The 16 Best Dog Treats: Healthy, Freeze-Dried & Chicken Treats For Every Dog

Tim de JongWritten by Tim de Jong
22 min read

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The 16 Best Dog Treats: Healthy, Freeze-Dried & Chicken Treats For Every Dog

Our top pick

Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats

Best healthy dog treats

Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats

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As any dog owner, you most likely want to spoil your dog as much as possible. And what better way to do that than giving them a delicious treat? Searching for the best dog treats can be tricky, as you not only want something delicious but also nutritious. With so many different dog treats available, it’s hard to know where to start.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the internet for the best dog treats and have compiled a list of our favorites. From healthy freeze-dried treats and chicken treats to tasty training treats and weight loss treats, there’s something for every dog on this list.

The best dog treats for your dog

Let’s get started with our list of the best dog treats for your dog. We’ve organized the options into categories to make things even simpler for you.

1Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats

Best healthy dog treats
Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats
Flavor
4.8
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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Health is the n.1 priority for every dog owner. We all want our dogs to live long and happy lives, and feeding them healthy treats is a great way to contribute to that. So, what is considered a healthy dog treat?

Generally, a healthy dog treat is one that is all-natural, devoid of any artificial ingredients, and high in nutrients. Freeze-dried treats, for example, are a great option as they preserve all the nutrients of the ingredients used. They’re also easy to store, shelf-stable, and don’t require refrigeration, and most of them contain only a few ingredients, if not just one.

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious treat for your dog, we highly recommend Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats. Made with only one ingredient – chicken breast. So without any fillers or additives, these treats are perfect for pups with allergies or food sensitivities. The chicken is also high in protein which makes it perfect for training your pup!

As freeze-dried dog treats go, the nutritional value is maintained which makes this a healthy option for your dog. The taste is also guaranteed to be delicious! Important to note is that the tub may not be filled to the top. However, this should not matter as you pay for the treats by weight and not by volume. Overall, we think these are the best dog treats on the market and perfect for any pup.

What we like the most: These treats maintain their nutritional value due to the freeze-drying process, making them a very healthy option!

Pros

  • Made with 1 ingredient
  • Maintained its nutritional value by freeze-drying
  • High in protein, great for training
  • Perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities
  • No added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • Packaging is a bit big for what you get

2Wag Freeze-Dried Raw Single Ingredient

Best budget freeze-dried treats
Wag Freeze-Dried Raw Single Ingredient
Flavor
4.5
Scent
4.1
Ingredient quality
4.6
Total value
5
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Want the benefits of freeze-dried chicken for less? Wag’s freeze-dried raw single ingredient chicken breast treats are a very affordable alternative. Just like Stewart, they contain only one ingredient, and that’s a good thing! Because fewer ingredients usually mean less chance for your pup to have an allergic reaction or digestive upset.

All of the ingredients in these treats are 100% chicken breast and nothing else. They’re sourced from the USA, freeze-dried to preserve freshness and flavor instead of using artificial preservatives, with no extra fillers. Making these treats perfect for even the most sensitive stomachs.

The 3 oz bag of freeze-dried chicken dog treats comes in a resealable pouch, which is great for keeping them fresh. Reviewers say their dogs love the taste of these treats and they make a great training tool.

What we like the most: Quality freeze-dried treats for a very affordable price.

Pros

  • Single ingredient
  • Sourced and made in the USA
  • No added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • Chunks may be too big for some dogs

3PureBites Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats

Best freeze-dried fish treats
PureBites Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats
Flavor
4.3
Scent
3.6
Ingredient quality
4.4
Total value
4.2
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If you prefer fish-based treats for your pup, or your dog doesn’t do well on chicken, PureBites freeze-dried salmon treats are worth a look. According to the listing, they contain just one ingredient: wild-caught sockeye salmon, freeze-dried raw in the USA, with no added preservatives.

Salmon is a natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat. PureBites says each 2.47 oz (70 g) bag holds roughly 140 treats at about 8 calories each, and the brand positions them for dogs on restricted diets, including dogs with allergies or that are overweight. This listing is a pack of two bags.

