The Best Healthy Dog Treats to Offer Your Pup

We all want to treat our furry companions now and then! But we also want to take care of our pups and make sure we’re only giving them the very best. 

There are so many treats out there, and it’s hard to know which are actually good for your dog. How do you avoid junk food and reward them with healthy, wholesome treats?

We’ve put together a list to help you cut through the noise and make sure that you feed only the best to your four-legged friends. Read on to find out which healthy fan favorites are sure to get your pup’s tail wagging!

Bully Sticks

They might look plain, but there’s something about bully sticks that makes dogs go crazy (in the best possible way)! Bully sticks come in a variety of options—12 inches or 6 inches, braided or unbraided, chicken-flavored or bacon-flavored. 

These are all 100% beef and great for their teeth and coat. Your dogs will love them. (Fair warning, they will likely get the wiggles as soon as you take them out of the package!) 

Knuckle Bones

Knuckle bones are always a canine favorite. These will be the treats your dog will smell from inside of the bag, prompting laps around the kitchen until you open them. Knuckle bones are great for aggressive chewers who need to satisfy that urge! 

You can often find the fresh knuckle bones from the butcher counter—however, the packaged ones are just as great. The only downfall to these is they can be a little messy and oily, so they are best suited for outdoors or in a kennel.

(Make sure to supervise your pups while they’re eating any bone that might splinter!)

Dog Jerky

Dog jerky is a fun treat for traveling, hiking, or camping. It doubles as a snack, as well as a fun and healthy distraction for your pets! Jerky comes in a wide range of flavors. Traditional pups will likely enjoy the chicken, beef, or bacon varieties. But if your pet has a more refined palate, you might be inclined to try the lamb, salmon, or rabbit jerkies!

Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Treats

If your furry friend has dietary restrictions or a sensitive stomach, these treats are the way to go! They tend to be a little more crisp than chewy jerky options, which also makes them great for both senior dogs and puppies. 

These have the texture of freeze-dried fruit, but are made from meat (usually chicken, beef, and salmon). Dehydrated treats usually mean easy cleanup, making them a great snack around the house or in the car. 

Dental Treats

Dental Treats are a great way to help keep your dog’s teeth strong while offering a yummy snack. The treats break down plaque and tartar, and bonus, they’re fun to chew. Not all dental treats are created equally though.When choosing dental treats, the more natural the better. 

If your pups have the infamous “dog breath,” give dental treats a try. These are great for dogs of all ages to help them maintain healthy dental care!

Some senior dogs may have some trouble with harder varieties, but more brands are coming out with softer ones to accommodate the older generation of our canine friends.

Soft and Chewy Treats

When you picture dog treats, these are the ones that probably come to your mind—the standard soft and chewy treats. But (fortunately) your dog doesn’t have to put up with the old flaky and dry dog biscuits. Many soft and chewy treats have a nice, crunchy texture that your dog will love!

Soft treats have more fats and oils that help keep your furry friend’s coat nice and shiny. Plus, they’re easy on the teeth. (Perfect for senior dogs and puppies with new teeth!)

Just remember to check ingredients carefully—as with all dog treats, the best brands are the ones that use more natural and recognizable ingredients.  

These treats have no shortage of flavors—ranging from sweet potato to lobster and everything in between!  

Rawhide-Free Treats

We’ve all heard the horror stories involving rawhide-based treats. (Rawhide can break apart and cause choking hazards or even esophagus damage!) 

That’s why many newer brands have created treats that are similar in texture to traditional rawhides, but are much safer! These come in flavors like peanut butter, roasted pork, chicken, and, of course, beef. 

They even make soup bones with rich flavors such as barley and beef—the perfect treat for a cold night. 

With these treats, you can give your dogs all the benefits of traditional rawhides, without all the safety concerns!  

Pill Covers and Wraps 

When it’s time to give your pets their meds or heartworm treatments, pill covers and wraps come in handy! They disguise the meds so your dog won’t even know they’re in there!  

These are a healthier alternative to using table food to hide pills. You can even add a squeeze 

filling, like peanut butter, for extra fun! 

The World is (Your Dog’s) Oyster

With so many healthy treat options out there for your dog, you can find an option that works for you, one you and your pet can both feel great about! 

So head on out to your local pet store and pick up one (or more) of these perfect treat choices for your little (or big) loved one, and watch them do the happy zoomies all over your home and right into your lap!