Choosing the right dog treats is just as important as selecting healthy dog food. Treats play a big role in training, rewarding good behavior, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. However, not all treats are created equal—many contain artificial additives, excessive fillers, or unnecessary sugars that may negatively affect your dog’s health.
The best healthy dog treats are made with high-quality, natural ingredients that provide nutritional benefits while still being tasty and enjoyable. They often include real meat, wholesome fruits or vegetables, and essential nutrients that support digestion, dental health, and overall well-being. Healthy treats are especially important for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or weight management needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best healthy dog treats based on ingredient quality, nutritional value, and suitability for different dogs. Whether you’re looking for training treats, dental chews, or everyday rewards, this guide will help you choose treats that are both delicious and beneficial for your dog’s long-term health.
Read More: What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Come Inside?
Best Healthy Dog Treats in 2026 – Reviews
1. Our Top Pick – Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Dog Treat
Are you searching the USDA certified best nutritious treats for your pooch? If the answer is yes, the Rocco & Roxie will provide you the real solution.
It is made from smoke for a couple of hours to generate a flavor that dog loves much for all time. It also makes various healthy and tasty treats for your dog by chicken or beef.
These are made in the USA and don’t contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients like wheat, soy, corn or gluten. Each of the packs contains almost 25 sticks where every stick is 7 to 8 inches long and rich with super motivating taste.
From the above reviews, clients concur that though dogs love any natural treats, but they are considerably more anxious to get satisfied by Rocco & Roxie Jerky Sticks than others.
Sometimes, the price range makes hindrance of some consumers, but the USDA organic certification always insists them to collect these treats with confidence.
Clients also appreciate this brand, because they don’t spread any distinctive smell on their hand like other common treats. The Rocco & Roxie spread exceptionally great smell that dogs love more.
This item contains some harmful ingredients like sodium nitrate and garlic, those generate toxic in the dog’s body. But a reliable representative of this organization assures that a negligible amount of materials are used in this treat.
Which is less than 1% garlic per batch and a small amount of sodium nitrate into per hundred pounds of meat. He also declared that there would be no harm in using this little amount.
Pros:
- Formulated with real all-American beef, chicken or turkey of the highest quality
- Natural, healthy and tasty treat
- Dogs love the exceptional great smell
- Perfect as the training treat encourages your dogs to learn more
- USDA certified
Cons:
- Contains a very little amount of sodium nitrate and garlic
2. Runner Up – Greenies Healthy Dog Treat
We considered Greenies as one of the special healthy treat brands which have been assessed as the second top position by our editors. Greenies Dog Dental Chews and treats are well-known for their hygienic, healthy and delicious food ingredients.
These are easy to digest for carrying low fat and safe to improve the dog’s dental health. Dog owners get relief to collect Greenies hygienic treats because these are the replacement of homemade recipes and unrivalled for their stringent quality control and test.
These doggy bites oblige as an approach to developing healthier teeth with gums, removing tartar, terrible breath and accrue adequate vitamin and mineral at their regular ingestion.
These treats are available in tiny, petite, regular, large, and jumbo styles with various sizes package like 6 ounces, 12 ounces, 18 ounces, 27 ounces, and 36 ounces.
From the above reviews, dog proprietors concur that dog loves these all amazing fresh chews and treats for overall dental wellbeing. Many pet owners can merely justify the advantages of these treats by using on a regular basis.
By surfing the web, you can sort out various remarks of veterinarians who regularly use these items for their pets and achieve prodigious health of the dog teeth.
Comparing with different treats, dog owners might ensure their quality and considered them as very healthy and low-calorie in the market.
Be conscious that, when dog proprietors become extremely satisfied with the dog treats of their own, it may huge number of low quality treats being carried various harmful worms filling the bag.
Our suggestion is to call the manufacturer at first, and always check the total package carefully before starting use for the dog.
Pros:
- Irresistibly tasty treats naturally help clean teeth
- Weight-friendly for overweight or less active dogs
- Supports mobility and joint health
- These grain-free treats feature chickpeas and potatoes instead of wheat
- Naturally flavored with blueberries for an irresistible taste
- Very effective for minty-fresh breath
Cons:
- Comparatively exclusive price range
3. Best Cheap Healthy Dog Treats – Old Mother Hubbard
The Old Mother Hubbard Natural Treats are popular as the budget friendly dog treats, carefully formulated with all-natural ingredients that ensure a healthy reward to encourage your dogs.