What we like the most: A true single-ingredient fish treat, which makes it easy to fit around food allergies.

Other articles about healthy dog treats:

Pros

  • Single ingredient: wild-caught sockeye salmon
  • Natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • No added preservatives
  • About 8 calories per treat
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Fish treats have a strong smell

4Zesty Paws Strength Probiotic Treats

Best for sensitive stomachs
Zesty Paws Strength Probiotic Treats
Softness
5
Taste
4.7
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.2
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A lot of dogs suffer from stomach sensitivities or allergies, making it hard to find treats that agree with them. However, there are certain ingredients that are more likely to cause problems than others. For sensitive stomachs, we recommend avoiding treats with tons of ingredients, artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives.

The best dog treats for sensitive stomachs are those that are all-natural and made with single-ingredient proteins. Probiotics are also a great option as they can help soothe your dog’s tummy.

Our top pick for sensitive stomachs are the treats Zesty Paws Strength Probiotic Treats. These veterinarian-formulated treats come in the form of soft chews that contain probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to help with digestive issues and immunity.

Additionally, they contain DE111 Bacillus subtilis and VitaFiber to help with gut function, bowel movements, and overall immune system health.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality probiotic supplement to help with your dog’s sensitive stomach, we recommend Zesty Paws.. The best part? They’re delicious too!

What we like the most: Designed for digestive and immune support by a well-known brand.

Other articles about dog treats for sensitive stomachs:

Pros

  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Supports gut health
  • Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics

Cons

  • May be more expensive than regular treats

5Pet Botanics Training Reward Treats

Best for training
Pet Botanics Training Reward Treats
Flavor
4.5
Easy to carry
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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Dog training is an essential part of being a dog owner, and with dog training come dog treats! When choosing the best dog treat for training, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

First, the treat should be something your dog loves and is eager to work for. Secondly, it should be something that’s easy to eat so your dog doesn’t get too distracted or full during training sessions, small treats are usually best.

And lastly, the treat should be something that’s healthy and not full of calories. We recommend looking for treats that are high in protein and low in calories.

Our top pick for training treats is Pet Botanics Training Treats for Dogs. We love these treats because they are perfect for training sessions as they are small and easy to carry around. Best of all, dog trainers use these to speed up the learning curve!

These treats are made from real pork liver and are healthy and nutritious. They are also low-calorie, which is important if you’re using them for multiple training sessions per day.

Overall, we think these are the best training dog treats on the market. If you’re looking for something small, easy to carry, and that will help your dog learn quickly, then these are the treats for you!

What we like the most: These treats are perfect for training sessions as they are small and easy to carry around. Plus, they help dogs learn quickly!

Pros

  • Easy to carry in your pocket
  • Speeds up learning curve
  • Made with real pork liver
  • Low-calorie

Cons

  • Picky eaters may not like them

6Freeze-Dried Training Treats from Pupford

Best freeze-dried training treats
Freeze-Dried Training Treats from Pupford
Flavor
4.6
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
4.5
Total value
4.2
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If you’d rather train with freeze-dried treats, these from Pupford are a great choice for puppies and older dogs alike.

With simple, natural ingredients, these training treats are one of the healthiest on the market. Each treat is less than 1 calorie and each bag has over 475 treats inside, making them ideal for repetitive training sessions.

Not to mention, these treats are SO delicious that your dog will drool over the taste of them. The delicious flavor, savory smell, and small size of each treat is perfect for maintaining your pup’s attention during a training session.

What we like the most: Because these treats are low in calories, they help keep your dog at a healthy weight while allowing them to train as much as they need!

Pros

  • Low in calories
  • Simple ingredients
  • Easily consumable
  • 475 treats in a single bag

Cons

  • A bit more expensive

7Blue Buffalo Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Best soft chicken training treats
Blue Buffalo Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats
Flavor
5
Scent
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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Blue Buffalo is well-known for their quality dog products, and their training treats are no different. Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, these soft treats are perfect for rewarding your dog’s good behavior.

Additionally, they contain DHA to help support cognitive development, making them ideal for puppies. They’re also free from chicken by-product meals, wheat, corn, and soy. Plus, they don’t have any artificial preservatives or colors.

