10 Must-Have Dog Treats of 2024: Expert Reviews and Ratings

10 Must-Have Dog Treats of 2024: Expert Reviews and Ratings

Every dog loves a good treat, no matter the age or breed! If you’re looking for a new goodie that your pup can munch on, scrolling endlessly on pet sites for options can be tedious. So, we checked out the market for you and found 10 of the best dog treats available.

There is something here for everyone, so be sure to check out the reviews and buyer’s guide to make your shopping experience easy and your dog happy!

The 10 Best Dog Treats

1. Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats — Best Overall

Ingredients:Chicken meatball
Size:28 ounces
Features:Everyday nutrition

The best overall dog treats are Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats. Most dogs gobble up these tasty chicken meatballs without hesitation. These snacks will have your dog begging for more from taste alone, but the ingredients are also quite appealing for conscious pet parents.

This recipe contains chicken, soy grits, and beef in the first three ingredients. There is 20% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 3% crude fiber. They are made with quality ingredients hand-picked by the creators to give a robust boost to the diet.

You can use the package guidelines to feed your pup. Each one is perfectly fine for any stage of life—from puppies to seniors. So, if you have dogs of varying ages at your home, these snacks will work well.

There are no artificial ingredients or meat byproducts, and they are full of rich protein. These treats have great texture, and most pups say that they taste great! However, they won’t be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

ProsCons
Excellent ingredients
For all life stages
Highly appetizing
Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies

2. Blue Buffalo Health Bars — Best Value

Ingredients:Apples and yogurt
Size:3.5 pounds
Features:Stomach, skin, and coat benefits

For a healthy and affordable snack, the 3.5-pound box of Blue Buffalo Health Bars is a great choice. Available in flavors like apple and yogurt, bacon, egg and cheese, and more, these treats feature wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, oat flour, and chicken meal. With 17% protein, 7% fat, and 5% fiber, each 70-calorie bar is a satisfying bite. Free from BHA, meat or bone meal, and wheat, these treats are a solid value. The only downside is that small dogs might struggle to chew them.

ProsCons
Healthy
No harsh ingredients
Affordable
May be hard for small dogs to chew

3. Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders — Premium Choice

Ingredients:Chicken
Size:30 ounces
Features:Everyday nutrition

Though a bit pricey, Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders are a treat your dog will love. Made from just two ingredients chicken breast and vegetable glycerin they offer high quality protein in a long lasting jerky strip. Each piece contains 4 calories, 65% protein, 1% fat, and 1% fiber. Ideal for dogs 5 pounds and up (unless they have a chicken allergy), these treats are worth the investment for their quality, taste, and health benefits.

ProsCons
Only two ingredients
Quality snack
Long-lasting
Expensive

4. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats — Best for Puppies

Ingredients:Chicken
Size:1 pound
Features:Everyday nutrition

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats are perfect for training your puppy, whether for potty training or learning commands. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken, rice, oats, and potatoes, these treats are only 2 calories each, so you can reward your pup without worrying about weight gain. With 10% protein, 4% fat, and 2% fiber, they’re a healthy choice. Free from corn, wheat, and soy, they’re gentle on your dog’s stomach. Available in various flavors, these soft, bite sized treats are ideal for pups with different protein preferences or allergies.

ProsCons
Ideal training size
Perfect for puppies
Many flavors
Not ideal size for larger breeds


5. Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats

Ingredients:Beef and filet mignon
Size:25 ounces
Features:Occasional snacking

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats are a flavor-packed snack that will have your pup wagging their tail in delight. With a perfect texture and strong aroma, these treats are sure to get a big reaction from your dog. The first ingredients include beef, chicken, soy grits, sugar, corn starch, and filet mignon. Each treat contains 24 calories, 18% protein, 8% fat, and 2.5% fiber.

These soft treats are easy to chew, making them suitable for puppies or senior dogs. They’re also great for picky eaters, as they can help stimulate appetite. However, the size is better suited for larger breeds. Be sure to check the ingredients for potential allergens if your dog has dietary restrictions.

ProsCons
Chewy for larger breeds
Very flavorful
Excellent texture
Not for all diets

6. Three Dog Bakery Soft Baked Assort-Mutt Trio

Ingredients:Oats and apple, peanut butter, vanilla
Size:32 ounces
Features:Everyday nutrition

Your pup will love the Three Dog Bakery Soft Baked Assort Mutt Trio, offering triple the flavor in every bite! These treats are slowly baked for maximum flavor and softness. The first ingredients include wheat flour, canola oil, honey, glycerin, and rolled oats. The trio of flavors oats and apple, peanut butter, and vanilla makes for a fun surprise every time. Each treat contains 43 calories, 8% protein, 13% fat, and 2% fiber.

We appreciate the variety and the company’s commitment to using wholesome, artificial-free ingredients. These treats are also made in the USA and come in a resealable pouch to keep them soft. However, they aren’t suitable for gluten sensitive pups.

ProsCons
No artificial additives or salt
Made in the U.S.A.
Multiple flavors
Not gluten-free


7. Purina Beggin’ Fun Size Dog Treats

Ingredients:Bacon
Size:25 ounces
Features:Occasional snacking

Purina Beggin’ Fun Size Dog Treats have been a favorite for years, offering that irresistible bacon flavor that will have your dog drooling. However, keep in mind that these may not be suitable for all dogs with digestive sensitivities.

The first ingredients include pork, barley, rice, wheat, oatmeal, and soybean meal. Each treat contains just 7 calories, 15% protein, 3.5% fat, and 3.5% fiber. These smaller strips are perfect for training and can be a great option for dogs on a diet, as they allow for portion control.

