The Best 11 Dog Treats: According to a Veterinarian
Table of Contents
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What are The Best Treats To Give Your Dog?
- Best Overall Dog Treats: Open Farm Dehydrated Beef Treats
Made with 100% humanely raised grass-fed beef, that is lightly cooked and then dehydrated. - Best Natural Dog Treats: The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth Bites
Savory and protein-rich cookies made with moisturizing bone broth and nutrient-dense superfoods. - Best Digestive Support Treats: PetLab Co. Digestive Support Bites
These soft, flavorful treats provide dogs with nutritional and digestive support. - Best Healthy Ingredient Dog Treats: JustFoodForDogs Treats
These treats are made with only fresh, whole-food ingredients that are healthy for dogs. - Best Reviewed Dog Treats: Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats
With over 62,000 reviews on Amazon, this is one of the best-selling dog treats on the market. - Best Soft Dog Treats: Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
The soft and chewy texture of these nutritious treats is great for puppies and senior dogs. - Best High-Protein Dog Treats: Good’N’Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs
These nutrient-dense treats contain real meat that gives them a high protein content of 55%. - Best Limited Ingredient Dog Treats: Buddy Biscuits Oven Baked Dog Treats
Oven-baked dog cookies made with only four ingredients that are fit for sensitive dogs. - Best Cost-to-Value Dog Treats:Milk-Bone Original Dog Biscuits for Large Dogs
These treats come in a huge 10-pound box that will keep your dog entertained for a while. - Best Jerky-Style Dog Treats: Pur Luv Jerky Dog Treats
The chicken jerky contains three ingredients and is ideal for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. - Best Peanut Butter Dog Treats: Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats
According to the reviews, the peanut butter flavor of these dog treats is an instant hit with the vast majority of dogs. - Best Low-Calorie Dog Treats: Milk-Bone Mini’s Flavor Snacks Dog Treats
Coming in at only 5 calories per piece, these are the lowest calorie treats for weight control. - Best Flavor Options in Dog Treats: Canine Carry Outs Dog Treats
These treats are made in ten different flavors to suit the palate of almost any dog. - Most Affordable Dog Treats: Blue Buffalo Health Bars Natural Crunchy Dog Treats Biscuits
Priced at $0.18/oz, these crunchy & tasty biscuits are the cheapest dog treat option on this list.
- Humanely raised grass-fed beef raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones
- Dehydrated at low temperatures to retain ingredient nutrients
- Low in carbohydrates and gluten-free
- Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20
Is It Safe To Give My Dog Treats?
Yes, it is safe to give your dog treats.
Treats often contain nutrients necessary for a dog’s health, but there are some things to be wary of when buying dog chews. They can sometimes be riddled with processed ingredients and fillers.
To make sure the treats you are feeding your dog are safe, look for whole food ingredients and real nutrients instead of supplements and cheap grains or additives.
Do Dog Treats Have Any Nutritional Value?
Yes, some dog treats have nutritional value.
One of the benefits of feeding dogs treats is boosting the nutrition they receive on a regular basis. It is important to remember treats contain calories, and it does not take many treats to put a dog over their daily intake of calories, which can cause obesity.
However, many treats contain nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamin E, and taurine. All of which are necessary for the health and vitality of dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Giving Your Dog Treats?
There are several benefits of giving your dog treats. Here is an in-depth look at those benefits:
- Gets your Dog Excited. Giving your dog treats will give them something to look forward to, especially when given at the same time every day. This can increase their overall quality of life and make them more excited to see you.
- Enriches Mealtime. Many treats can be used as meal toppers as well. This can convince picky dogs to eat their food, stimulate their appetite, and give them something to be excited about when dinner comes around.
- Offers more Nutrients. Many dog treats are great sources of nutrition; some even provide all of the nutrients a dog needs making them a healthy source of complete nutrition. If a sick or senior dog has trouble eating, they may be more inclined to consume treats as they are made to be tasty and enticing.
- Higher Calorie Intake. For dogs who don’t eat enough of their regular food, it may be difficult to convince them to stop undereating. Some dogs who are malnourished may require more calories than they can consume from regular dog food, and offering treats can convince them to eat a little more and get those calories in.
- Dental Cleaning. Dental dog treats, like Greenies and other dental chews, are a great way for your dog to get a few more calories but also a great way to clean their teeth. These treats are often stiff and require chewing. This chewing removes tartar and plaque from their teeth and helps stimulate blood circulation to the gums.
