Just like humans, dogs love the occasional in-between meals snack. They also love to be praised if they have done something right, or have behaved well (again, just like humans!)
Dog treats should make up a small part of your pup’s daily diet. They can be great as praise, or simply to tide them over before dinner. And as they are smaller than standard dog biscuits, they’re great when you go on walks as well.
Here are the best dog treats for all eventualities, reviewed.
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Best Chew Treats
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Best Chew Treats
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Best Training Treats
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Best Training Treats
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These natural treats are made from chicken, duck and turkey meat (80%), and potatoes and chicken gravy (20%), with nothing else.
That means no additives, no extra flavourings, and especially no sugars or fats. Perfect if you are very conscious about your dog’s diet and like to know everything that they eat. The treats are crunchy, so they are also good for teeth and gum health.
They are grain-free, and while most dogs do not need to follow this diet, if your dog does need to avoid grains it will be beneficial. It can also help with digestion if your dog has been struggling.
Each pack is 500g, and you can buy in bulk or buy with accessories such as training clickers, treat balls or a carry bag.
These treats are great as a way to keep your dog occupied with food. Made from 100% chicken breast, wrapped around a rawhide centre, it will offer a long determined chew.
Because they will be so chewy, each will keep your dog’s teeth well maintained. It will help to reduce issues with their teeth and gums while keeping them entertained.
They are also natural, so your pooch is less likely to suffer from any stomach or digestive trouble after eating one. There is just 2% fat, and they are high in protein.
Also available as jumbo chews for those dogs who need a bit more of a task, or in duck flavour if this is something they prefer.
The Natures Menu range is very popular amongst those who like to give their dog a raw diet or avoid allergens and additives.
Each of these bites is made from 95% human-grade meat. This is lamb and chicken, so they are getting their protein from two different sources.
Presented as a bite-sized piece, they are great for anyone who wants to take something out and about with them to reward good behaviour.
Each packet is resealable, and also contains 27% moisture which will keep them well hydrated.
If you are in for a long old ride of training, you need treats which will last for ages and be a good value for you while remaining healthy for your pooch.
These treats are small, so great as a quick reward. They’re also naturally low in salt and fat, at only 0.3 calories per bite. Using human-grade ingredients, there are no cereals and grains, so you know exactly what your dog is eating.
As they are compressed, they won’t crumble up in your pocket and can be eaten by your mutt quickly when they are active, to reduce their choke risk. The 450 treats will keep you going for ages and are great value, and you can also buy in pouches of 1250 or 2500.
The best treats to give to your dog if they like a little bedtime snack.
These biscuits are natural and wholesome, so have great health benefits for your dog. Traditionally baked to ensure the goodness remains, they include probiotic yoghurt, honey, passion and chamomile flowers. These are all said to have a calming effect on animals of all breeds.
Hypoallergenic and wheat and gluten-free, they will not irritate dogs with allergies and are good for all dogs above four months of age.
Freeze drying food and treats is the best way to preserve their nutrients. Not using any heat to cook them means no loss of vitamins, while still being safe to give to your pooch.
Each of these cubes contains just chicken breast (88%), carrots (10%) and tapioca starch. There are no flavour enhancers – everything which is appealing to your dog is 100% natural.
Gluten and grain-free, they are easy to digest and have been placed into resealable bags so they stay fresh and don’t let in oxygen. Low in fat but high in protein, they are the perfect reward.
These bites have a nibbly texture which gives your dog something a bit different, and they are perfectly meaty and moist.
There’s nothing artificial. They use meat and animal derivatives, oils, cereals and milks for a balanced treat, and are chewy so perfect for any older dogs who can’t have hard food.
This also means they are soft enough to break into smaller pieces if you have a small breed or want to cut down on how much they are eating, without them knowing they aren’t getting the full treat!
When your dog is prone to weight issues because of their breed, or simply because you struggle to encourage them to get a bit of exercise, it is important to still give them treats but they need to be low fat.
These Wagg ones are 4% fat and have been oven-baked to retain the natural taste and goodness. The low-fat content is good if they also have any health issues or a sensitive stomach.
They have been boosted with added vitamins and minerals, and are also the perfect size to fit into most of the chew toys around which can keep your pooch occupied for hours.
Containing a minimal amount of ingredients to ensure your dog will not see any side effects after eating, these treats are perfect for doggies who have to avoid a lot of things.
This means avoiding beef, wheat and soya, and also there are no artificial additives or extras. Each treat is also boosted with DHA, an addition proven to aid brain development and improve learning and cognitive thought.
They make the ideal training treats because they are small and soft, but also can be broken into smaller little bits.
Fish treats are not probably good for your nose but are brilliant for your pets. Hollings is a great company who make natural quality treats.
These ones are sourced from carefully chosen suppliers within the U.K and the E.U. They use air-drying as a way of preserving the food and goodness, so they are more convenient for you o buy ahead of time but still just as healthy for your pooch.
Not only are they also easy to digest, but they will help with joint mobility, skin and coat. Fish also helps with cognitive function.
It is always best to try and stick to a relatively healthy dog treat. You will have to adjust your dog’s regular meals to account for the increase in calories, but healthier snacks will mean they can be rewarded or praised without you worrying too much about the more negative effects.
Look out for the calorie count, to ensure obesity doesn’t become more of an issue. Other ingredients, such as particular meats, will be important if your dog has an allergy, and try to avoid added sugars or fats.
If they are meaty, look out for high meat content. This way, you know that it isn’t derivatives or fatty meats in the treat.
Also look at how many of the treats can be given in one day, as a guide. If your dog is young and is going to be going through some heavy training over the next few months, they may benefit from more treats compared to a dog who is older and doesn’t need positive reinforcement in this way.
What you are using the treats for could make a difference on the ones you buy.
If you will be using them as walking praise when your dog is out and about, something small and soft which they can quickly chew and eat will be ideal. The same applies if they need something small when they obey a command.
Larger treats are available for those mid-meal snacks or as a way of keeping your dog busy and occupied. These can also have health benefits, such as oral health or vitamin/nutrient impact.
There are some treats out there which can help benefit health and wellbeing, such as offering supplements or joint care, as well as complementing a speciality diet.
There is nothing stopping you! There are many recipes out there, which can be followed with ease.
The benefit of buying them, however, is that they have been specially crafted for easy digestion and to contain a balanced amount of nutrients and vitamins. This can be hard to replicate. They will also let you know how many to give to your dog and how to adjust their diet, which can also be tricky to work out.
Don’t forget that treats such as bits of cheese, sausage and meats are also good as rewards, on an occasional basis.
Steer clear of very hard treats, such as those made from bone or antler. They can be hard to chew and create a potential choking hazard.
Soft treats are often the best for digestion, but swapping out with the occasional crunchy biscuit will keep their teeth healthy.