Made in the U.S.A. with a resealable pouch to keep them fresh, these treats are a quick and tasty reward for your pup. Just be sure the ingredients are compatible with your dog’s dietary needs.

ProsCons
Robust flavor
Bite sized
Resealable pouch
Not for all diet restrictions



8. DreamBone Spirals Variety Pack Chews Dog Treats

Ingredients:Variety
Size:7.3 ounces
Features:Rawhide alternative

If your pup loves rawhides but shouldn’t have them, DreamBone Spirals Variety Pack Chews are a great alternative. They offer the same satisfying texture without the digestive risks.

The first ingredients include chicken, rice flour, pea starch, tapioca starch, and beef. Each treat has 35 calories, with 27% protein, 1.5% fat, and 3% fiber, plus added manganese and vitamin E.

These treats are designed to keep your pup occupied for several minutes, making them ideal for long-lasting rewards and dental cleaning. However, they’re not suitable for training due to their size and chew time. If you’re looking for a quick snack, these may not be the right fit.

ProsCons
Great alternative to rawhide
Slow reward for optimal enjoyment
Cleans teeth
Not for training


9. Cesar Softies Small Breed Dog Treats

Ingredients:Filet mignon
Size:18 ounces
Features:Occasional snacking

Cesar Softies Small Breed Dog Treats are the perfect snack for your small dog, offering a soft, aromatic texture that even picky eaters will love. These treats are great for training, rewarding, or enhancing meals by crumbling them over dry food.

Each treat contains just 7 calories, with ingredients like rice flour, wheat flour, sugar, and natural poultry flavor. They provide 4.5% protein, 4% fat, and 1% fiber.

However, be mindful of some ingredients like sugar and propylene glycol, which may not suit all dogs. If your pup has known allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to review the label before purchasing.

ProsCons
Designed for small dogs
Works as a topper
Calorie-friendly
Not for larger breeds
Not for all diets

10. Purina Busy Bone Jerky Twists

Ingredients:Beef and chicken
Size:6.52 ounces
Features:Dental

Purina Busy Bone Jerky Twists are perfect for a long-lasting chew, combining meaty morsels that help clean your dog’s teeth while satisfying their appetite.

The first ingredients include beef hide, chicken, bacon, salt, and natural and artificial smoke flavors. Each treat contains 32 calories and 80% protein, 1% fat, and 2% fiber, making it a protein-packed option.

These treats are designed for small to medium breeds and can keep your pup occupied for several minutes. However, they may pose a choking risk for large breeds. Though grain-free, they do contain artificial colors like Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which may not suit all dogs.

ProsCons
Long-lasting
Great for dental health
Savory flavor
Contain artificial dyes
Contain other preservatives
Not for big dogs

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Dog

When you’re shopping for dog treats, what exactly are you looking for? Here are a few categories you can think about before making any decisions.

Purpose of the Treats

Traits have many different purposes apart from flavor. Here are some areas of daily life where certain treats come in handy!

Training

You can give your dog a treat for training purposes. Often, if you’re potty training or command training, you want to reward your pup every time until they get the hang of things.

There’s no quicker way to a dog’s brain than through their stomach, so bite-sized treats can be handy. You won’t want to give them larger treats because they have a higher collar calorie content and take longer to eat.

Rewards

Sometimes you just want to reward your dog for good behavior. Maybe you’ve left them home alone, and they didn’t get into the trash. Maybe you have seen them go to the door and sit for the first time.

Regardless of why you think you want to reward your dog for good behavior, it’s always a nice incentive to give them a quick bite. You can use just about any treat you want to reward your dog. Sometimes, you just want it to be a quick thanks; other times, you want them to be able to sit and enjoy their snack.

Teeth Cleaning

Doubling up your dog’s dental health with a scrumptious snack is a double whammy. You can promote good dental health while giving your dog something to do. Dental chews are typically designed to last a lot longer, freshen breath, and remove plaque from the teeth.

They are a very good resource if brushing isn’t an everyday option in your household.

Occupying

Sometimes you just need a worthwhile snack to occupy your dog for a bit. Chewing is definitely a form of entertainment for them. While toys are fun, they’re sometimes less appealing than a good chew.

Ingredients in the Treats

Ingredients can matter. Some dogs don’t have any restrictions whatsoever, but there are considerations to keep in mind when you’re shopping. Here are just a few.

Flavor

The flavor is more than just about taste. Sometimes, you need a very flavorful snack to spark a picky dog’s appetite. Other times, you need a highly aromatic treat to get a dog’s attention. No matter your reasoning, taste matters! You’ll naturally want them to enjoy their treats.

Health

Maybe your dog is overweight and has an underlying health condition; in that case, you might need to be watching what they eat. Choosing a low-calorie snack is a good way to still be able to reward your dog without adding too many unnecessary calories to the diet.

Food Restrictions

Some dogs are allergic or have a food sensitivity to certain ingredients in common dog treats and food. If your dog has some type of sensitivity, it’s always best to look over the ingredients to ensure you are not giving them something that is potentially irritating to their system.

Conclusion

Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats are our favorite. They have an incredible texture, flavor, and size. You can give them to dogs of any life stage and breed size. All in all, we think most canines could get the use out of this bag of yummy snacks.

Blue Buffalo Health Bars are very modestly priced and make a terrific value. These bars are good for just about any canine, particularly ones that need to watch their weight. Blue uses only quality ingredients too.

Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders are delightful treats with minimal ingredients, so dogs of all sensitivities can enjoy them. These snacks also last a long time. Your dog can relax in their favorite spot and gnaw away at protein goodness, making them well worth the price.

Hopefully, these reviews helped you make a decision—or two! You can always get multiple treats for different purposes and let your pup try them all out!


Discover more from PupBoo

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *