Best Dog Treat Brands

Consumers are more selective than ever when buying pet products, including treats. Read our guide to research and discover the best dog treat brand for you. You save money and ensure your dog gets the most satisfying treats by understanding labeling, ingredients and other product options. It's also smart to talk to a vet about your dog's dietary needs.
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Buy customized meal plans for your dog using fresh, whole ingredients. Meals are delivered pre-cooked and pre-portioned to your home. Prices start at around $30 a week. | ![]() | Get Started | ||||
Waggin Train treats are chicken jerky treats for adult dogs that weigh more than five pounds. They contain a limited number of ingredients. Waggin Train is a Purina brand. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Buddy Biscuits, headquartered in Missouri, manufactures a variety of crunchy and soft treats for dogs. The company prides themselves on their soy and corn free products. | ![]() | Shop Now on Chewy | ||||
Crumps’ Naturals voluntarily follows the Global Food Safety Initiative standards, which ensure the safety of food for people. Their products contain no more than three ingredients, and all ingredients are made in North America. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Bil-Jac Foods was founded in 1947 by brothers Bill and Jack Kelly. Their products are made with high-quality proteins and without filler ingredients like gluten meal or rice protein. They make several flavors of dog treats. | ![]() | Shop Now on Chewy | ||||
GREENIES is a part of Nutro Natural Choice, which is owned by Mars. The brand offers treats to improve dental health and to make it easy to get pets to take medication in a pill form. Products are made in the United States. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Quality dog products delivered to your door every month. Every BarkBox Includes TWO innovative toys, TWO all-natural bags of treats & ONE savory chew. Plus FREE shipping! Spoil your pup and sign up now! | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Barkworthies is a part of the TDBBS and BestBullySticks family. The company makes limited-ingredient dog treats without additives or preservatives. It was founded in 2011 and is based in Richmond, Va. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Natural, healthy and holistic, dry food treats include biscuits, chewy meat morsels, meat jerkies and dental training goodies. Packed with antioxidants, their LifeSource Bits help prevent cancer. Prices range from $10 to $100. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Play harder with Super Chewer! Each month you and your dog will receive 2 innovative, tough toys designed by Super Chewer’s own industrial toy designers, 2 full-sized bags of treats, and two meaty chews! Get FREE shipping. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Halo was established in 1986 and makes products with whole meat ingredients instead of meat by-product or meat meal. The company is involved in several animal welfare projects. Its headquarters are in Florida. | ![]() | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Dogswell manufactures dog treats and food designed to provide vitamins and nutrients to improve pet health. The company was founded in 2004, and their products are widely available in stores and online. | ![]() | Shop Now on Chewy |
What features matter most when selecting dog treats?
Ingredients
Different dogs will enjoy and benefit from different kinds of ingredients. Many treats market themselves using buzz words that may not offer a clear meaning or be necessary for your dog.
- Quality: Brands can claim to use high-quality ingredients, but that term is subjective. Look at the ingredients list to determine whether the treats meet your definition of quality. The ingredients are listed in order of amount, meaning items contain more of ingredients listed first than ingredients listed last. Talk to your vet about what ingredients your dog needs. In general, look for whole ingredients as opposed to meals or by-products.
- Organic: As of February 2016, the FDA did not regulate the use of the word organic as a label on pet food. However, if a product has the USDA-Organic seal, then all of its ingredients meet the standards set by the USDA. If you want to purchase organic products, look for the USDA label to ensure the product is actually organic.
- Grain free: Like some people, some animals may not tolerate grains or gluten well. Grain free treats may be right for that group of dogs, but you should note that a grain free treat may still contain gluten, a protein found in several grains. If your vet advises you that you dog shouldn’t eat grains, look for food free of both gluten and grain, and double check the ingredient list.
Origin
Those concerned with the safety of their pet’s food may want to buy a brand that comes from the United States or Canada. Many past pet food recalls, prompted by animals’ deaths, have been linked to food produced or sourced overseas.
- Manufacturing facility: Many pet food brands have manufacturing facilities in America. Food made in the United States will usually advertise that fact with a Made in the USA label. The Federal Trade Commission regulates such labels and claims. Products with that label must be produced in the United States, and most of the ingredients must come from the United States.
- Ingredient source: If a product is labeled as Made in the USA, its ingredients should come mainly from the United States. However, even small amounts of contaminated ingredients can cause illness, so finding brands that specifically source products from North America will make many pet owners more comfortable. Brands should make the source of the goods clear and have a transparent supply chain to ensure all suppliers follow safe and ethical business practices.
Recalls
In 2007, consumers in the United States and Canada as well as some in part of Europe and Africa began reporting kidney failure and death after their pets consumed particular brands. Governmental organizations tested food and found contaminated protein, and dozens of brands recalled pet food and treats. Recalls periodically occur, and consumers should be aware of which brands frequently issue recalls and how they handle those recalls.
- Recent recalls: You can find information about recalls on the FDA’s website under the Animals & Veterinary section. You can sign up to receive FDA emails about products for animals and animal health on the agency’s website.
- Information: Accidents occur, and any brand could face a situation that requires them to issue a recall. Companies should be forthright about problems leading to recalls and provide thorough information about contaminations. If you believe a brand has issued recalls, look at its website to see how much information it provides to concerned consumers. Information should tell consumers how to identify recalled products, why the recall was issued, what symptoms to watch for and what actions to take if they believe their pet has eaten contaminated food or treats.
