Your Dog Might Learn New Tricks With These Treats (2024)

"I like these soft treats that you can easily break up into even smaller pieces," says Dr. Conrad. "That way it's easy to limit the amount you give" while you're training or rewarding your pup. Our experts noted that these have a strong smell that appeals to dogs, spurring them to be on good behavior to get their reward.

Each piece has only 2 calories so there's little chance of spoiling your dog's appetite for regular meals with Zuke's. Our experts sometimes had trouble with the bag's seal, but these can be emptied into a food storage container or zip-top bag if needed. Zuke's minis are often recommended on Reddit forum, and there are other flavors such as a chicken variety and one with peanut butter.

Size: 16 oz. | First five ingredients: Beef, rice, oats, potatoes, cane sugar

Puppies are the trainees most in need of treat rewards, and these low-cost goodies from Wellness are made especially to be soft on puppy teeth. We spoke to pet parents who confirmed these are a great incentive for young pups learning tricks and basic house rules.

These are small enough that your pup won't be overfed, they're easy to break into pieces for tiny dog breeds and Puppy Bites are tasty enough that they count as a high-value treat — at least for small, young dogs. In reading the reviews we noted that some owners with large dogs said their biggies didn't care as much for them.

Size: 3 oz. bag | First five ingredients: Lamb, salmon, chickpeas, ground potatoes, vegetable glycerin

We're not exactly calling Bocce's Bakery B-shaped treats health food but they do have less than 10 ingredients. In fact, their fun "burger and fries" variety is just four ingredients including beef and cheese. They fit Dr. Conrad's criteria of being treats that are soft and easy to break up and dole out as you're training or rewarding your dog.

"My dog goes crazy for this peanut butter and bacon flavor," more than one tester said, which is why we're featuring it. The brand has a bedtime version as well, if you're looking for more of a calming dog treat.

Size: 6 oz. | First five ingredients: Oat flour, peanut butter, bacon, rolled oats, coconut glycerin

These single-ingredient snacks are especially good for picky pets or picky pet parents. They're all natural, being just freeze-dried beef liver. That makes them a good dog treat for dogs with a sensitive stomach. But just as with the best cat treats, the fewer the ingredients, the higher the price per ounce — we make the analogy that these are like serving a steak instead of hamburger.

Fans of PureBites like that they're easy to break into small pieces for training and that you can even crush them up as a meal topper to make regular dog kibble more enticing.

Size: 8.8 oz. bag | Single ingredient: Beef liver

A favorite of dog trainers we consulted, these soft meat logs do have to be refrigerated and you'll need to cut each roll up into smaller bites. It's some extra effort but does allows you to customize the size for your pet, whether your dog is big or small, and take out only as much as you need at a time. "For training purposes, small, low-calorie treats are ideal as they can be eaten quickly without interrupting the session," Dr. Hammond says.

Trainers say that the meat scent helps distracted dogs focus on their potential reward. If you're not currently training these can also be used as meal toppers or to hide a pill.

Related: For training and beyond, see our best dog harnesses.

Size: Four 12-oz. rolls | First five ingredients: Beef, rice flour, coconut glycerin, sodium lactate, salt

When we interviewed pet parents we found some who use this meal topper as a stand alone treat for rewards. It's freeze-dried raw meat plus a mix of fruit and vegetables, making it a healthier choice than many of the less expensive foods marketed as treats.

The pieces can be a little dry and crumbly, so they're less great to keep in your coat pocket as you walk your dog, but they can be good to keep in the kitchen to reward your good boy or girl.

Size: 3.5 oz. bag | First five ingredients: Turkey with ground bone, turkey liver, turkey gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries

"Some treats are specifically designed to promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup," Dr. Hammond says. At the time of our research Original Greenies were closing in on 50,000 five-star Amazon reviews, with 86 percent of reviewers giving that top score. The brand recommends just one of these a day.

The treats are for cleaning your dog's teeth and fighting bad breath. They're soft and bendy and aren't meant for your dog to gulp, but for them to chew, which is what helps scrape the teeth. Consider giving one after a meal so your dog takes its time with it. (The ASPCA says: Consumption of compressed dental or durable chews should be slow and deliberate.)

Be sure to buy the right size rather than try to break these into smaller pieces like you do with training treats. These Originals are tailored to medium-sized dogs weighing 25 to 50 pounds and older than 6 months. Greenies Teenie are for small dogs and there are ones for large dogs and a new variety for puppies.

Size: 36 chews | First five ingredients: Wheat flour, glycerin, wheat gluten, gelatin, water

Heritage brand Milk-Bone has a huge fan base, with more than 77,000 five-star Amazon reviews. It's also a great value as you're getting 40 ounces for a low price. These dog treats are crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, so they're messy to try and break up. You'll want to serve one whole, best for once daily bonding time rather than for all-day training.

Online reviewers say they're great treats for small dogs but also appropriate for larger ones. They might be too large, however, for a tiny toy dog breed; they'd do better with our best overall choice.

Related: The best dog food

Size: 40 oz. jar | First five ingredients: Wheat flour, meat and bone meal, sugar, poultry digest, cooked bone marrow

Cute heart-shaped dog cookies mostly hit a dog owner's soft spot, and some dog owners we know are all over these new treats from the Wellness brand. "It's perfectly fine to build treat time into the day for bonding with your dog, as long as it's done in moderation and as part of a balanced diet," Dr. Hammond says. "Treats can be a great way to strengthen the relationship between you."

There are tiny pieces of peanut in these, so avoid them if anyone in your house has a peanut allergy. There's also a bacon, oats and maple flavor with tiny pieces of oats and bacon baked in.

Size: 10 oz. bag | First five ingredients: Whole wheat flour, barley, vegetable glycerine, cane molasses, peanut butter

Purina recommends these for healthy puppies and adult dogs that are predisposed to joint conditions and senior dogs experiencing some trouble with movements. "If your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions, such as weight management or joint health, look for treats formulated to support those needs," Dr. Hammond says. This bag is for medium and large breeds but there's also one for small breeds.

These are more of a supplement than a treat, but your dog won't know the difference and might look forward to a daily chew (if it weighs 40 to 90 pounds) or two (if it weighs 90 pounds or more). Cod liver oil is a primary ingredient and the source of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Related: Take your dog for some fresh air with a dog stroller.

Size: 30 chews | Active ingredients: Glucosamine hydrochloride, collagen (fish), chondroitin sulfate (porcine), omega-3 fatty acids (epa and dha), hyaluronic acid

The Good Housekeeping Institute reviews pet products of all kinds, including comfy dog beds and practically indestructible dog toys. Our experts scour top-rated picks, reviews and ingredient lists to ensure we only suggest the tastiest (and, for the most part, healthiest) dog treats.

For this story we consulted Megan Conrad, BVMS, a vet with Wellhaven Pet Health who frequently advises our pet content. Those are her dogs in the picture — little Beatrice, a Chihuahua mix, and Archie, a Lab. We also spoke with Sylvalyn Hammond, DVM. Finally, we turned to several dog trainers and many pet parents to ask which treats their furry friends love the most. These picks are made up of our product pros' favorites and popular brands with rave reviews.

✔️ Ingredients: Luckily, you don't have to worry too much about whether or not the treats you pick are safe for your pet, despite there being some internet fearmongering about one ingredient or another. "Most dog treats on the market are fine in regards to ingredients," Dr. Conrad says. "There aren't any 'best ingredients' per se but it more so depends on preference."

Some dog owners seek a short ingredient list or zero in on freeze-dried raw food. Dr. Hammond agrees, in general, with that approach. "Look for treats made from high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial preservatives, colors and flavors," Dr. Hammond says. "Choose treats that offer nutritional benefits, such as those containing real meat, fruits, vegetables and whole grains."

That said, if you want a treat that will also clean your dog's teeth, or one that works as a supplement, expect the ingredient list to be longer and a little less straightforward.

✔️ Purpose: If you're trying to find the right treat as a reward for training, look for something soft and small. "Dogs get excitable while training so a soft treat avoids any crumbs that may go down the wrong tube and cause them to cough," Dr. Conrad says. "Small, smelly, super tasty treats will give the best results when training. Make sure you choose a treat your dog really loves so they'll work hard for their reward." That might take a little bit of trial and error.

If you're just looking for something for some bonding time with your already-trained dog, you can look into treats with more crunch or meal toppers that make their regular kibble extra-tasty.

✔️ Texture: "Soft and chewy treats are easier to eat and can be good for older dogs or those with dental issues," Dr. Hammond says. "If you want a treat that lasts longer and keeps your dog occupied, harder treats might be a better choice. But hard treats should be given with supervision to avoid choking or swallowing small pieces that can obstruct the bowel. Never offer your dog animal bones or antlers as those are a common cause of broken teeth. "

✔️ Health: The common sense warning is to avoid ingredients that your dog is sensitive to. Most of the treats on our list come in several flavors. Also, purchase treats that are the correct size for your dog. Many on our list come in sizes for small dogs and large dogs. "Make sure treats are easy to chew and digest and not too big for your dog to avoid any choking hazards," Dr. Conrad said.

"Treats shouldn't make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet," Dr. Conrad says, and Dr. Hammond agrees. That might take some math, but basically your dog should mainly be enjoying its regular dog food, which is more nutritionally complete. "Feed small amounts of treats to avoid an upset stomach as too many can potentially cause GI issues," Dr. Conrad adds.

Serving people food as treats can work against you if you're watching your dog's total calories. For instance, a slice of American cheese is delicious but also about 100 calories, whereas five of our beefy best overall dog treats, at two calories apiece, are only 10 calories total.

Short answer: yes. But proceed with caution. "There are a lot of foods that can be toxic for dogs," Dr. Conrad said. Commercially made pet treats are unlikely to cause any harm to your pet unless it has a sensitivity or allergy. If your dog falls into that category, you are probably already used to scouring ingredient lists.

Similarly, if you're making treats at home, like any of our 15 Best Homemade Dog Treats to Pamper Your Pup, read the ingredients with extra care if you have a dog with allergies. "Be mindful when looking up recipes online and double check ingredients to ensure you're not making anything that could be a problem," Dr. Conrad said.

For more than a century the Good Housekeeping Institute and Good Housekeeping magazine have been providing expert advice on keeping your pets happy and healthy. We've road-tested dog food delivery services and tried dog crates. During the course of every year our Lab experts test and rate tens of thousands of household products, issue the Good Housekeeping Seal to a select few and publish accolades such as the Sustainable Innovation Awards.

In her former role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain made our initial list of best dog treats. Spain also tested dog GPS trackers and no-pull dog harnesses with consumer testers and her own dog. This list has been most recently updated by Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn.