a human food facility. In addition to protein, the chews are packed with omegas for a healthy skin and coat. The chews are sourced from fish caught in the wild in Europe. As expected, they have a strong fishy smell.
Treat Type: Long-lasting chew | Flavors: Wolffish, cod fish | Calories per Treat: 24 (small codfish) | Size: 5.5 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Wolffish or cod fish skin
Best Freeze-Dried
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
What We Like
Six proteins
No artificial preservatives or additives
Organic and responsibly sourced ingredients
What We Don't Like
More expensive than many
Although meant to be fed as a meal or sprinkled on dry dog food as an alluring topper, this premium freeze-dried dog food can also be used as motivating and healthy treats. They come in soft and crumbly pieces so they’re easy to break into small bits or carry around in a pouch or pocket. The food is made of organic and responsibly sourced ingredients including humanely raised meats and wild-caught salmon. The recipes also are packed with organic fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cranberries, and squash.
The food is available in six proteins ranging from beef and chicken to lamb and pork. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives. The food is relatively expensive (which is why they make good sense as a treat versus a meal), but it comes in a durable pouch so it’s very easy to re-seal it and store it in your pantry.
Treat Type: Freeze-dried | Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, turkey, surf and turf | Calories per Treat: n/a | Size: 22 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Meat protein, fruits, vegetables
What We Like
Five flavors including turducken
Two sizes
No corn, wheat, or soy
Fortified with omega fatty acids
What We Don't Like
Not as soft as some chewy treats
These bite-sized soft and chewy treats from Merrick are billed as powerful because they are packed with added nutrients including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. They come in lots of flavors including chicken, beef, and even turducken. Meat is the first ingredient in each flavor, followed by other antioxidant-packed substances such as carrots, apples, and blueberries. There’s no corn, wheat, or soy.
The treats are relatively small and have only 5 calories. If you’d like bigger, Merrick also offers Power Bites Big Bites in chicken and beef flavors. Those are a little bigger than the size of a dime. In addition to omegas, they are fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, which can be particularly helpful for larger, active dogs.
Treat Type: Soft and chewy | Flavors: Chicken, beef, rabbit, salmon, turducken | Calories per Treat: 5 (beef) | Size: 6 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Meat protein, fruits, vegetables
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What We Like
Limited ingredients with no additives, preservatives, or fillers
Stewed mix of broth and chunks
Human-grade food
Made in the United States with global ingredients
Easy to pour and reuse
What We Don't Like
Cartons can be hard to open
This chunky mix of broth and meaty pieces can be poured over your dog’s dinner to make meals tastier. They’re made of proteins like chicken and turkey, along with broth and lots of fruits and vegetables. Honest Kitchen says it was the first company to offer human-grade ingredients for pets and these toppings certainly smell like they could be coming from a human dinner. There are no fillers, additives, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
You can pour them on as-is or warm them up to make meals that much more tempting. Flavors range from one-protein choices like chicken and turkey or proteins mixed with pumpkin to help with digestion. The boxes each contain at least two servings and, although they can be tough to open, they can be closed up and stored in the refrigerator after opening.
Honest Kitchen also makes dry kibble, wet food, and other meal boosters and everything is human grade with limited ingredients.
Treat Type: Pourable stew | Flavors: Chicken, turkey, lamb and beef, turkey and pumpkin stew, chicken and pumpkin stew, beef stew, turkey and salmon stew, chicken stew, salmon and pumpkin stew | Calories per Treat: Varies (chicken stew: 107 calories/box) | Size: 5.5 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Proteins, broth, vegetables, fruits
What We Like
Four flavors
No artificial preservatives or flavors
Easily broken into smaller pieces
Real meat is the first ingredient
What We Don't Like
Moist treats can spoil quicker than others
Bigger dogs want bigger treats as a sure sign of your love. These heart-shaped morsels from Blue Buffalo can be used as training treats, particularly for larger dogs, or they can be broken in two or three pieces for more petite pets. The bits come in four flavors—beef, chicken, salmon, and turkey—with no artificial preservatives or flavors. They have flaxseed, which is a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and fish oil which is a source of DHA. Those nutrients aid in skin and coat health, as well as healthy brain function.