What we like most: We love that these treats are made with real chicken and contain DHA to improve cognitive development.

Other Articles about dog treats for training:

Pros

  • Made with real chicken
  • Improves cognitive development
  • Free from by-products and fillers
  • No artificial preservatives or colors

Cons

  • A bit more expensive

8Wellness Soft Puppy Bites

Best for puppies
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
Flavor
4.8
Scent
4.8
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.7
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When choosing the best dog treat for puppies, you’ll want to look for something that’s small and easy to chew, as well as something that’s packed with nutrients to support your puppy’s growth and development.

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for puppies, as they help with cognitive development, immunity, and joint health. More specific DHA and EPA omega-3s are best, as they provide cognitive benefits.

Our top pick for the best puppy treats are Wellness Soft Puppy Bites. They mark all the boxes for the best puppy treats: easy to chew, packed with nutrients, and contain DHA. The ingredients are all-natural, which is important for young puppies whose systems are still developing.

While they may be a bit more expensive than some other puppy treats, they’re worth it for owners who want the best for their furry friend.

Articles about dog treats for puppies:

Pros

  • Soft for puppy teeth
  • Supports brain development
  • All-natural ingredients
  • No fillers

Cons

  • More expensive than other puppy treats

9Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats

Best for senior dogs
Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats
Flavor
4.8
Softness
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
5
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As our dogs age, Try as we might, it’s impossible to keep them from eventually changing. Their metabolism slows down, they become less active- leading to weight gain and a decrease in muscle mass. Additionally, senior dogs experience changes in their digestive system which can lead to sensitivities and allergies. Lastly, dental problems are also incredibly common among old dogs.

All of these factors need to be considered when choosing the best treats for your senior dog. Treats should be low in calories to help with weight control, easy to digest to avoid tummy troubles, and ideally contain ingredients that support joint health. And If your dog experiences dental problems, soft treats are best.

Our top pick for best senior dog treats is Blue Dog Bakery Natural Dog Treats. These treats are perfect for older dogs for a variety of reasons. They’re soft and easy to chew, made with all-natural ingredients, and most importantly delicious!

The high quality ingredients are perfect to support your senior dog’s health. And best of all, they’re very affordable. We highly recommend these treats for any senior dog owners looking for a healthy and delicious treat option.

What we like the most: The fact that these treats are both low in calories and affordable. Senior dogs can be expensive to care for, so it’s great to find a healthy treat option that won’t break the bank.

Articles about treats for senior dogs:

Pros

  • Soft and easy to chew
  • Made with all-natural ingredients
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not for repetitive treating (35 calories per treat)

10Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats

Best for weight loss
Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats
Flavor
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
5
Overall
5
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According to VCAhospitals, around 40-45% of dogs weigh more than they should. (

Coming at 3 calories per treat, these are some of the lowest-calorie dog treats on the market. And because they’re high in fiber, they’ll help your dog feel full and satisfied after eating them.

What we like the most: The low-calorie content. When you’re trying to help your dog lose weight, it’s important to find treats that won’t sabotage your efforts. These treats are perfect for that.

Pros

  • Only 3 calories per treat
  • Made with superfoods
  • Oven-baked with a mouthwatering apple bacon flavor

Cons

  • N/A!

11PureBites Freeze Dried treats

Best high-protein diet treats
PureBites Freeze Dried treats
Flavor
4.5
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
4.3
Total value
4
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If your dog is overweight and needs to go on a diet but you’d rather give a meaty reward, these freeze-dried PureBites treats are perfect for them!

Tiny training treats are lower in calories but too small to use as regular treats, so these are a great alternative! These treats are also perfect for dogs with health issues or gastrointestinal disorders. And because they’re freeze-dried, they’re easy to digest and have no added preservatives.

What we like the most: We think these are great diet treats for dogs! They’re low in calories, easy to digest, and have no artificial ingredients.

Articles about dog treats for weight loss:

Pros

  • Made with a single ingredient
  • Sourced from USA
  • Perfect for dogs on a diet or with health issues
  • Easy to digest, and no added preservatives

Cons

  • More expensive

12Wag Treats Chicken Waffle Bites

Best chicken dog treats
Wag Treats Chicken Waffle Bites
Flavor
4.8
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
4.5
Total value
4.6
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Chicken is the most popular treat flavor for a reason: most dogs love it, and lean chicken breast is high in protein. Several of the treats above are already chicken-based, including the single-ingredient Stewart and Wag freeze-dried treats and the Blue Buffalo training treats. But if you want a chicken treat with a different texture, these next three are our favorites. Just keep in mind that chicken is also one of the most common food allergens, so pick a different protein if your dog reacts to it.

Another quality product from Wag! These chicken waffle bites are perfect for training or rewarding your dog. Made with farm-raised American chicken and no added artificial flavors, you can trust that your dog is getting a healthy treat.

Additionally, there are no poultry by-products, corn, soy or wheat in these treats. So you can feel good about giving them to your dog. And, if you have a picky eater, don’t worry! These treats are of great texture and also available in smaller bite-sized pieces.

What we like most: We like that these treats have a great texture and are available in smaller bite-sized pieces. Additionally, the treats are made with farm-raised American chicken and have no added artificial flavors.

Pros

  • Great texture
  • Available in smaller bite-sized pieces
  • Made with farm-raised American chicken
  • No added artificial flavors

Cons

  • A bit more expensive than other treats

13Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters

Best roasted chicken treats
Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters
Flavor
4.5
Scent
4.5
Ingredient quality
4.3
Total value
4.8
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Compared to the big freeze-dried chicken chunks above, these are very easy to break into smaller pieces for any sized dog. The quality of the ingredients is very good as well, with no by-products or artificial flavors.

These chicken treats, while healthy, do contain other ingredients. To be more specific, some of them are chickpeas, dried potatoes, and rosemary extract. Although these are considered healthy, the treats also contain preservatives and some sugar, which is quite normal for treats that are not freeze-dried.

All in all, if you’re looking for a tasty and healthy chicken treat for your dog, Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters are a great choice!

What we like most: We like that these treats are easy to break into smaller pieces. Additionally, the quality of the ingredients is very good.

Pros

  • Easy to break into smaller pieces
  • Good quality ingredients
  • Healthy for your dog
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Contains preservatives and some sugar

14Pet 'n Shape Chik 'n Hide Twists

Best chicken chews
Pet 'n Shape Chik 'n Hide Twists
Flavor
5
Scent
5
Ingredient quality
5
Total value
4.5
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Is your dog a chewer? Do they love chicken? Then they’ll love Pet ‘n Shape Chik ‘n Hide Twists! These all-natural chicken rawhide twists are perfect for dogs who love to chew.

Made with 100% natural chicken breast and a chewy rawhide chew, these treats are sure to satisfy your dog’s cravings. Plus, they’re free of fillers and preservatives making them a healthy snack for your pup.

Another fun feature is that they come in very strong resealable packaging, to avoid your dog getting on a snack on its own.

What we like most: We love that these chicken treats are made in twists so that your dog can chew on them for longer.

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Perfect for dogs who love to chew
  • Strong resealable packaging to keep treats fresh

Cons

  • A bit more expensive

15Nutri-Vet Breath & Tartar Biscuits

Best for bad breath
Nutri-Vet Breath & Tartar Biscuits
Freshen breath
4.8
Taste
4.9
Ingredient quality
4.8
Total value
5
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Is your dog’s breath smelling a bit…off? If so, you’re not alone. Bad breath is a common problem among dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of things- including dental problems, gum disease, and even certain types of food. The most common cause of bad breath, however, is plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. (

These biscuits not only remove plaque and tartar but also help freshen your dog’s breath with a unique blend of spearmint and parsley flakes. They’re made in the USA with premium ingredients, formulated by veterinarians, and held to high standards of quality and consistency.

Plus, they have a delicious chicken flavor that your dog is sure to love. And at such an affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with these biscuits.

If you’re looking for the best dog treats for bad breath, we highly recommend giving these a try. Your dog (and your nose) will thank you!

What we like the most: We love that these biscuits are very effective at freshening your dog’s breath at a very affordable price.

