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Treats do a lot of work in a dog’s day. They reward good behavior during training, fill the gap between meals, and give you an easy way to show your pup some love. The catch is that not all treats are made the same. The best dog treats use real, named protein and a short ingredient list, stay small enough to hand out often without overfeeding, and skip the cheap fillers and mystery additives that can upset a sensitive stomach.
For training and frequent rewards in 2026, our top pick is Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats: a single-protein, low-calorie treat (about one calorie each) that holds up in your pocket without crumbling. Below are the best dog treats across brands and styles, from soft training bites to crunchy biscuits, plus a quick buyer’s guide so you can match the right treat to your dog.
For a food that pairs well with a smart treat routine, see our guide to organic dog food.
🏆 Top Pick: Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats
Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Liver is the cleanest pick on this list for everyday training. Each bag holds hundreds of bite-size pieces at roughly one calorie each, so you can reward often without overfeeding. The recipe is a short, single-protein list built around freeze-dried beef liver, with no grain, wheat, soy, or added sugar. The treats stay firm in a pocket or training pouch instead of turning to crumbs, and they need no refrigeration.
Check Pupford Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats on Amazon
Explore More Ways to Support Your Dog’s Health
If you’re already searching for the best dog treats, there’s a good chance you’re also thinking about what else your pup needs to stay happy and healthy. Your treat routine isn’t complete without making sure the rest of your dog’s diet supports their overall well-being too. For a deeper look at high-quality food options that pair perfectly with the best dog treats, check out our guide to organic dog food. It’s an easy next step to help your dog feel their best every day.
Best Dog Treats
1. Wellness Natural WellBites Soft Dog Treats
First up on our list of the best dog treats is Wellness Natural Well Soft Dog Treats. Wellness dog food is a very highly regarded brand, as they use the highest quality ingredients in all of the different formulas they make. The same can be said for the dog treats the manufacturer makes. These treats are soft, so their palatable and easy to chew, making them a great choice for puppies, canines that have dental health issues, breeds that have smaller mouths (like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Shih Tzus). They also come in a variety of flavors. This option comes with three different flavors, including lamb and salmon, beef and turkey, and chicken and lamb. Other flavor options include chicken and venison, turkey and duck, gingerbread, and pumpkin.
These Wellness treats are grain free, so if you feed your pooch a grain free dog food, they are a great addition to his diet. There’s absolutely no corn, soy, or other grains, and they’re also free of artificial colors and flavors. Each flavor is made with two different types of real meat, such as beef and turkey, or chicken and lamb, to increase the nutritional quality and flavor of the treats. They’re also made in the USA, are backed by a Wellness Guarantee, and are tested for quality assurance.
What We Like About It
- Soft treats are more palatable and easier to chew
- Made with premium quality ingredients
- Grain free
- Contains no artificial colors or flavors
- Features an assortment of yummy flavors that your pup will love
- Backed by a Wellness Guarantee
- Tested for quality assurance to ensure quality
- Most pet parents say that their furry friends’ love the taste
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers have said that they their pets didn’t like the flavor
- Others said that they think the treats caused digestive upset
Final Verdict: Overall, we think that Wellness Natural WelBites Soft Dog Treats are an excellent option. Whether you’re using them as reinforcement for training or offering them as a snack between meals, your pup will surely love the taste and texture of these treats.
2. Blue Wilderness Grain Free Biscuits Crunchy Dog Treats
Blue Wilderness is another highly regarded dog food manufacturer. They make a variety of formulas for dogs of all life stage, sizes, and dietary needs; senior dog food, food for small dogs, and food for large dogs are just some of the recipes that they offer. They also make a wide selection of dog treats, and we think that their Grain Free Biscuits are some of the best that they offer.
Since these treats are crunchy, they have a texture that is similar to dry dog food, so if your pooch loves kibble, then he should love these treats. They’re made with the highest quality ingredients, such as real duck, turkey, and salmon, which are excellent sources of protein. They also feature potatoes and flaxseed, which are easy to digest carbohydrates. These ingredients are not only tasty, but they offer vital nutrients that your dog needs, so they are a great addition to a well-balanced diet. Since they’re grain free, they are great for dogs that have sensitive tummies or allergies to grains, including corn, wheat, and soy. According to the reviews that we read, most pet parents are very pleased with these treats. It’s been reported that most dogs love the flavor. However, some pet parents said that the treats were a little too hard and that they had problems with delivery.
What We Like About It
- Made with natural ingredients
- Grain free; no soy, wheat, or corn
- Contains real meat and vegetables for optimal nutrition
- Easy to digest
- Free of artificial colors and flavors
Reasons to Complain
- According to some customers, the treats were badly crumbled when they arrived
- Others said that the treats were too hard for their dogs to chew
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a healthy, natural, grain free treat for your pooch, Blue Wilderness Grain Free Biscuits Crunch Dog Treats are definitely worth considering. They are made with the highest quality ingredients and, as per the reviews that we read, most pet parents are very happy with them.
3. Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats
Next up on our list of the best dog treats is another crunchy variety that comes from Old Mother Hubbard. These treats are made with the highest quality, natural ingredients, like carrots, molasses, apples, and even peanut butter, so not only do they offer a delicious taste that your furry friend will love, but they are packed with vital nutrients, which you will love. There are several other flavor options, too, such as veggie, bacon and cheese, and chicken and apples; whichever variety you choose, you can have confidence knowing that your pooch will be getting the very best ingredients.
Not only do Old Mother Hubbard dog treats come in a variety of flavors, but they are also available in different sizes. Their mini biscuits are ideal for small breeds, like miniature Dachshunds and English Toy Spaniels; the small treats are great for mid-sized dogs, such as West Highland White Terriers, Border Collies, and Beagles, and their large biscuits are just the right size for large breeds, such as Malamutes, Great Danes, and Saint Bernard. All options are wheat-free, and contain no artificial preservatives. Old Mother Hubbard has been making treats for dogs since 1926, and all of their products are made in North America and are backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
What We Like About It
- Comes in a variety of recipes and sizes
- Made with only the highest quality, natural ingredients
- Free of artificial preservatives
- Most pet owners say that their dogs love the flavor and gobble them right up
- Made in North America
- Backed by a satisfaction guarantee
Reasons to Complain
- Some pet parents said that they had issues with the quality of the treats when they arrived
- Others said that their dogs weren’t fond of the flavor; however, that could be because of pickiness
Final Verdict: For a high quality, natural, delicious, and nutritious treat that your dog will love, we highly recommend Old Mother Hubbard Crunchy Classic Natural Dog Treats. Made with premium quality ingredients, offered in a variety of sizes and recipes, and free of artificial preservatives, these treats are definitely worth trying.
4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
Next up on our list of the best treats for dog is an option that comes from Zuke’s. This manufacturer may not be well-known, but totally should be. They create a wide array of treats that are made of the highest quality, all-natural ingredients. Ingredients include real sources of meat and other whole foods, like cherries, natural carbohydrates, and even turmeric to support proper nutrition. Their treats are also made without corn, wheat, and soy, making them grain free.
Zuke’s offers a variety of recipes. Options include chicken, duck, peanut butter and oats, pork, rabbit, and salmon. Furthermore, there’s only 3 calories per treat, so if your pooch could stand to lose a few pounds, offering him these treats and a dog food for weight loss will help him maintain a healthy weight. Most canines will find the crunchy, yet soft texture palatable, and the small size is ideal for training purposes.
What We Like About It
- Grain free; no corn, wheat, or soy
- Made with premium ingredients, like real chicken, cherries, and turmeric
- Meat is always the first ingredient
- Supports healthy weight
- Supports proper nutrition
- Available in a variety of recipes
Reasons to Complain
- Some pet owners said that the treats were too hard
- Others say that they think the treats they ordered online are different than what they purchase in the pet store
Final Verdict: For a healthy, natural dog treat, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are a great choice. They are made with natural ingredients, real meat is always the first ingredient, and they are grain free. The mini size makes them ideal for training, too.
5. Milk Bone Maro Snacks Dog Treats
Last, but definitely not least, on our list of the best dog treats is the Maro Snacks Dog Treats from Milk Bone. Pet parents have been feeding their four-legged family members Milk Bone products since 1908 because all of their treats are made of high quality ingredients, and canines just find them tasty.
Their Maro Snacks are made with natural bone marrow, as the name suggests. This means that they contain a healthy dose of protein. They are also fortified with calcium, which will help to strengthen and maintain the health of your pup’s teeth and bones. The treats offer the crunchy texture of a biscuit with the softness and flavor of real bone marrow. The size is ideal for training purposes or for supplemental feeding between meals for breeds of all ages and sizes. According to the reviews that we read, most pet parents say that their furry friends love the taste; however, some reviewers said that they believe that these treats caused digestive upset, but these claims have not been proven.
What We Like About It
- Made with natural bone marrow
- Combines a crunchy and soft texture that most dogs will love
- Proudly made in New York
Reasons to Complain
- We couldn’t find out if these treats contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- There are some filler ingredients, like sugar
Final Verdict: For a tasty treat that your pet will be sure to love, give Milk Bone Maro Snacks Dog Treats a try. Made by one of the most trusted manufacturers of dog treats, your pooch will gobble up these yummy treats.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Treats for Dogs
You want to make sure that you are giving your dog the very best of everything, including treats. Whether you are offering treats as a snack between meals or you are using them as a training tool to reinforce positive behavior, you definitely want to make sure that you are offering him the best and safest dog treats.
There are so many different treat options available for dogs. We’ve narrowed down the options and selected what we consider to be the top five picks. But how did we pick the five options listed in our review? In addition to these treats, you might also want to consider options like best puppy dog bones to support teething and healthy chewing, or best dog treat pouches to make training sessions and walks easier and more organized.
But how did we pick the five options listed in our review? What type of factors should you take into consideration if you decide to select another treat? In this section of our review, we’ll answer these questions and more so that you can make the best choice possible for your furry friend.
