Dog Eating Dog Treats

Healthiest Treats for Dogs: Wags Don’t Lie

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Lara Jill, Lara Jill is a pet writer & advisor with a decade of experience. 05th April 2024

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Well, well, well, look who we have here—a pet parent who’s interested in the healthiest treats for dogs! As a pet parent myself, I understand that you want to give your pooch an extra dose of vitamins and minerals whenever you get the chance.

While it’s imperative to feed our pets with nutritious meals, snacks can also play a crucial role in their well-being. We can use treats to train, reward, or simply spoil our good boys and girls. However, not all doggie snacks are created equal. It’s essential to choose only the healthiest treats for dogs.

Why Are These The Healthiest Treats for Dogs?

So, how exactly do you define “healthiest treats for dogs?” When buying dog treats, there are several factors to consider aside from its flavor profile.

Proudly Made in the USA

All the products featured in this article are made in the United States to ensure they meet the highest quality standards. The ingredients used are either sourced responsibly within the country or exported from Europe.

It’s always reassuring to know that a lot of thought and effort has gone into creating a product that is not only drool-worthy but also good for our pets.

Low in Calories, High in Nutrients

While we intentionally avoided high-fat and sugary treats that could potentially upset a dog’s stomach or exacerbate health conditions like diabetes or obesity, I’m delighted to share that these meticulously crafted doggie snacks are prepared using carefully selected, high-quality ingredients.

They are practically irresistible even to the pickiest of eaters! These treats feature a thoughtful blend of limited yet beneficial components, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholesome animal proteins.

dog trying to catch treats midair

Hypoallergenic Proteins for the Win

Most of these treats, if not all, are suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Each product avoids additives, chemical preservatives, soy, wheat, and fillers like corn.

If Doggo is already on a hypoallergenic diet, then you’ll be pleased to know that the meaty treats featured in this list use animal protein sources that are less likely to cause allergies in dogs compared to chicken and beef.

Aside from the Pet Botanics Training Rewards Soft & Chewy Bacon Treats, which contain pork and pork liver, the rest feature omega-3-rich fish.

Top 7 Healthiest Treats for Dogs Reviewed

These low-calorie doggie snacks are the healthiest treats for dogs! Your furry pal will enjoy them without issues, regardless of age or size. However, you may have to break some of the treats in half for smaller doggies.

1. Wet Noses Grain-Free Healthiest Treats for Dogs | Grain-Free Pumpkin & Quinoa (14 oz.)

It’s easy to mistake the Wet Noses Grain-Free Pumpkin & Quinoa Healthiest Treats for Dogs as snacks. Bow wow, these treats smell and look so good!

While Wet Nose has a lot of interesting recipes, Pumpkin & Quinoa is the crowd favorite. Next in line is Peanut Butter and Banana, so you might want to try that, too.

These treats look like cookies the size of a dime, so they’re a good size for large dogs but can be broken down into smaller pieces for smaller pooches.

They are crafted using human-grade organic ingredients and are USDA-certified. They do not contain any grains, fillers, preservatives, or strange ingredients.

  • Pros

    • Made with real, wholesome ingredients only
    • Dogs love it for its taste and aroma
    • Big, crunchy, and does not crumble easily when broken into half
    • USDA-certified, non-GMO verified, 100% human-grade
    • No grains, wheat, soy, preservatives, etc.

  • Cons

    • What’s not to like? 😜

Reviews:

Cindy   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“First time ordering these and our boy loooves them! They smell delicious, and he likes that crunch they deliver!”

Michael   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Excellent packaging. Consistently fresh product through the years. Always a favorite for all our Scottish Terriers and Welsh and Corgis. Great as a training reward when broken into bits and pieces!”

2. Pet Botanics Training Rewards Soft & Chewy Bacon Treats (500 treats)

Calories can easily add up during training, so it’s great to know that these goodies are only 3 calories each. You don’t have to worry about your dog packing on the pounds. And with 500 treats per bag, you’re getting a big bang for your buck.

While there’s a variety of flavors available, the majority lean towards bacon. If I were a dog, I would, too! But the star protein in each recipe is pork liver.

Moreover, these soft treats are proudly made in the USA without soy, preservatives, corn, or any weird ingredient. On the other paw, these yummies are loaded with botanicals, such as rosemary, green tea, and chamomile.

For training purposes, these have to be the healthiest treats for dogs! Also, they are soft enough for senior doggies to chew on.

  • Pros

    • Soft and chewy, making them perfect for puppies, small dogs, and seniors
    • Dogs love it for its meaty taste and strong aroma
    • Low-calorie
    • No wheat, soy, preservatives, etc

  • Cons

    • Gotta zip the bag tight ASAP to banish the strong bacon scent.

Reviews:

Lorie   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It’s my dog’s favorite treat. It’s apparently tasty enough to really get his attention but small enough so he’s not being overfed.”

