Does your gentle giant’s happy tail wag when you reach for a treat? We all love spoiling our canine companions, especially our big, lovable pups! But when it comes to choosing treats for large breeds, it can feel like a puzzle. You want something that’s not only delicious but also good for their health and size.
Finding the perfect treat for a big dog isn’t always easy. Sometimes, small treats get gobbled up too fast, or they might not have the right ingredients for their bigger bodies. It can be tough to know if a treat is too hard, too small, or if it’s packed with things your dog doesn’t need. You want to give them the best, but the choices can be overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to dive into what makes a treat great for large breeds. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to pick treats that will keep your big dog happy and healthy. Get ready to discover some fantastic options that will have your furry friend begging for more!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Large Breeds Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Purina Busy Bone Adult Dog Chew Bone Treats | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Pur Luv Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dog Treats For Large Breeds Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your furry friend a delicious reward with Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats. These tasty treats are made with real beef, so your dog will love the taste. They are perfect for training or just showing your dog some love.
What We Like:
- Real beef is the first ingredient, making these treats irresistible to dogs.
- They are oven-dried and easy to break into smaller pieces, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes.
- These treats are made with wholesome ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy.
- They are proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital packaging may differ slightly from the physical packaging, which could cause minor confusion.
Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers are a fantastic option for rewarding your dog with a healthy and delicious treat. Your dog will thank you for these tasty bites!
2. Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs
Rating: 8.9/10
Give your big furry friend a treat they’ll love with Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs. This 10-pound box is packed with delicious, meaty-flavored biscuits that will have your dog’s tail wagging. They’re not just tasty; these crunchy treats also help keep your dog’s teeth clean. Plus, each biscuit is made with over 12 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s health. You can feel good knowing these treats are made right here in Buffalo, New York, USA.
What We Like:
- Generous 10-pound box provides plenty of treats.
- Irresistible meaty taste dogs go crazy for.
- Crunchy texture aids in cleaning teeth.
- Fortified with more than 12 vitamins and minerals for good health.
- Proudly produced in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Packaging may vary, which could be a surprise for some.
- The large size might be too big for very small dogs, though this is for large dogs.
This large box of Milk-Bone Original treats offers great value and a healthy option for your canine companion. It’s a simple way to reward your dog while supporting their well-being.
3. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
Spoil your furry friend with the delicious taste and satisfying texture of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats in the Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe. This generous 25-ounce container is packed with tasty bites your dog will adore. These treats are made with real chuck roast, giving them a mouthwatering flavor that dogs can’t resist. Plus, they’re packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health. They’re perfect for all dog sizes, from tiny pups to big companions, and have been a favorite since 1908!
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What We Like:
- The real chuck roast flavor is a huge hit with our taste testers.
- The soft and chewy texture makes them easy for all dogs to enjoy, even those with sensitive teeth.
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, these treats offer more than just a tasty reward.
- The large 25-ounce container provides great value and lasts a long time.
- Milk-Bone’s long history means they know what dogs love!
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What Could Be Improved:
- The resealable container can sometimes be a bit tricky to close securely.
- While loved by most dogs, some pickier eaters might prefer a different flavor profile.
These Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats are a fantastic way to show your dog some love. They offer a nutritious and delicious reward that your dog will eagerly look forward to!
4. Purina Busy Bone Adult Dog Chew Bone Treats
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a way to keep your adult dog happily occupied and give them a tasty reward? The Purina Busy Bone Adult Dog Chew Bone Treats in Peanut Butter flavor are designed to do just that. This 10-count pouch offers a long-lasting chew that dogs will love, with an enticing peanut butter taste that makes treat time extra special.
What We Like:
- The peanut butter flavor is a big hit with dogs.
- These treats help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew.
- The dual texture, with a hard shell and a soft middle, keeps dogs engaged.
- You can feel good knowing they are made without rawhide or artificial flavors.
- Purina offers a rewards program through the myPurina app for points on purchases.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might finish them faster than expected.
- The size might not be suitable for all adult dog breeds.
Overall, Purina Busy Bones are a solid choice for a satisfying and beneficial chew. They offer a great way to spoil your furry friend while supporting their dental health.
5. Pur Luv Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Rating: 8.9/10
Does your furry friend deserve a treat that’s both delicious and good for them? The Pur Luv Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats are a fantastic choice. These rawhide-free jerky wraps are made with real chicken as the main ingredient, giving your dog a protein boost. Inside, they’ll discover a tasty center of real sweet potato, a healthy ingredient dogs adore. These treats are designed to be easily digestible, making them a great snack for dogs with sensitive tummies. Plus, they’re long-lasting, satisfying your dog’s natural urge to chew.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, making these treats protein-rich and flavorful.
- The sweet potato center adds a healthy, delicious twist that dogs love.
- These are 100% rawhide-free, offering a safer alternative to traditional rawhide chews.
- Limited ingredients mean you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog.
- They are easily digestible, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- The long-lasting nature of these treats keeps dogs happily engaged.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16 oz bag might be finished quickly by very enthusiastic chewers.
- While generally available, specific flavors or sizes might occasionally be hard to find.
