Are you looking for some healthy dog treats for your furry companion?
Everyone who has a dog knows just how much they love their treats. However, if you are conscious of your dog’s health, you’d know that some treats contain many calories and can only be given occasionally. However, treats are essential when you’re training your dog.
This means you’ll have to invest in healthy and yummy treats for your furry friend instead. Several brands are available on the market, and deciding which ones are the best for your dog can be challenging. In this blog post, I’ll go through the best dog treats available on the market that are healthy and yummy. I’ll also share a few things you should know.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin.
Let’s get started.
What to Look for in the Best Dog Treats
To figure out the best dog treats, there are a lot of things that need to be kept in mind.
This includes treats that are advised against by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for being linked to pet deaths, knowing the brands that have been recently recalled, companies that manufacture their products in China, and one that raises quality concerns.
In this blog section, I’ll review some essential things you need to know.
Let’s begin.
It is cutting out the products that contain artificial preservatives and dyes.
While preservatives are essential for increasing the treat’s shelf life. However, they are also linked with long-term adverse effects on health:
- The preservatives BHA and BHT are commonly used in commercial dog foods and treats from brands, but there is evidence to suggest they’re carcinogenic to animals and should be kept as far away as possible
- The preservative Glycerin is also used to increase the shelf life, but this ingredient is a derivative or a byproduct of petrolatum. The Food Drug Administration has raised some concerns about methanol contamination.
Remember that vegetable glycerin is a safe ingredient as it is different. - Several artificial dyes are also linked to cancer and are used for a cosmetic effect your dog doesn’t care about. So, it’s a good idea to skip it.
To be fair, a single treat that may contain any of the ingredients mentioned above won’t do much damage. However, if you’re given the choice, you should opt for no dyes. Natural preservatives such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C or tocopherols (vitamin E) are acceptable and considered harmless.
Regulation of Dog Treat Ingredients
Before 2010, no government oversight existed for pet food products. This meant that contaminated ingredients were a problem that pet owners dealt with. To combat that, the Food and Drug Administration is now responsible for ensuring the accurate labeling and safety of pet foods.
Cutting Out Treats that contain byproducts or meat meal
The byproducts or meat meal found in dog food and treats are the parts of an animal’s carcass (like viscera, bones, and beaks) deemed unfit for human consumption. Some of these parts are indeed palatable to dogs; the problem is that it is rather difficult to assess the quality of the meat meal.
Advocacy groups have been raising concerns over problems such as diseased animal tissue and how the over-processing of animal protein at high temperatures can cause it to lose all of its nutritional value.
It is usually believed that products that contain meat meal are of a low or inferior quality.
Cutting Out Treats that Use Corn, Wheat, or Soy as Fillers
It is okay for dog treats not to be as nutritionally balanced as dog food should be because they make up a smaller percentage of your doggy friend’s diet.
That being out of the way, it is always safe to cut out foods that don’t have starchy carbs as they provide minimal nutritional value. Whole grains aren’t necessarily bad; the problem is that they are used as fillers to provide dietary energy instead of meats or entire vegetables, as they’re cheaper. Cutting out products containing wheat, corn, or soy is essential.
However, baked treats such as dog biscuits, some starch, or grain are necessary to help bind the pleasure, or they’d crumble. If your furry friend loves biscuits, you should look for brands that use nutrient-rich carbs, such as sweet potato.
Dogs and Treats: the 80/20 Rule Some people give their dogs all they want throughout the day and worry about why he’s gaining weight when they have the recommended amount of kibble throughout the day.
Sounds familiar?
Obesity in dogs is a severe and avoidable condition. If your dog is obese, he’s prone to having various disorders, including heart conditions, liver disease, etc. So, keeping the dog’s calories in check is a good idea. It is a good idea to count the calories and make sure that your dog is eating within the recommended daily caloric intake. However, people fail to factor in the calories from treats. This is one of the reasons why dogs keep gaining weight even when they’re on a diet.
So, what can you do?
According to the 80-20 rule, 80% of a dog’s daily caloric intake should come from the kibble, and the remaining 20% should come from the treats. If your dog can have 2000 kcal per day, only 400 calories should come from treats, and the rest 1600 should come from the kibble.
Some dog treats are high in calories. This means that your furry friend may only be able to have small amounts of it per day. However, many healthy alternatives and treats are available on the market.
Top 7 Best Dog Treats for Your Furry Friend!
In this blog section, I’ll quickly give you an overview of all the top 10 best dog food treats available.