The recipe also uses the highest quality fruits, vegetables, proteins and preserve the different natural flavors that dogs love to get, chew, and eat.
Your dog becomes more excited when getting these delicious crunchy bone-shaped dog biscuits as treats.
There are no harmful ingredients or artificial preservatives which can be prejudicial for your dog’s health.
These natural treats are available in 3 biscuit sizes, including mini, small, and, large. The recipe hardly maintains the optimum quality to keep your dog safe and secure.
Key Features:
- Contains only premium and natural ingredients
- Formulated with delicious peanut butter, molasses, apples & carrots
- Uses the highest quality fruits, veggies, and proteins
- More helpful for sensitive stomach
- Recommended for dogs of all sizes
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Made in North America
4. Best Premium Healthy Dog Treats – Newman’s Own
This Newman’s Own is another leading American organization provides a vast amount of their returns to different charities. They are famous for producing premium healthy organic treats those are crunchy and heart-shaped with different sizes.
There are various flavors include these treats like Salmon and Sweet Potato, Turkey, Chicken, Peanut Butter, and Cheese. Newmans have maintained a decent recipe of natural and organic materials.
They have made the most hygienic and delicious treats in the market and never used any artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. Without only organic ingredients there is no corn, soy or wheat are used.
From the above discussion and client’s recommendations, you will agree that Newman’s dog treats are accurate in size, quality, and nutritionally balanced.
Some customers like to divide them into two pieces to gain the highest convenient. Due to your dog’s sensitive stomach, if arises any digestive problem, you can confidently provide these treats to get a tremendous result.
Comparing the price range with many other items, pet proprietors assured that these salubrious treats come at a reasonable price through Amazon or other online pet stores. After using these items, dog owners share their positive experience and enhances others to purchase it.
Pros:
- Formulated with all certified natural ingredients
- Nor artificial flavors, colors or preservatives are used
- Free from antibiotics and chemical additives
- Reasonable price range
- Dogs like best the taste
Cons:
- This size is not enough for large-sized dogs
5. Best Healthy Organic Dog Treats – Plato
Plato Pet Treats are the most organic, healthy, and low-caloric treats made in the USA with a thorough investigation. Before packaging and shipping, it is strictly maintained the quality of these treats.
These are formulated with more than 90% chicken and integrated vitamins but not a single element contains any artificial flavors, preservatives or additives. The available package size of these organic treats is 6 ounces and 16 ounces.
Most of the pet proprietors highly like all used ingredients of this treat that guarantees their dog’s overall health wellbeing by the outstanding quality.
Plato Treats are especially recommended for dog owners who have fastidious palettes on choosing treats for dogs. It is the most accomplished and vigorous treats crafted with different items.
Plato is also the most reasonable treat, so that pet proprietors become satisfied to purchase for their loving dogs. Some clients suggest dividing it into two parts to get extra value from each pack. Some customers accuse of their dog’s stomach problems with vomiting and gas-forming after feeding these treats.
Though these situations rarely appear, but point out the brittle surface of these treats and if it makes confusion just avoid it. So, let’s start gaming with these treats rather than taking a meal.
Pros:
- Ensures a healthy snack
- Formulated with 90% animal protein
- Most suitable for sensitive pets
- USDA Organic certified
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- May arise digestive problem for few cases
6. Best High Protein Grain Free Dog Treat – Blue Buffalo
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treat Biscuits are hefty and made as an amazing occasional, special healthy treat for your dogs. They become always excited when getting the smell after opening the package.
These biscuits are so tasty and perfect crunchy for your meat-loving pups. These are made with only the finest ingredients like salmon, turkey, duck, potatoes, and flaxseed.
These high protein crunchy treats ensure complete satisfaction to your dog and also help to clean their teeth properly.
They feature only wholesome ingredients including omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. There is no by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy included in this product.
These Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats are not only tasty, but they are also enough healthy as your dog’s regular meal.
Key Features:
- Formulated with real salmon as the first ingredient
- The high protein grain-free dog treats
- No chicken or poultry by-product meals
- Available with 24 Oz bag
- The perfect crunchy treats your dog loves much
- Enough tasty and healthy for dogs
7. Best Healthy Natural Dog Treats – Zuke’s Mini
Zuke’s is another renowned organization continuously trying to satisfy their clients especially. There are various types of ingredients available in these healthy treats like the duck, chicken, salmon, pork, peanut butter, exotic, seafood and come with an assortment of different size of packages.