- Dog Training. Possibly the most common reason people offer dogs treats is when they are training their dogs. Using treats as positive reinforcement is a very effective way to teach them desired behavior and gives you the opportunity to bond with the dog.
The Best Dog Treats Formulas Reviewed
Many pet food brands offer treats. With so many options, it can be challenging for owners to find the right product for their pets. To make the search easier, we have reviewed some of the best dog treats on the market. Take a look before clicking checkout.
Summary: Let your dogs chew on healthy organic treats that are gently cooked and dehydrated at low temperatures to lock in a wild meaty taste all dogs wish for, without losing the proteins and vitamins that every dog or puppy needs in their diet. Open Farm Dehydrated Beef Treats are packed with protein, thanks to 100% humanely raised grass-fed beef, that is lightly cooked and then dehydrated at low temperatures for optimum flavor. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef
Price: $2.89 per oz
- 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20
- Humanely raised grass-fed beef raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones
- Dehydrated at low temperatures to retain ingredient nutrients
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Low in carbohydrates and gluten-free
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis: This recipe contains humanely-raised beef which is pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished by ranchers in Australia. This also contains sunflower lecithin, molasses, sea salt, and chickpeas which are a fiber-rich legume and a great source of protein, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium.
Review: Plenty of customers are quite happy with this product. They posited that their dogs adore the dehydrated beef recipe from Open Farm and they would eat it straight up without the need for coaxing.
Summary: These treats are made with selected and nutrient-dense ingredients to provide a healthy and delicious experience to dogs of all ages. They are packed with protein and flavor and have a dog-friendly crunchy texture. The recipe is free from fillers and artificial additives, and the cookies are baked. The cookies are made in the USA and approved by picky eaters.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef Broth & Carrots; Chicken Broth & Carrots; Turkey Broth & Pumpkin
Price: $9.99/8 oz
- Grain-free and savory cookies
- Packed with protein and micronutrients
- Picky dog-approved flavor
- No fillers, GMOs, and additives
- Small-sized and nicely textured
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis: The treats feature beef bone broth and chickpeas as the main ingredients. They are fortified with tapioca, carrots, organic coconut oil, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and parsley. The ingredients are preserved with mixed tocopherols, which is a natural preservative.
Review: Pet owners are in love with these treats and give them 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. They describe them as “high-value treats” and say their dogs love them because they are always fresh and crunchy. Customers are also pleased with the quality of the ingredients used in the formula.
Summary: These soft, flavorful treats provide dogs with nutritional support for healthier digestion, skin, and coat. Made with turkey meat, these treats are an effective and delicious way to enhance your dog’s digestive system.
Moreover, PetLab Co. Digestive Support Bites are a rich source of nutrients and minerals, containing sources of vitamins A, C, and E. This formula also includes high-quality ingredients including pumpkin, organic apple cider vinegar, and rosemary extract to help your dog achieve a stronger immune system.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Turkey; Beef Jerkey; Salmon, Wild-Caught Salmon
Price: $13.95/3 oz
- Grain-free, single-source protein bites
- Has a delectable flavor that dogs will surely love
- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s digestive health
- Helps strengthen your dog’s immune response
- Manufactured in the USA from domestic and globally sourced ingredients
- A bit pricey compared to other brands
Ingredient Analysis: These treats are made with real turkey—a great source of lean protein that is low in fat and rich in essential amino acids, and helps dogs maintain a healthy weight. It is also hypoallergenic, thus, it is a popular go-to for dogs with food allergies. Also, these treats contain organic apple cider vinegar, a powerful ingredient that has antimicrobial properties, and aids in improving your dog’s cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Review: Averaging 4.2 out of 5-star ratings on Amazon, many pet owners liked this product for their dogs. They reported that their dogs loved the flavor of these treats, and have actually lessened their itching and stomach issues.
Summary: These homemade, high-quality dog treats from JustFoodForDogs are made from healthy whole-food ingredients and are baked in their open-to-the-public kitchens to guarantee your pet’s health and safety. Adhering to the best quality standards of dog treat formulation, there are no additional chemicals or preservatives added to these treats. Moreover, these delectable dog treats don’t have any trace of growth hormones, BHA, and BHT. Their packaging is also BPA-free, hence making these treats ideal for your dog’s health and nutrition.