Deborah   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These treats can even be broken into more pieces when training. Even my foster who is not treat motivated will sit for one of these.”

3. Finley’s Barkery Wheat-Free Baked Dogs Treats | Blueberry & Coconut Crunchy Biscuit (12 oz.)

This proud American product hails from the kitchens of Finley’s Barkery. Many doggos have gone crazy for the Blueberry and Coconut recipe, but their owners didn’t have to worry because these are among the healthiest treats for dogs.

The baked biscuits are only made using six high-quality, human-grade ingredients. They’re made without corn, soy, wheat, fillers, or chemical preservatives. So if your pet is allergic to so many things, he might do well with these eats.

The Peanut Butter & Pumpkin recipe is also just as good and it has the same amount of calories as the Blueberry and Coconut. With 50% of profits supporting disabled people, you can be a good Samaritan with each bag you purchase.

  • Pros

    • Limited-ingredient recipe using real, wholesome ingredients
    • Suitable for allergy-prone dogs, those with sensitive tummies, and seniors
    • Comes in many non-meat varieties that dogs love
    • No grains, wheat, soy, preservatives, etc

  • Cons

    • Breaking the treat into half makes it crumbly.

Reviews:

Sarah   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Love these! Limited ingredients, no meat flavor (which I stay away from), break apart easily into smaller pieces for ‘training bits’ on walks, etc. I also buy them in the apple cinnamon and peanut butter/mixed flavors. Our go-to crunchy treats.”

Kristine   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My dog goes bonkers for these. You’d think they had unicorn hearts in them or something. And the company employs people with disabilities and donates to causes that help support them! So awesome!”

4. Riley’s Organic Healthiest Treats for Dogs | Pumpkin & Coconut (5 oz.)

Looking for a guilt-free, delicious snack for your furry pal? Grab a bag of Riley’s Pumpkin & Coconut Bone Dog Treats! These treats are a hit with dogs everywhere. And let me tell you, they smell like a pumpkin spice latte on a crisp fall day!

Coming in two sizes, you may choose “Small Bones” for puppies and adult dogs under 25 pounds and “Large Bones” for large breeds. For training, we suggest you opt for the Small Bones. Each small treat only contains 5 calories, while the larger one has 59 calories.

Riley’s is an American product that takes pride in using organic, human-grade ingredients. The Pumpkin and Coconut recipe only uses 6 ingredients. So if you have a sensitive pooch, you really should give these goodies a try!

  • Pros

    • Limited-ingredient recipe using organic ingredients
    • Ideal for allergy-prone dogs and those with sensitive tummies
    • Crunchy and does not crumble easily
    • Smells good enough for a human to eat
    • No wheat, soy, preservatives, etc.

  • Cons

    • Nothing worth mentioning

Reviews:

Kathy   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Are you ready to spoil your pup with a snack that’s not only delicious but also gentle on their tummy? Let me tell you, these treats have become an instant hit in our household, especially with my beloved pup, Wren. Wren, my adorable four-legged companion, is quite the connoisseur when it comes to treats. With a sensitive tummy, finding the perfect snack for her can be a bit challenging. But from the moment she sank her teeth into Riley’s Pumpkin & Coconut Bone Dog Treats, it was love at first bite! Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs like Wren. Since we’ve incorporated these treats into her diet, we’ve noticed a significant improvement in her digestion and overall well-being. No more upset tummies or digestive woes — just happy tail wags and satisfied woofs!”

Sue   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The Large Riley’s Pumpkin & Coconut Flavored Treats are number one for our rescue. Riley’s Organic Treats are excellent with clean ingredients. Don’t be fooled about the size — the large size is only 2 inches long but just right for our 50-pound puppy! The Large size is the normal size found in most dog treats. The small is very, very small. I wish they would make an X-Large treat more than 2 inches long, as our pup who may soon be 70 pounds. They smell delicious & healthy, too.”

5. The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews | Hearty Wolffish Skins (3.25 oz.)

Looking for the healthiest treats for dogs coming straight from the ocean? You’re looking at it right now!

The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews are made of 100% pure Wolffish skins that are sustainably sourced from Europe. The treats are produced in a human food facility; rest assured, your beloved pet gets the same safety standards you would expect from your grub.

Dehydrated Wolffish skins are packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a tasty and nutritious alternative to rawhide. Of course, as with any long chew, you’ll want to supervise your dog while he’s enjoying his treat. Occasionally, you might find a small cartilage or bone attached to the chew, but this is rare and easily removed by a pair of scissors.

If you’re worried about the fishy smell, let’s just say your dog will love it! But don’t worry, the smell won’t linger in your house for too long. There are also cod fish skins available.