Nugget treats of Zuke’s are produced from the USA, and the organization conceits them for observing all regular pet treats. Meat is the prime source of these natural training treats provides a very small amount of calorie (3.5), which is very useful for your dog’s training period. They never use corn, soy, or wheat without natural organic elements.
Many clients review that these hedonistic treats perform effectively at the training time of your pets. Because of tiny size and lightweight, it is easy to carry during the long walking time or at the time to go outside.
These are stored for a long period of time and so many clients indicate that due to lack of proper seal, this dog treats becomes dry up and lose wet surface. So, always try to seal each packet tightly.
Zuke’s organization has been joined by the multinational companies and that makes anxiety to some dog owners. Zuke safeguards their clients and declares they are still working independently.
They will retain their reputation for producing exact quality treats, so that pet proprietors like to use. They always try to achieve the optimum level of satisfaction through their quality treats.
Pros:
- Made with all natural food ingredients
- Contain a very low amount of calorie
- Intended for dogs of all breeds and sizes
- You can use as regular food item
- Reasonable price range
Cons:
- Becomes dry up quickly for the lack of proper seal
8. Best Healthy Dental Dog Treats – Greenies Regular
The Greenies original regular size natural dental dog treat is especially recommended to support your dog’s oral health. It helps to keep the dog’s teeth clean with freshening breath by fighting against plaque and tartar.
These dental chew treats are formulated with highly soluble ingredients that are totally safe and secure for your dog’s health.
They contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are irresistibly tasty and incredibly powerful. Greenies are very useful for dogs who are overweight and less active usually.
These are also special to support your dog’s teeth and jaw development including added calcium. They are made in the USA, have no corn, wheat, or soy and totally free from grain and gluten.
Key features:
- Naturally, help to clean teeth
- Supports mobility and joint health
- All-natural ingredients help for easy digestion
- Contain sufficient vitamins and minerals
- Naturally flavored with spearmint for minty-fresh breath
- Recognized by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
9. Best Healthy Large Dog Treats – Ark Naturals
Ark Naturals Dog Brushless Toothpaste treats are the multiple chewable dental solutions for large dogs. These are appropriate for dogs who are more than 3 months of age.
The outer edge of these dental chews helps to reduce plaque and tartar in a safe abrasive manner. The formula crafted with simple water and pure oils which make the item safe for the dog’s body.
This natural toothpaste also contains cinnamon, nutrient-rich chlorophyll, fresh flavors of alfalfa, vanilla and clove to help freshen breath. It kills bacteria causing bad breath and ensure maximum oral benefits.
These chews are highly digestible and tested to help your dog’s proper oral care. Veterinarians recommend dogs for dental care to control tartar, plaque, and bad breathing.
Key Features:
- Made with pure oils keep the sense calm and relax
- Ideal to use up to two times a day
- Helps to fight with odor-causing bacteria
- Controls tartar, plaque, and bacteria build-up
- Effective for both dogs and cats
- Best suitable for medium and large dog breeds
10. Best Healthy Dog Training Treats – Emmy’s Best Premium Pet Products
Emmy’s Premium Chicken Jerky dog treats are made with USDA-certified “A” grade chicken breasts and recognized as the no. 1 that dogs love much.
These are great for dogs who are under regular training and exercise. They like the taste of these treats and feel encouraged when getting as rewards.
In this treat, all used ingredients are natural, simple, and healthy. There are no additives, preservatives, fillers, corn, soy, or gluten.
Your pet gets the different taste from this treat and you feel better for giving them the best. The manufacturer company ensures the 100% quality and the complete money back guaranty for any faulty issue.
Key Features:
- USDA grade a chicken breast healthy item
- Satisfaction with the money-back guarantee
- 100% natural sourced
- No fillers, no additives, no preservatives
- Made in the USA
What are Quality Dog Treats?
Quality dog treats are treats made with safe, nutritious, and high-quality ingredients that support your dog’s health while still being enjoyable. They are designed to reward dogs without adding unnecessary calories, artificial chemicals, or harmful fillers to their diet.
Good-quality dog treats usually contain real, named protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as the main ingredient. They avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and excessive sugar or salt. Instead, they may include natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains that provide additional nutrients.
Quality dog treats are also appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and health needs. Whether used for training, dental care, or occasional rewards, they are easy to digest and meet safety and nutrition standards. Overall, quality dog treats offer a balance of taste, nutrition, and safety—making them a healthy choice for rewarding your dog.
