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The best dog treats strike a balance between being a healthy addition to your dog’s daily diet and being a special treat to reward or motivate your pup.
Like choosing dog food, shopping for dog treats can be a confusing and even overwhelming experience. From bite-sized training treats to long-lasting chews, the spectrum of dog treats includes an endless variety of flavors, textures, shapes, and sizes.
The good news is you don’t have to choose just one. Treats can be used for training, rewards, nutritional supplementation, and more. Don’t forget—sometimes a tasty treat serves no other purpose than to show your dog a little love.
We spoke to veterinarians and dog training experts to determine what makes a safe, healthy dog treat and how to properly incorporate treats into your dog’s daily diet. Keep in mind that it’s always wise to run your selections past your own vet—especially if your dog has a medical condition.
What Makes a Good Dog Treat?
While sometimes a treat is just a treat, Jennifer Malawey, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, reminds us that “nutritious and delicious aren’t mutually exclusive.”
The best dog treats supplement your dog’s daily nutrition instead of simply adding empty calories. They are made with healthy, dog-safe ingredients in flavors and textures your dog finds appealing.
For some dogs, the tastiest treat might be a chunk of freeze-dried chicken or even a spoonful of meat-based baby food. Other dogs are driven by a preference for texture, enjoying crunchy treats they can chew into pieces over soft, bite-sized snacks.
How to evaluate dog treats
When evaluating dog treats, start with the nutritional information on the package. Commercial dog food products like treats are required to list the ingredients and a guaranteed analysis, a breakdown of the product’s nutritional composition. Combined with the product’s calorie content, this information can help you make a smart decision for your dog.
Healthy dog treats are made with a limited number of high-quality, simple ingredients like meat and nutritious carbohydrates. Avoid dog treats that contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic preservatives, as these ingredients are potentially dangerous to dogs.
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High value versus low value
Because individual preferences vary, Hannah Gilihan, a certified dog trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training, suggests keeping a variety of treats on hand. “The best way to think about dog treats is on a low value to high value scale,” she explains.
Gilihan defines high-value treats as “your dog’s favorite treat on the planet—something that is sure to get them excited.” Though dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, single-ingredient protein treats are likely to be more immediately enticing than treats made with a higher percentage of carbohydrates. Low-value treats, by contrast, are treats that your dog enjoys but that don’t necessarily provide the motivational boost needed for training purposes.
Single- or limited-ingredient treats are generally best for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. If your dog has health concerns, your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate treat.
The Different Kinds of Dog Treats
Because every dog has their own unique preferences, there is no across-the-board “best” dog treat. Finding what your dog likes best may involve trying different flavors and types of treats.
Here’s an overview of some of the most popular types of dog treats on the market.
| Treat Type | Description | Best Uses |
| Crunchy | Hard treats that require chewing, typically with low to moderate calorie content | Low- to medium-value rewards, everyday treating |
| Soft | Squishy, smelly treats, often high value | Training, rewards for puppies and senior dogs with dental issues |
| Spreadable | Paste- or puree-style treats, often high value and high calorie | High-value, long lasting post-training rewards and distractions with lick mat |
| Training | Especially small or easily breakable treats in a range of values and textures | Training; consider a treat pouch to keep an assortment on hand |
| Dental | Tough sticks like jerky that require time and effort to chew | Post-training reward, stress relief |
| Meal Toppers | Flavorful meal add-ons like bone broth, gravy, or wet food | Picky eaters and underweight pups |
| Raw | Freeze-dried, limited- or single-ingredient treats, typically protein | High-value, low-calorie training rewards |
| Calming | Treats with purportedly soothing ingredients like melatonin, tryptophan, casein, or CBD | Before mild anxiety triggers, like storms, vet visits, or fireworks |
| Sensitive Stomach | Limited-ingredient treats tailored to avoid a particular allergen or sensitivity | For dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or kidney and liver conditions |
Hard, crunchy treats are good everyday rewards
Often called dog biscuits, crunchy treats are generally hard enough that your dog has to chew them. They often contain a nutritional composition similar to dry dog food. Hard dog treats come in a range of flavors, and small treats with low to moderate calorie content may be appropriate for everyday rewards.
Because they require chewing, crunchy treats may not be appropriate for very young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with dental issues. Just be sure to choose a treat appropriate for your dog’s size. Large biscuits can often be broken into smaller pieces for puppies, small dogs, or training.
Soft, squishy treats are great for training
Ideal for positive reinforcement training, soft treats usually fall into the high-value category, according to Gilihan. These treats are often meat-based, have a squishy texture, and tend to be smellier (and therefore more enticing) than crunchy dog treats. Because they’re easy to chew, soft dog treats are ideal for puppies and senior dogs.
Spreadable treats are good distractions in small quantities
Another excellent option for senior dogs and dogs with dental issues, spreadable dog treats have a paste-like or puree consistency. This makes them perfect for spreading on lick mats, which can provide your dog with mental stimulation or even deliver a soothing effect.
When shopping for spreadable treats, pay particular attention to the ingredients. These treats are likely to be higher in carbohydrates, fat, and calories, depending on the recipe. They may also contain additives and artificial flavors which, Gilihan notes, “can sometimes be a little too rich for a dog’s stomach, causing digestive distress.”
Training treats should be small
“We can’t train dogs without the ability to motivate them,” says Malawey. While some dogs are motivated by toys and praise, food rewards are often the most effective option for positive reinforcement training. The key, according to Malawey, is to stick to treats that are small or break easily into easy-to-swallow pieces.
