The Best Dog Treats: A Guide to Healthy & Delicious Options for Your Dog

Dog treats are more than just tasty snacks; they’re powerful tools that play an important role in your dog’s daily life. Whether you’re rewarding a puppy for mastering a new command, keeping your dog calm during a vet visit, or simply showing affection, the right treat can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Beyond training and bonding, many of today’s vet-approved dog treats are designed to support oral hygiene, provide extra nutrition, and keep your dog mentally stimulated through chewing or puzzle play.

However, not all treats are created equally. That’s why it’s essential to focus on the safest treats for dogs, such as those made with high-quality ingredients and tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health needs. Choosing the best dog treats not only makes your dog happy in the moment but also contributes to their overall well-being.

This guide is designed to give you everything you need to make informed decisions about treating your pet. We’ll explore the different types of good dog treats available, explain how to evaluate ingredients and calorie content, and provide tips for responsible treat giving. Along the way, we’ll highlight expert advice and trusted options, including dog treats recommended by vets and backed by Purina’s commitment to canine health and nutrition. By the end, you’ll know how to confidently choose the healthiest dog treats that balance enjoyment, nutrition, and safety – so every reward is both delicious and beneficial.

Why Give Dog Treats?

Dog treats are more than simple snacks. When chosen wisely, they can serve as powerful tools for training, enrichment, and health. Here’s a closer look at the main benefits:

Training & Behavior Modification

Training is one of the most common and effective reasons to give your dog treats. Because many dogs are food-motivated, the right reward can reinforce positive behaviors and speed up learning.

• Positive reinforcement: Use dog training treats to reward desired behaviors when asking your dog to “Sit”, “Stay”, or “Come” when called.
• Obedience and advanced commands: High-value, soft treats are especially effective for complex or challenging behaviors.
• Stress management: Treats can serve as distractions during nail trims, vet visits, or grooming sessions.
• Motivation booster: The best dog and puppy training treats are small, soft, and easy to chew, keeping your dog engaged without overfeeding.

Learn more about how to use dog treats for training.

Dental Health

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, and treats can play a role in prevention.

• Chewing action: Crunchy treats and chews may help support tooth health.
• Specialized products: Dog dental treats are designed with unique shapes and textures that clean teeth and freshen breath. Products with a VOHC seal have proven benefits for tooth health.
• Daily benefit: Regular chewing supports gum health while giving your dog something enjoyable to work on.

Nutritional Supplementation

Some recommended dog treats go beyond taste, offering added nutritional benefits:

• Functional support: Certain treats contain glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega fatty acids for joint, skin, and coat health.
• Extra vitamins and minerals: Especially for dogs with specific dietary needs.
• Limited-ingredient options: Ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, which may help reduce exposure to problem ingredients. Ideally, though, if you have any concerns about your pet's skin, you should check with your vet for therapeutic treat options such as Gentle Snackers, which may be more appropriate for your pal.

Enrichment & Entertainment

Treats also provide mental and emotional benefits, keeping dogs engaged and satisfied.

• Puzzle toys and treat dispensers: Stimulate your dog’s problem-solving skills.
• Long-lasting chews: Relieve boredom, reduce destructive behaviors, and promote relaxation.
• Bonding moments: Sharing a good dog treat is a simple way to express love and strengthen your relationship.

In short, dog treats serve many purposes beyond simple indulgence. From shaping behavior through positive reinforcement and aiding dental health to focused nutritional support and fostering mental stimulation, the right treats can enrich nearly every aspect of your dog’s life. Whether you’re reaching for dog training treats, a long-lasting chew, or dog treats designed for oral care, each choice has the potential to benefit your dog’s health, happiness, and your bond together. By understanding the “why” behind treat giving, you can approach it not just as a reward, but as a valuable part of your dog’s overall care routine.

Key Considerations When Choosing Dog Treats

With so many options on the market, choosing the safest treats for dogs requires careful attention to ingredients, your dog’s age and health, and overall nutritional balance. The best dog treat brands will offer treat options that not only taste good but contain ingredients that provide targeted nutrients to help support your pet's lifestyle. Examples may include Vitamin E for immune support, prebiotic fiber for digestive support, fish oil for joint health, high fiber/low-calorie for patients with weight concerns, etc. To help further make informed choices, you can review our guidance here on how to read dog food and treat labels.

Your dog’s age and size also play important roles in determining which treats are most appropriate. Puppies need softer, smaller puppy training treats that are gentle on developing teeth, while senior dogs often do better with softer options that may also include added joint support. Adult dogs typically enjoy a wide variety of textures and flavors but always be sure to choose small dog treats for toy breeds and larger, more durable treats for big dogs to reduce choking risks.

Health and dietary needs should also guide your selection. For example, dogs with food sensitivities may benefit from limited-ingredient treats. For overweight dogs, low-calorie dog snacks can help manage their weight. For pets with chronic conditions, it’s best to choose vet-approved dog treats tailored to their medical needs and recommended by your veterinarian.

