It’s hard to tell who loves dog treats more: the pampered pups or the adoring pet parents.
It’s true: Everyone loves giving a Good Boy or Good Girl a snack! Additionally, treats can make training more exciting and rewarding. However, not all dog treats are created equal. As part of your dog’s diet, treats should be high-quality, wholesome and tailored to your individual pet’s needs. But remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of your furry friend's diet.
Looking for the best dog treats for your best friend? You’re in luck! We rounded up our most-loved dog treats—as chosen by pet parents like you—as well as expert advice for smart snacking.
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Best Dog Treat OverallAmerican Journey Oven Baked Peanut Butter Biscuit Dog Treats, 8-oz bag $4 on Chewy
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Best Dog Training TreatZuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Training Dog Treats, 6-oz bag $6 on Chewy
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Best Dog Treats for a PuppyWellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Dog Treats, 8-oz pouch $6 on Chewy
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Best Crunchy Dog TreatBlue Buffalo Health Bars Baked with Bacon, Egg & Cheese Dog Treats, 16-oz bag $5 on Chewy
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Best Calming Treat for DogsPetHonesty Calming Hemp Chicken Flavored Dog Treats, 90 count $30 on Chewy
How to Find the Best Dog Treats
Dog treats have come a long way since one-size-fits-all biscuits. Not sure where to start? Here, Ashly Smith, DVM, a Lorton, Virginia-based veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary, shares what to consider when shopping for your four-legged friend:
- Your veterinarian’s advice: When making changes to your dog’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. They can recommend trusted treats that are ideal for your pup’s needs.
- Your reason for treating: Why are you giving your dog a treat? Select a treat that’s appropriate for the purpose. For example, when training, choose small treats that you can give multiple times; for dental hygiene, select treats designed to help keep teeth clean.
- Your dog’s size: Make sure to purchase treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size and jaw strength.
- Your dog’s health needs: Consider your dog’s overall health when selecting treats, including food sensitivities, digestive issues and dental concerns. Remember, treats are part of your dog’s diet and should be selected as carefully as the main meal.
- Your pet’s caloric needs: Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you are unsure about your pet’s caloric needs, consult your veterinarian. “Owners should always check in with their vet for a recommended daily calorie intake so they can proportion their meals and treats appropriately,” Dr. Smith says.
12 Best Dog Treats
Below are the best dog treats as tested and approved by Chewy customers. These top-selling, top-rated dog treats get two paws up from dog parents like you.
Best Dog Treat Overall
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My two labs went crazy got them
Ricky our 12year old that he knows were the bags are stored at and will go and get one pack to tell us it’s time
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Love these!
Our dog LOVES these treats! It's crunchy which she enjoys. This is the second time we bought it for her and she loves them and always wants more!
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I Don't Know Why But...
My 3 year old shih tzu/bichon absolutely loves these treats! They are VERY hard but he chews them up, which is surprising because he tends to swallow softer treats after barely chewing them. I love that they only have six completely natural (and healthy) ingredients. I first purchased them just to get my total up to get free shipping since they were only a few dollars. So glad I did because I will now buy them on a regular basis!
Best Dog Training Treat
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Perfect for training
We have a reactive dog, so training will be a lifelong endeavor. These are the perfect small size for our type of training that requires LOTS of rewards. They also don't crumble and are easy to grab quickly from a training pouch.
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Perfect treat
I have 3 small dogs,; largest is 24#. These are perfect for training. I've been buying g them for years.
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Great size treats
Great size treats for little/medium size dogs. They’re soft but not too soft and easy for the dogs to eat.
Best Dog Treats for a Puppy
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My senior pug loves these treats!
My senior pug doesn't have many of his teeth anymore, so hard treats are a hard No for us. He LOVES these soft treats! Thanks for the great option. I wish they didn't say they were only for Puppies, but that's ok!
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Great training treats.
Breeder started using with pups for training so for the time being I am continuing. They are a bit expensive as you go through a lot of them when training but luckily they can be broken into smaller pieces. Soft and chewy for puppies that are teething.
Best Crunchy Dog Treat
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Beau loves these
Beau loves to hear treat time. He will speak. Shake hands. Lay down and dance for one of these Blue buffalo health bars
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Blue Buffalo treat fan
We have been purchasing Blue Buffalo Health bars for our dogs for years. They like the variety of BB Heath Bars
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Ok, sit
When I bring the bag out of the cabinet, my dog can’t find a spot to sit fast enough!
Best Calming Treat for Dogs
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Calming hemp chews really work my dogs.
It is monsoon season here in Tucson, and my dogs get very stressed. These chews really help to keep them from freaking out in the big storms. and, that helps to keep me from freaking out. yay!
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sleeping through the night
10 month Pitt Terrier! Yes as you know they are very hyper. i give him two chews before bed and he allows me to sleep.
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Best treatment for anxious dogs
I've used thunder jackets on my dog and i've used doctor prescription medication for the dogs for anxiousness from thunderstorms, fireworks, etc. These calming hemp chews are the only thing that has ever worked. They love the taste and they work fairly quick. I highly recommend.