In the following section, I’ll cover each dog food treat in detail as I review them.
| Food Name | Key Features | Our Rating | Prices |
| Purina Beggin’ Strips Bacon Dog Treats | ● The dog treat is bacon-flavored
● It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors that can cause your dog to have a reaction ● The treat is made in the United States of America ● The treats feature a soft texture which is easy to chew and great for the dog’s teeth ● Your dog won’t know that it isn’t bacon |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats | ● The dog treats are crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside
● They are made of actual bone marrow ● The treat is made in the United States of America ● The treats are wholesome and delicious ● The treats are rich in calcium, which makes them suitable for the dog’s teeth and bones |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats | ● Home-style recipes provide the dog with a healthy and nourishing reward
● The snacks are oven-made, which helps preserve the natural flavor ● The treats come in fun flavors, shapes, and sizes ● The highest quality of fruits, vegetables, and proteins are used to make the treats ● Good for dogs with a sensitive stomach |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats | ● The treats are highly digestible
● They help keep the dog’s teeth clean and healthy. The treats also help freshen up the dog’s breath and keep gums healthy ● Contain high-quality protein sources ● The treats are wholesome and don’t contain any chicken by-products ● The treats are free from corn, wheat, and soy |
4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
| Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats | ● Home-style recipes provide the dog with a healthy and nourishing reward
● The snacks are oven-made, which helps preserve the natural flavor ● The treats come in fun flavors, shapes, and sizes ● The highest quality of fruits, vegetables, and proteins are used to make the treats ● Good for dogs with a sensitive stomach |
4.3 Stars | Check Prices |
| Canine Carry Outs Multi-Flavor Dog Treats | ● Comes in a variety of delicious flavors, such as authentic pizza, beef, bacon, and chicken
● Made from high-quality ingredients ● Soft and chewy that is easy on the dog’s teeth and gums ● Perfect on-the-go treats for dogs ● Good for training dogs |
4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| BLUE Wilderness Grain Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats | ● These chewable treats are soft and moist, which helps take care of your dog’s teeth
● The bite-sized treats make a perfect reward for the dog ● These treats are fantastic for dogs that love all kinds of meat ● Helps maintain dog’s teeth, clean the gums, and maintain a fresh breath ● Comes with exotic sources of protein as well ● Good for dogs that have a sensitive stomach |
4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
Now, it’s time to take a closer look at these best dog treats.
Let’s begin.
Purina Beggin’ Strips Bacon Dog Treats
This dog treat from Purina Beggin’ is one of the best on the market. The bacon-flavored dog treats have an irresistible aroma and are a good choice for dogs who like meaty treats.
This dog treat is made from real bacon and has an aroma that dogs tend to crave. The charm also contains 15% protein, which is excellent for dog treats. The magic can be used to train the dog or to give as a surprise.
While these treats contain, they aren’t made purely out of from, which is good since excess bacon is bad for dogs.
Following are some key points:
- The dog treat is bacon-flavored
- It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors that can cause your dog to react.
- The joy is made in the United States of America.
- The charms feature a soft texture which is easy to chew and great for the dog’s teeth
- Your dog won’t know that it isn’t bacon
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● They are excellent for training
● Dogs love the taste and always want some more ● An above-average dog treat ● Can be broken down into smaller bits |
● Considered as dog junk food
● Shouldn’t be given in large quantities ● Inconsistent when it comes to quality |
All in all, the Purina Beggin’ Bacon Strips Dog Treats are among the best dog treats available. These above-average dog treats are made in the US and are suitable for your dog occasionally.
I am moving on.
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats
The Milk-Bone MacroSnacks Dog treats are among the best available on the market. These wholesome and delicious dog treats are a rich source of calcium that helps keep your dog’s teeth and bones strong.
These nutritious and tasty treats contain actual bone marrow, which dogs love. The treats are made in Buffalo, New York, by a facility owned by Milk-Bone, and they make sure that only the best ingredients are used.
Following are some key points:
- The dog treats are crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside
- They are made of actual bone marrow
- The joy is made in the United States of America
- The treats are wholesome and delicious
- The treats are rich in calcium, which makes them suitable for the dog’s teeth and bones
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Small in size and not a choking hazard for a toy or smaller dogs
● Good for training the dog ● Have a long shelf life ● Contain added vitamins and minerals |
● Have a short shelf life
● May cause an upset stomach |
To summarize, the Milk-Bone MacroSnacks Dog treats are among the best available. These treats are made of healthy ingredients and contain real bone marrow that dogs love.
On to the next one.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
Zuke’s Mini Natural Dog Treats are perfectly sized dog treats for rewarding a dog while training. These yummy treats are made of high-quality protein, savory herbs, and wholesome berries and don’t contain cheap filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or soy.
These dog treats contain natural, high-quality meat, such as fish and poultry. They also have natural peanut butter, ensuring that your furry friend gets wholesome nutrition and is satisfied. These treats are ideal for training the dog.