Check out our reviews of the best dog food storage containers.
Things To Consider When Buying Healthy Dog Treats
When it comes to purchasing healthy treats for dogs, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of what you are going to look for. Most of the time dog owners buy treats and feel sorry because the item they buy is not really suitable for their pooches.
That’s why for the sake of your dog’s size, age, and health we suggest you be very careful when choosing dog treats. Here we have prepared a buying guide to help you know what to look for when choosing a treat for your pooch.
Purpose
You should have a specific purpose of providing the special treat to your pooch. There are various types of treats are available in the market and at first you need to determine the purpose you are going to use it for.
If you want to improve your dog’s dental hygiene, definitely you will purchase the best dog teeth cleaning treats. If you wish to train your pooch for positive reinforcement like behavioral training or obedience training, then you have to choose smaller sized bits that give them lots of pleasure.
But if your purpose is to nourish your dog’s particular health condition like hip dysplasia or arthritis, then it is vital to choose something that contains special ingredients to relieve them from this condition.
So, it is more useful to consider the purpose of giving your canine friend such a treat.
Nutritional Ingredients
The right choice of nutrient-rich ingredients should be the prime consideration. As a pet owner, you have to be very sincere with the treats you purchase because there are some food contents very harmful and dangerous for the dog’s health.
The best dog treats not only just good in taste but also ensure optimum health benefit for the dogs of any size, age, and breed.
Puppies and senior dogs require more protein in their delicacies and with that plenty of DHA helps your pup’s proper brain development. Always avoid treats with artificial preservatives, flavor, and colors.
Sometimes corn, wheat, or soy also create a bad impact on the dog’s health. So, always consider your dog’s current health condition before choosing a treat to make it more functional.
Texture
It is another vital consideration to look at the texture of the canine treat you’re buying. Some treats are tough or chewy while others are crunchy like dog biscuits.
That’s why the texture of the treat completely depends on the dog’s own choice. Suppose you are buying for a puppy and their jaws and teeth are not yet fully developed.
In this case, you need to choose treats that are quite soft and chewy. Senior dogs also get benefit from softer treats, but adult dogs enjoy crunchy treats.
Taste
Definitely, you desire your dog to enjoy the taste of the treat you have given him. If the pooch grew up eating sweet and tasty treats, most likely you will try to manage it to make him happy.
Dogs who eat treats regularly always like to search the real taste with their snacks. Sweeteners in treats enhance the taste and your dog encourages to get it more.
Not all sweeteners are good for the dog’s health. Veterinarians recommend the best natural dog treats that only contain food-based sweeteners instead of artificial color, flavor or preservatives.
Size
Finally, you have to think about the appropriate size of the treat which should be commensurate to the size of your dog’s oral cavity. There are different sizes for a particular treat so that every life stage is covered.
If you have a small breed, you will try to get something that is small in size. Similarly, for the large breed, you will need the package of treat that contains a sufficiently larger size to allow them to enjoy the taste.
Benefits of Homemade Treats for Dogs
Homemade treats for dogs are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want greater control over their dog’s diet. Preparing treats at home allows you to choose fresh, wholesome ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. Below are the key benefits of homemade dog treats.
Full Control Over Ingredients: One of the biggest advantages of homemade treats is knowing exactly what goes into them. You can select high-quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers commonly found in some commercial treats.
Healthier and Safer Option: Homemade treats reduce the risk of harmful or low-quality ingredients. They are especially helpful for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or specific dietary restrictions, as you can tailor recipes to your dog’s needs.
Customizable for Your Dog’s Needs: With homemade treats, you can adjust ingredients based on your dog’s age, size, and health goals. Whether your dog needs low-calorie treats, grain-free options, or soft treats for dental issues, customization is easy.
Better Nutritional Value: Fresh, natural ingredients often retain more nutrients than heavily processed treats. Homemade options can provide added vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support digestion, energy, and overall health.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Making treats at home can be more affordable, especially if you prepare them in batches. Common household ingredients can be turned into healthy snacks without the added cost of premium branding.
Stronger Bond with Your Dog: Dogs often enjoy homemade treats more because of their freshness and flavor. Preparing treats for your dog can also strengthen your bond, as your pet associates your care and effort with positive rewards.
Homemade dog treats offer a healthy, safe, and customizable alternative to store-bought options. With better ingredient control and nutritional value, they are a rewarding way to support your dog’s health while showing extra care and love.
