Choosing dog treats sounds simple until you stand in front of dozens of bags and wonder which ones actually make sense for your dog.
Some treats are better suited to everyday rewards. Others are easier to use during training. Some are small and convenient for repeated rewards, while others are better suited to occasional chewing or dental care.
The best dog treat isn’t necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the biggest marketing claim. It is the one that fits your dog’s size, age, diet, preferences, and the reason you’re giving the treat in the first place.
In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for when buying dog treats, how to use them responsibly, and six options currently featured in the PawTroveHub Dog Treats collection.
Affiliate disclosure: PawTroveHub may earn a commission when you purchase through qualifying affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Dog Treats?
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the treat.
- For everyday bacon-flavored rewards: Purina Beggin’ Strips Original Bacon Dog Treats
- For crunchy everyday rewards: Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s Crunchy Dog Treats
- For soft chicken-jerky-style rewards: Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts Natural Dog Treats
- For dog training: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats
- For a simple single-ingredient option: PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats
- For a dental-focused chew: Wellness WHIMZEES Natural Dental Treats Veggie Strips for Medium Dogs
These aren’t universal rankings. A treat that works well for one dog may not be the right choice for another. The goal is to match the treat to your dog’s needs and the job the treat needs to do.
For the wider range of dog products, explore the PawTroveHub Dog Products collection.
What Makes a Good Dog Treat?
Before looking at individual products, it helps to know what you’re actually shopping for.
A good dog treat should fit comfortably into your dog’s overall diet and be appropriate for the way you’re going to use it.
Consider the Calories
Treats are extras, so their calories count.
A commonly used guideline is to keep treats and other extras to around 10% or less of a dog’s daily calorie intake. The exact amount varies according to the individual dog.
This becomes particularly important during training because several small rewards can add up surprisingly quickly.
Look at the Ingredients
Read the ingredient list rather than judging a treat entirely by the front of the package.
Consider whether the ingredients fit your dog’s existing diet and any known food sensitivities.
A simple ingredient list can be appealing, but simple does not automatically mean that a treat is suitable for every dog.
Match the Treat to Your Dog’s Size
Treat size matters.
A large dog may be able to handle a larger chew, while a small dog may do better with smaller treats.
For training, small treats are especially convenient because you may reward your dog many times during one session.
Think About Texture
Soft treats can be convenient for training because dogs can usually eat them quickly before returning their attention to you.
Crunchy biscuits can work well as everyday rewards.
Firm dental chews serve a different purpose and should be selected according to the dog’s size and the manufacturer’s directions.
Consider Why You’re Giving the Treat
Ask yourself:
Is this for training?
Is it an everyday reward?
Is it a special high-value reward?
Is it intended for chewing or dental care?
Once you answer that question, choosing becomes much easier.
Best Dog Treats for Different Needs
Best for Everyday Bacon-Flavored Rewards: Purina Beggin’ Strips
Purina Beggin’ Strips Original Bacon Dog Treats are one of the options currently featured in the PawTroveHub Dog Treats collection.
The product is positioned as a soft, savory bacon-flavored reward that can work well for everyday treat occasions.
Best suited for: everyday rewards and dogs that enjoy soft, bacon-flavored treats.
Consider before buying: portion size and total daily calories still matter, especially if your dog receives treats frequently.
Check the current Amazon listing: Purina Beggin’ Strips Original Bacon Dog Treats
Best Crunchy Everyday Treat: Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s
Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s Crunchy Dog Treats offer a traditional crunchy biscuit-style format.
They can be a practical choice when you want a classic crunchy reward rather than a soft training treat.
Best suited for: everyday rewards and dogs that enjoy crunchy treats.
Consider before buying: make sure the treat size is appropriate for your dog and account for treat calories within the overall daily diet.
Check the current Amazon listing: Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s Crunchy Dog Treats
Best Soft Chicken-Jerky-Style Reward: Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts
Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts Natural Dog Treats are the product named on the live PawTroveHub Dog Treats page. The page describes them as tender jerky treats made with real chicken for training or everyday snacking.
Best suited for: everyday rewards and dogs that prefer soft, meaty-style treats.
Consider before buying: portion size and total daily treat calories remain important.
Check the current Amazon listing: Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts Natural Dog Treats
Best for Dog Training: Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Training changes the way you should think about treats.
You may reward your dog many times during a successful training session, so a small, easy-to-deliver treat can be more practical than a large biscuit.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats are specifically positioned for dog training. The PawTroveHub product page describes them as soft, bite-sized treats made with real chicken and lists them at 2 calories per treat.
Best suited for: obedience training, tricks, recall practice, and other situations where frequent rewards are useful.
Why the format matters: small treats can make it easier to reward the exact behavior you want without giving a large snack every time.
