Top 8 Expert-Approved Dog Treats You Need to Know

From fetching to performing tricks, your devoted dog deserves praise for everything they do (even if it’s just being irresistibly charming). The finest dog treats are a perfect way to reward your furry friend for good behavior and can even serve as a delightful addition to their daily meals.

To help you find the most paw-some treats, we consulted experts for tips on what to consider before purchasing and, most importantly, which options to choose to maintain your pup’s health and happiness.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Dog Treats

Dog treats should serve a purpose. Whether you’re spoiling your pet for good behavior or enhancing their diet, Dr. Katy Nelson, a senior veterinarian at Chewy, explains to Mytour. “These could be dental chews for oral hygiene, treats with glucosamine for joint support, or small, high-value rewards for training,” she says, emphasizing that treats should align with your pet’s size, age, health, weight, and preferences.

When selecting the right dog treats, Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM, from Veterinarians.org highlights three key factors to consider: your dog’s dietary needs and nutritional restrictions, the treat’s flavor and texture, and its affordability and practicality.

Crnec advises against giving sugary treats to diabetic dogs, while dogs on a weight-management plan should have low-calorie options. Flavor depends on your dog’s taste, so observe what they enjoy most. Texture should match your dog’s chewing ability, with softer treats for puppies and seniors and crunchier ones for adults. “Lastly, consider ease of use and price, which are up to the owner,” Crnec adds.

No matter what treat you pick for your dog, Nelson emphasizes that treats do have calories and should be factored into your pet’s daily diet, particularly if your pet is among the over 60% of American pets classified as overweight or obese. Below, we’ve compiled a list of eight excellent treats to consider.

Top Dog Treats You Should Get Today

1. Top Dental Treats for Dogs: Greenies; $15

These treats are designed to make your dog’s smile brighter by combating plaque and tartar buildup, cleaning down to the gum line, and freshening breath. Available for all life stages and breed sizes, Nelson highlights that they are “nutritionally balanced, made with easy-to-digest natural ingredients, and enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.” She also mentions the variety of options, including weight management and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice. Crnec endorses Greenies, emphasizing their safety, effectiveness, and the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, confirming their efficacy.

2. Top Treats for Small Dogs: Bil-Jac Little Jacs; $17

Even small dogs deserve a treat that feels special. Tim Wall, Pet Supplies Plus’s dog treat category manager, praises Bil-Jac’s soft and chewy treats for being ideal for small dogs, thanks to their chicken liver base and perfect size. They’re free from soy and gluten meal and come in a resealable pouch for convenient storage.

3. Top Treats for Large Dogs: Blue Buffalo Health Bars Natural Crunchy Dog Treat Biscuits; From $5

Large dogs need treats that match their size. Crnec recommends Blue Buffalo’s Health Bars for their crunchy texture and high-quality ingredients, free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. Available in resealable bags, they come in flavors like bananas and yogurt, pumpkin and cinnamon, and oatmeal, barley, and bacon.

4. Top Jerky for Dogs: Pur Luv Jerky Dog Treats; $12

For dogs who adore chicken and enjoy sinking their teeth into something tasty, these jerky treats are sure to be a hit. Crnec praises them for being “healthy, durable, and satisfying your dog’s natural chewing instincts.” High in protein and low in fat, these treats are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, according to the brand.

5. Top Raw Dog Treats: The Honest Kitchen Purely One 100% White Fish Fillets; $14

Raw treats are ideal for pet owners seeking a wholesome, single-ingredient snack to reward their well-behaved dog. Made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught white fish, these dehydrated fillets are pure fish skin with no bones, as confirmed by Amazon reviewers. (Some suggest soaking them in water for older dogs to make chewing easier.) These human-grade treats are light, crispy, protein-rich, and low in calories. Crnec recommends them as a “simple, single-ingredient option that’s easy to break into smaller pieces.”

6. Excellent Grain-Free Dog Treats: American Journey Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats; From $3

If your dog doesn’t have a peanut allergy, these grain-free treats made with dry roasted peanuts are an excellent choice. Nelson explains, “These crunchy, peanut butter-flavored treats are crafted with chickpeas, free from artificial flavors, and perfect for quick rewards or anytime snacking.” They’re also free of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and contain no poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. (For non-peanut options, consider the chicken, lamb, turkey, or salmon varieties.)

7. Top Training Treats for Puppies: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Dog Treats; From $5

Want to reward your puppy for good behavior? Wall highlights that these soft bites from Wellness are “ideal for dogs of all ages, enriched with DHA, which is particularly beneficial for puppies.” These small, soft or crunchy treats contain no meat by-products, corn, soy, or wheat gluten, and are completely free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

8. Top Fun Treat: The Lazy Dog Cookie Co.’s Pup-PIE Dog Treats; $7

Whether celebrating a dog’s birthday, adoption anniversary, or just adding some joy to their day, these pie-shaped treats are a delightful way to mix things up. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, molasses, peanut butter, beets, and spinach, and topped with a dairy-free coating (with sprinkles made from multi-colored sesame seeds), these treats are both nutritious and fun. Wall praises them as “all-natural and delicious,” making them a perfect gift for your special pup.