- Changed practices: In addition to information about the recall, the company should provide details about what actions it has taken to prevent similar problems in the future. Consider choosing products from a company that has third-party testing or oversight to monitor product quality and safety.
Health benefits
When feeding your dog any treats, consider their health needs. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of treats might be best for them.
- Added vitamins: Dogs breeds prone to certain health problems, like joint deterioration, may need vitamins or minerals that will reduce their risk. Feeding them treats fortified with those nutrients will likely be easier than giving them medication in a pill or liquid form.
- Calories: Like humans, dogs who consume too many calories will gain weight and be in less than optimal health. If your pet is overweight or if you frequently give your dog treats as a reward, look for low-calorie options. Consult your vet about how many calories your dog should eat each day.
- Oral health: Many treats offer oral health benefits that reduce the need to brush your dog’s teeth. Look for products whose claims are verified by Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Purpose
The best treats for your pet will depend on how you plan to use them.
- Training: Treats used as rewards during training or as positive reinforcement should be relatively low calorie because you dog will consumer several treats a day. They should not contain any ingredients that should be fed in limited amounts.
- Snacks: If you want to give your dog treats as a snack or just because you want them to have something to enjoy, you can choose a higher-calorie or less nutritious treat. However, make sure to limit the use of these products.
Pet preference
Perhaps the most important factor when selecting treats is whether or not your dog likes them.
- Size options: When trying a new brand or flavor, look for small packages or trial sizes so your pet can try the treat before you spend too much money on them.
- Return policy: Check the company or retail stores return policy. Some brands have satisfaction guarantees, so you can return a product if your pet doesn’t like it.
What are some specialized types of treats?
Limited ingredient
Many pet treat brands have limited ingredient products. Items with fewer ingredients may not irritate dogs with sensitive digestive systems or skin as badly as those with a long list of ingredients. Dog owners can more easily identify which foods or ingredients irritate their pet when they use limited-ingredient products.
Dental
A variety of dog chews reduce plaque and tartar on an animal’s teeth. Veterinary groups verify the claims of some of these treats. Consumers can see a list of verified products by visiting the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website.
Grain free
Treats made without grains more naturally mimic the diets of modern dogs’ ancestors. Most dogs can digest products with grains in them, but some pets may be more sensitive to items with gluten, so a grain- and gluten-free formula might be preferred for those animals.
Training
Training treats are usually small and low calorie because they are designed to be given to a dog frequently, such as whenever it performs a task correctly.
Who should buy treats for their dog?
Pet owners
Pet owners who want to use treats as positive reinforcement or merely give their pet something special can use dog treats, as opposed to human food, to ensure the food item is safe for the pet.
Show champions
Individuals who enter their dog into dog shows can use treats with added vitamins to help their animal’s coat look its best. They can also use treats to reward a pet for a good performance.
Groomers
Groomers can use treats to reward animals for good behavior. They can also send treats home with owners as a special thank you for being a good customer.
Trainers
Professional trainers and all pet owners training their dogs can use treats to reward good behavior.
Dog treats FAQ
What are good natural treats for dogs?
There are several natural treats you can give your dog, including:
- Strawberries: Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C but are high in sugar, so give these treats in moderation.
- Carrots: Just like humans, dogs can get a good dose of beta carotene and other vitamins they need from a carrot.
- Apples: Apples are a great source of fiber, but make sure to cut them up into bite-size pieces to avoid choking.
- Broccoli: Like apples, broccoli is an excellent source of fiber, and you can serve it however you like.
- Celery: Celery is a healthy, low-calorie snack that all dogs can enjoy.
Remember: Before you decide to give your dog any new treat, consult your veterinarian to make sure it's safe.
How many treats should I give my dog per day?
Experts state no more than 10% of your animal's caloric intake should be from dog treats. When feeding your dog anything, monitoring your dog's calories is critical. Keep in mind:
- Your dog's age can determine its base calorie count. For instance, older dogs have a slower metabolism, while younger dogs can burn through calories faster.
- Your dog's activity level is also a determining factor for caloric intake. More active dogs need to consume more calories.
- Always monitor the type of treat you give your dog. Some treats, like high-value treats used for training, should be given once or twice a day.
How much does it cost for dog treats?
The average cost of dog treats ranges from about $2 for a single bone to almost $70 for a large bag of specialized dental treats.
How often should you give your dog treats?
Most experts agree that treats should take up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Monitor how many calories your dog eats in a day, and speak with your vet about a proper diet.
What are healthy dog snacks?
There are several healthy dog snacks you can give your pup, including:
- Apple chunks
- Cooked sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Carrot chunks
- Celery
Always speak with your veterinarian before trying out any healthy snack alternatives, as some require special preparation. Also, pay attention to the amount of sugar in the high-fructose treats.
What can I give my dog for a treat?
There are several options for dog treats:
- Peanut butter popsicles are great during hot summer months.
- Commercial treats are an excellent choice for your pup, but make sure to monitor calories and ingredients.
- Carrots are just as healthy for dogs as they are for humans, but always make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces.
- Sweet potato jerky is a simple and delicious dog treat.
- Apple bites are an easy, healthy treat for your dog.
Make sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your pooch any new treat.
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Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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