Best for: Dogs of all ages
Flavor Options: Chicken breast; pumpkin; beef brisket; beef liver; venison; chicken apple; salmon
Price:
Chicken Breast Treats – $17.95/5 oz
Pumpkin Treats – $10.95/5 oz
Beef Brisket Treats – $32.95/5 oz
Beef Liver Bark Treats – $11.95/5 oz
Venison Treats – $37.95/5 oz
Chicken Apple Bark Treats – $12.95/5 oz
Salmon Bark for Dogs Treats – $18.95/5 oz
- Made from fresh, whole-food ingredients
- Prepared by hand in their own open-to-the-public kitchens
- Free from preservatives, additives, byproducts, and artificial coloring
- Maintains a BPA-free packaging
- Has flavorful treat varieties that dogs will surely love
- Their dog treats are a bit more expensive compared to those of other brands
Ingredient Analysis:
- Chicken Breast Treats: Chicken breast, being the sole ingredient of this variety, is a lean source of protein and is a good source of vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc.
- Pumpkin Treats: This variety contains whole wheat flour and pumpkin puree, the latter being high in soluble fiber content and having probiotics, thereby strengthening your dog’s digestive health. It also contains cane molasses and cinnamon. Lastly, it consists of safflower oil which bears the essential omega-6 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, which can help promote healthy skin and is important for optimal immune function.
- Beef Brisket Treats: This variety contains brisket, a lean cut of beef that provides various nutrients, including the essential amino acids required to synthesize protein compounds; high levels of HDL-producing oleic acid, which lowers the risk of heart disease; B vitamins to help with efficient energy metabolism; and a high concentration of minerals like zinc, iron, phosphorus, and selenium.
- Beef Liver Bark Treats: Beef liver is a protein-packed, nutrient-dense food that is abundant in vitamin A and is also great for red blood cell health. This variety also contains potato starch and anise seeds—an excellent source of minerals that are essential to cardiac, bone, and blood health and are needed by your dog’s body to convert food into energy.
- Venison Treats: This variety contains a single ingredient, venison, a lean protein meat that is rich in nutrients like vitamins B12 and B6, riboflavin, and niacin, which all support a healthy and energetic metabolism.
- Chicken Apple Bark Treats: This variety has two leading ingredients: chicken breast and apple. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc; apples, on the other hand, are high in antioxidants and fiber. This also contains potato starch, mint (a highly nutritious and powerful antioxidant), and parsley, which is high in folic acid and antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help promote good urinary health.
- Salmon Bark for Dogs Treats: Wild-caught salmon contains highly digestible omega-3 fatty acids, which have been clinically proven to support healthy skin. It is also high in vitamin D, selenium, and thiamine. This variety also consists of tapioca starch, a hypoallergenic, gluten- and grain-free ingredient that absorbs over four times its weight in water.
Review: Most customers were highly impressed by this product since all the ingredients are ethically sourced and safe for their pets. They also stated that their dogs loved these treats so much and had no problems in terms of taste. However, some customers said that this product is a bit pricey and runs out of stock so quickly.
Summary: The crunchy outside texture and soft inside texture of these dog treats is made to keep dogs engaged and excited while eating them. They contain real bone marrow for nutrients and a more natural taste. These treats help to support strong bones with calcium and contain no artificial preservatives or colors. It is available in two flavors and a large variety of sizes to fit the needs of any adult dog.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Bacon
Price: $0.27/oz
- Crunchy outside and chewy inside
- Contains real bone marrow filling
- Made with calcium for bone support
- No artificial colors & preservatives
- Made in the USA
- Contain unspecified meat meal
Ingredient Analysis: Wheat flour is the first ingredient and gives this treat texture and carbohydrates, while meat and bone meal is the second. This supplies the treats with protein, but it is not specified from what animal the meat and bone come. Sugar is high on the list for a sweetener, and red 40 is used as a colorant.
Review: Pet parents were largely impressed with these treats. Their dogs love them, even their picky eaters, and they were happy with the price. Dissatisfied consumers were disappointed by the fillers used and said their dogs would not eat the treats.
