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Best Dog Treats

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 lots of calories and can only be given occasionally.

However, treats are essential when you’re training your dog.

This means that you’ll have to invest in healthy and yummy treats for your furry friend, instead. There are several brands available on the market, and it can be hard to decide which ones are the best for your dog.

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 section of the blog, I’ll go through some important things that you need to know.

Let’s begin.

Cutting Out the products that contain artificial preservatives and dyes.

While preservatives are important 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 of methanol contamination.
    Keep in mind that vegetable glycerin is a safe ingredient as it is different.
  • Several artificial dyes are also linked to cancer in and are used a cosmetic effect that your dog doesn’t really 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 widely regarded as harmless.

Regulation of Dog Treat Ingredients

Before 2010, no government oversight existed for pet food products. This meant that contaminated ingredients were a persistent 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 by-products 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) that are deemed to be unfit for human consumption. It is true that some of these parts are 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 the animal protein that’s 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 to not 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. While grains aren’t necessarily bad, the problem is that they are used as fillers to provide dietary energy instead of meats or whole vegetables as they’re cheaper.

It is important to cut out products that contain wheat, corn, or soy.

However, the baked treats such as dog biscuits, some starch or grain are necessary to help bind the treat, or it’d simply crumble.

If your furry friend loves biscuits, you should look for brands that use carbs that are rich in nutrients such as sweet potato.
Dogs and Treats: the 80/20 Rule

Some people give their dogs all they treat he wants throughout the day and worry why he’s gaining weight when he’s having the recommended amount of kibble throughout the day.

Sounds familiar?

Obesity in dogs is a serious and avoidable condition. If your dog is obese, he’s prone to having various disorders including heart conditions, liver disease, etc. So, it is a good idea to keep the dog’s calories in check.

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 put 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 rest 20% should come from the treats.

This means that 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, there are a lot of healthy alternatives and also treats available on the market.

Top 7 Best Dog Treats for Your Furry Friend!

In this section of the blog, I’ll quickly give you an overview of all the top 10 best dog food treats available on the market.

In the following section, I’ll cover each of the dog food treats 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 real bone marrow

●       The treat is made in the United States of America

●       The treats are wholesome and delicious in taste

●       The treats are rich in calcium which makes them good 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

●       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 keeps 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

●       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 real 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 awesome 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 treats available on the market. The bacon-flavored dog treats have an irresistible aroma and is 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 treat also contains 15% protein which is excellent when it comes to dog treats. The treat can be used to train the dog or to give as a surprise.

While these treats do contain bacon, they aren’t made purely out of it, which is good since excess of 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 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

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 one of the best dog treats available on the market. These above-average dog treats are made in the US and good for your dog when given occasionally.

Moving on.

Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats

The Milk-Bone MacroSnacks Dog treats are one of the best available on the market. These wholesome and delicious dog treats are a rich source of calcium that helps in keeping your dog’s teeth and bones strong.

These nutritious and tasty treats contain real bone marrow which dogs absolutely 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 real bone marrow
  • The treat is made in the United States of America
  • The treats are wholesome and delicious in taste
  • The treats are rich in calcium which makes them good 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 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 one of the best dog treats available on the market. 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 real and high-quality meat such as fish and poultry. They also contain real peanut butter ensuring that your furry friend gets a 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 good for dogs on a diet
  • They contain real poultry, meat, fish, and peanut butter
  • They don’t contain soy, corn, or wheat
  • The treats are wholesome and contain added vitamins and minerals
  • They contain whole foods such as cherry and turmeric

Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?

Pros Cons
●       Perfectly portioned treats only contain 3 kcals per serving

●       Made of high-quality protein and contain 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

To summarize, Zuke’s Mini Natural Dog Treats are one of the best dog treats available on the market. These are great for dogs that are on a diet and are above-average and healthy dog treats.

Moving on.

Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats

The Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats are one of the most popular dog treats available on the market. These treats are suitable for 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 and vegetables, and real meat which is excellent. The treats work well when used as positive 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 keeps 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

Let’s now take a peek at the pros and the cons, shall we?

Pros Cons
●       Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a 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 good for dogs with a sensitive stomach

To summarize,  Blue Buffalo BLUE Bits Training Dog Treats are one of the best dog treats available on the market. 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 one of the best available on the market. 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 and coloring and contain only premium ingredients. These treats are proudly made in North America and the wholesome treats have been trusted by dog owners for years.

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
  • Good 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 one of the best dog treats available on the market. These treats are made of the highest quality ingredients and are made in the oven.

Moving on.

Canine Carry Outs Multi Flavor Dog Treats

The Canine Carry Outs Multi Flavor Dog Treats are one of the best available on the market. These treats look and taste like real 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 a variety of tasty and meaty flavors that gets dogs excited. These treats can be taken on the go and are perfect for training your doggy friend.

Following are some key points:

  • Comes in a variety of delicious flavors such as real 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

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 like that of bacon, pizza, etc.

●       Healthy and nourishing

●       Considered doggy junk food

●       Acceptable in small quantities

In summary, Canine Carry Outs Multi Flavor Dog Treats are one of the best dog treats available on the market. These nourishing treats come in various yummy flavors which makes them amazing ‘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 duck and are 100% grain-free. The dog treats contain no poultry by-product or chicken.

Since the treats are free of any grains, they contain more meat and protein to satisfy their wild side. The crunchy treats help in satisfying the dog’s natural instincts and your dog will definitely beg more more!

Following are some important 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 awesome 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

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 by-products

●       May cause an allergic reaction

All in all, the Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats are one of the best dog treats available on the market. These treats are 1005 free from grains and are a great option for dogs that have gain sensitivities.

Moving on…

Final Words: Top 7 Best Dog Treats

There are various top dog treats available on the market which makes it hard to choose which one 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 figure out which one would meet your dog’s needs. However, keep in mind that even though these treats are the best, it doesn’t mean that your dog will like them.

I feel that it is a good idea to buy the smallest pack available to test it out. If your dog loves it and has no averse reactions, you can choose to get a bigger one.

Still, have any questions? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll get back to your as soon as possible.

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