9 Best Dog Treats in 2026
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Greenies Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats take the Best Overall spot as the veterinarian-recommended daily dental chew with clinical data backing its tartar and plaque reduction. For training, the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats offer a pure single-ingredient reward, while Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats provide the best value for frequent use.
Every dog owner faces a different treat problem: bad breath and plaque buildup, a puppy that needs tiny rewards to stay focused, or a senior with a sensitive mouth that still wants a snack. The right treat depends on your dog’s size, age, dietary needs, and what you’re trying to achieve, dental health, training motivation, or simply a happy face at treat time.
This guide ranks nine treats based on manufacturer specifications, ingredient lists, calorie counts, and patterns in owner feedback. We focused on what actually matters for each use case so you can match a treat to your dog without guesswork.
Top 9 Dog Treats in the Market
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.
The Best Dog Treats, Reviewed
Greenies Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats
What We Like
- Veterinarian-recommended for daily dental care
- Clinically proven to reduce tartar and plaque
- Cleans down to the gumline
- Natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals
Trade-offs
- Only for small dogs 5-15 lbs
- Requires daily use for best results
A daily dental treat that supports 47% less tartar and 40% less plaque accumulation over 28 days, according to data on file, is a solid reason to consider these Greenies Teenie treats. They are designed for small dogs between five and fifteen pounds, with a texture that cleans down to the gumline. The chicken flavor and natural ingredients with added vitamins make it a practical addition to your dog’s routine. For a dog that size, this treat supports the four areas vets check most: plaque, tartar, gums, and breath.
The trade-off is that the chicken flavor is the only option listed for this size, and the results are tied to daily use as part of a dental care routine. If your dog is picky about poultry or you prefer a different treat for training, the Blue Buffalo Bits training treats offer a beef-based alternative for general rewards. But if you want a treat that supports measurable dental benefits while still being a tasty reward, these Greenies earn a spot on the list.
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats
What We Like
- Single ingredient: 100% beef liver
- Freeze-dried raw preserves natural scent
- Bite-sized for training rewards
- No fillers, preservatives, or artificial colors
Trade-offs
- 2.1 oz bag is small for heavy treaters
- Single protein limits dogs with beef sensitivities
- Freeze-dried liver crumbles easily in pockets
A single ingredient, 100% beef liver, means there’s nothing to wonder about when you’re handing one to your dog mid-walk. Freeze-dried raw locks in the natural aroma and flavor that dogs find irresistible, which makes these bite-sized pieces ideal for training sessions where you need your pup to stay engaged. The shelf-stable bag lives in your pantry or car without refrigeration, so you can grab a handful on the way out the door without planning ahead.
The 2.1-ounce bag doesn’t go far if you have a large dog or do multiple training sessions a day, and the crumbly texture can leave a dusting in your pocket. Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats come in a 19-ounce bag, so that option offers more volume per purchase. Best for owners who want a clean, single-protein training treat with minimal processing and maximum dog appeal.
Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats
What We Like
- Real beef is first ingredient
- DHA supports puppy cognitive development
- Soft texture keeps training focus
- No chicken by-product meals
Trade-offs
- Contains brown rice and oatmeal (not grain-free)
- Not suitable for dogs on a grain-free diet
Real beef as the first ingredient and added DHA for cognitive development make these treats a logical choice for early training sessions. The soft, bite-sized texture lets you reward repeatedly without breaking a puppy’s concentration, which is exactly what you need when teaching sit, stay, or recall. They’re also formulated for all life stages, so the same bag works for an adult dog that still needs a little reinforcement.
These treats contain brown rice and oatmeal, which are wholesome grains that support healthy digestion. For dogs that need a grain-free diet, a single-ingredient option like Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats may be a better fit. If your puppy has no grain issues, the balanced recipe and training-friendly texture are hard to beat.
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats
What We Like
- Veterinarian-recommended for dental health
- Clinically proven tartar and plaque reduction
- Unique texture cleans down to gumline
- Supports oral microbiome balance
Trade-offs
- Only sized for dogs 25-50 lbs
- Requires daily use for best results
A 47% reduction in tartar and 40% less plaque over 28 days means this treat is doing real dental work, not just keeping your dog busy. Designed for medium dogs between 25 and 50 pounds, the textured chew reaches down to the gumline in a way a standard biscuit cannot.