Following are some key points:
- The treats are perfectly portioned and are 3 kcal each, which is suitable for dogs on a diet
- They contain actual poultry, meat, fish, and peanut butter
- They don’t have soy, corn, or wheat
- The treats are wholesome and have added vitamins and minerals
- They have whole foods such as cherry and turmeric
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Perfectly portioned treats only contain three kcals per serving
● Made of high-quality protein and containing savory herbs, berries ● Free of cheap ingredients such as corn, wheat, or soy ● They contain added Vitamins and minerals |
● May not be suitable for some dogs as they can cause an upset stomach and vomiting |
Zuke’s Mini Natural Dog Treats are one of the best dog treats available. These are great for dogs on a diet and are above-average and healthy dog treats.
I am moving on.
Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats
The Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats are among the most popular dog treats available. These treats suit dogs of all life stages and come in several irresistible flavors.
The crunchy baked biscuits are a yummy treat to eat, and they are made of oats, fruits, vegetables, and naturally excellent meat treats that work well when used as a favorable reinforcement when training the doggy.
Following are some key points:
- The treats are highly digestible,
- They help keep the dog’s teeth clean and healthy. The treats also help freshen up the dog’s breath and keep gums healthy
- Contains high-quality protein sources
- The treats are wholesome and don’t contain any chicken by-products
- The treats are free from corn, wheat, and soy
Let’s now peek at the pros and the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
● Doesn’t contain any chicken or poultry by-product meal ● Contains DHA to help with the brain development of pups ● Good for the dog’s teeth |
● Not suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach |
To summarize, Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats are among the best dog treats available. These treats contain DHA, which is instrumental for brain development. The Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
On to the next one.
Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats
The Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats are among the best. These crunchy everyday treats feature the delicious and mouthwatering taste of molasses, peanut butter, carrots, and apples.
The all-natural treats do not contain any artificial flavors or coloring and only premium ingredients. These treats are proudly made in North America, and the owners trust the wholesome treats.
Following are some key points:
- Home-style recipes provide the dog with a healthy and nourishing reward
- The snacks are oven-made, which helps preserve the natural flavor
- The treats come in fun flavors, shapes, and sizes
- Highest quality of fruits, vegetables, and proteins are used to make the treats
- Suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Perfectly portioned treats and come in different sizes
● Good for all ages ● Oven-made and contain high-quality ingredients ● Healthy and nourishing |
● May not be suitable for some dogs as they can cause an upset stomach and vomiting |
All in all, Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats are among the best dog treats available. These treats are made of the highest quality ingredients in the oven.
I am moving on.
Canine Carry Outs Multi-Flavor Dog Treats
The Canine Carry Outs Multi Flavor Dog Treats are among the best available. These treats look like actual bacon, beef, pizza, or chicken. Every flavor tastes amazing and is loved by dogs all over the world.
The treats are soft and chewy and come in various tasty and meaty flavors that excite dogs. These treats can be taken on the go and are perfect for training your doggy friend.
Following are some key points:
- It comes in a variety of delicious flavors, such as authentic pizza, beef, bacon, and chicken
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Soft and chewy, it is accessible on the dog’s teeth and gums
- Perfect on-the-go treats for dogs
- Good for training dogs
Let’s take a peek at the pros and cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Perfectly portioned treats and come in different sizes
● Made for all life stages ● Feature the same texture and taste as bacon, pizza, etc. ● Healthy and nourishing |
● Considered doggy junk food
● Acceptable in small quantities |
In summary, Canine Carry Outs Multi Flavor Dog Treats are among the best dog treats available. These nourishing treats come in various flavors, making them excellent ‘junk food’ treats.
On to the next one.
BLUE Wilderness Grain Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats
The Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats are one of the best available on the market. These treats are made of real ducks and are 100% grain-free. The dog treats contain no poultry byproduct or chicken.
Since the treats are grain-free, they contain more meat and protein to satisfy their wild side. The crunchy treats help fulfill the dog’s instincts, and your dog will beg more!
The following are some essential points:
- These chewable treats are soft and moist, which helps take care of your dog’s teeth
- The bite-sized treats make a perfect reward for the dog
- These treats are fantastic for dogs that love all kinds of meat
- It helps maintain the dog’s teeth, clean the gums, and maintain a fresh breath
- It comes with exotic sources of protein as well
- Suitable for dogs that have a sensitive stomach
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Come in a variety of flavors
● 100% grain-free, which means that they contain more meat ● A good choice for meat-loving dogs ● Don’t contain chicken or poultry byproducts |
● May cause an allergic reaction |
All in all, the Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats are among the best dog treats available. These treats are 1005 grain-free and are an excellent option for dogs with gained sensitivities.
Moving on…
Final Words: Top 7 Best Dog Treats
Various top dog treats are available on the market, making it hard to choose which is the best for your furry friend.
In this blog post, we went through a list of the top 7 best dog treats available on the market to help you determine which would meet your dog’s needs. However, remember that even though these treats are the best, it doesn’t mean your dog will like them.
I think buying the smallest pack available to test it out is a good idea. If your dog loves it and has no adverse reactions, you can choose to get a bigger one.
Still have any questions? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll reply as soon as possible.