Check the current Amazon listing: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats
Best Single-Ingredient Option: PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast
If your priority is keeping the ingredient list particularly simple, PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats are worth considering.
The PawTroveHub product page describes this option as being made with one premium ingredient: 100% chicken breast.
Best suited for: owners who prefer a simple ingredient approach and dogs that enjoy chicken-based rewards.
Consider before buying: freeze-dried treats have a different texture from soft training treats, and portions still need to be managed.
Check the current Amazon listing: PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats
Best for a Dental-Focused Chew: Wellness WHIMZEES
Dental treats serve a different role from small training rewards.
Wellness WHIMZEES Natural Dental Treats Veggie Strips for Medium Dogs are designed as dental chews rather than tiny rewards for repeated training.
The PawTroveHub product page positions them around daily oral-health care.
Best suited for: owners looking for a dental-focused chew.
Important: choose the appropriate size for your dog and follow the product’s feeding directions. Dental chews should complement, not automatically replace, a broader dental-care routine.
Check the current Amazon listing: Wellness WHIMZEES Natural Dental Treats Veggie Strips for Medium Dogs
Dog Treats vs. Training Treats: What’s the Difference?
You can technically use many treats during training, but purpose-built training treats can make the process easier.
A useful training treat is generally:
- Small enough to give repeatedly
- Easy for the dog to eat quickly
- Appealing enough to motivate the desired behavior
- Easy for you to carry and deliver
- Manageable from a calorie perspective
That’s why Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats can make more sense for a training session than a large biscuit.
The goal isn’t to feed your dog a huge snack every time they sit. The goal is to deliver a small, timely reward that reinforces the behavior you’re teaching.
For additional dog-training supplies, visit the PawTroveHub Dog Training Products collection.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have Per Day?
There isn’t one universal number of treats that is appropriate for every dog.
The better approach is to think about calories rather than simply counting treats.
A commonly used guideline is to keep treats and other extras to around 10% or less of a dog’s daily calorie intake. The American Kennel Club explains that the 10% guideline refers to calories, not simply the number of treats, and that training treats and other extras count toward that total.
For example, if a dog’s daily calorie allowance were 800 calories, roughly 80 calories would represent the 10% treat allowance.
But that’s only an illustration. Your dog’s actual calorie needs depend on individual factors, and dogs with medical conditions or special diets may need more specific guidance.
Also remember that “one treat” can mean very different things. A tiny training treat and a large chew are not nutritionally equivalent.
The smartest habit is to check the calorie information on the package and adjust portions accordingly.
For more detailed educational guidance, read the American Kennel Club guide to how many treats a dog can have.
What Should You Look for in Healthy Dog Treats?
“Healthy” is not simply a label you can apply to one ingredient or one brand.
A better question is:
Does this treat make sense for my particular dog and how I plan to use it?
Look for:
Appropriate Calories
Especially if your dog is small, less active, or already receiving several treats.
A Suitable Size
The treat should make sense for your dog’s size and intended use.
Ingredients That Fit the Dog’s Diet
If your dog has known food sensitivities, check ingredients carefully.
A Useful Texture
Soft treats may be convenient for training, while crunchy or firm options may serve other purposes.
A Sensible Purpose
Don’t buy a dental chew simply because it looks like a tasty snack, or use a large everyday biscuit as your primary training reward if tiny treats would work better.
Treats are extras, not a replacement for a complete and balanced main diet.
Best Dog Treats for Training
If you’re training a dog, treat size and timing can matter more than having an enormous reward.
A practical training treat should allow you to reward the behavior quickly and get your dog’s attention back on the exercise.
Consider:
- Small pieces
- Soft texture
- Easy carrying
- Strong appeal to your individual dog
- Reasonable calorie content
- Consistent portioning
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats are a natural option to consider because the product is specifically positioned for dog training.
Another option worth considering is PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats, particularly if you prefer a simple ingredient approach.
However, even small treats can add up during long training sessions.
A useful approach is to decide your daily treat budget before training begins rather than discovering at the end of the day that your dog has eaten far more extras than intended.
For additional educational guidance about using food and treats during training, see the VCA Animal Hospitals guide to using food and treats for training dogs.
What Treats Are Best for Puppies?
Puppies can benefit from treats during training, but their needs are different from those of an adult dog.
When choosing puppy treats, consider:
- Appropriate treat size
- Easy-to-chew texture
- Calorie content
- Age suitability
- Your puppy’s existing diet
- How many rewards will be used during training
Because puppies can have frequent training sessions, very small treats can be especially useful.
Don’t assume that every adult dog treat is automatically appropriate for a puppy. Check the product guidance and, if you’re unsure about your puppy’s diet or health needs, ask your veterinarian.