Tips for Choosing Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Choosing healthy treats is an important part of supporting your dog’s overall nutrition and well-being. Treats should complement your dog’s regular diet, not replace it. Here are some practical tips to help you select the best and healthiest treats for your dog.
Check the Ingredient List: Always read the ingredients label carefully. Look for treats made with real, named proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, and avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and excessive fillers.
Choose Natural and Simple Ingredients: Healthy treats usually have fewer, recognizable ingredients. Natural items such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are easier to digest and provide added nutritional value.
Consider Your Dog’s Age and Health: Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different needs. Choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s life stage and any health concerns, such as allergies, weight control, or sensitive digestion.
Watch the Calorie Content: Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Low-calorie or small-sized treats are ideal, especially for training or frequent rewards.
Avoid Artificial Additives: Steer clear of treats that contain artificial sweeteners, chemical preservatives, or artificial coloring. These ingredients offer no nutritional benefit and may cause health issues over time.
Check Texture and Size: Select treats that are the right size and texture for your dog’s mouth and chewing ability. Softer treats are better for puppies and seniors, while firmer options may help with dental health for adult dogs.
Buy from Trusted Brands: Choose treats from reputable brands that follow safety and quality standards. Transparent labeling and positive reviews are good indicators of reliability.
Use Treats in Moderation: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation. Over-treating can lead to weight gain or digestive problems, so balance rewards with regular meals.
By focusing on quality ingredients, appropriate calories, and your dog’s specific needs, you can choose healthy treats that are both safe and rewarding. The right treats help reinforce good behavior while supporting your dog’s long-term health and happiness.
Final Verdict:
There are numerous amounts of treats available on the market, and it is tough to know where you should spend your money. Along with price consideration, you have to make sure about quality food ingredients.
Which we have provided above will take an explicit assumption to choose the healthiest treats to keep your dogs well. These will make your shopping easy and keep them happy and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog treat?
The best quality treats should be free of unnecessary artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, extra salt or sugar. These are natural and contain plenty of protein for the dog’s overall health wellbeing. To collect best-suited treats you can consult with your dog trainers or vets to go with the best match.
Which things you should consider when preparing homemade dog treats?
Before preparing healthy treats at home, ensure all ingredients that are free from causing allergy problems. You may avoid any element which had poor performance in the past. If you examine the new test for the first time, make it in a small amount and feed your dog to observe how it reacts.
Be careful about used colors, flavors and preservatives may not harmful to your dog. Preserve your treats inside an airtight container to keep in the freezer. You can reserve the homemade treat in the fridge for 6 months.
What should you avoid before choosing the treat?
Treats should be relaxed and stress-free for your dog’s teeth. You should avoid all hard things like bones, antlers, or hooves. There are so many treats on the market that are safe and healthy for your dog.
Healthy treats for puppies bring joy and make your pet happy. By providing the most robust treats you can train or teach them new tricks.
What can I give my dog as a healthy treat?
You can provide your dog Greenies Dog Dental Chews Treats as the best healthy treat. It contains natural ingredients with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
This irresistibly tasty treat naturally helps to clean your dog’s teeth. The grain-free recipe helps to digest easily for sensitive stomach and effectively works for dogs who are overweight or less active.
What are good low-fat treats for dogs?
There are many more treats are available in the market that contains low-fat. Some ingredients ensure lower fat levels in the treats like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cooked lean meats, baked sweet potatoes, bananas, broccoli, tomato, pumpkin, and others.
What is a good natural treat for dogs?
In general, natural dog treats are crafted with enough fruits and vegetables. They contain lower calories, but remain full of nutrient-rich food content, including green peas, carrots, green beans, watermelon, bananas, broccoli, etc.
How often should you give your dog treats?
You should give your dog treats in between regular meals and not immediately before or after a meal. If your dog involves in regular training sessions then providing a healthy treat may encourage him to his activities.
Otherwise, occasionally you can give your pooch treats which he likes best. It also makes good relationships between both of you and your pooch.
Is it bad to give your dog too many treats?
Like humans, too many treats may fall your pooch into a greater risk of gastrointestinal distress, as well as obesity, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and overall lethargy. With that, dogs that are fed more than regular treats, they quickly gain overweight and become unhealthy.
How many treats should a dog have?
Dogs shouldn’t get more than about 10% of their daily caloric intake from treats. If your dog receives 500 calories per day then you should provide only 50 calories to treat with other normal foods.
In general, dog owners provide their dogs one to five treats every day with biscuits and most popular dental care sticks.
