13 Best Dog Treats of 2025: Vet-Recommended Picks for Every Pup
Flavorful, wholesome snacks crafted to boost training, dental health, overall well-being.
Finding the perfect dog treat can be overwhelming with the vast array of products on the market. To simplify your search and ensure your pup gets only the best, our team of veterinary experts has selected 13 top-rated treats suitable for every life stage, size, and special need. Learn how to choose, serve, and select the most nutritious, tasty rewards your dog will love, based on veterinary science and practical experience.
How to Choose the Best Dog Treats
The optimal dog treat delivers more than just flavorâit also supports overall health, training, and strong bonds between you and your pet. Before you shop, consider the following:
- Ingredients: Look for whole foods and clear sourcing, prioritizing treats with high-quality meats, vegetables, and a short list of recognizable ingredients.
- Calorie Content: Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dogâs daily caloric intake to prevent obesity and related health issues. Check caloric content per piece and adjust accordingly.
- Texture: Soft treats are ideal for training and senior dogs with dental concerns, while crunchy and chews promote dental health by helping reduce plaque.
- Size: The treat should be appropriate for your dogâs size and breed to avoid choking hazards.
- Purpose: Is the treat meant for training, dental care, occupying a bored pup, or delivering supplements or medication?
Popular Types of Dog Treats
- Training treats: Small, soft, low-calorie, and high-flavor bites to facilitate learning.
- Dental treats: Designed to freshen breath and reduce plaque as your dog chews.
- Long-lasting chews: Ideal for keeping dogs busy and satisfying their natural urge to chew.
- Functional treats: Infused with ingredients to support joint health, calm anxiety, or deliver omega fatty acids.
- Homemade treats: Customizable and simple, they allow you to control ingredients for dogs with allergies or special diets.
The 13 Best Dog Treats in 2025 (As Chosen by Veterinarians)
Below, discover the top dog treats across categories, handpicked by veterinary professionals for taste, safety, nutritional content, and unique benefits.
| Treat Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Treat | All dogs | Balanced nutrition, vet-formulated, excellent palatability |
| Best Training Treat | Puppies & adults | Small, low-calorie, motivating flavor |
| Best Dental Chew | Dogs prone to plaque/tartar | Textured to reduce buildup, easy digestion |
| Best Calming Chew | Dogs with anxiety or stress | Natural relaxing ingredients |
| Best Long-Lasting Chew | Active chewers, large breeds | Tough, safe, keeps dogs occupied |
| Best Limited-Ingredient Treat | Dogs with allergies | Minimal, allergy-friendly ingredients |
| Best Freeze-Dried/Dehydrated Treat | Raw feeders, picky eaters | High-protein, minimally processed |
| Best Functional Treat | Dogs needing joint, skin, or digestive support | Filled with supplements and targeted nutrients |
| Best Puppy Treat | Puppies (under 1 year) | Small, soft, safe for growing teeth |
| Best Senior Treat | Seniors (7+ years) | Soft, easy to chew, joint-friendly |
| Best Vegetarian/Vegan Treat | Dogs intolerant to animal proteins | Meatless, nutritious, rich in plant-based ingredients |
| Best for Sensitive Stomachs | Dogs with digestive issues | Novel proteins, easy to digest, grain-free options |
| Best Homemade Treat | DIY enthusiasts, ingredient control | Customizable, fresh, no additives |
Vet-Approved Dog Treat Recommendations
1. Best Overall: Balanced, Vet-Recommended All-Purpose Treat
Ideal for dogs of all sizes and ages, the best overall treats feature a balanced nutritional profile and are formulated by veterinarians to be safe, tasty, and easy for most dogs to digest. They typically contain named protein sources (like chicken or salmon), beneficial whole grains or vegetables, and no artificial fillers or preservatives.
2. Best Training Treats: Small, Soft, and Irresistible
- Training treats should be tiny, soft, and low in calories to allow for frequent rewards without unbalancing your dog’s diet.
- Common flavors include real meat, peanut butter, or cheese to keep dogs focused and enthusiastic.
- Examples: Mini versions of popular brands, soft jerky, or single-ingredient freeze-dried meats.
3. Best Dental Chews: Promote Oral Health
- Dental treats clean teeth and freshen breath by encouraging healthy chewing and helping to reduce tartar.
- Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, and ensure the chew matches your dogâs weight and jaw strength.
- Greenies or similar products are frequently recommended by vets for daily use to support oral care.
What others are reading
4. Best Calming Chews: For Stressful Occasions
- Containing natural calming ingredients such as chamomile, tryptophan, or L-theanine to help soothe anxious dogs.
- These are used ahead of stressful events (fireworks, vet visits, travel).
5. Best Long-Lasting Chews: Satisfies Power Chewers
- Long-lasting chews like bully sticks, certain nylon bones, or tough dental chews provide physical and mental stimulation and help prevent destructive chewing.
- Monitor dogs with strong jaws to avoid breaking off large pieces.
6. Best Limited-Ingredient Treats: Allergy-Friendly Rewards
- Great for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, limited-ingredient treats list every ingredient clearly and avoid common allergens such as wheat, beef, and chicken.
