Does your furry best friend wag their tail with pure excitement at the mere mention of a treat? Of course, they do! Dogs love treats, and as loving pet parents, we love giving them. But with so many choices lining the shelves, from crunchy biscuits to chewy bites and even frozen delights, how do you pick the absolute best for your canine companion?
It can feel overwhelming, right? You want to give your dog something delicious, but you also worry about their health. Are they getting too many calories? Are the ingredients good for them? Finding the perfect balance between a yummy reward and a healthy snack can be a real puzzle.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide! We’re going to break down the world of dog treats and help you navigate the options. You’ll learn what makes a treat great, what to look out for, and how to choose wisely so your dog stays happy and healthy. Get ready to discover how to pick treats that will have your dog doing happy dances!
Our Top 5 Dog Treats For Dogs Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Pur Luv Dog Treats | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Dog Treats For Dogs Detailed Reviews
1. Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats With Bone Marrow
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your small dog a treat they’ll beg for with Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Small Dog Treats! This big 40-ounce container is packed with delicious biscuits that dogs love. Each treat features a crunchy dog biscuit shell filled with a tasty real bone marrow center. It’s a winning combination of textures and flavors that dogs can’t resist.
What We Like:
- The real bone marrow center makes these treats extra special and appealing to dogs.
- The crunchy outside and meaty inside offer a satisfying dual texture experience.
- They contain calcium, which is good for your dog’s health.
- Made with colors from natural ingredients only, which is a great perk.
- Baked with love right here in the USA, which is a nice touch.
- The large 40-ounce container provides great value and lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for small dogs, the size might be a bit too large for some of the tiniest breeds, requiring them to be broken in half.
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks are a delicious and wholesome way to reward your furry friend. They offer a great taste and texture that dogs will adore, making them a fantastic addition to your dog’s treat collection.
2. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
Rating: 8.6/10
Give your furry friend a taste of luxury with Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats in the delicious Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe. This 25-ounce container is packed with goodness your dog will adore. These treats are made with real chuck roast, giving them a fantastic flavor that dogs can’t resist. Plus, they’re packed with 12 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health and well-being. Whether you have a tiny terrier or a giant Great Dane, these soft and chewy treats are perfect for dogs of all sizes. Milk-Bone has been making dogs happy since 1908, so you know you’re getting a trusted brand.
What We Like:
- Made with real chuck roast for a delicious beef flavor.
- Soft and chewy texture is easy for dogs to eat.
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals for added nutrition.
- Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
- A trusted brand with a long history of making pets happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The resealable lid could be more robust for long-term freshness.
- While loved by many, some dogs might prefer firmer treats.
These treats are a fantastic way to reward your dog while also supporting their health. Your pup will be wagging their tail for more!
3. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits
Rating: 9.3/10
Treat your furry friend to the delicious and healthy Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits in Bacon, Egg & Cheese flavor. These oven-baked treats are made with natural ingredients that you can feel good about giving your dog. They offer a satisfying crunch that dogs love and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall well-being.
What We Like:
- The real bacon flavor is a big hit with dogs.
- These treats are oven-baked, giving them a great crunchy texture.
- They are made with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal and eggs.
- Blue Buffalo avoids corn, wheat, and soy in their recipes.
- No artificial preservatives or colors are used.
- The 16-oz bag provides a good amount of treats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some dogs might find them a bit too hard if they have dental issues.
- The price point is a little higher than some other dog treats.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Health Bars are a fantastic choice for pet parents who prioritize natural ingredients and a tasty treat for their dogs. Your dog will definitely thank you for these delicious bites!
4. Pur Luv Dog Treats
Rating: 8.7/10
We tried out the Pur Luv Dog Treats, Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps, and our furry friends absolutely loved them! These aren’t just any dog treats. They’re made with real chicken as the very first ingredient, which is a huge plus. The center is filled with real sweet potato, something dogs find super tasty and is good for their health too. Plus, they’re completely rawhide-free, offering a healthier chew option.
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What We Like:
- The first ingredient is real chicken, making them a high-quality protein source.
- The combination of chicken and sweet potato creates a delicious flavor that dogs can’t resist.
- They are rawhide-free, which is a healthier alternative for many dogs.
- The limited ingredient list means you know exactly what your dog is eating.
- These treats are easily digestible, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- The jerky wrap design helps satisfy a dog’s natural urge to chew, keeping them occupied.
- The 16-ounce bag offers a good amount of treats, making them a good value.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While they are long-lasting for some dogs, chew times can vary greatly depending on the dog’s size and chewing habits.
Overall, Pur Luv Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps are a fantastic, healthy choice that dogs thoroughly enjoy. We definitely recommend them for any dog owner looking for a tasty and beneficial treat.
5. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your furry friend the best with Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats! These aren’t just any treats; they’re a power-packed punch of pure, freeze-dried raw beef liver. They’re designed to give your dog the energy and health they need to thrive. Perfect for training or just showing some love, these single-ingredient wonders are a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet.