Summary: The soft and chewy texture of this food is great for dogs who have a hard time chewing. Whether it’s puppies or senior dogs who might be missing teeth, these treats are formulated to be easy to chew and digest. They are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals to provide nutritional support, and the real filet mignon in the recipe adds a healthy dose of protein. Available in a handful of flavors, these treats provide nutritional balance to dogs of any life stage.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Wholesome Chicken Recipe
Price: $0.49/oz
- Made with real chuck roast
- Soft-textured for dogs that have trouble chewing
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- High fiber content for a dog teat
- Made in the USA
- Sugar is high on the ingredients list
Ingredient Analysis: Real beef and chicken are the first two ingredients that give this treat a great foundation of protein. Sugar is very high on the ingredients list, which is not ideal for dogs, but filet mignon and chuck roast are relatively high on the list as well, and we like this. Vitamins and minerals are supplemented, making these treats more nutritious and delicious.
Review: Satisfied customers were happy that their dogs enjoyed these treats so much. Their dogs with tooth issues and older dogs were able to chew and enjoy these treats. Unimpressed customers noted the use of BHA and said it is a known carcinogen for dogs. Others stated they made their dogs hyperactive, and they did not like it.
Summary: The formula in these dog treats gives this snack 55% protein content, making it a very high protein source, especially for a treat. They are made from rawhide and real meat to offer a variety of textures and flavors. The triple taste features chicken, duck, and chicken liver to provide high-quality protein and amino acids in the form of a dog treat. The rawhide stick in the middle is made to be chewed, not swallowed whole, so it may be necessary to supervise your dog while they eat it.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Triple Flavor Kabobs
Price: $0.56/oz
- Very high in protein
- Real meat is high on the ingredients list
- Triple flavor chunks offer tons of flavors
- Helps clean teeth as dogs chew
- Available in an array of package sizes
- Contains artificial colors
- Chunks can be easily swallowed whole
Ingredient Analysis: Beef hide, chicken, and pork hide are the first three ingredients and give these treats plenty of flavor and texture. Garlic powder is included for taste, and chicken liver helps to boost protein and mineral content. The use of artificial colors is less than ideal, however.
Review: Most consumers were thrilled their dogs enjoyed these treats so much. Multiple claimed these were their dog’s favorite treats and said they wouldn’t bother buying anything else. Others, however, were not at all impressed with the use of artificial colors in these treats. They claimed it had made their dogs sick, and they suspect the colorants to be the cause.
Summary: Made with just four ingredients, the limited ingredient formula in these dog treats is made to be easily digestible and to avoid any allergy irritations. These contain no soy, corn, or wheat and are made in the USA to ensure the highest quality. The crunchy texture helps to clean teeth while they chew, and the simple recipe is sure to fit the requirements of almost any dog. They come in a small selection of flavors and are available in various packs for more picky eaters.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken; Bacon & Cheese; Peanut Butter; Assorted Flavors
Price: $0.24/oz
- Limited ingredients for sensitive stomachs
- High protein and fiber content for a dog treat
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available in a variety pack for picky eaters
- Made in the USA with selected ingredients
- Relatively high in calories
Ingredient Analysis: Whole wheat flour, peanut butter, canola oil, and preservatives are the only ingredients in these treats. All of these are perfectly healthy for dogs to consume and make for a great dog treat.
Review: Happy consumers called this “canine crack” and were happy with the value. Critical reviewers were quick to point out the high caloric content of these treats, noting that each treat contains 39 calories. Others were upset to have only received one package when they thought they ordered six and complained the cookies appeared overcooked.
Summary: These Milkbone treats contain an even more meaty taste than Milkbone’s original dog treats. They feature a crunchy texture that helps to clean teeth while they eat. It is fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals to help fill the nutritional gaps they may have from their regular dog food. It is sold in boxes for up to 10-pounds, so you don’t have to worry about running out any time soon.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Original
Price: $1.50/lb
- Available in sizes for small dogs to medium dogs to giant breeds
- Crunchy texture helps to clean teeth
- Comes in a massive 10 lbs box
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Comes with specific feeding guidelines on the back of the box
- Unspecified meat and bone meal
- High in calories
Ingredient Analysis: Wheat flour is the first ingredient and gives this food its carb content. Meat and bone meal is the second, and it is not specified from where this meat and bone comes. This is not generally sought after in pet treats as it may contain allergens.
Review: Thousands of buyers are happy with this product. They tell stories about the goofy grins their dogs get when they see the treats and talk about how they only feed their dogs these treats because they trust what is inside them. Most of the complaints actually revolved around the size of the box. They stated the treats became stale before they could finish the whole box, or pests had gotten into it.
