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 $5 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 Charlie loves them
You can just smell all of the peanut butter. My dog loves them so much, he wants more than just one treat.
Best Dog Training Treat
Best Dog Treats for a Puppy
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Great product for training
I've been using these for years. They used to be indented so you can make little pieces, but they are so soft, it is easy to do anyway...All of my dogs have loved them.
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GREAT REWARD TREAT
My dog loves these. She's not a puppy but I use them to reinforce her training or reward her when she does well. She really loves the flavor of these.
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Great Treat
My boys absolutely love these treats. I love that they have good ingredients. I hope Chewy never stops carrying them.
Best Crunchy Dog Treat
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BLUE BUFFALO BACON, EGG & CHEESE HEALTH BARS
My puppy love the smell and taste. I neeed to try out before I have placed on auto-ship. Great amount for the price. I use as fillers when she doesn’t want to eat.
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Dogs Love Them
I have three dogs let me know just before bedtime that I owe them this treat! I give them each two and then they know they are in for the night and should go find their choice of bed for the night.
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My dogs Love these
We take treats with us every time we are out with our dogs and these travel well without breaking up. One piece can be broken into smaller bites for a smaller dog, so they go a long way, but mostly, my dogs love these. The huge packaging keeps us in treats with 2 large dogs in the house. The good ingredients also make these more guilt free!
Best Calming Treat for Dogs
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Best ever calming chews for a hyper dog
We really love the way this calmed down our 8-month-old lab that just jumps all over the place and flies across the coffee table like she has wings
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Easing Fear of Thunder
Drake my dog has an extreme fear of thunder due to his abandonment as a puppy at an abandoned duck club rescued and adopted
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THESE REALLY WORK!!!
I’ve been using these with my dogs for the last 4 years! I first tried this brand & product when we got our Golden Retriever puppy. She’s such a good girl, but she showed signs of anxiety. I didn’t want to put her on medication, so I went with this because of the 100% all natural ingredients! They work so well, I saw a night & day difference from day one! I started out giving her the maximum daily dose for her weight daily. After about a month or so, I dropped to twice a day. Now she only gets one at bedtime. Moose is 110 pounds & I would do a commercial for FREE for this product! My vet was floored at the difference in her...
Best Dog Dental Treat
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Longer Lasting
The treats last longer than most treats when the dog is chewing on them. Has a lasting effect on the teeth. I would recommend.
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Great product
I give my dog 1 Greenie a day; he's 8 years old now and I have never had any oral problems including teeth cleaning with him! Product has saved me a lot of money.
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She loves them!
We give her one a day and she gets very excited and runs off to enjoy her dental treat alone...so cute
Best Dog Treats for Small Dogs
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Small and tasty
I like the small size because in puppy training I use a lot of treats. Don’t want to over feed.
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skinny treats
We went to the vet and, well, someone needs to go on a diet. One of Bowie's favorite things in the world is his treat ball. Happy to find these as they have lower calories and they fit perfectly in his treat ball. Win win! So far he is enjoying the different flavors. This is a great find.
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Favorites!
Our two shih tzus get these after their last trip out and these are hands down one of their favorites. They even smell pleasant to me.
Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs
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Love it
My dogs love it, it being 3 years and every afternoon snack they take me to the box, no matter where a hide it they will find it
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great treats! Highly recommend!
These cookies are great for out dogs! Full size treats, too! Our dogs love them and we buy them regularly. They smell good enough to eat.
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My cats love these
My cats are very picky eaters. They do not like any solid soft food at all so these little soups work great. They love them. I have 2 cats so we go through them pretty fast, that’s why the 30 pack works good for us. Instead of paying $1.49 for each individual cup.
Best Natural Dog Treat
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Big hit!
Every dog I have, including fosters, love these treats! They're especially good for older dogs that don't have strong teeth.
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healthy treat
holy moly my dogs absolutely love these treats, we tear them up in bite-size pieces so they go a longer way. these treats are so good for potty training and sit training my dogs go ham over them a 5-year-old Maltipoo and a 2 year old shih tzu yorkie mix
Best Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
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Customer service above and beyond
My order of prescription dog food was accidentally shipped to my old address. The customer service employee had a new order rushed to me and said the company would take care of the mistaken delivery. Sure enough, the new order came promptly and I was still marveling at how nice they were!
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My Digestive system challenged basset love these treats
I call them the carboard biscuits, but Dora loves them. They are hard and crunchy. The prescription dog treats are the only treat she can digest, so I'm very happy to be able to give her at least one treat in addition to her prescription Z/D food.
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Outstanding selection, ease and quick shipping!
Super happy always ordering from Chewey.com! I can find exactly what I need, order it and it arrives very quickly. Great selection of pet needs and pet food. Thanks Chewy!
Best Dog Treats for Senior Dogs
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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. :)
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My 16 year old Morkie loves these!
My fur baby has been getting these treats for a couple years now and loves them! She’s 85% blind but always asks for more and runs to her bowl when she hears them being dropped in it.
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Our dog loves these!
I repeat this order - she loves the soft Biteables, and I like that they are small so I feed our elder dog a little less.
Best Soft Dog Treats
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Jack
My old man loves this stuff. Only way I can get him to eat his food. Sad I can't find it in the stores anymore.
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My dog’s ultimate treat!
This is the top “special treat” for our dog. I hold it in reserve for special occasion occasions because he’s that crazy for it. Love that it’s so easy to break into little bites for our small dog. Perfect for learning a new trick or special rewards.
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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