If you have a dog that loves food, or if you’re looking for a little incentive to train your dog, the right dog treats can make a vast difference (just like the right dog toys). While the main thing to keep in mind is to make sure you meet your dog’s dietary restrictions, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right treats for your pooch. You may be used to giving your pet small bites of your own food as treats, but this can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know which food products are potentially harmful to dogs.
The DeliverItX regularly tests pet products to recommend only the best products that will keep your furry friends interested and happy. To find the best dog treats, our product experts sifted through countless five-star options, talked to real pet parents and spoke to expert Mega Catherine, veterinarian PetHeaven Health. To choose our favorites, we considered flavor, ingredients, price, brand and more. No matter what type of dog you have or their taste preferences, we found treats that will wow them. Our picks comprise our experts’ favorite treats and those that have received rave reviews from pet parents and veterinarians. Here are the best dog treats of 2022, according to vets and reviewers.
Our top picks:
Keep reading to find out how we picked the best dog treats and what you should consider when choosing the right ones for your pup. Looking for something else to help train your puppy? Check out the best dog harnesses and the best pet GPS trackers.
1. Mini Naturals Peanut Butter Training Dog Treats
There’s something appealing about these treats for pups of all sizes and breeds. In their review, our experts found these treats are ideal for training and rewards because of their aromatic smell and small size (both of which Dr. Conrad recommends for training). They are easy to throw as a reward and can be eaten by pets of all sizes because they are soft, chewy and small. Plus, you don’t have to worry about overfeeding your puppy, as it’s unlikely you’ll give him enough to eat too much.
Buy: Mini Naturals Peanut Butter Training Dog Treats
2. Bacon and nut treats
Bocce’s Bakery has a wide variety of treats for your dog, so you’ll have no trouble finding a flavor your furry friend will love. They made this treat with bacon and peanut butter, so you know all the tastiest food groups are included. We talked to two pet parents whose pups love these treats. “My dog is crazy about these treats,” one of them told us. They’re soft and chewy, so older pets or those who don’t like crunchy will enjoy them. However, if you have smaller dogs, these treats are one size fits all and you’ll need to manually separate them for your pet to safely eat.
Buy: Bacon and nut treats
3. Beef Rolls
These meat rolls are a favorite of our experts and the dog trainers they work with. The treat comes in a large roll, so it’s easy to cut out the right amount for training before using, which means you can customize the size of the treats to fit your pet. They’re soft and chewy, which Dr. Conrad says is an important aspect of training treats, as your puppy may choke on treats that are too big or too hard when he’s excited. These treats are a valuable option for puppies who have trouble concentrating on a training environment (or in other places where there are many distractions). But if your pet has a sensitive stomach, it’s best not to give this treat.
Buy: Beef Rolls
4. Veggiedent Dental Chew
Clean their teeth while giving them a treat with a bag of dental chews from Virbac. One of our experts’ pets loved these treats, which helped clean their teeth and improve their breath while providing a tasty snack. Available in a variety of sizes for different dogs of all breeds, the brand recommends giving your pup one chewable treat a day to reduce tartar buildup and improve breath. Plus, they have a unique shape that allows them to reach even the most remote molars. But they’re longer and harder than other treats, so monitor your dog as he chews to make sure he doesn’t choke.
5. Chicken strips, cod skin and haddock snack pack
These single-ingredient snacks give your dog the best of both worlds, even though they’re pricey. They made this snack with three different single ingredient jerky, so you don’t have to worry or wonder what your dog is getting. We like it comes in a three-pack, so your furry friend can try several flavors and determine which one is best for him. One pet parent we spoke to appreciates that these treats have a few ingredients, no additives, and their pup likes the extra crunch.
Buy: Chicken strips, cod skin and haddock snack pack
How we chose the best dog treats
DeliverItX reviews all kinds of pet products, from cat toys to comfy dog beds to lounge on. Our experts have reviewed top-rated products and reviews to ensure that we suggest only the best (and healthiest) dog treats for our readers and their furry friends.
To make our choices, we consider flavor, texture, dietary restrictions, purpose and more. We consulted with a veterinarian to find out what the best ingredients are in treats and what to consider when choosing which ones your pup will eat. We also asked several pet parents what treats their furry friends like best. The most popular brands have received rave reviews from pet parents and veterinarians.
What to consider when choosing dog treats
✔️ Ingredients: Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about whether the treats you choose are safe for your pet. “Most dog treats on the market are good as far as ingredients go,” says Dr. Conrad. “There are no ‘best ingredients’ per se, but it depends more on preference.” “So if you or your pup are more interested in something with a shorter ingredient list, pet parents are looking at treats like dehydrated animal lung, liver or meat. “Since treats shouldn’t make up over 10% of [your] dog’s diet, the ingredients aren’t too much of a concern, especially if it’s a commercially made treat,” she says, aside from your pet’s preference, of course!
✔️ Goal: If you’re trying to find the right to treat as a training reward, look for something soft and small. “Dogs get excited during training, so a soft treat avoids crumbs that could go down the wrong tube and make them cough,” says Dr. Conrad. “Small, smelly, super tasty treats will work best, so be sure to choose a treat that your dog really likes so that he works hard for his reward.” If you’re just looking for something, your dog can chew on for fun after a long day. Larger, tougher treats are fine too.
✔️ Health: It’s important to avoid ingredients you know your dog is sensitive to, and be sure to only buy treats that are the right size for your dog’s breed. “Make sure treats are easy to chew and digest and not too big for your dog to avoid choking,” says Dr. Conrad. “Feed him in small amounts to avoid stomach upset, as too many treats might cause gastrointestinal upset.” Treats should only make up 10 percent of your puppy’s daily diet, so don’t give too many.
Can you make your own dog treats?
One of the biggest dangers for treat is when pet parents decide to try their hand at making homemade dog snacks. “There are a lot of toxic foods that might cause problems for your dog,” warns Conrad, who adds, “Be careful when looking at recipes online and double-check the ingredients to make sure you’re not making anything that could cause a problem for your dog. “Also, avoid any ingredients that your dog may be sensitive or allergic to.” Those cute and trendy recipes you find online aren’t always the healthiest thing for your pet. Overall, commercially made pet treats are unlikely to cause harm to your pet unless it’s a personal sensitivity or allergy, but if you decide to make your own treats, talk to your vet to make sure you’re not using toxic ingredients.
Why trust DeliverItX?
For decades, DeliverItX has provided expert advice and guidance on everything a pet parent needs, including dog treats. In her role as a parenting and pet review analyst, Angela D Dragon brings years of journalistic experience to the GH Institute, having reviewed pet products for Good Housekeeping, such as indestructible dog toys and dog car seats, as well as for BuzzFeed, while previously working in the parenting and pet sphere at People. She spoke with Mega Cathrine, a veterinarian at PetHeaven Health.
