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As VCA Hospitals advises, treats should generally provide no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet. Most treats are not nutritionally complete, and marketing terms such as “natural” or “grain-free” do not establish that a product is right for your dog.
Healthy dog treats at a glance
| Best for | Treat | Calories reported in the research | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-calorie training | Pet Botanics Training Rewards | About 3 per treat | Count rewards over the whole session. |
| Tiny training reward | Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe | About 2 per treat | May be too small for some large dogs. |
| Baked biscuit | Hill’s Natural Baked Light Biscuits | About 34 per biscuit | “Light” does not mean calorie-free. |
| Puppy training | Blue Buffalo Blue Bits | About 4 per treat | Includes cane sugar. |
| Single-ingredient freeze-dried | Maev Human-Grade Freeze Dried Dog Treats | About 2 per treat | Beef liver; handle raw products hygienically. |
| Novel-protein option | Holi Freeze-Dried Rabbit Treats | About 3 per treat | Rabbit is not automatically suitable for food allergies. |
| Cooked single-protein | JustFoodForDogs Venison Treats | Not reported per treat | Check the current label; do not assume low calories. |
| Salmon treat | Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Wild Salmon Treats | 190 per cup | Portion by weight or package guidance. |
| Turkey treat | Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe | About 34 per treat | Relatively large; can be broken into pieces. |
| Dental treat | Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Care | About 91 per regular-size treat | Choose the size for your dog; does not replace brushing. |
| Rawhide-free chew stick | SmartBones SmartSticks Beef Chews | About 55 per stick | Supervise and remove swallowable pieces. |
| Joint-focused treat | Zuke’s Natural Hip & Joint Action Chicken | About 19 per treat | Not a substitute for veterinary care. |
| Enrichment paste | KONG Peanut Butter Flavored Easy Treat | 3,000 per container total | Measure each serving; container total is not a serving size. |
| Long-lasting chew | Pupford Thick Bully Sticks | About 75 per stick | Account for the whole chew and supervise. |
| Large-dog biscuit | Milk-Bone Original Large Dog Biscuits | About 125 for the cited large/giant size | Verify exact size: VCA gives about 85 for a large Milk-Bone in a general example. |
| Variety-pack biscuit | Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Natural Dog Treats | Not reported per treat | Check the current package before portioning. |
| Beef-flavored soft treat | Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites | About 19 per treat | Contains sugar; break into smaller pieces if appropriate. |
Calories and ingredient details above are reported in the 2026 product review cited by NBC News, unless otherwise noted. Figures are approximate and can change; use the current product label.
How to choose a healthy dog treat
For frequent rewards, choose small pieces with a stated calorie count. A soft treat that can be broken into smaller pieces is usually more practical for training than a large biscuit. For chews, select the correct size, supervise your dog, and remove pieces that could be swallowed whole.
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- OVEN-BAKED GOODNESS: Blue Buffalo Health Bars crunchy dog treats deliver oven-baked pumpkin and cinnamon flavor goodness for a satisfying crunch and warm pumpkin spice aroma dogs love
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- REAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and wholesome whole grains for crunchy dog cookies Pet Parents feel good about serving and dogs enjoy
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH: These natural dog snacks are fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health and well-being in every crunchy bite
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseed help support healthy skin and promote a shiny coat, making these crunchy dog biscuits a smart treat choice
Dogs with obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies, or other medical conditions may need treats approved by their veterinary team. A treat described as “light,” “grain-free,” “human-grade,” “natural,” or “rawhide-free” is not automatically low-calorie, complete, or appropriate.
The 17 best healthy dog treats of 2026
1. Pet Botanics Training Rewards — best low-calorie training treat
About 3 calories per treat. These small pork-liver-based pellets are intended for repeated rewards during training. Listed key ingredients include pork liver, pea flour, potatoes, dried whole eggs, glycerin, flaxseed, and brown rice.