Gilihan recommends keeping an assortment of low-, middle-, and high-value treats on hand. “Always start with your lower value treat,” she says, “and gradually increase the value of the treats based on your dog’s behavior, their focus level, and the environment they are in.”
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Dental treats and chews can offer enrichment
Gilihan comments that while long-lasting chews are not efficient for training, they make great rewards for afterward. When shopping for long-lasting chews, stick to easily digestible ingredients and treats that won’t break into sharp pieces. Jerky treats are preferable to rawhide, for example, which is harder to digest and may be treated with harsh chemicals.
Chewing relieves stress and anxiety for dogs and, with the right treat, it can provide dental benefits as well. For dogs, chewing on a dental stick helps remove plaque and bacteria that may contribute to dental disease. Dental sticks are only effective if your dog chews on them, but some chews simply provide enjoyment and enrichment.
Meal toppers help picky eaters
Dog food toppers and mixers are a great way to boost the value of your dog’s daily diet. For picky eaters, adding a flavorful topper like bone broth can make the meal more enticing. If your dog struggles to maintain weight, a calorie-dense topper like dog-safe gravy could be beneficial.
Meal toppers come in many forms, from liquids and gravies to powders and soft foods. You can use canned dog food or rehydrated freeze-dried food as a meal mixer to add flavor and moisture, or vegetable purees like pumpkin or sweet potato to add dietary fiber.
Raw treats can be high-value and low calorie—when handled safely
While raw dog food and treats require additional care for safe handling, many dogs find these products highly enticing. Raw dog treats often contain single or limited ingredients, usually protein. Typically offered in freeze-dried form, raw dog treats also frequently offer a low-calorie alternative to more traditional treats.
Always consult your veterinarian before offering your dog raw food products. Raw treats may not be appropriate for dogs with compromised immunity.
Calming treats can reduce symptoms of anxiety
From storm phobia to generalized anxiety, dogs experience anxiety in much the same way humans do. While calming treats are not a substitute for veterinary advice or the treatment of underlying conditions, they may help deliver a temporary soothing effect for your dog.
Typically sold as soft chews, calming dog treats often contain purportedly soothing ingredients like melatonin, tryptophan, or casein. Some calming treats contain CBD, a hemp derivative that may offer anxiety-reducing benefits.
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Treats for sensitive stomachs and dietary restrictions
If your dog requires a special diet due to health issues, your veterinarian is the best person to make treat recommendations. For example, dogs with pancreatitis may require low-fat treats, while dogs with liver or kidney disease may need to limit their protein intake.
For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, Gilihan says, single-ingredient protein treats are the best option. Dog treats for sensitive stomachs and food allergies often contain a short list of easily digestible ingredients. Keep in mind that there are no dog treats that are hypoallergenic to all dogs—you’ll need to work with your vet to determine your dog’s allergies and choose a treat that doesn’t contain it.
Using dog food as treats
Can you give your dog their regular food as treats? Yes! In fact, this option may be preferable in the early stages of positive reinforcement training when especially frequent rewards are necessary.
“If you choose a well-balanced food your dog likes,” says Malawey, “you can use their regular meals to train.” Simply measure out your dog’s daily ration in the morning and issue rewards from that ration in training sessions throughout the day.
For added enrichment, Malawey recommends offering any leftover food in the evening via food puzzle or treat-dispensing toy.
How Many Treats Can My Dog Have?
There’s no reason treats can’t be part of your dog’s daily life. The key is to keep your dog’s nutrition and calorie intake in balance.
The calorie content and nutritional composition of the treat can help you determine whether it’s healthy to offer regularly or should be an occasional indulgence. The more closely aligned the treat recipe is with your dog’s staple diet, the better.
Malawey recommends keeping non-balanced treats under 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For example, treats that provide a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate may be a safe everyday choice. However, treats with high fat, sugar, salt, or calorie content should be limited.
While offering treats is a great way to bond with your dog and may be necessary during training, overfeeding puts your dog’s health at risk. Even low-calorie treats can push your dog’s daily calorie intake into unhealthy territory when offered in excess. Overfeeding with high-calorie treats can increase your dog’s risk for obesity and other chronic health conditions.
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Can I Give My Dog Human Food as a Treat?
It depends. While some human foods are toxic to dogs, many foods make healthy, low-calorie alternatives to commercial dog treats.
Here are some dog-safe human foods that can be offered as treats:
- Cooked chicken or turkey
- Dehydrated sweet potato
- Sliced apple (seeds removed)
- Fresh or frozen green beans
- Pureed pumpkin
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Cooked liver
- Hardboiled eggs
When considering human food as a treat for your dog, it’s best to avoid anything that is high in fat, sugar, or salt. This means meat scraps, bacon, sweets, and salty snacks. Be particularly careful to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs like avocado, chocolate, garlic and onions, grapes and raisins, wild mushrooms, walnuts, and anything sweetened with xylitol.
Homemade dog treats
If you’re looking for an alternative to commercial dog treats, consider making your own. With a countertop dehydrator or some basic baking supplies, you can make DIY dog treats tailored to your dog’s preferences for flavor and texture. Just be sure to double-check the ingredients and avoid overfeeding.
Because it can be difficult to calculate the nutritional composition of homemade treats, these may best be reserved for occasional indulgence rather than training.