Overall, the Pur Luv Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats provide a healthy, satisfying, and enjoyable chewing experience for your canine companion.
Choosing the Best Dog Treats for Your Big Buddy
Bringing a large breed dog into your life is a joy! These gentle giants need special care, and that includes their treats. Finding the right treats ensures your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and well-behaved. This guide will help you pick the perfect treats for your big dog.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for large breed dog treats, keep a few important things in mind.
Size Matters
- Larger Size: Treats should be big enough for your dog to chew on for a while. Small treats can be a choking hazard for big dogs.
- Durable Texture: Look for treats that are firm and take some effort to chew. This helps clean their teeth and keeps them busy.
Nutritional Value
- High-Quality Protein: Protein is super important for strong muscles. Look for treats with meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients mean less chance of your dog having an upset tummy or allergies.
- No Artificial Stuff: Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These don’t add any good stuff and can sometimes cause problems.
- Joint Support: Many large breeds are prone to joint issues. Treats with glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep their joints healthy.
Purpose of the Treat
- Training Treats: Small, soft, and highly palatable treats work best for training. They’re easy to swallow quickly so your dog can focus on the next command.
- Dental Chews: These are designed to scrape plaque off teeth. They are usually tougher and last longer.
- Long-Lasting Chews: These are great for keeping your dog entertained and preventing boredom. They are often very hard.
Important Materials to Consider
The ingredients in your dog’s treats are crucial.
Good Stuff
- Real Meats: Chicken, beef, lamb, duck, or fish are excellent sources of protein.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, or barley provide fiber and energy.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and apples add vitamins and antioxidants.
- Natural Preservatives: Vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract are good options.
Stuff to Avoid
- Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are often used as fillers. While not always bad, they offer less nutritional value and can be allergens for some dogs.
- By-products: These are animal parts that are not meat. They can be less digestible and nutritious.
- Artificial Additives: Artificial colors (like Red 40), flavors, and sweeteners offer no health benefits.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make a treat better or worse for your large breed dog.
Improving Quality
- Sourcing: Treats made with ingredients sourced from reputable farms and suppliers tend to be higher quality.
- Manufacturing Process: Gentle cooking methods, like baking or air-drying, help preserve nutrients.
- Third-Party Testing: Brands that have their treats tested by independent labs for safety and nutritional content offer more peace of mind.
Reducing Quality
- Excessive Processing: Highly processed treats can lose valuable nutrients.
- Hidden Ingredients: If a brand doesn’t clearly list all ingredients, it might be hiding something.
- Low-Quality Protein Sources: Using meat by-products or vague “animal digest” can mean lower quality protein.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these treats, and what do they find works best?
Happy Dogs, Happy Owners
- Training Success: Owners often report great success using high-value, tasty treats for training new commands or reinforcing good behavior.
- Dental Health: Many owners notice a difference in their dog’s breath and teeth after regularly using dental chews.
- Boredom Busters: Long-lasting chews are a lifesaver for keeping energetic large breeds occupied when you can’t actively play.
- Appreciation: Dogs clearly love getting treats! A good treat can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
When to Use Treats
- Training: Reward good behavior during obedience training.
- Crate Training: Use treats to make the crate a positive place.
- Grooming: Offer treats to make nail trims or baths less stressful.
- Quiet Time: Give a long-lasting chew when you need your dog to settle down.
- Just Because: Sometimes, a treat is simply a way to show your dog some love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Breed Dog Treats
Q: What makes a treat suitable for a large breed dog specifically?
A: Treats for large breeds are usually bigger, tougher, and made with ingredients that support their larger bodies and potential joint needs. They also often last longer to satisfy their chewing instincts.
Q: How often should I give my large breed dog treats?
A: Treats should be given in moderation. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Use them primarily for training and rewards.
Q: Are there any specific ingredients I should avoid for my large breed?
A: Yes, avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be cautious of excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
Q: What is the difference between a training treat and a dental chew?
A: Training treats are usually small, soft, and highly motivating for quick rewards. Dental chews are tougher and designed to clean teeth over a longer chewing period.
Q: My large breed dog has a sensitive stomach. What should I look for?
A: Look for limited-ingredient treats with a single protein source, like duck or lamb. Grain-free options or those with easily digestible grains like oats can also help.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is too hard for my large breed?
A: If a treat is so hard that your dog can’t break off small pieces or starts to chip their teeth, it’s too hard. It should be chewable, not rock-solid.
Q: Should I worry about the calorie content of large breed treats?
A: Yes, it’s important to be mindful of calories. Large breeds can gain weight easily. Choose treats with lower calorie counts or break larger treats into smaller pieces.
Q: Can I give my large breed puppy treats meant for adult dogs?
A: It’s best to use puppy-specific treats. They are formulated with the right nutrients for growing puppies and are usually softer for developing teeth.
Q: What are some signs that my dog enjoys a particular treat?
A: Your dog might wag their tail enthusiastically, lick their lips, gobble it down quickly, or look at you expectantly for more when they really like a treat.
Q: Where can I buy good quality large breed dog treats?
A: Reputable pet supply stores, online retailers specializing in pet products, and your veterinarian’s office are good places to find high-quality treats.
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!