How We Chose the Best Dog Treats
In order to choose the best dog treats, we reviewed the ingredients listed in a large selection of treats from various manufacturers. We also read through the countless reviews that pet parents have provided.
Based on the information that we obtained, we were able to narrow down the selection to the five dog treats listed in this review. They are also highly recommended by pet parents. We are confident that your pup will love the taste of each of these treats – and that you will have peace of mind knowing that you are giving your pooch nutritious treats.
Important Factors to Consider
Though we have offered what we think are five of the best treats on the market, you might want to consider another option. There are so many dog treats on the market, and many of them are just as high quality as the treats featured in our review. To ensure that you are selecting the best treats possible, here’s a look at some factors that you should keep in mind when you are shopping.
- Always take a look at the ingredients. The best treats will be free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. They will also be made of natural, nutritious ingredients, like real protein, fruits, and vegetables.
- Country of origin. You should also consider selecting treats that are only made in reputable countries, such as the United States and Canada. These countries must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations in order to ensure safety. In other countries, like China, quality control is minimal to non-existent when it comes to the production of dog food and dog treats.
- Consider the needs of your pup. If your pup has special dietary needs, make sure you take them into consideration when you are selecting treats for him. For instance, if he can’t tolerate grains, make sure that you choose a grain free dog treat; or, if he needs help maintaining his weight, look for a low calorie formula.
- Consider your pet’s palate. You should also make sure that you consider the palate of your pup. For instance, if he likes crunchy, pick a crunchy treat, and if he prefers a meaty texture, choose a softer treat.
Why You Should Offer Your Pup the Best Dog Treats
Many new pet parents wonder if they should give their furry family members treats. Sometimes, people are under the assumption that they will spoil their pets when they offer their canine companions treats, or they are concerned that treats will lead to weight gain.
If you are wondering if it’s safe to feed your four-legged friend treats, you’ll be happy to know that not only doing so safe, but it can also be beneficial.
Treats can be a valuable training tool. They are a great way to reinforce positive behavior. Dogs love to be rewarded when they do the right thing, so offering treats can definitely be an effective way to foster actions that you want your dog to follow. In fact, trainers typically utilize treats in training sessions. Another benefit of offering treats is the nutrition that they provide. Feeding several full meals a day isn’t always recommended; particularly for small breeds and those that are prone to weight gain. However, you can feed your pet a treat to tide him over in between meals; for instance, you might offer him a treat in the morning and one before bed, and feed him a full meal in the late afternoon or early evening. Not only will doing so keep your pup satiated, but it will also ensure that your pet is receiving the nutrition that he needs.
Lastly, dog treats can help to improve your pet’s dental health. This is particularly true of crunchy treats. They help to brush off plaque and tartar buildup, which can help to strengthen his teeth, freshen his breath, and even help prevent tooth loss.
Your dog is more than just a pet; he’s a member of your family. That’s why, when it comes to caring for your four-legged family member, you want to make sure that you provide him with the very best of everything. You’ve done extensive research on all of the different products that you use with your pooch. You make sure that his dog bowl is filled with the most delicious and nutritious dog food (there are plenty of high-quality dog food brands to choose from). You use the best dog collar and dog harness when you’re taking him on his regular walks. You’ve also made sure that he has the most comfortable and supportive dog bed so he can thoroughly enjoy restful and restorative snoozes.
Summing It Up
Offering your canine companion the best dog treats is a great way to foster positive behavior, keep him healthy and happy, and just let him know how much you love him. By offering your pet any of the treats that are mentioned in this review, you can have confidence knowing that he you will be keeping him happy, and that you will be offering him well balanced nutrition.
Related reading: The Best High-Value Treats for Dogs, The Best Natural Treats for Dogs, 5 Best Dog Jerky Treats, Best Christmas Dog Treats, How Often Should You Give Your Dog Treats?.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What dog treats are actually healthy?
Healthy dog treats are made with simple, whole ingredients like real meat, fruits, or vegetables, without artificial additives or fillers. Look for options that fit your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs so you can feel good about giving them as daily rewards.
2. What do veterinarians recommend for dogs to chew on?
Most veterinarians recommend durable chews like rubber toys, nylon bones, or natural options such as bully sticks. These choices help satisfy your dog’s urge to chew while supporting better dental health.
3. What is the healthiest thing for a dog to chew?
The healthiest chews are safe, digestible, and sized appropriately for your dog, such as natural single-ingredient chews or sturdy rubber toys. These help keep your dog occupied without putting their teeth or stomach at risk.
4. What is the 90/10 rule dog?
The 90/10 rule means that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from balanced dog food and only 10% should come from treats. It’s a simple way to keep your dog at a healthy weight while still enjoying rewards.
5. What is the hardest command to teach a dog?
Many dog parents find that “recall,” or teaching your dog to come when called, is one of the toughest commands. It takes patience and consistent training because you’re asking your dog to ignore distractions and return to you every time.
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