11 Best Dog Treats | The Strategist

Photo: Marcus McDonald

Photo: Marcus McDonald

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For dog lovers wishing to pamper their furry companions, a well-stocked supply of dog treats is essential. Be it for reward-based training or just to indulge, navigating through the numerous online options can seem daunting. As a responsible pet owner, the challenge lies in finding a treat that satisfies your dog's cravings while ensuring their health. From subscription boxes to dried organ meats and eco-friendly insect snacks, the variety available today is extensive.

To simplify your search, we consulted a panel of 12 experts, including veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and dog trainers, about their preferred dog treats. It’s important to remember that treats should not replace balanced meals and that they should constitute no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, advises that if your dog consumes 1,000 calories a day, treats should be limited to 100 calories. A handy tip is using regular dog food as a reward during walks or training sessions, as opposed to high-calorie treats. However, this approach may vary depending on your dog’s preferences.

With that in mind, we’ve curated a diverse selection of 11 dog treats suited for every kind of canine, from picky eaters to teething puppies. For your shopping convenience, you'll find a concise table of contents below that directs you to each treat, or continue reading to learn how we determined our recommendations.

What

we're

looking

for

Nutritional Value

Dog treats should not only reward but also contribute to their overall nutrition without containing fillers or synthetic additives, which can lead to digestive issues. Always check the ingredient list: it should ideally consist of recognizable food items, such as chicken or sweet potato. A good rule of thumb is that fewer ingredients often signal a less processed and healthier treat. We’re also vigilant about avoiding ingredients that could cause health risks, such as legumes, which are under scrutiny by the FDA for possible links to canine heart disease.

Size and Texture

For those with smaller breeds, finding appropriately sized treats is crucial. My dog, Uli, benefits from softer, chewier treats that suit her bite size. When shopping online, many details about treat sizes are not clear, so consulting reviews or friends with dogs can guide you to the right choices.

Price Considerations

While we all want our dogs to be happy, treat costs can add up quickly. The price often reflects quality, so consider how long each treat will last. For instance, a bully stick may be pricier upfront but lasts considerably longer than a small cookie. We’ve included price per ounce for clarity on each treat below.

Flavor Profile

Dogs can be picky when it comes to treats, even those with great ingredients. We’ve compiled feedback on which treats got the best reactions from our dogs. Special preferences in flavor or protein can vary widely, and we’ve detailed the available flavors for each product.

Best Dog Treats Overall

Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Beef Dog Treats (3 Ounces)

$12

Photo: retailer

Nutritional Value: First eight ingredients are meat or organs | Size and Texture: Jerky-like texture that breaks apart easily | Cost: Approximately $3.93 per ounce | Flavor: Available in lamb and venison

Ziwi treats consist of 96 percent meat, avoiding empty calories, according to Nicole Ellis, a certified trainer. Their grain-free formula is suitable for sensitive dogs and those with allergies. "Most dogs love them," she adds.

Brenley Goertzen from Strategist tested Ziwi with her Australian shepherd and Great Dane, finding the meaty aroma keeps their focus during training sessions, making it an effective tool at home and in public spaces.

[Editor's note: These Ziwi treats may be out of stock, but you can opt for restock notifications on Chewy.]

$12

at Chewy

Buy

Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Best Economical Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

Stewart Pro-Treat Beef Liver Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats

$40

now 10% off

$36

Photo: retailer

Nutritional Value: Freeze-dried beef liver | Size and Texture: Dense pieces may need crumbling | Cost: Approximately $1.90 per ounce (non-sale) | Flavor: Available in chicken liver, turkey liver, duck liver, lamb liver, and salmon

Dr. Stephanie Liff recommends Stewart's line, noting they are enjoyed by dogs and are ideal when sourced thoughtfully. The variety in flavors caters to different palates and can be good for dogs with dietary restrictions.