The treats are relatively inexpensive and come in an easily resealable bag. They feature real meat protein as the first ingredient and it’s usually paired with brown rice or oatmeal, depending on flavor.
Treat Type: Soft and chewy | Flavors: Beef, chicken, salmon, turkey | Calories per Treat: 4 | Size: 4 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Meat, oatmeal, brown rice
Best for Small Dogs
Old Mother Hubbard Mini Dog Biscuits
What We Like
Lots of flavors
No artificial preservatives or meat byproducts
Small size
What We Don't Like
More calories than many treats
These tiny bone-shaped biscuits are a great size for smaller pups. They come in a bunch of flavors including chicken pot pie, peanut butter, and veggie, or you can buy one of the assortments so your dog can have a smorgasbord of crunchy treats. Old Mother Hubbard treats are made from a recipe that dates back to 1926.
The biscuits include a relatively short list of ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, oatmeal, and flaxseed. They include no artificial preservatives or meat byproducts. Crunchy treats help clean your dog’s teeth. These mini biscuits are small enough for mini pets or they can be used as training treats for larger dogs. Old Mother Hubbard biscuits also come in larger sizes and as mini crunching training treats.
Treat Type: Crunchy | Flavors: Bacon and cheese, chicken and apples, chicken pot pie, peanut butter, veggie, liver, original mix, savory mix, puppy | Calories per Treat: 10 | Size: 1.25 pounds | Primary Ingredients: Vegetables, fruits, flaxseed, oatmeal, cheese
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Best Bully Stick
Natural Farm Odor-Free Standard Bully Sticks
What We Like
Made from grass-fed, free-range cattle
No hormones, additives, or chemicals
Several sizes and shapes
What We Don't Like
High calories
Not all sticks are the same size
Bully sticks are long-lasting chews made from the penis of a bull or steer—an ingredient known as "pizzle." Bully sticks can be high in fat, but they can satisfy a dog’s urge to chew and that chewing action can help relieve anxiety and stress. Give them in moderation and supervise your pet when they chew.
These bully sticks from Natural Farm are 100 percent beef, made from grass-fed, free-range cattle in Brazil. They have no hormones, chemicals, or additives and are odor-free, so you won’t notice the smell when your dog is happily gnawing away. They are cleaned with water and air-dried.
The treats are available in standard sticks, in addition to interesting shapes such as rings, braids, bites, and springs. Depending on your dog’s size and how they chew, you can opt for standard, select, jumbo, pixie, or extra-thin sticks.
Treat Type: Bully stick | Flavors: Beef | Calories per Treat: 88 (6-inch standard) | Size: 6 ounces | Primary Ingredients: Beef
Final Verdict
Our favorite healthy dog treats are Pet Botanics Training Rewards. They are soft and just the right size for training. They come in several flavors with real meat protein as the first ingredient and there are a whopping 500 treats per bag. If you’re looking for something crunchy made with organic ingredients, we suggest Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Dog Treats. They come in lots of interesting flavors and smell great.
What to Look for in Healthy Dog Treats
Types of dog treats
There are loads of different types of dog treats:
- Crunchy treats: Hard treats or biscuits come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. Crunchy treats can be good for your dog’s teeth.
- Soft treats: Chewy treats also come in lots of sizes and flavors and are particularly motivating for training.
- Freeze-dried and jerky treats: These meat-based treats are made with different proteins and can also be very tasty for training. They can often be broken up into small morsels.
- Dental chews: Often made from corn starch or other easily digestible materials, dental treats take a long time to chew so they may help remove tartar and plaque.
- Animal bones and hooves: Not recommended by most vets, these are so hard that they can crack teeth.
- Rawhide: Also not generally recommended, rawhide is made from animal skin and is often treated with potentially harmful chemicals.
- Pig ears: These fatty treats can be treated with chemicals and have had bacterial contamination at times. It’s best to avoid them.
- Human food: Some foods like carrots and apples can be healthy treats, while others like grapes and raisins can be toxic.
- Special diet treats: The same company that makes special-diet foods often makes treats. You can also make healthy homemade treats with limited ingredients.
