The Best Dog Snacks
Since they have the title of "man's best friend," it only makes sense that we treat our dogs from time to time. Dog snacks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors to ensure your pet has an enjoyable eating experience. Whether you have a small, medium, or large pooch there are snacks to accommodate all canines. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog snacks to help you stock your pup's pantry.
What to Look For
Researching dog snacks, we found the best ones are affordable, made with natural ingredients, and available in multiple flavors. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the bag of Blue Buffalo Health Bars. These biscuit treats are available in fun flavors, including bacon, egg, and cheese, plus apple and yogurt. And they are affordable, so you don’t have to skimp when it comes to treating your pet. For a natural option, we love the Blue Buffalo Nudges dog snacks because they are free from corn, wheat, and soy. Plus, these treats contain wholesome ingredients, such as chicken, carrots, and peas. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog snacks.
Blue Buffalo Health Bars
Chomp and chew
Whether you have a miniature pup or a larger dog, they’ll jump for joy whenever you pull out this bag of Buffalo Blue dog snacks. The crunchy biscuits are a decent size, so your dog will feel like they’re getting a special treat. And they are available in multiple flavors, including bacon, egg, and cheese. The biscuits are free from harmful ingredients, such as bone meal and wheat, allowing all dogs to safely enjoy them.
Pros:
- Free from preservatives and artificial colors
- Affordable option
- Safe for dogs with allergies
Cons:
- The crunchy biscuits often break in the bag
Wag Chicken and Waffle Bites
Protein punch
Growing pups need plenty of protein to ensure their muscles develop properly. That’s why we love these chicken and waffle dog snacks from Wag. The jerky-style treats are free from soy, corn, wheat, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy option for your pet. You can break each piece into smaller pieces when giving them to your dog to assist with digestion and prevent choking. Once your dog tries these tasty treats, they won’t ever want to live without them.
Pros:
- Resealable bag for freshness
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Appropriate for dogs of all ages
Cons:
- Not ideal for dogs with dental issues
Blue Buffalo Nudges Natural Dog Treats
Healthy and nutritious
If you’re looking for a natural treat option for your dog, you’ll want to try these from Blue Buffalo. Made with ingredients that you can easily recognize, these snacks have a soft and slightly squishy texture that your dog will love. They are free from harmful additives and contain healthy foods, such as chicken, peas, and carrots, that you can see when you look closely at the treats. Designed for all breeds, there is a feeding chart on the resealable bag to help you dole out your pet’s daily snacks.
Pros:
- Multiple flavor options
- Easy to break into smaller pieces
- Fresh scent
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Portland Pet Food Company Dog Treat Variety Pack
Taste the difference
When it comes to flavorful dog snacks, you can’t go wrong with these from the Portland Pet Food Company. These high-quality snacks are handmade with natural ingredients, making them ideal for pups with various allergies and health conditions. This pack includes three resealable bags of treats in tasty gingerbread, bacon, and pumpkin flavors. Whether you are looking for snacks for your own pup or want to gift a friend, this selection of treats is the perfect pick.
Pros:
- Grain and gluten-free treats
- Adorable biscuit shapes
- Simple ingredients are easy to digest
Cons:
- Challenging to break into smaller pieces when necessary
Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats
No nonsense
Free from grain and gluten, Merrick’s Power Bites are the perfect snack to give your dog at the end of a long day or while training. The medium-sized treats are chewy and have a delicious salmon flavor that your pet will love. These affordable treats are full of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, so you can feel good about treating your dog. And the fresh texture and taste stay locked in due to the durable resealing plastic bag.
Pros:
- Easy to crumble on top of dry or wet food for added flavor
- Dogs love the strong scent
- Ideal for senior pups with minimal teeth
Cons:
- They may be too large for small dogs to eat comfortably
How often should I give my dog snacks?
While there aren’t any rules when it comes to treating your dog, we recommend following a couple of guidelines. Snacks and other treats should only make up about 10 percent of your dog’s daily food intake. Depending on your dog’s size, you may be able to give them a couple of crunchy biscuits or a handful of small chewy treats in addition to their daily meals. Please check with your vet if you are unsure of your dog’s daily feeding requirements.
What kind of treats should I use when training my dog?
The best treats to use when training your dog to follow commands are small and easy to chew. Giving your pet large treats that are dry and crumbly could cause them to cough and choke during training sessions. If you have a small dog, you could rip chewy treats into smaller pieces to make them last longer.
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