Best Dog Dental Treat
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Great value
My 2 dogs never liked them but when we got a 3rd dog she only ate greenies. My 2 dogs tried them and all 3 love them.
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My dog loves these treats.
My dog is 85 lbs and we feed him the regular since we give him at least 2 a day.
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First thing in the morning!!!
I don't like them much but the dogs seem to love them and have to have them first thing in the morning before we go out,before breakfast . There a little tough for me I'll stick to bacon and eggs
Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs
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Titan LOVES!
I bought these for my dog Titan. He loves them. I had to re-buy them. Got 3 different flavors.
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Bertie loves these
I have been looking for a very small, low calorie, soft treat for my 11 pound, 12.75 year old mini schnauzer with only 4 teeth. He loves this treat which is perfect for him!
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Chase loves 'em!
My husky loves these treats and I love that I dont have to worry if I might break down and give him a few extra. We always have to take a treat out to catch him to bring him inside and these are the perfect size for that with how many times a day he annoys us to go outside! We just had a photoshoot together this past weekend and these were perfect to get him to be the good, cooperative boy and, again, I didnt have to worry that much about how many he was needing. Im pretty sure these will be a forever treat in our home and we may try some other flavors eventually.
Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs
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Our dogs LOVE these!11
We break them in half to give to our pups. If one hears us open the jar they all come running from wherever they are in the house whether they are awake or napping!
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Dog biscuits
These were for the neighbors dog. I buy them because they are mostly natural without added garbage that most other treats have. Ie: propylene glycol, which has no place in treats for your furry friend
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Great company
They care and make your pet number one! Won’t buy from anywhere else! very fussy eater and I think I found the right food. Origens
Best Natural Dog Treat
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Our little old doggy loves them.
Our doggy is 11 yrs old, about 26 pounds and she loves these treats. There is nothing artificial in them, and that's a big plus to us.
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Bella LOVES them
Bella lives these treats - both the beef and the chicken. And my neighbor’s dogs love them too. And I love that they’re made in the US.
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This was for a friends dog. This is the food that he likes and eats. It is good for a dog his age.
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
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The vet uses them as treats and my dog loves them.
These are great treats but a bit hard to break if you just want a smaller treat. My one dog needs to use just these but the other two dogs do like them too.
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New Dog Treats
My mini Cockapoo has a very sensitive stomach. She eats a prescription diet but still has times of upset. I asked my vet what treats to turn to since I don’t want any stomach issues. I am so happy they recommended these prescription treats. My dog is very picky about hard crunchy treats but absolutely loved these! She gets so excited when she knows she’s going to get one. And so far her tummy has had no issue.
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Hypo Crunchy Dog Treats
My dog has inflammatory bowel disease and cannot consume any animal protein. Our vet recommended these treats and Remi loves them. Been buying them for a few years and have had very good results with them. And they are just the right size for a treat. Highly recommend them!
Best Dog Treats for Senior Dogs
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my picky poodles love it!
Get Naked Biteables are the perfect size for training treats and my toy poodles both love them. It's a bonus that they have healthy ingredients.
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Senior best, smells better too
Some other soft treats smell terrible and my pets finally eat them. Certainly can understand why. These look and smell tasty.
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Must taste good
We give our dog a treat when he does what we ask. And he know what the word treat means. A bag can last a long time when giving 2-3 treats a day.
Best Soft Dog Treats
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Dogs Love Them’
Great training treats, easy to break into smaller pieces, good ingredients! My dogs work hard for these high value treats!
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Love
She loves them what more is there to say? Only down side is they are so small she swallows them whole. Otherwise perfect treat for a puppy (well sorta puppy)
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites, Beef Burger with Bison Grain-Free Dog Treats
Love how the first ingredient is beef which you know your dog is getting the best food possible. These treats have been great at training our new puppy as our blue heeler can’t get enough of them!
How We Chose These Products
Treats are a fun way to bond with your pet and reinforce good behavior. That’s why we rounded up Chewy’s best-selling dog treats and selected only those that have at least a 4-star rating from satisfied Chewy customers. Backed by hundreds of ratings and reviews, each of these bestsellers are beloved by dogs and dog parents alike.
Types of Dog Treats
What type of treat fits your four-legged friend? From puppies to seniors, playtime to bedtime, there’s a biscuit for every bud.
Training
When training, treats are a great way to reward your dog with positive reinforcement, keeping sessions fun and exciting. However, it’s important to keep calories in mind, which is why training treats tend to be small and low-calorie.
Best for: training exercises; situations where multiple treats will be offered
Crunchy
Crunchy biscuits are classics, and they’ll never go out of style. When dogs chew on crunchy treats, the hard texture helps to remove plaque, stimulate the gums and improve dental health, says Dr. Smith. Crunchy treats tend to be lower in calories than soft options, and many pups enjoy the engaging textures.
