Does your gentle giant wag their tail with the same enthusiasm for a tiny biscuit as they do for a giant bone? If you’re the proud parent of a big dog, you know that not all treats are created equal. When it comes to satisfying those massive munchies, the tiny, colorful treats you see everywhere just don’t cut it. Finding the perfect treat for your large breed can feel like a quest, leaving you wondering if you’re choosing something healthy, safe, or just plain satisfying for your furry friend.
The struggle is real! You want to reward your loyal companion, but you also need treats that are appropriately sized, durable enough to withstand enthusiastic chewing, and packed with good-for-them ingredients. It can be overwhelming to sift through aisles of options, trying to figure out what’s best for a dog who might inhale a small treat in one gulp or get bored with something too easily dissolved. This is where we come in!
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a dog treat truly great for big dogs. We’ll help you understand the key features to look for, from ingredient quality to size and texture. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and discover the best options that will keep your big dog happy, healthy, and begging for more. Get ready to become a treat-choosing pro for your lovable, large companion!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Big Dogs Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
Greenies Pill Pockets for Dogs Large Size | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
 |
Pur Luv Dog Treats | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dog Treats For Big Dogs Detailed Reviews
1. Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs
Rating: 8.7/10
Give your big furry friend the classic treat they deserve with Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs. This 10-pound box is packed with delicious, tail-wagging goodness that will have your dog begging for more. It’s the perfect way to reward good behavior or just show your pup some extra love.
What We Like:
- Generous 10-pound box provides plenty of treats.
- The meaty taste is a huge hit with dogs.
- The crunchy texture helps keep their teeth clean.
- Packed with over 12 essential vitamins and minerals for their health.
- Proudly produced in Buffalo, New York, USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Packaging can sometimes vary, which might be a surprise.
- Some dogs might find the crunch a bit too hard.
Treat your large dog to a classic that’s been loved for generations. These Milk-Bone biscuits offer a great balance of taste, dental benefits, and nutrition, making them a fantastic everyday choice for your canine companion.
2. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Spoil your furry friend with the delicious taste of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe. This big 25-ounce container is packed with goodness your dog will love. These treats are made with real chuck roast, giving them a savory flavor that dogs go crazy for. They’re also super soft and chewy, making them easy for dogs of all ages and sizes to enjoy. Plus, they’re fortified with 12 important vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog healthy and happy. Since 1908, Milk-Bone has been making dogs wag their tails, and this recipe continues that tradition.
What We Like:
- Made with real chuck roast for a taste dogs can’t resist.
- Soft and chewy texture is easy for all dogs to eat.
- Fortified with 12 essential vitamins and minerals for good health.
- Great for dogs of any size, from tiny pups to big pals.
- A trusted brand loved by dogs for over a century.
- Generous 25-ounce size means more treats for more happy moments.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might prefer a crunchier texture.
- The ingredient list might be a bit long for owners looking for very simple ingredients.
These Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats are a fantastic way to show your dog some love. They offer a tasty and healthy option that will have your dog begging for more.
3. Greenies Pill Pockets for Dogs Large Size
Rating: 8.5/10
Giving your furry friend medicine can be a real challenge. But now, there’s a super easy way to make it happen! Greenies Pill Pockets for Dogs are soft, tasty treats that cleverly hide your dog’s pills. They come in a big pouch with 60 treats, perfect for larger dogs, and they taste like real peanut butter. Your dog won’t even know they’re taking medicine!
What We Like:
- Masks Smell and Taste: Your dog can’t sniff out the medicine because the Pill Pockets hide it well. The peanut butter flavor is so good, your dog will think it’s just a yummy snack.
- Easy to Use: Just pop the pill inside and pinch the treat closed. Then, give it to your dog. It’s super simple for you and your dog.
- Stress-Free for Everyone: No more chasing your dog or trying to force pills down. Pill Pockets make medicating a happy time for both of you.
- Vet Recommended: These treats are a smart idea that vets suggest to help dogs take their medicine easily.
- Delicious Flavor: The real peanut butter flavor is a big hit with dogs, making them eager to take their “treat.”
What Could Be Improved:
- Size for Very Small Pups: While these are for large dogs, smaller breeds might find them a bit big, though they could be broken in half.
- Potential for Picky Eaters: While most dogs love peanut butter, a super picky eater might still be suspicious, though it’s unlikely.
Greenies Pill Pockets are a game-changer for pet parents. They turn a stressful situation into a positive experience, making sure your dog gets the medicine they need without any fuss.
4. Pur Luv Dog Treats
Rating: 8.8/10
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are a fantastic option for rewarding your furry friend. These treats are made with real chicken breast, making them a healthy and tasty choice. They are also designed to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew, keeping them happily occupied.
What We Like:
- Chicken First: The main ingredient is 100% real chicken breast, so you know your dog is getting quality protein.
- Satisfying Treat: The chewy jerky texture keeps dogs engaged and happy as they chew.
- Limited Ingredients: You can see exactly what’s in the bag, with no mystery additives.
- Healthy Snack: These treats are high in protein and low in fat, with no artificial stuff added.
- Nutritional Value: With 60% crude protein and only 1% crude fat, these are a great lean treat.
- Digestible: They are made to be easy on your dog’s stomach.
- Long-Lasting: A 16-ounce bag provides plenty of treats for your pup.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maxi moisture content of 18.0% might mean they aren’t the absolute driest treat if that’s a preference.
Pur Luv Chicken Jerky treats offer a simple, wholesome way to spoil your dog. They are a top choice for a healthy and satisfying reward.
5. Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats
Rating: 8.9/10
Your furry friend deserves the best, and Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats deliver just that! Made with real steak as the very first ingredient, these treats are a tail-wagging delight your dog will crave. They’re oven-dried and easy to break into smaller pieces, making them perfect for rewarding dogs of all sizes.
What We Like:
- Real beef is the primary ingredient, offering a taste dogs love.
- They are a great way to reward your dog for good behavior.
- The treats are easy to break into smaller pieces, suitable for any dog.
- They are made with wholesome ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy.
- Proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might find them a bit crumbly after being broken.
- The “enhanced imagery” on digital packaging might differ slightly from the physical product, which could be confusing for some shoppers.
Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers are a fantastic, healthy option for treating your dog. They provide a delicious and satisfying reward that you can feel good about giving.
Finding the Best Dog Treats for Your Big Buddy
Your big dog deserves treats that are just as special as they are! Choosing the right treats ensures they get a tasty reward that’s also good for them. This guide helps you find the perfect treats for your large canine companion.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Big dogs need big treats! Look for treats that are appropriately sized. Small treats can be a choking hazard or simply disappear too quickly for a large dog to enjoy. A good treat should take your dog a few minutes to chew, offering a satisfying experience.
Durability and Chew Time
Large breeds often have strong jaws. Treats that are too soft might be gone in seconds. Opt for durable chews that can keep your dog happily occupied for a good amount of time. This also helps clean their teeth!
Nutritional Value
Just like their regular food, treats should offer some nutritional benefits. Look for treats with protein as a main ingredient. Avoid treats loaded with artificial colors, flavors, or excessive fillers like corn or soy, especially if your dog has sensitivities.
Ingredients You Can Trust
The best treats use simple, recognizable ingredients. Think real meat, fruits, and vegetables. The fewer ingredients, often the better. If you see a long list of unpronounceable words, it might be best to pass.
Important Materials and Ingredients
High-Quality Protein Sources
Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are excellent protein sources. These provide essential amino acids that help build and repair your dog’s muscles. Look for these listed as the first ingredient.
Wholesome Grains and Vegetables
Some treats include healthy grains like brown rice or oats, or vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas. These can provide fiber and important vitamins and minerals. Always check if your dog has any known allergies to specific grains or vegetables.
Natural Preservatives
Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) or rosemary extract are preferred over artificial ones. These help keep the treats fresh without introducing potentially harmful chemicals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Treat Great
- Real Meat First: Treats where meat is the primary ingredient are generally of higher quality.
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Fewer ingredients mean less chance of hidden allergens or fillers.
- Natural Flavorings: Treats that use natural flavorings derived from real ingredients are better than artificial ones.
- Added Superfoods: Some treats include beneficial ingredients like blueberries, spinach, or omega-3 fatty acids for extra health perks.
What to Avoid
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: These offer no nutritional value and can cause sensitivities in some dogs.
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy are often used as fillers. While not inherently bad for all dogs, they can be less nutritious and may trigger allergies.
- By-products: While some by-products can be nutritious, “meat by-products” without specification can be of lower quality.
- Added Sugars: Sugary treats are unhealthy and can contribute to weight gain and dental problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Training and Reward
Larger treats are perfect for rewarding your big dog during training sessions. Their size makes them a significant reward, helping to reinforce good behavior effectively.
Dental Health
Many durable chews are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. This can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, promoting better oral hygiene for your large breed.
Boredom Busters
A long-lasting chew can be a lifesaver when you need to keep your energetic big dog occupied. It provides mental stimulation and prevents destructive chewing out of boredom.
Special Occasions
Celebrate birthdays, holidays, or just a great day with a special, high-quality treat that your big dog will adore. Choose something a little more premium for these moments.
Choosing the right treats for your big dog is an act of love and care. By focusing on size, ingredients, and quality, you can find delicious rewards that contribute to their overall health and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats for Big Dogs
Q: How often should I give my big dog treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. So, use them as rewards during training or for special occasions, not as a meal replacement.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for big dogs?
A: Not necessarily. Many dogs do well with grains. If your dog doesn’t have a grain allergy, a high-quality treat with whole grains is fine. Look for limited ingredients if you’re unsure.
Q: Can I give my big dog human food as treats?
A: Some human foods are safe in moderation, like plain cooked chicken or small pieces of apple. However, many are toxic (like grapes or onions). It’s safer to stick to treats specifically made for dogs.
Q: What if my big dog has a sensitive stomach?
A: Look for treats with limited ingredients, single protein sources, and natural ingredients. Hypoallergenic treats are often a good choice for dogs with sensitivities.
Q: How can I tell if a treat is too small for my big dog?
A: If your dog swallows it in one or two bites without much chewing, it’s likely too small. It should take them at least a minute or two to consume.
Q: Are dental chews good for all big dogs?
A: Dental chews can be beneficial for most dogs, but always supervise your dog while they chew. If your dog has very soft teeth or gum issues, consult your vet first.
Q: What are “bully sticks” and are they good for big dogs?
A: Bully sticks are dried bull penises. They are a popular, high-protein chew for dogs. Many big dogs enjoy them, but they can be expensive and have a strong odor for some owners.
Q: Should I worry about artificial sweeteners in dog treats?
A: Yes, it’s best to avoid artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Natural sweeteners like molasses or honey are sometimes used in small amounts and are generally okay.
Q: Can treats help with anxiety in big dogs?
A: Long-lasting chews can help keep a dog occupied and provide a distraction, which can be calming. However, treats are not a cure for severe anxiety; professional help may be needed.
Q: Where is the best place to buy dog treats for big dogs?
A: Reputable pet supply stores, online retailers, and even some veterinary clinics offer a good selection. Always check reviews and ingredient lists before purchasing.
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!