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.
-
1
Best Dog Treat OverallAmerican Journey Oven Baked Peanut Butter Biscuit Dog Treats, 8-oz bag $4 on Chewy
-
2
Best Dog Training TreatZuke's Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Training Dog Treats, 6-oz bag $6 on Chewy
-
3
Best Dog Treats for a PuppyWellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Dog Treats, 8-oz pouch $10 on Chewy
-
4
Best Crunchy Dog TreatBlue Buffalo Health Bars Baked with Bacon, Egg & Cheese Dog Treats, 16-oz bag $5 on Chewy
-
5
Best Calming Treat for DogsPetHonesty Calming Hemp Chicken Flavored Dog Treats, 90 count $33 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
-
Reasonably priced and babies love them
Our babies actually ask for them by sitting and giving the jar we put them in the stare down. They love them!!!!
-
Grain Free and crunchy!
Our Dachshunds also love these treats! They just fit tightly into their Kong toys, so they expect that when we leave the house for a while. Keeps them occupied for a bot while we leave.
-
Must keep a Constant Supply
My 2 mini-schnauzers love these peanut butter treats and almst demand me to feed them several times a day. Great size and quality
Best Dog Training Treat
-
Wonderful Bedtime treats
My two dogs look forward to these training treats not only for training but as a bedtime treat. Nice to have the smaller bags when traveling.
-
Butter loves them!
Great small treats for rewards. I love that he can have a few without being too many calories. He loves them because of the peanut butter flavor.
-
Best training treats
I've used these for years with my own dogs and clients dogs. They are easy and convenient and just about every dog loves them
Best Dog Treats for a Puppy
-
Best puppy treats on the market!
I absolutely love these treats! They’re easy to break into small pieces and won’t upset your puppy’s tummy!
-
Two Paws Up
Perfect size and tasty for my pup. She loves it when I use them to reward her. Great for trainin!
-
My pups favorite now!
The aroma captured my puppy's attention immediately. Out of the variety we bought, these are his favorite by far. They are soft and easy to tear in two if you want smaller portions for training. Left whole, they about 3/4 inch square.
Best Crunchy Dog Treat
-
Healthy treats go a long way here .
My neighbor , also a Chewy fan , got what was left in the bag I ordered . I had to put my Shamus down on the 24th of January so the special gift of red roses from your fantastic company was truly heartwarming .
-
Wonderful treats!
These are great! My dog starts drooling at soon as I go by the pantry now because these treats are in there. They might be a bit big for a little dog, but they’re perfect for my big boy.
-
Fits in football kong
My dog loves it. It’s his evening treat and I put it in the football shaped Kong so he has to work for it.
Best Calming Treat for Dogs
-
my furbaby would eat them and his anxiety decreased
Lexi is 13 years old (Bichon) and he is hard of hearing and going blind, so he has a lot of anxiety. These chews actually calm him and he is much happier. Very good product. Thank you.
-
It's fast acting
I gave it to my hyper barky dog to calm her down, and like magic, she stopped barking and got relaxed. I could even cut a couple of her nails before she jumped down and took a nap. During her nap, I tried to cut more nails, but she wasn't having it. I'm going to use it at fireworks time and I hope it will keep her at least semi calm.
-
Really work but only for a couple of hours
I think this is an excellent product! It could really make a difference for dogs who are nervous about going to a veterinarian or a groomer. I wish that the effect lasted a little longer, but every dog‘s body chemistry is different.
Best Dog Dental Treat
-
clean teeth
We had been giving our dog only Dentastix and his teeth had build up. We started giving Greenies and Oravits alternate days and his teeth are much better.
-
Mac lives his Greenies.
Mac is a picky eater. He also has a sensitive stomach. Those two things combined make treats iffy, but he loves Greenies and they don't upset his stomach. A win win in my book
-
Greenie dog treats
My dog wakes up every morn wanting her greenie. She even knows the word GREENIE!! She is in love with her treat.
Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs
-
Fast delivery
Annie, my pup gives this review: Woofty wags, snuffle and a smooch ( I couldnt wait and it came so fast,, , Thanks)
-
A+ for sensitive stomachs
My dog Apollo has a very limited diet since he has a sensitive stomach we tried these and he loves them and they don’t make him sick!
-
Skinny Mini Happiness
Our frenchie, Lucy, loves Fruitables Skinny Minis. They are healthy and assist with trying to keep her weight down. She has a sensitive stomach and often does not tolerate new foods. Skinny Minis have given her no digestive issues.
Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs
-
Healthy Biscuit
The price was good for that big sized box. The biscuits inside the box were in a plastic bag. They are large and crunchy. Seems to satisfy the chew craving and lasts for a little while. My dog enjoys them.
-
Made my dog smile
My Golde loves these treats; he always has a big smile on his face as he takes it from my hand.
-
Helps our Dog with wheat issues
Our dog loves these and they help keep her teeth clean. She has issues with grains and these don’t give her any problems with yeast infections
Best Natural Dog Treat
-
Only one treat
This is the only treat my cocker spaniel will eat. I’ve tried many and these chews are his only choice.
-
My Dogs Love These Jerky Treats!
The dogs go ape over this new (to them) jerky treat. I like to cut it up into their kibble to give them an extra incentive to "eat it all gone"!
-
My pups love these!
easy to eat for both my geriatric pup as well as my 4 year old.. both dogs love them.. and my younger pup isn't even food motivated. which is a big deal.
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
-
It arrived on time.
I purchased the treats on automatic delivery. Chewy never misses a beat, when they are due to arrive, they are here. Any time I've contacted customer service, they are helpful and polite. Most of all, Finn loves getting mail.
-
Quick delivery.
Since these are the only treats RyLee can have because of her skin condition she has grown to really love them.
-
My dog loves these.
She's watched my other dog get treats she couldn't have and now these are her special cookies. They are crunchy but not too hard which is great as she doesn't have many teeth.
Best Dog Treats for Senior Dogs
-
Small and plentiful
My dog loves to eat quick instead so bite size treats are perfect to give my dog many at a time lasts a while when she eats treats so quick lol
-
Senior dog treats
Very happy for these treat for my toothless senior dog. Her younger brother gets treats so she wants some too and this is a great option!
-
soft and smelly (in a good way)
My senior chihuahua has heart disease and with all the meds she takes it can cause her to have a low appetite. I usually entice her to eat her meals by crushing up the treat and sprinkling it on top of her food and it works every time. The treats are soft so its easy to crush with two-three fingers. She's also has few teeth so the times I do give it to her as a full treat she can manage to break it down herself with the few teeth she has left. :)
Best Soft Dog Treats
-
My dogs love them
My doggos think the Rachael ray treats are delicious. Don’t know how nutritional they are but they don’t get that many
-
Loves
These are my girls favorite flavor of the Rachel Ray treats. These are her reward for going into her kennel like a good girl haha
-
Dog Loves These!
We have had a hard time finding treats this rescue would like to have so finding something she likes is huge.
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.
Get more advice on feeding dogs:
Share: