Best Treats & Chews for Puppies and Dogs
The treats and chews we'd actually buy: tiny training rewards, long-lasting chews for teething and boredom, and dental chews, plus how to pick a size that's safe for your dog.
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Freeze-Dried Single-Ingredient Treats
One ingredient, crumbles into tiny pieces, and most dogs go wild for it.
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Soft Puppy Training Treats
Small and soft, so a puppy can eat one quickly and keep going with training.
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Low-Odor Bully Sticks
A long-lasting, single-ingredient chew for teething and boredom.
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Bully Stick Holder
Grips the end so your dog can't swallow the last small piece.
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VOHC-Accepted Dental Chews
Look for the VOHC seal, which means the chew was shown to reduce plaque or tartar.
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Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews
A hard, long-lasting chew. Once it's small, microwave the end piece so it puffs into a crunchy treat.
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Xylitol-Free Dog Peanut Butter
The safe filler for KONGs and lick mats. Regular peanut butter can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
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Airtight Treat Jar
Keeps soft treats from drying out and keeps curious noses out.
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Keep treats to about 10%
A common guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. On a big training day, break treats into tiny pieces or use some of your dog's regular kibble as rewards.
Pick a chew that's bigger than you think
A chew should be too big to fit entirely in your dog's mouth. When a chew gets small enough to swallow, take it away or use a holder. Swallowed chunks can cause choking or blockages.
Use the thumbnail test for hardness
Many vets suggest that if you can't press a dent into a chew with your thumbnail, it may be hard enough to crack a tooth. This matters most for puppies and aggressive chewers. Skip cooked bones entirely, because they can splinter.
Always supervise chew time
Stay nearby the first few times your dog tries a new chew, and watch how they handle it. Gulpers do better with chews in a holder or with softer options like lick mats. For puppies with tummy troubles or dogs on special diets, check with your vet before adding new treats. See our toxic foods list and our safe human foods guide for snacks from your kitchen.
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