Dog Treats Guide: Healthy Options, Training Treats & Recipes

Treats are an important part of dog ownership - they strengthen bonds, aid training, and bring joy to our furry friends. But with endless options available, choosing healthy treats that won't lead to weight gain or health issues can be challenging. This guide covers everything you need to know about dog treats.

The 10% Rule: How Many Treats Are Too Many?

Veterinarians and nutritionists recommend the 10% rule:

• Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake
• Main food should provide 90% of daily calories for balanced nutrition
• Include ALL extras: Training treats, dental chews, table scraps, chew toys with food

Daily Calorie Guidelines by Dog Size

• Small dogs (10 lbs): ~200-275 calories/day = 20-27 calories in treats
• Medium dogs (30 lbs): ~450-600 calories/day = 45-60 calories in treats
• Large dogs (60 lbs): ~750-1000 calories/day = 75-100 calories in treats
• Giant dogs (100+ lbs): ~1200-1500+ calories/day = 120-150 calories in treats

Note: Individual needs vary based on activity level, age, and metabolism.

Types of Dog Treats

Training Treats

Small, low-calorie treats for repetitive reward during training sessions.

• Size: Pea-sized or smaller - dogs don't need big treats for motivation
• Calories: Look for 1-5 calories per treat
• Texture: Soft treats are faster to eat, keeping training momentum
• Smell: Strong aroma helps hold attention
• Best for: Basic obedience, trick training, positive reinforcement

Biscuits and Crunchy Treats

Classic dog treats with satisfying crunch.

• Pros: Longer shelf life, some dental benefit from crunching, portion control
• Cons: Can be high in calories, may contain fillers
• Look for: Quality ingredients, limited ingredient options, size-appropriate
• Avoid: First ingredients of corn, wheat, or sugar

Soft and Chewy Treats

Moist, palatable treats dogs love.

• Pros: Highly palatable, easy to break into pieces, good for seniors
• Cons: Shorter shelf life, may contain more preservatives, can be sticky
• Best for: Training, food-motivated dogs, dogs with dental issues
• Storage: Keep sealed; refrigerate after opening if specified

Freeze-Dried Treats

Single-ingredient protein treats that are minimally processed.

• Pros: Pure protein, no additives, long shelf life, highly nutritious
• Cons: More expensive, can be crumbly, strong smell
• Options: Liver, chicken, beef, fish, rabbit, duck
• Best for: Dogs with allergies, training, high-value rewards

Jerky Treats

Dried meat strips - a favorite for many dogs.

• Pros: High protein, satisfying texture, dogs love them
• Cons: Quality varies widely, potential contamination concerns (especially imports)
• Safety: Choose USA-made products; avoid unregulated imports
• Look for: Single meat source, no added sugars or glycerin

Dental Chews

Treats designed to support dental health while satisfying the urge to chew.

• How they work: Mechanical scrubbing action; some include active ingredients
• VOHC seal: Look for Veterinary Oral Health Council accepted products
• Calories: Can be 50-100+ calories each - factor into daily intake
• Frequency: Usually one per day; follow package directions
• Size matters: Choose appropriate size to prevent choking

Long-Lasting Chews

Chews that provide extended chewing time for mental stimulation and satisfaction.

Bully Sticks

• What they are: Dried bull or steer pizzle (penis)
• Pros: Highly digestible, long-lasting, dogs love them
• Cons: Smelly, high in calories (88 calories per 6" stick), expensive
• Safety: Supervise to prevent choking on small pieces; choose appropriate size
• Quality: Look for USA-sourced, single-ingredient

Rawhide

• What it is: Dried animal skin, usually beef or pork
• Pros: Affordable, satisfies chewing urge
• Cons: Digestibility concerns, choking risk, quality varies
• Controversy: Some vets recommend against; others say quality matters
• If using: Choose thick, USA-made, supervise closely