The low calorie count can make frequent rewards easier to budget, but count how many your dog receives in a session. NBC News reports the approximate calorie figure and ingredients; verify the current label.
2. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe — best tiny training treat
About 2 calories per treat. These small, soft chicken treats are described in the cited NBC News review as wheat-free and corn-free, with no added animal fat, artificial colors, or artificial flavors reported by the brand.
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3. Hill’s Natural Baked Light Biscuits — best baked low-calorie biscuit
About 34 calories per biscuit. Chicken, rice bran, whole-grain wheat, and wheat flour are among the listed key ingredients. The cited review says Hill’s describes the recipe as free from corn and artificial colors and flavors.
These crunchy biscuits are more suited to occasional rewards than rapid-fire training. Despite “Light” in the name, one biscuit still contributes calories.
4. Blue Buffalo Blue Bits — best puppy training treat
About 4 calories per treat. These small, soft rewards list chicken, oatmeal, brown rice, cane sugar, and potatoes among their key ingredients. The cited review also reports omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The size can work for puppy training, though some large dogs may prefer a bigger reward. The recipe includes cane sugar.
5. Maev Human-Grade Freeze Dried Dog Treats — best single-ingredient freeze-dried treat
About 2 calories per treat. The cited recipe is 100% beef liver, and the strong smell may appeal to some dogs. Pieces can be used as occasional rewards or crumbled over food.
Freeze-dried or dehydrated raw treats can carry bacterial-contamination risks. VCA Hospitals advises hygienic handling because bacteria may affect dogs, people, and other pets. Follow storage directions and use extra care around people at higher risk of infection.
Rank #2
- SOFT & CHEWY TEXTURE: These Blue Buffalo dog treats are soft-baked biscuits made with real chicken and apples for a taste and texture dogs love
- HOME-COOKED AROMA: These soft and chewy biscuits are crafted to capture the mouthwatering flavors and aromas of baked goods and homemade treats
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Soft & Chewy Health Bars are baked with real chicken and apples in a delicious recipe that helps support healthy digestion
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods and treats are formulated with the finest natural ingredients and contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives
- INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Contains one (1) 9 oz. bag of BLUE Soft & Chewy Health Bars Baked with Real Chicken & Apples
6. Holi Freeze-Dried Rabbit Treats — best novel-protein treat for small dogs
About 3 calories per treat. Rabbit is the listed key ingredient, and the pieces can be broken apart for small dogs, puzzle toys, or training.
A novel protein is not automatically appropriate for a dog with a suspected food allergy. The cited review describes the product as expensive, so check the current label and feeding guidance before making it a regular treat.
7. JustFoodForDogs Venison Treats — best cooked single-protein treat
These treats are made from cooked and dehydrated venison and are described by the cited review as single-ingredient and easy to break into smaller pieces.
The cited listing does not provide calories per treat. Do not assume that single-ingredient means low-calorie; check the current label and portion accordingly.
8. Badlands Ranch Superfood Bites Wild Salmon Treats — best salmon treat
190 calories per cup, according to the cited review. Freeze-dried wild salmon is listed as the sole ingredient. Its fish aroma may appeal to dogs that are difficult to motivate.
Because the calorie figure is per cup rather than per piece, portion by weight or follow the package’s serving guidance. The cited review also notes a strong smell and high price.
9. Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe — best turkey treat
About 34 calories per treat. Turkey is the first ingredient, followed by rolled oats, honey, glycerin, rice bran, cranberries, and potato starch. The meatball-shaped treats can be broken into smaller pieces.
They are relatively large, so splitting one may suit small dogs or dogs on a calorie-controlled diet. Honey contributes sugar, and this is not a single-ingredient treat.
10. Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Care — best dental treat
About 91 calories per regular-size treat. Greenies Original Dental Treats appear on the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s accepted-products list for plaque and tartar claims. Check the exact product and size on the VOHC accepted-products list.
