If there’s one thing common among parents of all dog breeds, it’s that we love pampering our four-legged babies, especially when they’ve just learned a new trick or command. And what better way to show them our appreciation than by spoiling them with some of the best dog treats?
However, while feeding them these bite-sized pieces of delight, we also need to ensure that whatever they’re consuming is safe — compromising on their health and well-being is a no-no! The abundance of choices available online can make it very confusing — we can relate! (Or at least we used to)
Furthermore, dog treats can potentially be high on the caloric scale. They aren’t a meal — they serve the purpose of rewarding your pet or giving them a quick, tasty snack. Over-feeding them any kind of dog treat can lead to weight gain or other adverse effects, so it’s best that you use them for the purpose intended and don’t go overboard.
Keep reading to find out more about how you can make the right purchase, and dive into our product reviews for more information about our curated products.
How to Choose the Best Dog Treats
If you’re wondering how you can make the right choice when it comes to purchasing treats for your pooch, then consider the following factors:
Ingredients and Calories
Firstly, take a look at the packaging. Check to see if there are ingredients that your dog is allergic to or anything else that may be harmful or toxic to dogs, such as onion or garlic powder. Also, take a look at the calories per treat, if it’s too high, it’s better to avoid it. Remember, a dog should only consume treats that are equal to 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Flavor and Texture
It can’t really be the best dog treat for your pet if it isn’t a flavor that they love and enjoy — keep their preferences in mind. And don’t worry! There are so many options available. When it comes to texture, if your pet struggles with dental issues, we’d suggest that you go for soft treats. If your pooch enjoys chewing away, opt for the crunchy stuff.
False Claims
There are some brands that may add misleading claims or terms on their packaging just to attract customers. For example, “organic”, “natural”, or “premium”, doesn’t automatically make the product good or healthy for your pet. This can just be a distraction, while the actual nutritional value could say something else. However, remember that this isn’t the case for all brands. It’s okay for these terms to be present, but don’t allow them to sway your decision — take a closer look, just like we did while curating this list.
Will Treats Make My Dog Fat?
The answer to this question depends upon a couple of factors — the type of treats, the amount, the overall diet of your pet, and the level of their physical activity. If you’re feeding your pet treats that are higher on the caloric scale, and especially if your pet is eating them more often than they should, then yes, it is highly likely that it will make your dog gain weight. As a pet parent, it’s important that you choose treats that are suitable for their size and life stage while also keeping their dietary needs in mind. Plus, if you use them as they are intended to be used, for rewards or a quick, tiny snack, then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Another important factor that you must consider is your dog’s overall caloric intake. Don’t exclude the treats you give them from this number — both their meals and the treats shouldn’t exceed the daily, ideal caloric budget for their breed and size. If you ensure this, you can help prevent your dog from becoming obese, and yes, regular exercise can also ensure that they stay fit and at a safe weight.
Best Dog Treats to Buy in 2025
We’ve narrowed it down to the 15 top choices — they’re approved by vets, dog trainers, and pet parents. Even if your furry friend is a picky eater, they’ll still enjoy these delicacies — they’re that good!
BEST OVERALL
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy – Bacon
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in other flavors too
Stays fresh
Great price
Good aroma
Suitable for dogs with dental issues
Ideal for small jaws
But…
Becomes hard if left out for a long time
These wholesome and delicious soft treats are perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. It has a tender texture that’s easy to bite into and is made with real, savory bacon that your pooch will love. It’s also rich in protein and is fortified with vitamins and minerals to help keep your four-legged friend healthy.
Furthermore, the reddish-brown color of the treats is derived from natural ingredients – you don’t have to worry about artificial colors being added. Plus, it’s baked with love and care in New York, USA.
BEST STICK DOG TREATS
Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks – Beef
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made in the USA
Crafted with real meat
Ideal for dogs of all sizes
Easy to chew
Made in small batches
Can be easily broken into smaller pieces
But…
May not be suitable for dogs with allergies
If you’re looking for dog treats that are both healthy and delicious, these premium jerky sticks are just what your pooch needs! They aren’t enhanced with any artificial flavors or fillers — the formula contains All-American beef and absolutely no corn, soy, or gluten. It has a soft and chewy texture that dogs love and is slow-roasted to retain flavor.
They’re perfect for training, and even picky eaters will have their tails wagging for these delights. Plus, unlike artificially enhanced treats, they won’t leave any greasy and smelly residue on your hands.
BEST FOR TRAINING
Purina Beggin’ – Bacon
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 2
Made with high-quality ingredients
Stays fresh
Perfectly-sized
Comes in a resealable bag
Resembles real bacon
But…
Slightly more expensive
With real bacon as the first ingredient, these dog treats from PURINA contain no artificial flavors or colors. They have a soft texture and a desirable taste and aroma that your dogs will not be able to get enough of. They are easy to break into smaller pieces — perfect for smaller dogs or if you prefer to give your pooch small rewards.
