The Best Dog Treats
Treats are an effective way to train, show love, and reward your dog for a job well done, and who wouldn't want to do that? Regardless of your budget or need, there's a dog treat for you and your pet. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the variety on the market today, so we decided to sniff out the best of the best to help you decide.
What to Look For
The best dog treats must have a combination of three things: great flavor, an appropriate size, and quality ingredients. The five-flavor variety pack from Milk-Bone quickly emerged as our favorite, since it offers a range of flavors dogs love and a nutritional boost to boot. Indeed, each savory morsel is packed with a dozen vitamins and minerals. They’re also colored using all-natural dyes. However, if your furry friend requires something a little meatier, check out the pick from Solimo, which is made using real meat and high-quality plant-based protein. Read on to check out our favorite dog treats available today.
Milk-Bone Flavors Snacks
The pick of the litter
This seven-pound box is full of flavors including bacon, beef, chicken, sausage, and turkey. With 12 vitamins and minerals, these treats will help your furry friend stay healthy. These dog treats have the added bonus of cleaning teeth and freshening breath.
Pros:
- This is a 100-year-old trusted brand of dog treats that never fails to impress. Dogs and their humans have been choosing Milk-Bone for generations, and it’s easy to see why.
- These treats work well for all dog breeds, unlike some more specialized treats. We like to keep them on hand for when friends bring their pups over to visit.
Cons:
- These treats are on the larger side, so they may not fit inside treat toys.
Solimo Jerky Dog Treats
Solimo has gained popularity with its many awesome products, including these jerky dog treats. This two-pound bag of jerky treats is available in four top-notch flavors, including duck and chicken. They have no added corn, wheat, soy, or gluten, making them a good option for protein-packed snacks.
Pros:
- This quality jerky is comparable to name-brand treats at a fraction of the price. The hefty bag is sure to last quite a while, but it’s good to know that when it’s time to stock up on quality treats, our wallet doesn’t have to take a hit.
- We won’t lie — this jerky looks good. But while we can’t chow down ourselves, dogs seem to enjoy it enough for all of us.
Cons:
- Meat is the main ingredient, but these treats also include pea protein, glycerin, and salt.
Greenies Original Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats
A breath of fresh air
These Greenies are best for small breeds sized 5 to 15 pounds. These are best for adult dogs and help them to freshen their breath. These dog treats are natural and easy to digest.
Pros:
- These dog treats keep teeth clean without using any harsh ingredients. thanks to their unique, crunchy texture that helps clean down to the gumline and protect from plaque and gingivitis. Your dog won’t notice, though — she’ll be too busy enjoying the flavor.
- These are veterinarian-recommended and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, so you can trust them to help support your furry friend’s oral hygiene.
Cons:
- These are not for puppies or large dogs, just small breeds. They are available in other sizes, though, so if it seems like something your dog would love, it’s worth looking into.
Nudges Grillers
These USA-made treats are filled with beef. Nudges’ Grillers have all-natural ingredients and are packed full of protein, meaning they’re a snack your dog will love without having all the harmful additives. Appearing to look like little grilled steaks, these treats will have your pup believing she’s dining like their human family.
Pros:
- We found that these treats are great for training since they’re a bit of a departure from traditional, crunchy varieties. That difference may help dogs associate this particular treat with their good behavior.
- We also love these softer treats for older dogs whose chompers may not be what they used to be. There’s no reason our longtime buddies should have to miss out on all the deliciousness, and with these treats, they won’t have to.
Cons:
- These meat-based treats are a bit pricier than some treats with more added ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog treats should dogs have?
You will need to read the instructions on the treats you purchase, which tell calorie count and how many treats dogs should be permitted each day. Remember that treats aren’t food and you should ensure that your pets are getting a well-balanced diet on top of treats. If you have any concerns about how many treats dogs should get, please reach out to your veterinarian.
Are all dog treats good for training?
Most dog treats are good for training, but due to the sizes of various breeds, you should check the age recommendations of your treats. If you’re training a puppy, adult treats won’t work well for them. Ensure that you look for treats that are intended for training, all ages, and all breeds if you are using dog treats to train a puppy or younger dog.
Are treats a good meal supplement?
Treats are not meant to be used in place of a meal. Dog treats are supplemental and should be used to reward, train, or simply to do tricks and love on your pup. If you’re concerned about how many treats you should be giving your dog or if your dog’s appetite changes, reach out to your vet.
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