- Look for options like sweet potato chews, single-protein jerky, or treats made with alternate grains (oats, rice).
7. Best Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Treats: Pure Flavor, Minimal Processing
- These treats capture the nutritional integrity of raw protein and make excellent high-value rewards, especially for notoriously picky eaters.
- Popular choices include freeze-dried liver, salmon, or beef hearts.
8. Best Functional Treats: Health-Boosting Extras
- Treats that go beyond taste, including added supplements for joint health, digestion, or shiny coats (containing glucosamine, probiotics, or omega fatty acids).
- Best for dogs who benefit from daily preventative care in treat form.
9. Best Puppy Treats: Gentle & Safe for Growing Dogs
- Puppy-specific treats are soft to protect developing teeth and easy to digest for sensitive bellies.
- Often smaller in size, they can be used for basic training or enrichment games.
- Choose versions that avoid artificial dyes and preservatives.
10. Best Senior Dog Treats: Soft and Digestible
- These are specially formulated to be soft on sensitive teeth and gums, sometimes with added joint support ingredients like chondroitin or glucosamine.
- Digestibility is key, as many senior dogs have slower digestive systems or food sensitivities.
11. Best Vegetarian and Vegan Treats: No Meat, Full Nutrition
- Plant-based treats can be suitable for dogs with animal protein allergies or families pursuing meat-free diets for ethical reasons.
- Look for treats incorporating peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples. Check protein and fat content to ensure nutritional adequacy.
12. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Gentle and Simple
- Treats formulated for sensitive digestion rely on single, novel protein sources (like duck, salmon, or rabbit) and are often grain-free.
- Limited ingredient lists reduce the risk of GI upset.
13. Best Homemade Dog Treats: Custom and Cost-Effective
Homemade treats let you control exactly what your pet consumes, avoiding artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and unwanted additives. You can tailor each batch to your dog’s favorite flavors or dietary restrictions.
- Popular homemade options include baked peanut butter biscuits, apple/oat cookies, and frozen banana or berry bites.
- Do not use chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, or xylitol, as these can be toxic to dogs.
Safety Tips for Selecting Dog Treats
- Check product recalls and buy from reputable brands with robust quality controls.
- Supervise your dog while they enjoy any new treat, especially chews and bones, to avoid choking risks.
- Select the appropriate size and hardness based on your dog’s chewing strength and dental health.
- Introduce new treats gradually, watching for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions (itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Treats are supplemental and should never replace a balanced commercial or veterinarian-formulated diet.
Regulations and Ingredient Standards
In the United States, all commercial pet treats are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Treat labels must disclose ingredients, caloric content, and feeding guidelines. AAFCO provides standards for safety and nutritional adequacy, but always read labels carefully and consult your veterinarian if your pet has specific health requirements or allergies.
Common Ingredients Used in Dog Treatsâand What to Avoid
- Good choices: Real chicken, beef, lamb, fish, eggs, peanut butter (xylitol-free), oats, sweet potato, pumpkin, apples, carrots, blueberries.
- Avoid: BHA/BHT (preservatives), artificial colors/flavors, xylitol, large amounts of salt, sugar, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.
Homemade Dog Treats: Pros, Cons, and Basic Recipes
Crafting dog treats at home is a great way to minimize packaging waste, save money, and tailor snacks to your petâs tastes. Benefits include:
- 100% control over ingredients
- Satisfaction of using up healthy leftovers (e.g., oats, pumpkin puree, old bananas)
- Potential cost savings and less reliance on commercial options
Simple Recipe Idea:
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1 mashed ripe banana, 1 tbsp unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free).- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Mix all ingredients, roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and flatten.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many treats can I give my dog each day?
Treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. For a 30-lb dog eating 700 calories/day, that means no more than 70 calories from treats.
Can I use treats as a meal replacement?
No. Treats are formulated as supplements and are not nutritionally complete or balanced for daily meals. Always feed a vet-endorsed commercial or homemade diet as your petâs main food.
Are table scraps and human food safe as treats?
Many human foods are unsafe for dogs (including chocolate, grapes, onions, and foods seasoned with garlic, salt, or artificial sweeteners). When in doubt, stick to approved dog treats or single-ingredient options like carrots or apples (after removing seeds and cores).
What treats work best for training?
Soft, bite-sized, and highly palatable treats (like boiled chicken breast, freeze-dried liver, or commercial training nuggets) improve focus and facilitate fast learning. Always adjust the size to fit your dogâs mouth and weight.
What makes a dog treat healthy?
Limited, whole-food ingredients with clear sourcing, no artificial colors/flavors, appropriate calorie levels, and ingredients that fit your dog’s age, breed, and any known sensitivities.
Summary: The Best Dog Treat Is the One That Suits Your Petâs Unique Needs
The best treat for your dog depends on their individual preferences, health requirements, and life stage. Assess ingredient quality, caloric content, and function, and always introduce treats gradually. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure every reward is a safe, beneficial addition to your pupâs life.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