What We Like:
- Packed with protein for peak vitality and energy.
- Made from responsibly sourced, premium butcher-cut beef liver.
- Supports healthy skin, shiny coats, and strong teeth.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and filler-free – pure goodness!
- Proudly crafted in America with humanely harvested ingredients.
- Freeze-dried raw to lock in nutrients and flavor.
- Great for dogs with allergies or picky eaters due to single-protein nature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small bag size might be gone too quickly for big chewers.
- The strong liver smell might be a bit much for sensitive noses.
These treats offer exceptional quality and natural benefits for your dog. They are a simple, healthy way to reward your canine companion.
Choosing the Best Dog Treats: A Guide for Happy Pups
Finding the right treats for your furry friend can be a fun adventure. Dog treats are great for training, rewarding good behavior, or just giving your dog a special surprise. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? This guide will help you understand what makes a treat great.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for dog treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Ingredient Quality: This is super important. Look for treats with real meat, vegetables, or fruits as the main ingredients. This means the first few things listed on the package should be good, healthy foods.
- Nutritional Value: Some treats are just empty calories. The best treats offer some nutritional benefits, like protein for energy or vitamins for overall health.
- Size and Texture: Treats come in all shapes and sizes. Think about your dog’s mouth. Small dogs need small treats, and big dogs can handle bigger ones. Also, consider if your dog likes chewy, crunchy, or soft treats.
- Limited Ingredients: For dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, treats with fewer ingredients are often better. This makes it easier to figure out what might be causing a problem.
- No Artificial Stuff: Try to avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These can sometimes cause stomach upset or other health issues.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The ingredients are what really matter in a dog treat. Here are some common and good ones:
- Real Meats: Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and fish are excellent sources of protein. They are usually the first ingredient in high-quality treats.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, blueberries, and apples add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and barley can provide energy.
- Natural Preservatives: Things like Vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract help keep treats fresh without harmful chemicals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a treat stand out? And what should you avoid?
What Improves Quality:
- High Protein Content: Protein helps build strong muscles.
- Natural and Organic Ingredients: These are grown without harmful pesticides.
- Limited Ingredient Lists: Easier to digest and less likely to cause reactions.
- Treats Fortified with Vitamins/Minerals: Some treats have added nutrients for extra health benefits.
What Reduces Quality:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy that don’t offer much nutrition. They are often used to make treats cheaper.
- Artificial Additives: Colors, flavors, and preservatives can be bad for some dogs.
- By-products: These are parts of animals that aren’t meat, like organs or bones. While some by-products can be nutritious, they are often lower quality than whole meats.
- High Sugar Content: Too much sugar is not good for your dog’s health.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people and their dogs use and feel about treats?
- Training: Treats are a super effective tool for teaching new commands or reinforcing good behavior. Your dog will be eager to please when a tasty reward is involved!
- Bonding: Sharing a treat is a simple way to connect with your dog and show them you care.
- Dental Health: Some treats are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath. These often have a rougher texture.
- Special Occasions: Birthday parties or holidays are perfect times to give your dog a special, extra-delicious treat.
- Calming Aids: For dogs who get anxious, some treats contain natural ingredients like chamomile to help them relax.
Always supervise your dog when they are eating treats, and make sure to adjust their regular food intake so they don’t eat too much. Happy treating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main key features to look for in dog treats?
A: The main key features are ingredient quality, nutritional value, size and texture, limited ingredients, and avoiding artificial additives.
Q: Are “by-products” in dog treats always bad?
A: By-products can be okay if they are from good sources, but they are generally lower quality than whole meats. It’s best to look for treats with real meat as the main ingredient.
Q: How do I know if a treat is good for my dog’s sensitive stomach?
A: Look for treats with a short ingredient list and ingredients like lamb, rice, or sweet potato, which are often easier to digest.
Q: Can I use treats for puppies?
A: Yes, but make sure the treats are specifically made for puppies. They are usually smaller and softer, and have the right nutrients for growing dogs.
Q: Are crunchy treats better than chewy ones?
A: Neither is strictly “better.” Crunchy treats can help clean teeth, while chewy treats are often more palatable and good for training. It depends on your dog’s preference and needs.
Q: How many treats should I give my dog each day?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. It’s best to ask your veterinarian for specific advice based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.
Q: What should I do if my dog doesn’t like a treat?
A: Don’t force it! Every dog has different tastes. You can try donating unopened treats to an animal shelter or giving them to a friend’s dog. Then, try a different brand or flavor for your own dog.
Q: Are grain-free treats always the best choice?
A: Not necessarily. Many dogs do perfectly well with grains like rice or oats. Grain-free is only necessary if your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy or sensitivity.
Q: Can I make my own dog treats?
A: Yes! Making your own treats allows you to control the ingredients completely. There are many simple recipes online using healthy ingredients like chicken, peanut butter, and pumpkin.
Q: How should I store dog treats to keep them fresh?
A: Most treats should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Some softer treats might need to be refrigerated or frozen.
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!