This treat is purpose-built for medium dogs only. If your pup runs smaller or larger, you will need a different size from Greenies or another brand entirely. Compared to single-ingredient treats like Vital Essentials Beef Liver, which offer simplicity but no dental benefit, the Greenies Regular delivers targeted oral care that requires commitment, daily use over weeks to see the clinical results. It is not a quick fix, but for a medium-sized dog whose breath and teeth need attention, the science backs the routine.
Fruitables Baked Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
What We Like
- Only 8 calories per treat
- Supports healthy digestion with pumpkin
- No wheat, corn, or soy
Trade-offs
- Single flavor limits picky-eater appeal
- Crunchy texture won't suit dogs that prefer soft chews
Eight calories per treat means you can reward your dog a dozen times without undoing a walk. That calorie count is the whole point here. Fruitables baked these as a low-calorie crunchy biscuit with pumpkin and banana, so you get a treat that supports digestion and avoids the wheat, corn, and soy that set off sensitive stomachs. If your dog needs frequent rewards during training or you’re managing weight, this is the straightforward option that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. It’s a biscuit that does one job well: deliver a satisfying crunch without the calorie guilt.
At just 8 calories per treat, these baked biscuits let you reward your dog frequently without derailing a weight-management plan. They’re crunchy, not chewy, so a dog that loves a crisp bite will stay engaged, while pups that prefer soft textures might lose interest. For training sessions, the pumpkin and banana flavor keeps even picky dogs focused, making this a practical tool for both daily rewards and keeping your dog lean.
Product photos
Bocce's Bakery PB & Banana Soft Dog Treats
What We Like
- Only 9 calories per treat
- Soft texture for sensitive mouths
- Limited ingredient list with 9 ingredients
- Free from wheat, corn, and soy
Trade-offs
- Not suitable for dogs needing dental crunch
- Contains oat flour, not for grain-free diets.
Nine calories per treat means you can hand out a handful during training without turning a twenty-pound pup into a round one. The soft, chewy texture comes from a recipe with oat flour, peanut butter, banana, and rolled oats. These treats are wheat-, corn-, and soy-free, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Bocce’s Bakery bakes them in the USA with a short ingredient list, making them a good option for puppies, picky eaters, and senior pups with sensitive mouths.
Soft baked is exactly what the name says. If your dog needs a crunchy treat for dental health, this won’t provide that texture. But for everyday rewarding, especially for dogs that prefer a softer bite, these cookies offer a chewy option without the crunch.
Product photos
Zuke's Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats
What We Like
- Only 2 calories per treat
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Soft, chewy texture
- Made with real chicken and cherries
Trade-offs
- Not suitable for dogs needing dental chews
- Contains cherries, which some dogs avoid
At just 2 calories per treat, Zuke’s Mini Naturals let you reward your dog repeatedly during a training session without blowing their daily calorie budget. That low calorie count is the whole point here, it turns a simple snack into a practical training tool. Made with real chicken and cherries, these soft, chewy bites skip the corn, wheat, and soy, and they’re crafted in the USA. This bag delivers the volume you need for the money.
Each treat delivers only 2 calories, so you can reward your dog repeatedly during a training session without worrying about overfeeding. These soft, chewy bites are made with real chicken and cherries, plus added vitamins and minerals, and they contain no corn, wheat, or soy. That makes them a straightforward choice for owners who want a simple, low-calorie reward that encourages bonding on walks or adventures.
Product photos
CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS TR-GFPUMPKIN-1 Dog Treat
What We Like
- Human-grade, limited-ingredient recipe
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Low-calorie at 12 kcal each
- Resealable BPA-free pouch
Trade-offs
- Plant-based protein won't satisfy dogs expecting meaty treats
Five ingredients, all recognizable from a pantry, make this the treat for owners who read labels like a detective novel. Real pumpkin provides fiber for sensitive stomachs, while Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon round out a grain-free, gluten-free recipe that skips wheat, dairy, chicken, and every preservative you’d want to avoid. At 12 calories per biscuit, you can reward generously without second-guessing the math. That makes it handy for training sessions or for dogs who act like every walk is a negotiation.
The biggest draw here is a clean, limited-ingredient treat that skips the guesswork for owners of dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. These biscuits are made with just five ingredients, real pumpkin, garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon, and are free of wheat, dairy, chicken, preservatives, BHT, BHA, and artificial flavors. At 12 kcal per treat, they let you reward freely without piling on calories, and the resealable pouch keeps them fresh between walks or training sessions.