Articles about dog treats for bad breath:

Pros

  • Helps to clean your dog's teeth and freshen breath
  • Delicious chicken flavor
  • Made in the USA and NASC approved
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Contains wheat

16Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Best calming dog treats
Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Public opinion
4.8
Calming effect
5
Flavor
4.8
Total value
4.5
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According to vetnaturals.com, over 53% of dog owners believe their dog has separation anxiety. (

The ingredients in these bites (melatonin, L-theanine, and hemp seed) are all natural and known to promote relaxation. Additionally, the treats include chamomile and ginger root (both of which have calming properties), as well as valerian root (which is thought to work by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation).

Overall, we think these treats are a great option for dogs who suffer from anxiety or stress. And, based on the positive customer sentiment, it seems like other dog owners agree!

What we like the most: Zesty is known for their quality dog treats, and this product is no exception.

Articles about calming dog treats:

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Advanced calming complex
  • Positive customer sentiment
  • Great turkey flavor

Cons

  • Effects of calming treats vary from dog to dog

How to choose the best treats for your dog

With 16 options on this list, here’s a quick way to narrow it down:

  • Healthiest overall: single-ingredient freeze-dried treats like Stewart or Wag. They keep their nutritional value, have no fillers, and suit dogs with allergies.
  • Chicken lovers: Stewart and Wag freeze-dried chicken breast for single-ingredient treats, Wag Chicken Waffle Bites or Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Roasters for a different texture, and Pet ‘n Shape Chik ‘n Hide Twists for chewers.
  • Dogs who can’t have chicken: PureBites freeze-dried salmon, or the pork liver Pet Botanics training treats.
  • Training: small, low-calorie treats such as Pupford’s freeze-dried training treats (less than 1 calorie each) or Blue Buffalo’s soft-moist chicken bites.
  • Weight loss: Fruitables Skinny Mini (3 calories per treat) or PureBites for a meatier reward.

Whatever you pick, treats should stay a small part of your dog’s diet. A common rule of thumb is to keep them under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Our dog calorie calculator does the maths for you and shows your dog’s daily treat budget.

Are freeze-dried dog treats good for dogs?

Yes, for most dogs. Freeze-drying removes the moisture without cooking the ingredients at high temperatures, so the treats keep their nutritional value without artificial preservatives. They’re easy to store, shelf-stable, and don’t require refrigeration. Most freeze-dried treats contain only one or a few ingredients, which means less chance of an allergic reaction or digestive upset. The main downsides are the price and the size: some chunks need to be broken up for small dogs.

What are the best chicken treats for dogs?

The best chicken treats are made with real chicken breast as the first (or only) ingredient, with no chicken by-products, fillers, or artificial flavors. Single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken breast, like Stewart or Wag, is the cleanest option. Baked or roasted chicken treats are easier to break into small pieces but usually contain extra ingredients, preservatives, or some sugar.

How to carry dog treats when walking your dog?

While it’s always important to be thoughtful about the treats you give your dog, it’s also important to be thoughtful about how you carry them. If you’re going on a long walk or hike, you don’t want to be lugging around a big bag of treats (or even a whole container of them).

best dog treats

Instead, we recommend using a treat pouch. These pouches are designed to hold just a few treats at a time- perfect for walks, hikes, and training sessions. And, they often have features like belt loops or clips that make them easy to attach to your clothing or gear.

There are lots of great treat pouches on the market, but our favorite is the Kibble Bubble Dog Treat Holder. This holder makes you bring dog treats along with you on walks while keeping your hands free. All you have to do is squeeze the silicone and treats will come out of the top hole. Moms say it’s perfect for busy dog moms on the go!

More on treat pouches and holders:

Final thoughts – best dog treats

We hope this article has helped you find the best dog treats for your pup! No matter what type of treat you’re looking for, from healthy freeze-dried bites to tasty chicken chews, we’re confident that one of the options on our list will be perfect for your pooch. All the options are inspired by vet recommendations, customer sentiment, and our own experiences as dog owners.

if you’re looking for more information on how to keep your best friend happy and healthy, be sure to check out our other articles. Thanks for reading!

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16 Best Dog Treats: Healthy, Freeze-Dried & Chicken Picks