Summary: This chicken jerky dog treat is made to help satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew. It features 100% real chicken as the primary ingredient and only contains two ingredients aside from that. It is a healthy snack that can add tons of high-quality protein to a dog’s diet. It is made with dehydrated chicken breast and sold in 1-pound packages to be a great option for dogs who may require a bit more protein.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken
Price: $0.71/oz
- Dog chews encourage blood flow to a dog’s jaw and gums
- Chicken is the main ingredient
- Contains only three ingredients
- Mostly protein
- Contains a lot of moisture for a dog treat
- May cause upset stomachs in dogs who have sensitivity issues
Ingredient Analysis: There are only three ingredients, and all of them are great for dogs when used in moderation. It contains chicken and salt with vegetable glycerin for texture.
Review: Happy customers were thrilled to see their dogs enjoy this treat so much. Many were also happy to see this is available on Amazon autoship feature for Prime members. Others were not so impressed, saying they would not purchase it because it is made in China.
Summary: These inexpensive treats are perfect for training treats. They are soft, chewy, and easy to digest, which makes them great for older dogs as well as puppies. The natural ingredients include real peanut butter and contain no artificial flavors or colors. They are made in the USA and contain human-grade ingredients from American farms.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Peanut Butter Flavor
Price: $0.21/oz
- Soft-baked with a chewy center
- Easy to chew and easily digestible
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Made in the USA
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Molasses is the second and third ingredient
Ingredient Analysis: All of the ingredients in these treats are plant-based. Unbleached wheat flour, cane molasses, and blackstrap molasses are the first three ingredients that give these treats their taste and texture. Peanut butter and natural peanut butter flavor are included to make it closer to peanut butter in terms of flavor, and sodium bicarbonate and brewer’s dried yeast give it its shape and texture.
Review: Dog owners were satisfied with these treats, with some saying after oral surgery, they helped their furry friend eat again. The soft texture allowed them to chew even with sensitive teeth and gums. Critical reviews, however, made up nearly 10% of total reviews, with some complaining about a change in the formula that significantly reduced the size of the treat.
Summary: These treats only contain five calories a piece and are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals. The crunchy texture helps to freshen breath and clean teeth as they chew. The formula contains no artificial preservatives, and the bone-shaped treats are made in small sizes so small breed dogs can better enjoy them. They are available in three flavors and come in an array of package sizes.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Bacon
Price: $0.32/oz
- Available in a variety of package sizes
- Tub contains three different flavors
- No artificial preservatives
- Only 5 calories per treat
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Contains artificial flavors
Ingredient Analysis: Ground whole wheat and wheat flour are the first ingredients and supply this food with carbohydrates and taste. Meat and bone meal is next, but it is not specified what animal this comes from. Beef fat preserved with tocopherols adds more flavor and fat content, while chicken meal provides more protein. Vitamins and minerals are supplemented, but poultry by-product meal is in the middle of the ingredients list, and this is less than ideal as it may contain allergens and is not specified.
Review: Numerous buyers say they “must have put something addictive in these” and tell stories about how their dogs will “stop at nothing” to get to them. They are happy their dog enjoys them so much because they use them as dog training treats. Negative reviews were a bit all over the place, with some people complaining about foreign material in the treats, pests in the treats, and saying their dog will not eat the treats they had ordered from Amazon.
Summary: These very affordable treats are made with real meat to provide flavor and nutrients in a delicious package. They are made in the USA and contain high levels of moisture, so your dog will be better hydrated after eating. They contain a relatively high amount of fiber for a dog treat and modest fat content for energy. The wide variety of flavors is offered in four different-sized boxes for dogs of any size.
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Sausage Links; Bacon; Beef; Beef & Bacon; Chicken; Hot Dog Minis; Steak Bites; Bacon & Cheese; Burger Minis; Beef & Cheese
Price: $0.18/oz
- Very affordable
- Available in a wide variety of flavors
- Sold in a giant 4-lbs bag
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Relatively high fiber for a dog treat
- Corn syrup is the second ingredient
Ingredient Analysis: Real chicken is the first ingredient and gives these treats a fantastic source of protein. Corn syrup and soy flour are next, and these are generally used because of their affordability and not because of their nutritional value. This product also contains animal digest, and while this is not necessarily bad, it is an ingredient commonly found in cheap dog foods.