Best for: dental hygiene; managing weight
Soft
Just like crunchy treats, soft treats offer unique benefits. Pliable and easy to break into smaller pieces, they can be great for portioning out during training sessions. Soft treats can be easier to chew for dogs with missing teeth and also tend to be highly palatable, says Dr. Smith, making them ideal for picky eaters and pets struggling with appetite.
Best for: breaking apart; dogs who have trouble chewing harder textures; dogs with little appetite
Natural
Natural dog treats are made using minimal ingredients, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. While every pet can benefit from clean, high-quality ingredients, says Dr. Smith, natural treats are especially helpful for dogs with food sensitivities, as they contain few ingredients.
Best for: pets with food restrictions; ingredient-conscious pet parents
Dental Treats
Dental treats can help keep your pup’s teeth cleaner, gums healthier and breath fresher. Dental chews are shaped to “scrub” plaque away, and have a crumble-resistant texture that prevents new debris from becoming trapped in the teeth and along the gumline. However, Dr. Smith stresses that they’re not a substitute for regular dental care and cleanings.
Best for: dogs who need a dental hygiene assist; freshening breath
Puppy Treats
Treats designed for puppies are small, soft and squishy–just like puppies! The petite portions make them perfect for puppy training, and the soft texture is ideal for dogs still developing jaw strength.
Best for: training puppies
Senior Treats
Senior dog treats are softly textured for aging jaws, and may contain supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and other age-related concerns. These treats also tend to be highly palatable, making them ideal for older dogs who have medical conditions that may affect appetite, such as cancer.
Best for: older dogs; dogs who struggle with appetite and/or jaw strength
Calming Treats
For pups who need help relaxing, calming treats may help manage symptoms of stress. They can be especially helpful during anxiety-producing situations. To help you select the best calming treat for your pet, consult your veterinarian and/or certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
Best for: helping dogs manage stressful situations
Tips for Feeding Dogs Treats
Everyone enjoys treat time! However, remember that dog treats are part of your pet’s diet, and should receive the same care and consideration as dog food. With that in mind, consider these tips from Dr. Smith.
- Monitor your pet’s weight. Obesity can have serious effects on your pup’s health, so watch the scale and portion appropriately to ensure treats don’t exceed 10% of your pet’s daily diet. “It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and incorporate treats into your dog’s daily calorie intake accordingly,” says Dr. Smith. “Always check in with your vet for a recommended daily calorie intake so you can proportion meals and treats appropriately.”
- Be mindful of ingredients. Just like meals, treats should be healthy. “Opt for high-quality treats made with wholesome ingredients to ensure they contribute to your dog’s overall nutrition,” says Dr. Smith.
- Divide larger treats as needed. “When it comes to training, using small, bite-sized treats can be helpful in preventing overfeeding while still providing positive reinforcement,” says Dr. Smith. “You can also break larger treats into smaller pieces to make them last longer during training sessions.”
- Think outside the biscuit box. Food isn’t the only type of reward for good behavior. “Consider using alternative rewards such as praise, toys or playtime to vary the reinforcement and reduce reliance on treats,” says Dr. Smith. “Non-food rewards such as extra attention, walks or games can also be effective in reinforcing positive behaviors without adding extra calories.”
- Substitute dog-safe veggies. To mix things up and conserve calories, consider the produce section. “You can use vegetables like carrots or green beans as low-calorie snacks,” says Dr. Smith. See what other vegetables dogs can eat. (Always check with your vet before feeding human food, or any homemade dog food or treat.)
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Every dog is an individual, and what works best for your dog may not work best for another. Before introducing new pet food or treats to your dog’s diet, talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s health needs, caloric intake and weight concerns. Together, you can make sure treat time is, indeed, a treat.
Dog Treat FAQs
Q: What are high-value treats for dogs?
A: High-value dog treats are exciting snacks that dogs will work extra hard to earn. Helpful for training, these treats tend to be highly palatable, chewy and—sorry, pet parents!—extra smelly.
Q: What ingredients should I look for in healthy dog treats?
A: When shopping for healthy dog treats, look for wholesome, whole-food ingredients such as chicken, salmon or beef, and those that don’t contain fillers, additives, artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. Keeping portion control in mind, and select small treats or treats that can be easily broken apart.
Q: Can you freeze dog treats?
A: Freezing dog treats can help them taste fresher for longer. Keep the treats in the original packaging and place the package in an airtight freezer container. Before giving your dog a treat, allow it to defrost; frozen treats may be too hard and can damage your pet’s teeth. Even when frozen, treats should not be kept past the expiration date on the packaging.
Dog Treats Next Steps
Providing treats is one of the most fun parts of pet parenting. And when you select healthy, high-quality products, it’s even more rewarding. After all, your best friend deserves the best.
Curious to learn more about healthy portion control? Check out our expert guide and discover how much you should be feeding your dog.
Expert input provided by Ashly Smith, DVM, a Lorton, Virginia-based veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary.
This content was medically reviewed by a veterinarian.
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