Product photos
JustFoodForDogs Chicken Breast Jerky Treats
What We Like
- Single ingredient for allergy-prone dogs
- No fillers, preservatives, or by-products
- Low-calorie for training and sensitive stomachs
Trade-offs
- Soft texture won't clean teeth like dental treats
- Not suitable for dogs that need dental abrasion
A single ingredient, chicken breast, means you know exactly what your dog is eating. That is the whole point for owners dealing with allergies, food sensitivities, or just a desire to avoid the alphabet soup of preservatives other treats pack in. That chewy, semi-crisp texture keeps it interesting enough for even a stubborn adult dog to work for during training. The low-calorie count means you can use them liberally without turning a puppy into a marshmallow. This is the jerky you reach for when you want a reward that feels like real food because it is real food.
This treat is built for purity, not for multitasking. Unlike dental treats that support oral health, these jerky strips offer no dental benefit, so you will still need a separate plan for tartar control. For owners who prioritize clean ingredients above all else, that trade is easy to accept; for anyone hoping one treat does everything, it is worth knowing the limit.
Product photos
How We Evaluated Dog Treats
We started with the published specs: calorie count per treat, ingredient list, protein source, texture, and size range. Manufacturer data told us which treats are designed for dental abrasion, which are meant for training, and which cater to food sensitivities. From there, we cross-referenced owner feedback to see how well those claims held up in real homes.
Four criteria drove every ranking. Calorie density matters because treats should not add more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories. Ingredient quality separates single-protein, limited-ingredient treats from those with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Texture and size determine whether a treat works for training (tiny and soft) or dental care (firm and shaped to clean molars). Targeted purpose, dental, training, puppy, sensitive stomach, narrowed each pick to the dog it actually serves.
The limits of a research-led evaluation are worth stating: we have not fed these treats to a panel of dogs, and individual canine preferences vary wildly. Owner feedback patterns are useful signals, not guarantees. What we can do is give you the facts to make an informed choice for your specific dog.
What To Look For In Dog Treats
Before you buy, understand what your dog actually needs. A dental chew for a Chihuahua is not the same as a training treat for a Labrador puppy. And a jerky strip for an allergy-prone dog is different from a soft cookie for a senior with missing teeth.
Choose treats by calorie count, ingredient list, texture, and your dog’s size. A training treat should be under 5 calories. A dental treat must match your dog’s weight range. A sensitive-stomach dog needs a single-ingredient or limited-ingredient recipe.
Calories Per Treat
Treats add up fast. A 50-pound dog’s daily treat allowance is roughly 100 calories, the equivalent of two large dental chews or fifty 2-calorie training treats. Low-calorie options like the Fruitables Baked Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats (8 calories) and Zuke’s Mini Naturals (2 calories) let you reward frequently without blowing the budget. For training sessions, look for treats under 5 calories each. For dental chews, accept the higher calorie count because the dental benefit is the point.
Ingredient Transparency
The shorter the ingredient list, the easier it is to know what your dog is eating. Single-ingredient treats like the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver or the JustFoodForDogs Chicken Breast Jerky leave no room for mystery. Limited-ingredient recipes with named protein sources and recognizable carbohydrates are the next best option. Avoid treats with corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or unspecified “meat by-products”, these add bulk without nutrition and can trigger allergies.
Texture and Purpose
Texture determines function. Soft, chewy treats work for training because a dog can swallow them fast and refocus. Crunchy treats provide some dental scraping but not the deep cleaning of a shaped dental chew. Dental treats like Greenies have a specific texture and porous structure designed to scrub the gumline. Jerky treats offer a satisfying tear-and-chew experience but do not replace a dental chew. Match the texture to the goal: soft for training, firm for dental, chewy for a long-lasting reward.
Size and Weight Range
Dental treats are sized by weight for a reason, a treat too large risks choking, and a treat too small does not engage the molars. Greenies makes four sizes covering 5 to 50-plus pounds. Training treats should be bite-sized regardless of dog size; a large dog can handle a pea-sized piece, but a tiny dog needs something smaller than a fingernail. Check the weight range on the package before buying.
- Look for treats that list the calorie count per piece, many brands hide this in fine print or omit it.
- Check the first three ingredients: a named protein should appear first, not a grain or filler.