Review: Dog owners were happy their dogs loved these treats. Some people said their pooch generally eats only high-end dog food, but they would give it all up for these. Negative reviews only made up 2% of total reviews but were adamant the package they had received was counterfeit or said their dog did not enjoy all of the flavors.
Summary: Using apples as a healthy source of fiber and vitamins, these treats are made without the use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Other ingredients like oatmeal and yogurt, these treats provide energy and probiotics as well for digestive support and healthy body function. There is no bone meal or wheat in any of the flavors of this formula. While these are meant for intermittent feeding only, they come in a large 55-ounce box to last a long time.
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Apple & Yogurt; Bacon, Egg, & Cheese; Pumpkin & Cinnamon; Oats & Apples; Beef; Chicken Liver
Price: $0.26/oz
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Contains no artificial flavors or colors
- Crunchy texture cleans teeth while they eat
- High protein content
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- May cause digestive distress in some dogs
Ingredient Analysis: Oatmeal, oat flour, and barley rye are the first three ingredients and make this treat easily digestible and full of fiber. Chicken meal provides a great source of protein and minerals, while real foods like apples and yogurt help to boost the micronutrient profile. Overall, this is a great ingredients list for a dog treat recipe.
Review: Most customers were happy with this product, and so were their dogs. While they were satisfied with the quality and taste, others were upset they seemed to have found chicken by-product meal in the ingredients and found foreign objects in the treats.
What Ingredients Should I Look for in Dog Treats?
When shopping for dog treats, pet owners need to look for several features:
- Real Meat. Real meat provides the best source of protein. The amino acid complexes are the most complete when compared to supplemented protein or by-product meals, and dogs love the taste.
- Vegetables. Veggies are great for dogs, just like they are for humans. Pumpkin, in particular, is a great and common additive in dog treats that provides fiber and vitamins and is an often recommended dietary aid.
- Natural Preservatives. Things like vitamin C and vitamin E are natural preservatives, with the latter often being labeled as “mixed tocopherols.”
- Limited Ingredients. Treats are supposed to be simple and are not required to provide all of the necessary nutrients a dog needs. A limited ingredient treat is often a great choice because they will likely be made of just one or a few ingredients, like dehydrated organ meat, which is great for dogs.
What Dog Treats Should I Avoid?
Also, when searching for dog treats, owners need to avoid certain ingredients such as:
- Xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener and is toxic to dogs. This is often used in things like peanut butter that go into dog treats and should be avoided.
- Artificial Colors. Artificial colors like red 40 and yellow five have been linked to behavioral problems and cancer in animals.
- Vegetable Oil. While not necessarily bad for dogs, it is a cheap ingredient containing tons of low-quality fats. There are much better alternatives like flaxseed oil and coconut oil.
- Propylene Glycol. This is used to make antifreeze.
How Can I Make Homemade Dog Treats?
Making homemade dog treats can eliminate the concern of what is in the treats you are giving your dog because you are the only one in charge of what is going into them.
You do not have to worry about sugars, preservatives, oils, artificial colors or flavors, or soy. You can make gluten-free dog treats, high protein, and healthy dog treats in most of the same ways you would make treats for humans.
One big benefit of making treats at home is you can, and most likely will, use human-grade ingredients, so you will know that your dog is eating a nutritious and wholesome treat. This will also allow you to make any flavor dog treats you wish if your dog is a picky eater and refuses standard flavors of treats.
To make dog treats at home, you will need a few things. Dog treats are most often baked, so you will need things like a mixing bowl, rolling pin, oven, and measuring cups and spoons. You may use things like coconut oil, eggs, peanut butter, sweet potato, and honey.
Real meat may be used if you want your treat to have a higher protein content.
Can I Give My Dog Treats Every Day?
Yes, you can give your dog treats every day.
In fact, giving them treats every day at a specific time can give them something to look forward to and enrich their lives. Be sure the calories given to them in treats do not exceed 10% of their total caloric intake, as anything more than this may cause undesired effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Giving My Dog Too Many Treats?
Feeding your dog too many treats can cause a host of issues.
These can include toothaches, stomach aches, messy stools, lethargy, and obesity. All of these can and should be avoided by offering treats to your dog in moderation. Remember, many treats are the dog equivalent of human junk food.
Even if that weren’t the case, however, they still contain calories, and consuming more calories than your dog burns will lead to weight gain and potentially obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