Texture and durability make a difference as well. Soft and chewy treats are excellent for training sessions and for dogs with sensitive teeth, while crunchy treats provide a satisfying bite and can support light plaque control. Long-lasting chews, like dental bones or alternatives to rawhide, are often considered the best chew treats for dogs as they are ideal for entertainment and stress relief, though supervision is always essential to prevent accidents.

Finally, it’s important to pay attention to their calorie content. Treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, a guideline sometimes called the “10% rule.” Decrease meal portions accordingly to balance total energy intake and avoid weight gain. For more specifics, you can review how many treats per day are safe for dogs. By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll be able to choose good dog treats that are both enjoyable and beneficial to your dog’s health. If you need further support, your vet clinic should be able to give you guidance.

Types of Dog Treats

When it comes to rewarding your dog, there’s no shortage of options. From crunchy biscuits to long-lasting chews, each type of treat serves a different purpose and can meet specific needs depending on your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle. Understanding the variety of treats available will help you choose the right ones for training, dental health, or simply showing your pup some love. Below, we’ll break down the most common types of dog treats, their benefits, and when to use them.

1. Training Treats

Training treats are typically small, soft, and highly palatable, making them easy for dogs to consume quickly during obedience sessions. Their small size means you can use more of them repeatedly before you reach the “10% rule” mentioned above. They’re perfect for reinforcing positive behavior and teaching new tricks.

2. Dental Chews

Dental chews are shaped and textured to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while also freshening your dog’s breath. They’re a convenient way to support oral hygiene between brushings and can even satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts. For peace of mind, you can look for vet-approved dog treats such as Purina dental chews, which combine flavor with proven dental benefits. Be sure to look for a VOHC seal on the product you purchase.

3. Biscuits & Crunchy Treats

These are the classic hard, baked treats that come in a wide range of shapes, flavors, and nutritional formulations. Crunchy treats are not only fun rewards but can also provide light plaque control as your dog chews. Many of the top-rated dog treats fall into this category, making them a popular choice for everyday rewards.

4. Soft & Chewy Treats

Moist, pliable, and flavorful, soft and chewy treats are excellent for dogs who prefer a gentler bite. They’re especially suitable for senior dogs, picky eaters, or pets with dental issues. Because of their texture, they’re also great for hiding pills, making medication time less stressful. Some bacon dog treats, such as Purina’s Beggin’ Dog Treats, fall into this category, offering an irresistible aroma and taste that most dogs can’t resist.

5. Freeze-Dried & Jerky Treats

Made from real meat, poultry, or fish, freeze-dried and jerky treats are processed to lock in nutrients and natural flavor. These protein-rich snacks are often considered “high-value” rewards, perfect for special training moments or just spoiling your pup. Products like Purina’s jerky strips are a great example of single-ingredient or minimally processed treats that appeal to dogs’ natural cravings.

6. Long-Lasting Chews

For dogs that love to chew, long-lasting treats like Purina’s Busy Bone Dog Chew Treats provide hours of enjoyment. These chews can help alleviate boredom, reduce destructive chewing behaviors, and promote dental health by scraping away plaque. However, it’s important to always supervise your dog while chewing to ensure they don’t break off large pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

7. Human Food Treats

Some safe human foods can double as nutritious, low-calorie dog treats. Options like lean meats, apples, bananas, carrots, or green beans make excellent occasional snacks. However, it’s critical to know which foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate. When offered in moderation and sticking with the “10% rule,” nontoxic human foods can be a healthy way to diversify your dog’s diet.

With such a wide variety of treats available, there’s truly something for every dog and every occasion. Whether you’re using training treats for quick rewards, dental chews for oral health, or long-lasting chews for mental stimulation, each option plays a unique role in your pet care routine. The key is to match the treat type to your dog’s needs, lifestyle, and health considerations. By choosing wisely – and with moderation – you can make treats a safe, enjoyable, and beneficial part of your dog’s daily life.

Responsible Treat Giving

Giving your dog treats should always be done with care and balance. Moderation is key as treats are meant to supplement meals, not replace them, so it’s important to limit how many you give. To avoid weight gain, be sure to factor treats into your dog’s daily calories and adjust regular food portions accordingly; remember the “10% rule.” When offering long-lasting chews, always supervise chewing to ensure your dog’s safety. For freshness, store treats in airtight containers, and don’t forget to read labels carefully, following feeding guidelines to ensure you’re making healthy choices. Purina’s guide to healthy dog treats offers expert advice on safe and responsible treat alternatives.

Choosing the best dog treats means considering your dog’s unique needs and practicing moderation. From dog training treats to dental chews, variety keeps your dog engaged and provides different health benefits. At the end of the day, selecting vet-approved dog treats is more than a reward. It’s an act of love that supports your dog’s health, happiness, and training success.  

For more expert tips on dog nutrition and treats, explore our other dog feeding guide articles.