Size matters: one 91-calorie chew can use most or all of a small dog’s treat allowance. Dental chews do not replace tooth brushing, veterinary dental examinations, or treatment of existing oral disease.
11. SmartBones SmartSticks Beef Chews — best rawhide-free chew stick
About 55 calories per stick. These rawhide-free chews list corn, chicken, glycerin, and sorbitol among the cited key ingredients.
Rank #3
- OVEN-BAKED GOODNESS: Blue Buffalo Health Bars crunchy dog treats deliver flavor variety with a trio of fresh-baked aromas dogs love
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- REAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with natural ingredients and wholesome whole grains, these crunchy dog cookies are packed with flavors that make tails wag
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH: This classic variety of natural dog snacks are fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health and well-being in every crunchy bite
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseed help support healthy skin and promote a shiny coat, making these crunchy dog biscuits a smart treat choice
Rawhide-free does not mean calorie-free or risk-free. Choose the appropriate size, supervise your dog, and take the chew away if it breaks into a piece that could be swallowed. Dogs that gulp treats may need a different reward.
12. Zuke’s Natural Hip & Joint Action Chicken — best joint-focused treat
About 19 calories per treat. The recipe includes chicken, rice, oats, malted barley extract, maple-flavored syrup, eggshell membrane, berries, vitamins, and minerals, according to the cited review and brand information.
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This is not a treatment for arthritis or a substitute for veterinary care. Ask your veterinarian before adding a joint-focused product, particularly if your dog takes medication or has a diagnosed condition.
13. KONG Peanut Butter Flavored Easy Treat — best enrichment paste
3,000 calories for the cited container total. The paste is designed for a KONG-style toy and can be frozen to make enrichment last longer. Listed key ingredients include milk, water, soybean oil, whey, and sodium phosphate.
The container total is not a serving size. Measure how much you put in the toy and include it in the daily calorie allowance. If using human peanut butter instead, inspect the label for xylitol, also called birch sugar or wood sugar. The FDA warns that xylitol can cause rapid hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, and death in dogs; if ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
14. Pupford Thick Bully Sticks — best long-lasting chew
About 75 calories per stick. Beef is the listed key ingredient, and the cited review describes these bully sticks as rawhide-free and long-lasting.
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A bully stick is a substantial chew, not a low-calorie snack. Account for the whole chew, supervise use, and remove small pieces that could be gulped. Dogs that consume chews quickly may face choking or gastrointestinal-obstruction risks.
15. Milk-Bone Original Large Dog Biscuits — best large-dog biscuit
About 125 calories for the cited large/giant size. Wheat flour, ground whole-wheat flour, and meat-and-bone meal are among the key ingredients. This is a high-calorie treat for small and many medium-size dogs.
“Milk-Bone” covers multiple sizes and products. VCA Hospitals uses approximately 85 calories for one large Milk-Bone in a general example, while the cited product listing reports 125 for its large/giant biscuit. Identify the exact size and use the current package label rather than applying one number to every Milk-Bone.
16. Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness Classic Natural Dog Treats — best variety-pack biscuit
The cited variety pack includes original, chicken, cheddar, and Char-Tar flavors. Key ingredients include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, wheat bran, chicken fat, and chicken.
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Rank #4
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Jerky Wrapped Dog Treats are jerky dog treats made with Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Real Sweet Potato: The center of these tasty chicken wrapped dog treats is real sweet potato that dogs love, and is good for them too
- Rawhide Free: These chicken jerky dog treats are a 100% rawhide free alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv sweet potato treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Easily Digestible Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken and Sweet Potato chews offer a tasty and easily digestible chicken dog treats
17. Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites — best beef-flavored soft treat
About 19 calories per treat. Beef, dried potatoes, vegetable glycerin, sugar, and bison are listed as key ingredients in the cited review. The treats are soft and can be broken into smaller pieces.
They contain sugar and are not a single-ingredient or exceptionally low-calorie treat. Use smaller pieces when appropriate and count them toward the daily treat allowance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How many treats can a dog have?