Natural Chews

• Pig ears: High fat, highly palatable, moderate duration
• Cow ears: Lower fat than pig ears, good alternative
• Beef trachea: Natural glucosamine source, crunchy texture
• Lamb lung: Lightweight, good for sensitive stomachs
• Tendons: Beef or bison tendons provide long chewing time
• Fish skins: Omega-3 rich, low calorie relative to duration

Antlers

• Types: Elk, deer, moose - whole, split, or sliced
• Pros: Very long-lasting, don't splinter like bones, no odor
• Cons: Hard enough to crack teeth - choose appropriate hardness
• Best practice: Split antlers are safer; remove when small enough to swallow
• Not for: Aggressive chewers or dogs with dental work

Himalayan Yak Chews

• What they are: Hardened yak/cow milk cheese
• Pros: Long-lasting, limited ingredients, interesting flavor
• Cons: Very hard, can break teeth if chewed aggressively
• Pro tip: Microwave small pieces to create a puffed treat
• Best for: Moderate chewers

Healthy Human Food Treats

Many human foods make excellent, low-cost, healthy treats.

Safe Fruits

• Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich, small and perfect for training (1 calorie each)
• Apple slices: Remove seeds and core; great crunch
• Watermelon: Remove seeds and rind; hydrating and low-cal
• Bananas: In moderation due to sugar; good potassium source
• Strawberries: Vitamin C rich, cut into appropriate pieces
• Cantaloupe: Sweet and nutritious in moderation

Safe Vegetables

• Carrots: Low calorie, good for teeth, can be frozen for teething puppies
• Green beans: Very low calorie, filling - great for weight management
• Cucumber: Hydrating, crisp, minimal calories
• Sweet potato: Cooked, plain - nutritious and satisfying
• Broccoli: In small amounts; can cause gas if too much
• Zucchini: Low calorie, easy to digest

Other Healthy Human Food Treats

• Plain cooked chicken: High-value training treat, lean protein
• Plain cooked turkey: Lean and delicious
• Plain pumpkin: Digestive benefits (not pie filling!)
• Plain yogurt: Probiotics, if no dairy sensitivity
• Cheese: High value but high calorie - use sparingly
• Cooked eggs: Complete protein, highly palatable

Treats for Special Needs

Dogs with Allergies

• Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats (novel proteins)
• Limited ingredient treats matching their diet protein
• Simple fruits and vegetables (if tolerated)
• Hypoallergenic prescription treats

Overweight Dogs

• Use vegetables as treats (green beans, carrots, cucumber)
• Break treats into smaller pieces - dogs respond to frequency, not size
• Choose low-calorie training treats
• Use portion of daily kibble as treats
• Air-dried treats (less calorie-dense than baked)

Senior Dogs

• Soft treats for dental issues
• Joint-supporting treats with glucosamine
• Easily digestible options
• Lower calorie if less active

Puppies

• Small, soft treats for training
• Appropriate hardness for developing teeth
• Puppy-specific formulations
• Frozen carrots for teething relief

Simple Homemade Treat Recipes

Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites

• Mash 1 ripe banana with 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• Spoon into silicone mold or ice cube tray
• Freeze until solid
• Great for hot days or stuffing Kongs

Pumpkin Training Treats

• Mix 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 cups whole wheat flour
• Roll out and cut into small pieces
• Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes
• Store in refrigerator

Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

• Slice sweet potato into 1/4" rounds
• Dehydrate at 250F for 3+ hours or use dehydrator
• Should be dry and slightly chewy
• Store in airtight container

Treat Safety Tips

General Safety Guidelines

• Supervise: Watch dogs with any chew to prevent choking
• Size appropriately: Chews should be larger than your dog can swallow
• Remove small pieces: Take away chews when small enough to choke on
• Introduce gradually: New treats can cause GI upset
• Check ingredients: Know what you're feeding
• Watch for reactions: Vomiting, diarrhea, itching after new treats
• Store properly: Follow storage instructions to prevent spoilage