Are Dental Treats Worth Considering?
Dental treats can be useful as one part of an overall oral-care routine, but they shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for proper dental care.
If you’re specifically shopping for a dental-focused chew, Wellness WHIMZEES Natural Dental Treats Veggie Strips for Medium Dogs are the dedicated dental option currently featured in the PawTroveHub Dog Treats collection.
Pay attention to:
- Correct size
- Appropriate chewing ability
- Feeding instructions
- Calories
- Your dog’s individual needs
Remember that dental health is broader than a single treat.
Dog Treat Safety: Mistakes to Avoid
Even a treat your dog loves needs to be used sensibly.
Giving Too Many
This is probably the easiest mistake to make.
A dog can happily accept treat after treat even when their calorie needs have already been met.
Ignoring Calories
Treat calories count just like calories from meals.
Choosing the Wrong Size
A treat that is too large or inappropriate for your dog’s chewing habits may create unnecessary problems.
Changing Treats Too Quickly
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introducing a new treat gradually and watching for problems is sensible.
Ignoring Food Sensitivities
Dogs with allergies or dietary restrictions may need treats that fit their specific diet.
Assuming Every Dental Chew Is Appropriate
Dental products should be selected according to the dog’s size and the manufacturer’s directions.
Forgetting the Main Diet
Treats should complement a complete and balanced diet rather than becoming a major part of what your dog eats.
If your dog has a medical condition, is overweight, follows a prescription diet, or has known food allergies, talk with your veterinarian before making significant changes to treats.
Dog Treat Buying Checklist
Before clicking Buy, ask yourself:
□ What is the treat for?
Training, everyday rewards, chewing, dental care, or occasional high-value rewards?
□ Is the size appropriate?
□ How many calories does one treat contain?
□ How many treats will my dog realistically receive each day?
□ Does the ingredient list fit my dog’s diet?
□ Is the texture appropriate?
□ Is it suitable for my dog’s age?
□ Does the product need special storage?
□ Do I need to adjust meals to account for treat calories?
If you can answer those questions, you’re much less likely to buy simply because a package looks appealing.
Dog Treat Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Best Use | Format | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purina Beggin’ Strips | Everyday reward | Soft | Portion control |
| Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s | Crunchy everyday reward | Biscuit | Size and calories |
| Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts | Soft, meaty-style reward | Jerky-style | Portion control |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals | Training | Small, soft | Calories during frequent sessions |
| PureBites Chicken Freeze-Dried Treats | Simple ingredient approach | Freeze-dried | Portion and texture |
| WHIMZEES Veggie Strips | Dental-focused chewing | Firm chew | Size and feeding directions |
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Dog Treat
The best dog treat isn’t necessarily the one with the loudest packaging or the longest list of marketing claims.
Start with your dog’s needs.
For frequent training, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats are specifically designed for that purpose.
For a simple ingredient approach, PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Dog Treats are an option to consider.
For everyday rewards, options such as Purina Beggin’ Strips, Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Mini’s, and Blue Buffalo Nudges Chicken Jerky Cuts give you different formats and textures to compare.
If your focus is a dental-oriented chew, Wellness WHIMZEES Natural Dental Treats Veggie Strips for Medium Dogs is the dedicated dental option in this collection.
The most important thing is to match the treat to the dog, the purpose, and the overall diet.
When you’re ready to compare the available options, browse the PawTroveHub Dog Treats collection or explore the wider PawTroveHub Dog Products collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best dog treats?
The best dog treat depends on your dog’s needs and why you’re giving it. Training, everyday rewards, simple ingredients, and dental chewing can all call for different formats.
What are the best dog treats for training?
Small, easy-to-deliver treats are generally practical for training because you may reward your dog repeatedly. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe Dog Training Treats are specifically designed for training.
How many dog treats can I give my dog each day?
A common guideline is to keep treats and other extras to around 10% or less of daily calories, although individual needs vary.
Are dog treats healthy?
Treats can be part of a healthy routine when appropriately selected and portioned, but they are extras rather than a replacement for a complete and balanced diet.
What should I look for when buying dog treats?
Consider calories, ingredients, size, texture, your dog’s age, dietary needs, and the purpose of the treat.
Are training treats different from regular dog treats?
They can be. Training treats are often smaller and easier to deliver repeatedly, which makes them convenient when rewarding behavior many times in a session.
Are dental treats a replacement for brushing?
No single treat should be treated as a complete replacement for an overall dental-care routine. Choose dental products according to your dog’s size and needs and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Can puppies have dog treats?
Puppies can use appropriate treats, especially during training, but the treat should be suitable for their age, size, and diet. When uncertain, check with your veterinarian.