Introduction
The sound of a sweet bag opening is one of the most recognizable sounds of all time and is sure to get the attention of every dog in the vicinity. It is as if they can be asleep in the furthest room in the house, and they will still be able to notice the sound of a treat bag opening. Just as you would be excited to receive a gift, it is the same with a dog being able to receive a treat. Imagine being able to receive a gift every time you showed affection to someone. That is how it feels to your dog every time you give him a treat.
Dropping a dog treat in your shopping basket is becoming a science. It is as if you were trying to look at a giant chemistry world. It can be a challenge to first analyze to see all the dog treats available. Trying to find the right one can be a gamble, and it is easier to just grab the first one that you see.
Over the last month, I’ve thoroughly reviewed hundreds of dog treats, allowing me to create this detailed guide identifying the dog treats that are most deserving of your hard earned money, the treats that are unreasonably overpriced, and of course the treats dog owners are currently going crazy for. Every item listed below is easily purchasable online without the hassle of going for a drive.
The ‘Human-Grade’ Trend: Justified or Overhyped?
The first thing that deserves an explanation is the large piece of chicken standing out in the bag. Is it “human-grade” and does it actually matter?
Yes, mostly it does, but that is a short answer. I suppose it depends on your spending limits and how much of a bottomless pit your dog’s stomach is.
“Feed-grade” has been the standard for a long time. This means the ingredients were legally able to be fed to animals but are thought to be unfit for human consumption. (4D meat: anything dead, diseased, or disabled, etc.) disgusting right? The shift to human-grade means better quality ingredients that are processed in human food grade quality facilities.
Once you’ve smelled and opened a bag of Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats you’ll understand the difference. “Meat-flavored product” doesn’t cut it; it is chicken.
Top Pick: Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Chicken Jerky
These chicken jerky treats are among the best options available in the chicken jerky treats category. They include no grains, no glycerin, are made from whole, sliced chicken breast, and are slow-cooked.
Why they rock: The texture may appear soft, but the difficulty required in chewing the jerky is obvious. The muscle fibers are visible and the jerky feels like food (because it is).
The “But Stop” Verdict: This is a must have product, and is great for the dog who watches you eat and wants a piece of your food. This product is great for satisfying the needs of begging for table scraps because it is way healthier and contains no sodium.
The Freeze-Dried Frenzy: Raw Without the Thaw
If you notice your wallet has been getting lighter, it is probably due to the high priced freeze-dried treats. They are the highest valued dog treat. An average dog biscuit is worth a dollar, but a piece of freeze-dried liver is worth a gold bar.
The modern method of freeze-drying preserves and keeps the raw meat safe from the dangers associated with raw meat, namely bacteria and the mess that you could get from cooking raw chicken in your kitchen. The intense flavor that is preserved means that your dog will go wild over it.
Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats
It’s pure liver–no additives–that has been freeze-dried and cut into small cubes.
Drawback: They are very rich in nutrients. Tiny pieces should be given to prevent any potential digestive upset.
Ideal Use: For high-stakes training, it’s the best option. It will last a long time and only a small piece will get a dog’s attention.
The Dental Dilemma: Dental Chews
We know we’re supposed to brush bulldog’s teeth. And like most of us, that doesn’t happen.
Most dental chews are terrible and are marketed with random shapes and funky colors. If a dog eats a dental chew like it’s a race, it won’t do a thing. It will just add calories. You need something with resistance.
CET VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Chews by Virbac
Virbac CET Veggiedent FR3SH Tartar Control Chews
These are recommended by vets instead of the more common green stick types. They have the added benefit of an interesting Z shape which guides chewing towards scraping action on the teeth.
Warning: Size of the chewable is important. Don’t buy the XL ones for a Lab just because it looks like a “snack.” They could choke. Go for the right jaw size.
The Inclusion of a prebiotic is commendable, which helps digestion. Optimum gut health helps breath.
Snobbish seniors that fall under the crowd of “Soft & Chewy”
Crushing treats are not something that a good number of dogs are interested in. Even the older dogs, the ones that are picky eaters are averse to the hard ones, and may even have sensitive teeth. Treats that are soft are usually packed to the brim with preservatives and glycerin to keep the moisture, which is very undesirable.
You want “soft,” not “gummy.”
Top Pick: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats
Zuke’s has been winning the champion belt for the longest time, and for good reason. The treats are the right size for multiple positive reinforcement. You could hand the dog 20 of them, and they would still have room for dinner.