  • Pros

    • Single-ingredient treat made with 100% Wolffish skin
    • Produced in a human food facility
    • Packed with protein and omega-3
    • A healthier alternative to rawhide
    • Long-lasting chews

  • Cons

    • People say it’s stinky, but it’s not really a bad smell if you’re used to cooking and eating fish
    • Yummy but pricey

Reviews:

Dinadan   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Perfect high-value chews! These are awesome treats that are often sold out at my local stores. They are perfect to distract my puppy while I am busy doing something else. Let your dog chew on it while you hold it. Practice letting them chew on it, then take it away, then let them have it again. This will help prevent possessiveness of these smelly, high-value chews.”

Kelly   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love these because they’re so simple and wholesome. They’re literally just fish skins. You won’t appreciate the fishy aroma, but your dog will. And they’re really thin but tough and satisfyingly challenging to chew. I wouldn’t call them long-lasting because my dog can break one down in about 2 minutes, but they give her an exciting texture and flavor that’s very unlike any other treats.”

6. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows (2.5 oz.)

If you prefer to keep things simple, you’ll find this single-ingredient recipe the healthiest treats for dogs— and cats. Yes, I heard cats love ‘em, too!

Made from American-sourced minnows, these treats are ideal for dogs with sensitivities. They are prepared without artificial flavoring, preservatives, and other fishy ingredients that might be harmful to your pet.

Are they tasty? Of course! Freeze-drying the minnows for 48 hours ensures they lock in all the seafood goodness and nutrients without cooking the raw meat. Therefore, your dog is getting the best possible nutrition from the fish.

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows are sure to satisfy Sniffer while providing him with a generous dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Pros

    • Single-ingredient treat made with 100% freeze-dried minnows
    • Low-calorie but rich in protein and omega-3
    • No need to break the treat in half as the fish are small enough
    • No overpowering fish smell

  • Cons

    • Some find it expensive.

Reviews:

Kathy   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Both my dogs and cats can’t wait to get this treat. Took me a while to get used to giving them a whole fish as I only used them for fishing.”

MyDogIsReallyCute   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Since my dog’s favorite protein is seafood, I buy a lot of fish protein treats. The only thing that I don’t like about fish treats is the scent lingering in my bag and fingers. But this one has no fish scent! Also, it’s a small fish, so you don’t have to break it into pieces. I shared it with other dogs and they all liked it. I will buy it again and again.”

7. Chippin Soft Jerkies | Wild-Caught Silver Copi Fish (5 oz.)

Did you know you and your four-legged sidekick can help fight invasive species one treat at a time? To help curb the overpopulation of Silver Copi, Chippin partnered with local fisheries to use these invasive fish as the star ingredient in its soft jerkies.

Fish is a great alternative for dogs with food allergies to more common animal proteins, such as chicken and beef. Likewise, fish is easier to digest.

What’s more, Copi is packed in Omega-3 to make your pooch look his best. So, say goodbye to itchy skin and hello to a shiny coat! Omega-3 also promotes joint and cognitive health. Your pup will be doing your taxes in no time. Okay, maybe not, but you get the gist!

If you have a smaller dog or a senior with poor teeth, worry not! These bites are easily breakable, so every pooch can enjoy them without pain and drama.

  • Pros

    • Made with real, wholesome ingredients only
    • Dogs love its savory taste and aroma
    • Soft and chewy but can be broken in half without crumbling
    • Rich in Omega-3
    • No wheat, soy, preservatives, and other fishy ingredients

  • Cons

    • So far, not a single bad review.

Reviews:

Jacob   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Chippin’s concept of using natural sustainable ingredients to fight invasive species is novel and really cool. Plus, my dog loves it! I hope the price can come down as they get more notoriety.”

Jenn   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My dog absolutely loves these treats. I use them as one of her high-value treat options on our walks. They are soft so you can easily break them into smaller pieces. But they still hold their shape and are not crumbly. Plus I love the mission of this company and its focus on sustainability.”

Conclusion

As you can see, these treats are versatile. You can use them for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply as a way to show your furry pals some love. Some of them can even be used as food toppers.

While there are many options available on the market, the ones mentioned above are some of the healthiest treats for dogs out there. They are suitable for any dog and can be enjoyed every day! How about getting all 7 treats and giving Doggo a different one each day? Happy snacking! 🐶♥️

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jerky treats healthy?
Beef jerkies are delicious protein snacks, but they also tend to be high in fat and sodium. Healthy dogs may indulge in jerkies once in a while.
Can you give overweight dogs treats?
Yes, of course, but choose low-calorie treats and give them only in moderation.
Are freeze-dried dog treats cooked?
Freeze-dried dog treats don’t involve cooking. Instead, raw cuts of meat or fish are gradually frozen at extremely low temperatures. The chemical composition of the ingredients remains unaltered during this process. As a result, the meats retain their inherent nutrients and protein structures, rendering them highly nutritious and delicious without the need for additives.
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