- For dogs with allergies, choose a single-protein treat from a novel source (beef, chicken, or lamb are common; venison or salmon are less common).
- Match the treat texture to your dog’s dental health: soft treats for seniors with missing teeth or gum disease, crunchy or chewy treats for dogs with healthy teeth.
- Consider the bag size: a 2-ounce bag of freeze-dried liver disappears fast; a 12-ounce bag of training treats lasts longer for the same calorie budget.
A good rule: if you would not eat it yourself, do not feed it to your dog. Human-grade treats like the CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS line meet that standard.
Dog Treats Compared
The table below compares each treat by its primary purpose, calorie count, ingredient profile, and the type of dog it best serves, use it to narrow your options before reading the detailed reviews.
| Product | Key Ingredient | Texture | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats | Chicken | Unique design cleans to gumline | 2.2 pounds |
| Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats | 100% beef liver | Freeze-dried raw | 0.1 pounds |
| Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats | Real Beef | Soft, tender, bite-sized | 1.2 pounds |
| Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats | Chicken | Unique design cleans to gumline | 2.2 pounds |
| Fruitables Baked Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats | Pumpkin | Crunchy | 0.5 pounds |
| Bocce's Bakery PB & Banana Soft Dog Treats | Peanut butter, banana, oat flour | Soft & chewy | 0.4 pounds |
| Zuke's Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats | Real chicken, cherries | Soft | 1.0 pounds |
| CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS TR-GFPUMPKIN-1 Dog Treat | Pumpkin, garbanzo bean flour, peanut butter | Crunchy | 0.3 pounds |
| JustFoodForDogs Chicken Breast Jerky Treats | Single chicken breast | Chewy, semi-crisp | 0.3 pounds |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best dog treats for training?
The best training treats are small, soft, and low in calories so you can reward repeatedly without overfeeding. The Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats offer a potent aroma that keeps a dog focused, while Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats deliver a soft, chewy texture at only 2 calories each. For puppies, the Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats add DHA for cognitive development in a soft, easy-to-eat format.
How many dog treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For a dog on a standard diet, that is roughly 80 to 100 calories from treats, about two Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats or 50 Zuke’s Mini Naturals. The rest of the calories must come from a balanced meal. If you are using treats heavily during training, reduce the dog’s meal portion accordingly.
What dog treats are good for puppies?
Puppies need soft, small treats that support development and are easy to chew. The Blue Buffalo Bits Beef Training Treats are formulated with DHA, a fatty acid linked to healthy brain and eye development in puppies. Their soft texture works well for young dogs still teething. For more choices, our guide to natural dog treats covers options for every life stage.
Are grain-free dog treats better for my dog?
Grain-free treats are necessary only for dogs with a diagnosed grain allergy or sensitivity, which is relatively uncommon. Most dogs digest grains like oats and brown rice without issue. The Blue Buffalo Bits contain brown rice and oatmeal and are fine for most dogs. If your dog has shown signs of food allergies, itchy skin, ear infections, digestive upset, a grain-free, limited-ingredient treat like the CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS line is worth trying under veterinary guidance.
What is the best dog treat for dental health?
The Greenies line is the most widely recommended dental treat by veterinarians. Both the Teenie size for small dogs and the Regular size for medium dogs are clinically proven to reduce tartar and plaque with daily use. Their unique porous texture cleans down to the gumline. Dental treats work best as part of a complete oral care routine that includes brushing and professional cleanings.
The Bottom Line
The Greenies Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats are the best overall pick for small-dog owners who want a daily dental solution backed by clinical evidence. Medium-dog owners should choose the Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats for the same proven tartar and plaque reduction at the right size.
If your priority is training, the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver Treats deliver a high-value single-ingredient reward for focused sessions. Meanwhile, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Training Treats offer the best balance of low calories and soft texture for frequent use. For puppies, the Blue Buffalo Bits provide brain-supporting DHA in a soft, trainable format. Owners of dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies should look at the JustFoodForDogs Chicken Breast Jerky or the CRAFTED BY HUMANS LOVED BY DOGS limited-ingredient treat.
The single most important factor in choosing a dog treat is matching it to your dog’s actual needs, size, age, health status, and what you want the treat to accomplish. A dental chew cannot replace a training treat, and a jerky strip cannot clean teeth. Pick the tool for the job, keep the calories in check, and your dog will thank you with a wagging tail.