Additionally, since they are soft and easy to chew, they are perfect for senior dogs that have dental issues. An Amazon review reads, “When I have to leave him for a while, I get a beggin’ strip out, and he goes straight to his kennel! With other treats, I was chasing him around the house”.
BEST LONG-LASTING
PŪR LUV K9 Kabobs – Chicken & Duck
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
High in protein
Available in other flavors
Suitable for all life stages
Tastes great
Contains fiber
Triple flavored
But…
Contains added color
These triple-flavored kabob treats are made with real chicken, chicken liver, and duck, all wrapped around delicious beef hide skewers. The best part about them is that they’re super long-lasting — they’ll keep your pooch occupied for hours on end. Moreover, it features a limited list of ingredients, so you can be aware of what exactly is going inside your pet’s mouth.
Each treat is only 69 kcal and will help satisfy your pooch’s natural instinct to chew. To top it all off, it’s also super easy to digest!
BEST NATURAL DOG TREATS
Blue Buffalo Nudges Jerky Cuts – Chicken
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Resealable packaging
High-quality ingredients
Budget-friendly
Stays fresh
Tender texture
Suitable for all ages
But…
Treats break easily if not stored properly
Real chicken is the first ingredient in these dog treats — give your pooch the taste of real, mouthwatering flavor. The jerky cuts are oven-dried and very easy to tear into smaller pieces — perfect for dogs of all sizes! Moreover, the recipe contains premium, natural ingredients and is devoid of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives.
Furthermore, to add to the goodness, these dog treats are enhanced with minerals. Plus, they’re made in the USA with ingredients sourced from across the globe.
BEST PROTEIN-RICH DOG TREAT
Pork Chomps Assorted Flavors
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Long-lasting
Naturally flavored
Gluten-free formula
No wheat, corn, or soy
Over-baked recipe
But…
May not appeal to picky eaters
Made with natural pork skin, beef, and chicken, these dog treat sticks contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. They have a crunchy texture that helps get rid of plaque and tartar as your pooch chews on them. Since they come in assorted flavors, you can rotationally feed them to your pet, so they have something different to snack on every time.
Moreover, they are high in protein, which helps your pet develop and maintain strong muscles while also supporting vital organs. Lastly, it is very easy to digest, especially when compared to traditional rawhides.
BEST FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
Canine Carry Outs – Beef
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in multiple flavors
Value for money
Long-lasting freshness
Rich flavor
Made in USA
Texture identical to beef
But…
May not be suitable if you prefer uniformity in size
If your pooch can’t get enough of the beef you cook at home, then they’ll love these beef snacks from Canine Carry Outs! It looks and tastes exactly like real beef and comes in fun shapes to make the treating experience more exciting. Moreover, the soft and chewy texture makes it great for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Furthermore, it’s easy to break into smaller pieces if you want to. Here’s what a customer has to say — “Night time treat for two Chihuahuas. Reseal the zip lock bag, and they stay fresh and chewy. The dogs love ’em”.
BEST FOR DENTAL CARE
Greenies Dental Treats – Chicken
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Low calorie
Very tasty
Cleans the teeth
Highly soluble ingredients
Nutritious recipes
Unique shape
But…
Expensive
With added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, these dental dog chews clean down to the gum line, fighting off plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Veterinarians recommend these treats, and they are also VOHC-approved. Plus, they are made with all-natural ingredients and are very easy to digest.
Proudly crafted in facilities located in the US, they contain premium ingredients that are internationally sourced. They’re also nutritionally complete with a balanced recipe for adult dogs.
BEST RAWHIDE-FREE
Dreambone Triple Flavor Twisties
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Good aroma
High-quality ingredients
Lasts long
Value for money
Maintains healthy teeth
Loaded with flavor
But…
May not be suitable for small dogs
Featuring all the benefits that a rawhide chew has to offer, this rawhide-free dog treat will have your furry friend ecstatic! It’s made with wholesome vegetables, real beef, pork, and chicken, giving it an irresistible taste that dogs love. Moreover, it comes enriched with vitamins and minerals while also being super easy to digest.
The formula contains no artificial preservatives or flavors, and there are no colors from artificial sources either. Plus, the twisted shape creates a fun chewy!
BEST CRUNCHY DOG TREATS
Nutro Natural Choice Crunchy Treats – Peanut Butter
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Low calorie
Comes in other flavors
Enticing aroma
High-quality ingredients
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Crafted in the USA
But…
Trace amounts of corn, wheat, or soy may be present due to cross-contact manufacturing
High-quality protein is the main ingredient in these crunchy dog treats and they’re made with real, recognizable ingredients that you can see and smell. They make the perfect little rewards and are a great way to train your dog. What’s so amazing about these treats you may ask, well, they’re just 5 calories each!