Start with your dog’s daily calorie target and reserve no more than 10% for treats, as recommended by VCA Hospitals. For example, a dog eating 700 calories per day would have an approximate treat allowance of 70 calories. That could be about 23 Pet Botanics Training Rewards at 3 calories each, or one 55-calorie SmartBones SmartStick with some allowance remaining. One Greenies Regular Dental Treat at about 91 calories would exceed that example allowance.
This is arithmetic, not a feeding prescription. Calorie needs vary with body weight, age, activity, neuter status, and health. If treats are used heavily, adjust meal calories with veterinary guidance; treats should not displace so much complete food that the diet becomes nutritionally inadequate.
Safety checks before giving a new treat
- Read the calorie statement. Compare calories per piece, stick, chew, cup, or gram—not just the serving suggestion.
- Match the size to the dog. A treat that is too small can be swallowed whole, while a large biscuit or chew may be difficult to handle.
- Supervise chews. Remove broken-off pieces and discard a chew when it becomes small enough to swallow.
- Introduce it slowly. Start with a small amount, especially if your dog has a history of vomiting, diarrhea, or food sensitivity.
- Check the medical fit. Dogs with medical conditions or on prescription diets may need veterinary-approved treats.
- Handle raw products hygienically. Freeze-dried and dehydrated raw treats can carry bacterial-contamination risks.
- Check recalls. Review the FDA animal-food recall notices and manufacturer updates before purchase. Do not describe a brand as permanently “recall-free.”
What “healthy” does not prove
| Marketing claim | What it does—and does not—tell you |
|---|---|
| Natural | Does not establish calorie content, nutritional completeness, or suitability for a particular dog. |
| Grain-free | Is not a general health requirement. It is relevant mainly when a veterinarian has identified a specific dietary need. |
| Rawhide-free | Does not make a chew safe to swallow whole or eliminate choking, blockage, digestive, or calorie risks. |
| Dental | Check whether the exact product and size appear on the VOHC accepted-products list. A dental chew does not replace brushing or veterinary dental care. |
| Human-grade | Does not mean low-calorie or nutritionally complete for dogs. |
AAFCO does not approve, certify, or endorse individual pet foods. As AAFCO explains, treats identified as treats or snacks are generally exempt from complete-and-balanced nutritional requirements. Check the package’s nutritional-adequacy statement rather than assuming one exists.
FAQ
What is the healthiest dog treat for training?
A small, soft treat with a stated calorie count is usually practical for repeated rewards. Pet Botanics Training Rewards are listed at about 3 calories each, while Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe are about 2. The right choice depends on your dog’s allergies, preferences, and daily calorie allowance.
Are freeze-dried dog treats healthy?
They can be convenient and have simple recipes, but freeze-dried or dehydrated raw treats are not automatically safer or healthier. They can carry bacterial-contamination risks, so handle them hygienically and do not confuse a short ingredient list with nutritional completeness.
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Can dental treats replace brushing my dog’s teeth?
No. VOHC acceptance supports specific plaque or tartar claims for listed products, but dental chews do not replace tooth brushing, veterinary examinations, or treatment of dental disease.
Can dogs eat peanut butter as a treat?
Only after checking the ingredient label. Some human peanut and nut butters contain xylitol, which the FDA warns can cause life-threatening poisoning in dogs. Measure portions because peanut-butter products can also be calorie-dense.
How should I choose treats for a dog with a medical condition?
Ask your veterinarian which ingredients and treat types fit the condition and any prescription diet. Dogs with pancreatitis, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, or food allergies may need specific limits or approved options.
The bottom line
For everyday training, Pet Botanics Training Rewards, Zuke’s Mini Naturals, and Blue Buffalo Blue Bits have small pieces and low reported calories. Dental treats and chews require more calorie accounting and supervision. Choose according to your dog’s size, health, diet, and chewing habits—not marketing language—and verify the current package before serving.
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