Texture Check: The treats contain some moisture, and are likely soft. They do not break, which is a big deal for anyone who dislikes treat dust in their pockets.
The Vibe: These are the working dog treats. They are good, healthy (cherry and turmeric are pretty common), and under 3 calories.
The Long Lasting Chew: The Bully Stick Alternative
Sometimes you don’t want to train; you want 20 minutes of peace to take a Zoom call. Usually, people would reach for a cow hoof, but we know cow hoof can be a major choking hazard and difficult to digest.
The Bully Stick is the king of dog chews, but they smell. Oh boy, do they smell.
Most Recommended: Jack & Pup Premium Grade Odor Free Bully Sticks
Jack&Pup Bully Springs for Dogs | 7″ Spiral Bully Sticks for Dogs
Jack & Pup offer an ‘almost odorless’ item that provides long-lasting derves. With thick pieces made of grass-fed bull pizzle, these sticks can keep even moderate chewers busy.
A ball puzzle can keep a moderate chewer busy for 30 to 60 minutes.
Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble – Interactive Food-Dispensing Dog Puzzle Ball
Why Dogs Love It: Dogs love to chew on it. It provides instant gratification and a soft gummy chew.
The Sensitive Stomach Solution
For the dog owner friends who have the dog that looks like it has an upset stomach, allergy sufferers, and dogs that get gassy, the solution is simple.
Most Recommended: Hypoallergenic Dog Treats
Hypoallergenic Healthy Dog Treats
For dogs that have been put on strict feeding schedules, these treats are a jackpot. They are designed to control and minimize the chances of an allergic reaction.
What to expect: crunchy, satisfying, and cookie-like.
Peace of Mind: These are one of the only dog treats that can be given to dogs on hydrolyzed protein diets or those that have extreme sensitivities. They can now have a treat in the car (without fear of a 2 am potty emergency!) that is “normal”
What You Should Consider Before Buying: (the “but stop” checklist)
It can be tempting to buy these items right away, but before you fill your cart, consider these questions. These are the questions I think of before buying new items for my dogs each time:
1. The Calorie Count is a Silent Killer
We are seeing a chunky dog epidemic, and it is easy to contribute to it. One pig ear can be 200+ calories! That’s the equivalent to a 20-pound dog eating three Big Macs for a snack.
Rule of thumb: Dog treats to a dog’s daily caloric intake should be no more than 10%. Zuke’s training treats are great for those repetitive training exercises.
2. Where the Item is Made Is Important
I have to be extreme, but I have to be. The sourcing of items is crucial and significant for the future of the dog treat industry. There have been too many recalls of jerky treats made from dogs sourced in countries with no or few safety regulations, and I won’t be buying them.
Safe bets include items that are guaranteed to be produced and packaged in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and/or Australia. Items that are **sourced** in the above locations are also good items to purchase. For example, some treats may be manufactured in the United States but may include chicken from China. However, the company Full Moon is honest with consumers about this.
3. Check the first three ingredients on the ingredient list
Remember, ignore the front of the bag. Manufacturers market the front of the bag, but the back of the bag contains the truth. If wheat flour, corn gluten meal and/or some other carbohydrate fillers are the first ingredients and the bag costs $15, then put the bag back. It contains expensive, worthless fillers. Ideally, you want to see chicken, beef, salmon and/or whole foods like pumpkin or sweet potato as the first ingredient.
4. Understand Your Dog’s Chewing Style
Is your dog a Gulper or a Gnawer?
The gulper: gulps down food without chewing. You will want to avoid rawhide and large, hard treats because these may be swallowed whole. Group them into small chews or go for soft options.
The gnawer: relishes the activity of chewing. For these dogs, more durable chews like the Jack and Pup sticks will keep them happy.
The Final Bark
Ultimately, the best dog treat is the one that your dog loves while also avoiding the destruction of their health. It is a balancing act.
Barnaby, my Golden Retriever, would eat a cardboard box if I put peanut butter on it. My Terrier mix, Luna, acts like I’m trying to poison her if I offer her a generic biscuit. Finding what works is a journey.
Go ahead, buy the freeze-dried liver and the veggie dental chew. Just keep in mind that the treat is the vehicle, the bond you build while giving it, the training and the praise and the quiet moment on the couch is the reward.
If you’ll excuse me, I crinkled a wrapper and the next three seconds will be interesting!
