Does your furry friend’s tail wag a little faster when they hear the crinkle of a treat bag? For many of us, our dogs are more than just pets – they’re family! And just like we want the best for our human loved ones, we want to spoil our canine companions with delicious and healthy rewards. But when you’re strolling through Target, faced with a whole aisle of tempting options, how do you pick the *perfect* treat?
It can be overwhelming, right? You want something your dog will absolutely adore, but you also worry about ingredients, allergies, and whether the treat is actually good for them. Is it a healthy choice, or just empty calories? This is where the Target treat aisle can feel like a bit of a maze. We’ve all been there, staring at the shelves, wondering which bag to grab.
But don’t worry, fellow dog parents! This post is here to help you navigate the wonderful world of Target dog treats. We’ll break down what to look for, highlight some popular and well-regarded choices, and even offer tips for finding treats that fit your dog’s specific needs. Get ready to become a Target treat expert and bring home a bag that will have your pup doing happy dances!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats At Target Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dog Treats At Target Detailed Reviews
1. Coachi Target Stick
Rating: 9.0/10
Unlock your dog’s potential with the Coachi Target Stick! This handy tool is a game-changer for training, whether you’re a clicker training pro or just starting with your new puppy. Its bright, large ball makes it easy for your dog to see and follow, guiding them into position for commands and fun tricks. The comfortable, padded handle ensures you can train for longer without hand fatigue. Plus, its clever telescopic design means it shrinks down small for easy carrying, then extends to give you plenty of reach.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic tool for clicker training, helping you guide your dog into different positions easily.
- Perfect for teaching puppies basic obedience like ‘sit’ and ‘down’, and great for more advanced tricks too.
- The telescopic design is super convenient, shrinking to just 15cm for your pocket or treat bag and extending to a useful 70cm.
- The large, brightly colored 30mm foam ball is a clear visual cue for your dog to follow.
- It’s easy for anyone to use, making it ideal for all dogs, from puppies to adults, for obedience and trick training.
- The soft padded handle feels comfortable in your hand during training sessions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the foam ball is bright, a slightly more durable material might be beneficial for very enthusiastic chewers.
- The clicker is not integrated into the stick itself, requiring a separate clicker for full clicker training functionality.
The Coachi Target Stick simplifies training and makes learning fun for both you and your dog. It’s a versatile accessory that helps build a stronger bond and a well-behaved companion.
2. Buddy Biscuits Trainers 10 Oz. Pouch of Training Bites Soft & Chewy Dog Treats Made with Bacon Flavor
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet Buddy Biscuits Trainers, your new secret weapon for successful dog training! This 10 oz. pouch is packed with soft and chewy training bites that your dog will absolutely love. They’re made with a natural pork liver base, making them super tasty. Plus, they have a delicious bacon flavor that dogs can’t resist. You get a whopping 500 treats in this bag, so you’ll be stocked up for plenty of training sessions. Each little bite is only 1.5 calories, which is fantastic for keeping your dog in shape while rewarding good behavior. You can feel good about giving these treats because they use clean ingredients. There’s no corn, soy, or artificial flavors. They are truly made with natural bacon.
What We Like:
- Super yummy for dogs, thanks to the natural pork liver and bacon flavor.
- You get a huge amount of treats – 500 per bag!
- Very low in calories, so you can reward your dog often without worry.
- Made with simple, clean ingredients without corn, soy, or artificial stuff.
- The soft and chewy texture is easy for dogs of all sizes to eat.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might be sensitive to the bacon flavor, though it’s natural.
- The pouch could be resealable for easier storage, though it’s not a major issue.
These Buddy Biscuits Trainers are a fantastic value for any dog owner. They make training fun and rewarding for both you and your furry friend.
3. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Treat your furry friend to a delicious and nutritious snack with Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe. This big 25-ounce container is packed with flavor your dog will love. These treats are made with real chuck roast, giving them a taste that dogs have enjoyed since 1908. They are soft and chewy, making them easy for dogs of all sizes to enjoy. Plus, they are packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog healthy and happy.
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What We Like:
- Made with real chuck roast for a savory flavor dogs adore.
- Soft and chewy texture is perfect for all dogs, especially older pups or those with sensitive teeth.
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
- Comes in a generous 25-ounce container, offering great value.
- A trusted brand loved by dogs for over a century.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While the beef and filet mignon recipe is popular, a wider variety of protein options could appeal to even more dogs.
- The resealable container is helpful, but ensuring a truly airtight seal every time can sometimes be tricky to maintain maximum freshness.
This substantial bag of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats is a fantastic option for rewarding your dog. You can feel good about giving them a treat that is both tasty and good for them.
4. Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats for Training
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking for the perfect reward for your furry friend? Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Dog Treats are here to help! These tasty, chicken-flavored treats are made with real chicken as the very first ingredient. They are soft and easy for your dog to chew, making them ideal for training sessions. Plus, they contain DHA, which helps support your puppy’s growing brain.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making them super yummy for dogs.
- The soft, bite-sized pieces are perfect for training any size dog.
- They are made with wholesome ingredients and are free from corn, wheat, and soy.
- No artificial preservatives or colors mean you’re giving your dog a healthier treat.
- DHA is added to support cognitive development, a great bonus for puppies.
- They are America’s number 1 training treat, so many owners trust them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 19-oz bag might be a lot for owners with only one small dog, leading to potential freshness concerns if not used quickly.
- While great for training, some dogs with very sensitive stomachs might need to try a small amount first.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Bits are a fantastic choice for training your dog. They offer great taste and healthy ingredients that both you and your dog will love.
5. Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice Treats for Dogs
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for a fall flavor explosion with Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice Treats! These soft and chewy cookies are made with real ingredients your dog will love, like pumpkin, peanut butter, and cinnamon. They’re perfect for any dog, from playful puppies to gentle seniors, because they have a soft texture that’s easy on sensitive mouths. Plus, they’re baked right here in the USA with a simple, all-natural recipe.
What We Like:
- Soft and chewy texture is great for all dogs, even those with sensitive teeth.
- Made with simple, all-natural ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and cinnamon.
- Wheat, corn, and soy-free, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
- Low in calories, with only 13 per treat, making them perfect for everyday rewarding.
- Proudly baked in the USA with ingredients sourced locally.
- The “B’s” shape is cute and fun for a treat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 6 oz bag might be finished quickly if you have a very treat-motivated pup!
- While the pumpkin spice flavor is great for fall, it would be fun to see other seasonal options.
These treats offer a delicious and healthy way to spoil your furry friend. Bocce’s Bakery truly delivers on their promise of better food for our beloved pups.
Your Guide to Dog Treats at Target
Picking the right treats for your furry friend can be a fun mission! Target has a huge selection of dog treats. This guide helps you find the best ones. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes a treat good or not-so-good, and how other dog parents use them.
1. Key Features to Look For
What makes a treat great?
- Ingredients: Look for treats with real meat as the first ingredient. This means your dog gets good protein.
- Size and Shape: Treats come in all sizes. Small treats are good for training. Bigger treats can be for rewards or longer chewing.
- Texture: Some treats are crunchy, while others are soft and chewy. Crunchy treats can help clean teeth. Soft treats are easier for older dogs or puppies to chew.
- Purpose: Are you training your dog? Need dental care? Or just want to spoil them? Choose a treat that fits the need.
- Dietary Needs: Does your dog have allergies? Look for limited ingredient treats or those free from common allergens like grains or chicken.
2. Important Materials
What goes into these treats?
The best dog treats use simple, wholesome materials. You’ll find things like:
- Real Meats: Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are great protein sources.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, apples, and blueberries add vitamins and fiber.
- Grains (or Grain-Free Options): Some treats use rice, oats, or barley. Many are now grain-free, using ingredients like sweet potato or pea flour.
- Natural Preservatives: Vitamin E (tocopherols) and rosemary extract help keep treats fresh.
Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These don’t offer much benefit and can sometimes cause issues for sensitive dogs.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a treat top-notch or just okay?
Quality Boosters:
- Whole Food Ingredients: Treats made with recognizable, whole foods are usually higher quality.
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Fewer ingredients mean it’s easier to identify what your dog is eating and can be better for sensitive stomachs.
- Added Benefits: Some treats have added vitamins, minerals, or ingredients like omega-3s for a shiny coat.
Quality Reducers:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy used in large amounts can reduce the overall nutritional value.
- Artificial Additives: As mentioned before, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not ideal.
- By-products: While some by-products can be nutritious, generic “meat by-products” can be of lower quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these treats?
Dog parents at Target use treats in many ways:
- Training Tools: Small, tasty, and healthy treats are perfect for rewarding good behavior during training sessions. They keep your dog engaged and eager to learn.
- Daily Rewards: A simple treat can be a nice way to show your dog some love and affection throughout the day.
- Dental Health: Crunchy treats are often given to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth.
- Calming Aids: Some specialized treats contain ingredients like L-theanine or chamomile to help calm anxious dogs.
- Long-Lasting Chews: For dogs who like to chew, larger, tougher treats can keep them occupied and happy for a while.
Many users appreciate the convenience of finding a variety of trusted brands and price points at Target. They often look at online reviews on Target’s website to see what other pet owners recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats at Target
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in dog treats?
A: Key features include high-quality ingredients like real meat, appropriate size and texture for your dog, and whether the treat serves a specific purpose like training or dental care. Also, consider your dog’s dietary needs, such as allergies.
Q: Are there any special types of treats for puppies or senior dogs?
A: Yes, Target carries treats specifically formulated for puppies (smaller, softer, and with nutrients for growth) and senior dogs (often softer and with ingredients to support joint health).
Q: What should I do if my dog has allergies?
A: Look for “limited ingredient” treats or those labeled “grain-free,” “hypoallergenic,” or free from specific proteins your dog reacts to. Always check the ingredient list carefully.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is good quality?
A: Good quality treats list whole foods, especially real meat, as the first few ingredients. They avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and often have shorter ingredient lists.
Q: What are “fillers” in dog treats?
A: Fillers are ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy that are used to bulk up the treat but offer less nutritional value compared to protein or other beneficial ingredients.
Q: Are dental treats effective?
A: Many dental treats are designed with a texture that helps scrape plaque and tartar from teeth as your dog chews. Some also contain ingredients that freshen breath.
Q: Can I give my dog treats every day?
A: Yes, treats can be part of a healthy diet, but they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake. Too many treats can lead to weight gain.
Q: What does “natural preservatives” mean?
A: Natural preservatives are ingredients like vitamin E (tocopherols) and rosemary extract that help keep treats fresh without using artificial chemicals.
Q: Where can I find ingredient lists for treats at Target?
A: Ingredient lists are usually found on the back of the treat packaging. If shopping online at Target.com, they are typically listed in the product description section.
Q: Are Target’s store-brand dog treats (like Boots & Barkley) good quality?
A: Target’s store-brand treats often offer good value and a variety of options. It’s still important to check the ingredient list and compare them to other brands to ensure they meet your quality standards and your dog’s needs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!