Types of healthy dog treats
“When it comes to dog treats, there are a variety of options available, and it's important to choose treats that are relatively healthy and appropriate for your dog's individual needs,” Dr. Caos told The Spruce Pets.
- Organic or natural treats: Often made with organic ingredients, these treats typically have no artificial preservatives, colors, or additives.
- Single- or limited-ingredient treats: Single ingredient snacks might be made just from one meat. Limited-ingredient treats are made from just a handful of substances without fillers.
- Low-calorie treats: Filled with fewer calories, these snacks can be good for dogs that have weight issues.
- Dental chews: Designed to clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Homemade treats: Using healthy ingredients, you can make treats that are appropriate for your pup.
Calories
Choose treats that are appropriate for the size of your dog, and remember that you don’t have to give your pup the entire treat. “Consider the caloric content of the treats you are giving your dog, especially if your dog is overweight or has a tendency to gain weight easily,” says Caos. “Look for treats that are low in calories or that can be easily broken into smaller pieces.”
Ingredients
Choose treats that are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and no fillers or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Ideally, says Caos, the first ingredient should be a protein source, such as chicken or beef. “Avoid treats that contain additives such as artificial sweeteners or fillers like corn or wheat, which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may contribute to allergies or other health issues.”
Treats for training
Treats can be very motivating when you are training your dog. You can use soft training treats or break big treats into smaller pieces. “It's important to use treats as a tool in training, rather than as a bribe or a substitute for training,” cautions Caos. “Treats should be given as a reward for good behavior and used in combination with positive reinforcement and training techniques.”
FAQ
Are freeze-dried dog treats healthy?
Freeze-dried dog treats can be a healthy option for your pet. These snacks are made by removing the water content from real meat, a process that preserves the nutrients and flavor of the ingredient. Many freeze-dried treats are low in calories and don’t have fillers or preservatives, and they’re typically very appealing to dogs, as they still smell like real meat. However, freeze-dried treats are generally very expensive.
Are jerky treats healthy?
These treats are usually made by drying stips of meat, poultry, or fish. They can be high in calories, as well as fat and sodium, and may contain preservatives or other additives. “Look for jerky treats that are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and are free from additives or preservatives,” says Caos. “Avoid jerky treats that contain fillers such as corn or wheat. Jerky treats should be given in moderation, as they can be high in calories and may contribute to weight gain or other health issues."
How many treats would be unhealthy?
We love to give treats to pets, but too many of any snack can be unhealthy. “The number of treats that you can give your pet depends on a few factors, including your pet's age, size, activity level, and overall health,” says Caos. As a rule, treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie needs. “Treats should not make up a significant portion of your pet's diet, and you should consider the calorie content of each treat when determining how many to give,”
If my dog is overweight, can I still give them healthy treats?
Overweight dogs can be fed treats, but it’s important to choose low-calorie treats and give them only in moderation. “Treats should not make up a significant portion of a dog's diet, especially if they are overweight or have a tendency to gain weight easily,” says Caos.
Overweight dogs are at higher risk for many medical conditions, so work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan to help your dog lose weight. “Your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs each day and can recommend appropriate treats that will not interfere with their weight loss or overall health goals,” says Caos, who suggests giving small pieces of fruits or vegetables—such as carrots and green beans.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets
To find the best healthy treats for dogs, we tested many of them with our own pets and foster dogs. We also checked in with veterinarians about what to look for when selecting treats, asked dog owners about their favorite treats, and sifted through loads of online product reviews.
This article was researched and written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies. She is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them such as best dog foods and best dental chews.
A previous version of this article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a lifelong animal lover who currently owns a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. She’s used several of the treats in this article during training. While considering products for this article, she looked at their ingredients, calories, and palatability, and she also spoke with Dr. Joel Navratik, DVM, CEO of MRVL Pet Pharmaceuticals, for guidance on how to select healthy dog treats.
Health writer Anne Fritz also contributed research to this article, and spoke with Veterinarian Rolan Tripp, DVM, CABC, and founder of the Pet Happiness Network, for additional insights.
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