Plus, they’re proudly crafted with no chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors or colors, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy. All of the ingredients present in the recipe serve a purpose — there are no fillers.
BEST GRAIN-FREE DOG TREATS
Merrick Power Bites – Beef
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made in the USA
Long-lasting freshness
Gluten-free
Contains real whole foods
Contains real whole foods
Rich in protein
But…
May not be as soft as you would expect
Real deboned beef is the foundation of this dog treat recipe, and they come packed with loads of flavor! Featuring a unique star shape, the treats have a soft texture and contain added minerals. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives present and they are made without the use of corn, soy, or wheat.
The natural recipe is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes and they come in medium-sized morsels. Plus, the resealable pouch makes it more convenient.
BEST AFFORDABLE DOG TREATS
Pedigree Dentastix – Chicken
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Affordable
Comes in a pack of 40
Resealable packaging
Chewy texture
Cleans down to the gum line
No added sugars or fillers
But…
May not be suitable for sensitive stomachs
If you’re trying to find ways to deal with your dog’s bad breath, these dental treats are bound to work wonders! They act as a breath freshener and feature a clinically proven texture that reduces plaque and tartar build-up. Moreover, the unique X-shape design is perfect for large-breed adult dogs that weigh over 30 lbs.
To make the most out of these treats, we suggest that you give them to your pet once a day. Most importantly, they have a delicious chicken flavor that your pooch will relish.
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC
A Freschi srl Turkey Tenderloin Strip
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Suitable for all life stages
Human grade
Ingredients sourced from USA
Gluten-free formula
Lasts long
Highly digestible
But…
May be too thin for larger dogs
This all-natural dog chew from A Freschi is made with multiple strands of real turkey tender — they are braided by hand to make a single chew that’s super long-lasting. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a delicious treat for your four-legged companion. Moreover, it’s slow-roasted to retain maximum flavor and goodness — even picky dogs won’t be able to resist!
As a natural alternative to rawhide chews, it’s gentle on the stomach and much easier to digest. Plus, it’s grain-free and helps strengthen the gums while reducing plaque and tartar build-up.
BEST BAKED DOG TREATS
Three Dog Bakery Assort”Mutt” Trio
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
3 different flavors in one pack
Tastes amazing
Tastes amazing
Easy to chew
Bite-sized
But…
Level of softness may not be consistent
Wholesome and delicious, these treats are made in the USA using real, high-quality ingredients such as oats, dried apples, natural vanilla, peanut butter, and honey. It contains no artificial flavors and has a soft-baked texture, suitable for dogs of all life stages. The aroma is enough to tempt your puppy, and once they get a taste of its melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness, these treats will have them as obedient as they get.
Additionally, the baked treats come in a resealable bag that helps keep them fresh for longer. An Amazon review reads, “My dog loves these! They smell so good that you would think they’re made for humans! I highly recommend these to any pet parent to bring your child joy!”.
BEST BITE-SIZED DOG TREATS
Wag Training Treats
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Delicious chicken flavor
Value for money
Perfect size for training rewards
Easy to chew
Contains glucosamine
Ideal for picky eaters
But…
Dries out if the bag isn’t resealed properly
Crafted by an Amazon brand, these small dog treats make the perfect bite-sized reward for your pooch during training. Chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe, and it’s further enhanced with peanut butter and banana flavoring from ground peanuts and dried bananas. The formula is also devoid of corn, soy, or wheat and contains no added colors or artificial flavors.
Furthermore, the soft and chewy texture of the treats is something that dogs love. Plus, they’re made in the USA, and the ingredients are sourced from all around the world.
How We Chose the Best Dog Treats
At DogTime, our team of experts conducted their research while also speaking to professionals like vets and dog trainers to find out what products they preferred or would use. This helped us narrow down the top contenders and we were further able to shortlist the products based on our findings. Additionally, they considered the ingredients, texture, and nutritional value, ensuring that they’re safe and healthy, to bring you a list of the dog treats for your pooch.
FAQ
What brand of dog treats is best?
The answer to this question is subjective and will depend on your dog’s preferences and dietary requirements. However, some popular brands include Blue Buffalo, Milk-Bone, and Merrick.
What is the best treat to give a dog?
The best treat to give a dog is one that’s healthy, safe, and delicious at the same time.
Why buy dog treats made in the USA?
When you purchase dog treats that are made in the USA, you can rest assured that they’re high quality and safe since they have to pass stringent regulations — this makes them more reliable.
What are the best high-reward dog treats?
High-reward dog treats are ones that are irresistible to your dogs, such as pieces of cooked chicken or freeze-dried cheese. They often have strong flavors and appealing textures.
