10 Best Dog Treats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Are you looking for the best dog treats to reward your furry friend in 2024? You‘re not alone – over 75% of dog owners regularly give treats to their pup. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which dog treats are truly healthy.

As a veterinarian and life-long dog lover, I‘m passionate about helping owners make informed choices when it comes to their dog‘s diet and treating habits. High-quality, natural treats can offer benefits like improved dental health, shinier coats, and even better digestion. But the wrong treats can contribute to weight gain, allergies, and other health issues.

In this guide, I‘ll share my top 10 picks for the healthiest dog treats you can give in 2024. I‘ve carefully evaluated the ingredient quality, production methods, and health benefits of each treat. Whether you‘re looking for training rewards, a tasty chew, or a treat to support your senior dog, I‘ve got you covered with expert-approved recommendations.

But first, let‘s discuss what exactly makes a dog treat "healthy". When shopping for treats, prioritize:

• Whole food, natural ingredients like real meat, fruits, and veggies
• Organic, non-GMO ingredients when possible
• Protein as the first ingredient (unless it‘s a plant-based treat)
• Short, easy-to-read ingredient lists
• Made in the USA or Canada with clear sourcing
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
• No by-products, "meat meal", or vague ingredient terms

You‘ll also want to consider your individual dog‘s needs. Puppies, seniors, small breeds, and dogs with health conditions may have different nutritional needs and treat options. I‘ve included top picks for every life stage and special diet in my list below.

Here are my top 10 best healthy dog treats for 2024, starting with my overall top pick:

1. Spot Farms Human-Grade Chicken Strips

   • Made with just one ingredient: 100% USDA certified human-grade chicken breast
   • Slow-cooked and air-dried to preserve nutrients
   • 15 calories per strip, 86 treats per package
   • High protein, grain-free, and easy to digest
   • Great for training or as a meal topper
   • A bit pricey but worth it for the quality

2. Zuke‘s Mini Naturals Rabbit Recipe Dog Treats

   • Bite-sized morsels perfect for training
   • Real rabbit as the first ingredient
   • Just 3 calories per treat
   • Fortified with superfoods like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed
   • No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
   • Made in the USA

3. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers

   • Freeze-dried raw pieces made with cage-free chicken or grass-fed beef
   • Can be given as treats or used as a food topper
   • Just 7-8 calories per piece
   • Minimally processed to preserve nutrients
   • Free of grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, and artificial colors & preservatives
   • Made in the USA

4. Wet Noses Organic Dog Treats

   • Soft, bite-sized treats made with 100% USDA organic ingredients
   • Available in flavors like peanut butter, sweet potato, and pumpkin
   • Just 10 calories per treat
   • Non-GMO and grain-free
   • No corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients
   • Family owned & made in the USA

5. Yak Snak Dog Chews

   • Made from yak & cow milk, salt and lime juice – just 4 natural ingredients
   • Contains 52% protein
   • Suitable for dogs of all sizes
   • Promotes dental health and keeps dogs busy
   • Good value as they last a long time
   • Supervise your dog as pieces may break off

6. PureBites Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

   • Made with just one ingredient (chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, or salmon)
   • Raw, freeze-dried pieces lock in nutrients
   • Only 5 calories per treat
   • Ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
   • Great option for training

7. Riley‘s Organic Dog Treats

   • Baked treats made with human-grade, organic, non-GMO ingredients
   • Real meat (chicken or peanut butter) is the first ingredient
   • Flavors like pumpkin & coconut and rosehip & lemon balm
   • 100% plant-based options available
   • No corn, soy, or artificial preservatives
   • Made in the USA

8. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Heaven Biscuits

   • Crunchy biscuits made with lamb, parsley, flaxseed, honey
   • Grain-free recipe with only 9 ingredients
   • Less than 15 calories per biscuit
   • No fillers, by-products, artificial flavors, or preservatives
   • Antioxidant-rich for immune support
   • Good value with many treats per bag

9. Full Moon Natural Cut Jerky

   • Made with 100% human-grade ingredients like USDA chicken or duck
   • High in protein, low in fat
   • No glycerin, grains, corn, or artificial flavors or preservatives
   • Sourced and made in the USA
   • Chewy texture dogs love

10. Earthbones Dental Chews

    • Grain-free dental chew made with natural ingredients like sweet potato and cinnamon
    • Helps freshen breath and reduce plaque and tartar
    • Free of wheat, corn, soy and artificial colors & flavors
    • Available in sizes suitable for dogs 20-90 lbs
    • Made in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Treats

1. Are table scraps ok for dogs?
   No, table scraps and human food are often too high in fat, salt, and spices for dogs. Some foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate are toxic. Stick to treats made specifically for dogs.

2. Can dog treats replace meals?
   No, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog‘s daily caloric intake. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food. Over-treating can lead to nutritional imbalances and weight gain.

3. Do treats cause weight gain in dogs?
   They can if given in excess. To prevent weight gain, limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog‘s daily calories, and choose low-calorie options. Also make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

4. Are expensive treats better?
   Not necessarily. Focus on the quality of ingredients rather than price. Many affordable treats offer excellent nutrition, while some pricey treats are still full of fillers. Read labels carefully.

The Importance of Treating Responsibly

So there you have it – my top picks for the healthiest dog treats available now and into 2024. As dog owners, it‘s so tempting to want to shower our pups with treats. But I hope this guide has shown the importance of choosing treating mindfully and selectively.

Treats should be used as a way to bond with your dog, reward good behavior, and support their overall health – not just to indulge them with empty calories. By rotating the healthy options on this list and practicing moderation, you can feel good about making treating a positive part of your dog‘s life for years to come. Your dog will thank you!