$36

at Amazon

Buy

$40

at Chewy

Buy

Best Bison-Based Dog Treats

Green Juju Bison Green Freeze-Dried Raw Treats

$48

for 2

Nutritional Value: Bison hearts and liver, organic kale | Size and Texture: Small soft chews | Cost: Approximately $4 per ounce | Flavor: Also available in beef, salmon, duck, and pork

Elisabeth Weiss highlights these unique bison treats, praising their gourmet approach and benefits for dogs' health through enhanced protein variety. They've been a staple in her training arsenal for years.

$48

at Green Juju

Buy

Best Treats for Teething Puppies

Best Bully Sticks 6-Inch Bully Sticks

$33

$33

Nutritional Value: Beef pizzle | Size and Texture: Firm, yet softer than bones | Cost: Approximately $3.43 per ounce | Flavor: Beef

David Notis emphasized the value of bully sticks in keeping teething puppies occupied, as they provide both entertainment and nutrition. An excellent alternative to hard treats, they are easily digestible.

$33

at Amazon

Buy

$33

at Chewy

For those interested in learning more about Snacks Extrusion Machine, feel free to reach out for expert advice!

Buy

Best Low-Value Treats for Training

Charlee Bear Original Crunch Natural Dog Treats

$9

now 11% off

$8

Photo: retailer

Nutritional Value: Wheat flour, poultry liver, salt | Size and Texture: Thin, crunchy, small | Cost: Approximately $0.59 per ounce (non-sale) | Flavor: Also available in cheese and egg, turkey liver, chicken and vegetable

When training your dog, not all rewards carry equal weight. Sarah Fraser divides them into categories, noting that these Charlee Bear treats are perfect as lower-value rewards during less demanding training sessions. Lightweight and easy to carry, they also suit smaller dogs.

$8

at Amazon

Buy

$8

at Chewy

Buy

Best High-Value Treats for Training

Barkworthies Lamb Lung Dog Treats

$23

now 4% off

$22

Photo: retailer

Nutritional Value: Lamb lung | Size and Texture: Robust pieces that may be dense for smaller dogs | Cost: Approximately $2.32 per ounce | Flavor: Lamb

Fraser recommends these as stellar rewards in high-stress situations. Unlike fresh proteins, lamb lung treats have an edge in shelf-life, making them a staple for any dog owner.

$22

at Amazon

Buy

$31

at Chewy

Buy

Best Sustainable Protein Treats

Best CBD-Infused Treats for Dogs with Joint Issues

Nutritional Value: Proprietary hemp oil, glucosamine, chondroitin | Size and Texture: Small chews easily divided | Cost: Approximately $9.19 per ounce | Flavor: Peanut butter

Dr. Liff attests to the effectiveness of ElleVet's CBD chews for dogs with mobility issues, emphasizing their research-backed success and palatable offerings for both small and large breeds.

Best Human-Grade Dog Treat

Nugget's Healthy Eats Bone Broth Brew (5 Pack)

$65

$65

Nutritional Value: Made with human-safe ingredients | Size and Texture: Liquid for topping or snack | Cost: Approximately $3.25 per ounce | Flavor: Beef, chicken, turkey

As I seek protein upgrades for both myself and my dog, I am excited about this human-grade broth that offers nutrient-rich options. Tazz Latifi raves about the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients, making it a trustworthy choice for consumers.

$65

at Nugget's Healthy Eats

Buy

Best Dental Health Treats for Dogs

Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats

From $16

$18

now 11% off

From $16

Nutritional Value: Variety of ingredients, vitamins, minerals | Size and Texture: Chewy options customized for dog sizes | Cost: Approximately $1.66 per ounce (non-sale) | Flavor: Sweet potato, blueberry, fresh

To assist with dental care at home, Greenies serve as a practical solution for dogs prone to dental issues. Dr. Sara Ochoa underscores the benefits for preventing tartar buildup and improving overall dental health.

From $16

at Amazon

Buy

$18

at Chewy

Buy

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